Sour Fest is officially back at South Philly’s own Devil’s Den after a two-year hiatus—but you don’t have to be a fan of the specific beverage to join the fun at this establishment.
The libatious and unique celebration comes during a packed summer of different activations for the venue, but the über-popular, annual Sour Fest specifically kicks off Aug. 13.
The week-long activation will feature a selection of pairings and pours of the country’s most exclusive sour beer, complete with a curated collection of hard-to-find and local beers on draft in addition to food and beverage pairings, a release states. This weekend, from Saturday, Aug. 13, through next Friday, Aug. 19, Devil’s Den will feature eight different sours, including Dream Patch, a newly launched sour from Brewery Ommegang made with cherries, raspberries, and blueberries, plus Liefmans Goudenband, an oud bruin, and Neshaminy Creek Summer Dollar, a blood orange gose.
And in addition, deeply discounted bottles from Devil’s Den’s sour cellar collection also will be available to purchase alongside sour beer food pairing specials.
But the long-awaited return of the Fest is one of many specific activations happening in South Philly. Recently Devil’s Den commemorated National IPA Day with $1 draft IPA’s, plus $1 off international beers for International Beer Day and $1 off Upper Reach meads for National Mead Day. And to continue to celebrate what the venue is vastly known for—craft beer—there are a few ways to indulge in the drinks while also having a feast for your eyes with another continuous activation, Drag Me To The Den.
Devil’s Den has decided to continue its colorful and energetic nighttime series on Thursday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. The evening will feature performances by local Drag Kings and Queens including Yari, Sir Donyx, Lucy Moth, and Volkie Versac, with tickets coming out to $10, and with fare and libations available for purchase à la carte.
That evening will also feature another activation, dubbed Drag en Noir, a riff on the iconic Le Dîner en Blanc extravaganza. As a release states, this themed show will showcase a spate of renowned drag performers in their darkest attire, with offerings including Schwarz beer, blackberry-flavored craft cocktails, and more. Attendees are encouraged to don all-black outfits while “watching this homage to shade and shadow.” Further details and ticket purchasing will be available at a later date, and Philadelphians who are interested can continue to check online for additional information.
Devil’s Den knows how to have fun in the summer months, but the establishment also knows how to do some good, too.
Continuing for the remainder of the sunny season is the charitable Cocktail For A Cause, a prolonged special focused on a featured cocktail and/or craft beer with 25% of sales benefitting the Abortion Liberation Fund of PA.
This specific organization protects and expands access to abortion for individuals experiencing poverty in Southeastern Pennsylvania through direct service and community organizing. And to help the Abortion Liberation Fund of PA, imbibers can select from either a Triple Bottom Brewing beer — currently, Our Choice, an Italian IPA, for $7 — or opt for the featured cocktail dubbed Mai Choice ($11). The latter spirited libation is a riff on the classic Mai Tai, composed of white rum, Jacquins Amaretto, pineapple juice, lime juice, and a dark rum float.
And lastly on the docket for the brewpub, Beer Bingo will also make its return this summer on Tuesday, Aug. 23.
Devil’s Den (1148 S. 11th St.) is currently open Tuesday to Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with weekend brunch service on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information on the establishment and events, visit devilsdenphilly.com
