Beer Fest - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com Central PA beer enthusiasts and beer bloggers. Homebrewers, brewery workers, and all around beer lovers. Sun, 04 May 2025 15:43:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://i0.wp.com/thebeerthrillers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-The-Beer-Thrillers-December-2022-Logo.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Beer Fest - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com 32 32 187558884 May the Fourth Be With You – From a Non a Star Wars Lover at RAR Brewing’s Star Wars Fest (Amy’s Column) https://thebeerthrillers.com/2025/05/04/may-the-fourth-be-with-you-from-a-non-a-star-wars-lover-at-rar-brewings-star-wars-fest-amys-column/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=may-the-fourth-be-with-you-from-a-non-a-star-wars-lover-at-rar-brewings-star-wars-fest-amys-column Sun, 04 May 2025 15:43:18 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=16308 May the Fourth Be With You – From a Non a Star Wars Lover at RAR Brewing’s Star Wars Fest

RAR during the Star Wars Festival on May 3rd

I went to the RAR Brewing “May the 4th Be with you fest but on the 3rd” but I am not a Star Wars fan.  I don’t mean I don’t like Star Wars I just never fell in love with it.  I loved watching the 3 OGs that came out years and years ago.  I will drop quotes and funny memes.  And I am assuming since I am dating the Editor of this blog, I will be forced someday to do an entire streaming of all things Star Wars.  I am here for it.

(See our article: RAR Brewing’s May the 3rd Fest)

(See our article: RAR Brewing’s May the Fourth 2025 Beer Can Drop)

I’m a Star Wars….

We arrived on the scene in Cambridge Maryland and scoped out the parking lot.  It was small and not surprisingly already full.  We drove a couple blocks away to a free street parking spot and pulled in ready for an afternoon of enjoying a fun brewery and street festival.  There was a mix of local older aged attendees mixed with Star Wars lovers and some dressed in Star Wars Cosplay.  The entire layout of the Festival was welcoming and relaxing.

May the 4th be with you; and I also with you (sorry, I can’t help it) fest but on the 3rd was a fun, relaxing afternoon in the quaint town of Cambridge Maryland.  There was art, music, beer, lots of beer, merch and good food.

It was a tad bit confusing on how to participate in the tasting tent at first but maybe I also can’t read the instructions.  We quickly purchased our bracelets and tickets to sample all the themed beers.  It was exciting seeing all the beers available for tasting for some stellar breweries; Bash Bros Collective, Imprint Beer Co, Burlington Beer Co, 2SP Brewing Company, Autodidact Beer, Tripping Animals Brewing, Clag, Spylgass Brewing Company, Maine Beer Company, Movement Brewing Company, Voodoo Brewing Company, Dewey Beer, Frost Beer Works, Four Point and Finback

We started off with the “Cuddle Buddies” 10% ABV Cream Triple IPA from Tripping Animals and 10.1%ABV “Even Fuller Very Circular” Triple IPA W/ Citra and Mosaic by Autodidact.  I think you already know The Beer Thrillers come in heavy.  These did not disappoint, and we quickly found a spot in the shade to chill and anticipate our next sample tastings.

Then we had to try a flight of the RAR themed beers for the day.  Swamp Planet -Hop Saturated Ale 8.5% ABV, Desert Planet -Hop Saturated Ale 8.5%, Deep Fried Porg, College Deep Friend Beers -Hop Saturated Ale 10.1% and the Dark Side DELUXE -4% ABV Blueberry, Cherry, heavy Saber -Toasted Marshmallow, a touch of Roasted Habaneros, and Midnight Pastry.  These all killed with Desert being the fav for us.

We were drooling over the food truck offerings of Fried Porg Bucket (chicken tenders with RAR seasoned waffle friends and choice of sauce), Mojo Pork Tacos, Birria Beef Tacos and Chicken tacos.  The Friend Porg bucket arrived in a square brown container; we missed the novelty of the Porg bucket offering.  The chicken tenders and fries were amazing along with a side of honey mustard.  We saw many other attendees enjoying the “deep friend Porg” along with the various taco options.

RAR’s Deep Fried Porgs

Even Fett had to get in on the Galactic Grill. Good thing he removed his helmet before eating the fries.

The second music act Black Dog Alley band provided a very mellow and friendly atmosphere among Fest goers.  Most folks walking by were swaying or bobbing their heads to the beat.  A few folks were seen dancing together.  We listened and relaxed to cover songs by the Beatles, Stevie Wonder and Gnarles Barkley.

The music at the event was wonderful

This dog friendly event gave dog loving fest goers plenty to enjoy.  A friendly Pit bull puppy near us enjoyed some leftover Porg and fries.  We were immediate friends and shared some cuddles.

We purchased beer to go, some merchandise and some art from a local vendor.  We highly recommend checking out this yearly RAR May the 4th be with you events even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan.  We highly recommend checking out the quaint town of Cambridge Maryland and absolutely recommend checking out RAR Brewing company.  We can’t wait to visit again!

  • Drink More Beer!
    • Amy

 

RAR’s Promotional Material For the Event

For More Information on RAR Brewing

The following comes via Untappd.

RAR is a micro brewery from Cambridge, MD. They have 931 unique beers and over 549,000 ratings with a global average rating of 4.01 (as of 5.4.25). Their Untappd description reads: “Based in Cambridge, MD on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay. 

You can follow them on these social media platforms:

Amy’s Column Series

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PHILLY BIERFEST 2025 – AWARD-WINNING BEER FESTIVAL HONORS PA’S GERMAN BREWING HERITAGE WITH EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT https://thebeerthrillers.com/2025/02/06/philly-bierfest-2025-award-winning-beer-festival-honors-pas-german-brewing-heritage-with-educational-seminars-and-live-entertainment/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=philly-bierfest-2025-award-winning-beer-festival-honors-pas-german-brewing-heritage-with-educational-seminars-and-live-entertainment Thu, 06 Feb 2025 21:19:03 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=15925 PHILLY BIERFEST 2025 – AWARD-WINNING BEER FESTIVAL HONORS PA’S GERMAN BREWING HERITAGE WITH EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Recognized by USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards as one of the TOP 10 BEER FESTIVALS, the German Society of Pennsylvania will host their 12th annual, world-class beer tasting event: Philly Bierfest – Saturday, February 22 from 2:00pm to 5:30pm. As always, this spirited event is presented in partnership with two additional non-profit beneficiaries: the ferocious skaters of Philly Roller Derby and the Brewers of Pennsylvania, a trade association that advocates for PA brewers and beer lovers and aims to foster a healthy, ethical, and growth-focused beer industry in our state.
Tickets can be purchased at phillybierfest.org.

Philly Bierfest 2025

This year’s highly anticipated 12th Annual Philly Bierfest will feature six floors of fabulous activities across two historic buildings plus additional outdoor attractions in the German Society’s glorious gated garden. Attendees can look forward to:
  • Over 50 German-style beers from 25 Pennsylvania craft brewers in the PA Beer Hall – from lagers and weizens to kölsches and doppelbocks!
  • Over three dozen beers imported from Germany in the German Beer Hall and Ayinger Speakeasy, as well as a “NoLo Import Bar” featuring German zero proof and low alcohol beers.
  • The all-new Bitburger BRÜ Balcony (accessible for VIP and VIP plus ticket holders) on the mezzanine where they will be serving Bitburger Pilsner, German-inspired bites, and seating with great views of the stage!
  • GSP’s 2025 German Beer Ambassador Award which will honor renowned beer and whiskey writer, Lew Bryson, who will be partnering with Bierfest co-founder Marnie Old for enlightening VIP Plus guided tasting seminars at 12pm and 3pm dubbed “He Said PA, She Said Germany”
  • Delicious fermented offerings from members of the PA Cheese Guild and PA Cider Guild at Bierfest’s PA Cheese Cave and PA Cider Bar.
  • Pennsylvania-themed live entertainment in the PA Beer Hall, including Roller Derby Arm-Wrestling, Beer-Jello Masskrugstemmen,and Live Philbilly Music by TC Cole Riot.
  • German-themed live entertainments in the German Beer Hall, including the wildly popular Berlin-Style Beerlesque, Oompah-Funk by Polkadelphia and thigh-slapping UGH Schühplattler Folk Dancers, all emceed by sword-swallowing sideshow performer Reggie Bügmüncher.
  • Traditional Bavarian “Bierstacheln” – or caramelization of doppelbock beer with hot fire pokers – at our outdoor firepit, sponsored by Tröegs Brewing Co. and PA Beer Tours.
  • Brand-new attractions such as a “Best Legs in Lederhosen” contest and hair-raising activities like axe-throwing

Philadelphia German Bierfest 2025

Every year, Bierfest showcases Pennsylvania’s German brewing heritage and this state’s leadership in the brewing of (and appreciation of) German-style lager beers to encourage Pennsylvanians to take pride in our region’s centuries-long prowess in lager brewing.
“Locals may not realize that Pennsylvania brewers lead the nation in championing beer styles of German heritage, from refreshing pilsners to malty doppelbocks,” says Victory Brewing Company president Bill Covaleski, who served as founding president of the Brewers of Pennsylvania trade association and remains a board member. “Bierfest is a perfect showcase for what should be a point of pride for Philadelphia’s beer lovers.”
Even Pennsylvania’s smallest breweries and brewpubs tend to place greater emphasis on styles of German heritage than their competitors in other parts of the country, simply because of the depth and breadth of Germany’s cultural influence here. Many Philadelphians do not know that Pennsylvania is also home to the largest American-owned brewery in the USA – the Yuengling & Sons Brewery in Pottsville, which is known for their lagers.
Bierfest is decidedly European-influenced in its family-friendly and community-supporting vibe. To encourage local home brewers to try their hand at brewing the hard (German) way, Bierfest’s Home Sweet HomeBräu Taste-Off, sponsored by My Local Brew Works, will award the winning homebrewer an incredible opportunity to brew a commercial batch of their recipe in collaboration with the custom craft brewers of My Local Brew Works, to be served at Bierfest 2026! ‘Beer-Less’ tickets are available for designated drivers by contacting the German Society of PA.
Over two dozen Pennsylvania craft and legacy brewers will participate in Bierfest 2025, including Artifact Brewing [Hatboro], Attic Brewing Co. [Philadelphia], Broad Street Brewing Co. [Bristol], Brewery Techne / Bar Hygge [Philadelphia], Dock Street Brewing Co. [Philadelphia], Gunpowder Falls Brewing Co. [New Freedom], Iron Hill Brewery [Exton], Human Robot Brewery [Philadelphia], Lavery Brewing [Erie], Love City Brewing Co. [Philadelphia], Mainstay Independent Brewing Co. [Philadelphia], Michaux Brewing Co. [Philadelphia], My Local Brew Works [Philadelphia], Sly Fox Brewing Co. [Phoenixville], Susquehanna Brewing Co. [Pittston], Tired Hands Brewing Co. [Ardmore], Triple Bottom Brewing [Philadelphia], Tröegs Brewing Co. [Harrisburg], Two Locals Brewing Co. [Philadelphia], Victory Brewing Co. [Downingtown], Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. [Hawley], Wissahickon Brewing Co. [Philadelphia], Yards Brewing Co. [Philadelphia], ZeroDay Brewing Co. [Harrisburg], and more, plus the oldest and largest independent brewer in the USA, Yuengling & Sons Brewery [Pottsville].
Over two dozen German imported beers will also be poured, ranging from high-profile flagships to lesser-known artisanal products, including brews from Ayinger, Benediktiner, Bitburger, Erdinger, HofBräu, König Ludwig, Köstritzer, Krombacher, Paulaner, Radeberger, Schneider & Stiegl, Schöfferhofer, Tucher, Warsteiner and more, plus the oldest continuously operating brewery in the world, the Bavarian State Brewery at Weihenstephan. Bierfest will also host spaces dedicated to showcasing other local fermented foods and drinks such as the PA Cheese Cave hosted by members of the PA Cheese Guild, like Birchrun Hills Farm and a PA Cider Bar anchored PA cider makers like Ploughman and Stone & Key! Added last year, the popular “NoLo Bar” will return to this year’s Bierfest, featuring German-style no alcohol and low-alcohol beers, including Bitburger 0.0 and Stella Artois 0.0.
The German Society of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization founded in 1764, devoted to furthering the understanding of German and German-American contributions to the growth of American history and culture from the past to the present, and into the future. Executive vice-president Tony Michels is a Bierfest co-founder and also organizes Philadelphia’s German Heritage Festival.
Philly Roller Derby is a skater-owned and operated roller derby league and a proud member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). Since their inception in 2005, this league of athletic women on wheels has brought roller derby back to Philadelphia.
Brewers of Pennsylvania is a non-profit trade advocacy organization whose mission is to responsibly serve the needs of Pennsylvania’s diverse beer-drinking audience and to empower the state’s brewers to join together to support and protect their common and individual interests.
Bierfest co-founder Marnie Old is a noted Philadelphia drinks author and one of the country’s top expert speakers on wine and beer who by day serves as “director of vinlightenment” for Boisset Collection. She is a wine columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer and the author of many award-winning books, most notably He Said Beer, She Said Wine (DK 2008) and Wine: A Tasting Course (DK 2013).

A crowd at the Philly Bierfest

GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION:

Date:                Saturday, February 22, 2025
Location:          German Society of Pennsylvania  611 Spring Garden St. Philadelphia, PA  19123
Times:              Main Event – 2:00pm to 5:30pm
            Exclusive VIP ‘Early Access’ – 1pm to 2:00pm [VIP  & VIP Plus Ticketholders only]
Ticket Info:       Ticket link below or by phone at 215.627.2332
  • $59 General Admission – Main Event Only
  • $79 VIP – Early Access and Keepsake Mug
  • $99 VIP PLUS – 12pm Guided Tasting of 8 Beers Led by Marnie Old, Early Access and Keepsake Mug
  • $35 ‘Beer-Less’ Admission – For Non-Drinkers & Designated Drivers (contact the German Society to purchase)

A coupled dressed up at the Philly Bierfest

Recognized by USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards as one of the TOP 10 BEER FESTIVALS, the German Society of Pennsylvania will host their 12th annual, world-class beer tasting event: Philly Bierfest, held Saturday, February 22 from 2 pm to 5:30 pm.
This year’s highly anticipated 12th Annual Philly Bierfest will feature six floors of fabulous activities across two historic buildings plus additional outdoor attractions in the German Society’s glorious gated garden; with attractions spanning tastings of 75+ German and German-style Pennsylvania beers, educational seminars, axe-throwing, access to the PA Cheese and PA Cider Caves, and much more.
Plus — Bierfest’s Home Sweet HomeBräu Taste-Off, sponsored by My Local Brew Works, will award the winning homebrewer the opportunity to brew a commercial batch of their recipe in collaboration with the custom craft brewers of My Local Brew Works, to be served at Bierfest 2026!
As always, this spirited event is presented in partnership with two additional non-profit beneficiaries: the ferocious skaters of Philly Roller Derby and the Brewers of Pennsylvania, a trade association that advocates for PA brewers and beer lovers and aims to foster a healthy, ethical, and growth-focused beer industry in our state.
Tickets are available online NOW at phillybierfest.org.
(All photographs are courtesy of Philly Bierfest.)
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