Philly Beer Week will be here before you know it. If it’s any indication of just how soon, the 10-day suds spectacular’s organizers sent word this week that tickets to one of the fest’s most popular events, Opening Tap, are on sale now.

The annual rite serves as Beer Week’s official kick-off and features none other than Mayor Michael Nutter cracking the week’s first keg. PBW comes a little earlier this year, beginning on Friday, May 30 with Opening Tap, and running through Sunday, June 8.

This year’s ceremony takes place at a new location, the 23rd Street Armory near 23rd and Market streets in Center City. More than 30 craft breweries will be on hand, pouring samples of some of their best brews for the ceremony’s guests.

In addition to the first tapping, and the myriad of incredible beers and ales being offered, the opening ceremony will also feature the debut of PBW’s 2014 collaboration beer. This year it’s Philly Tripel, a Trappist-style ale that Dock Street Brewery’s Justin Low and Brouwerji Dilweyns’s Anne-Catherine Dilewyns brewed together in Dendermonde, Belgium.

Doors open at 7 PM for general admission ticket holders. VIP tickets grant Opening Tap-goers early entry at 6 PM, exclusive beer tastings, tasty snacks and access to VIP restrooms. General admission tickets cost $45 per person, and VIPs cost $90. Designated driver tickets will be available for $25. Get them here.

Photo: Visit Philly

Event Date: 05/30
Event Time: 7 PM
Location: 23rd Street Armory
Price: $45 GA, $90 VIP
Type: Beer,Festival