Beer lovers are in for a treat this weekend with the return of The Yards Real Ale Invitational. Taking place Sunday, April 27 (noon to 4 p.m.), the event will showcase over 40 beers from breweries all over the Mid-Atlantic.
This festival highlights that it’s certainly not “your typical beer fest.” Instead, what visitors sip on are samples of unfiltered, unpasteurized, and naturally carbonated in a cask products that happen to be beer. Sips span an IPA infused with terpenes, a spiced English porter, a barrel aged Belgian quad, a habanero-watermelon pale ale and plenty of other inventive pairings.
“We’ve been producing real ale from the very beginning. In fact, ESA was the first beer we ever brewed as a company,” said Tom Kehoe, founder of Yard’s Brewing Company. “Our philosophy has always been to honor traditional styles and bring inspiring, quality beer to our community.”
Every sample included in the event has been hand-picked by the Yards team, including flavors from the city’s first microbrewery, Dock Street Brewery, and the award-winning brewing team from Iron Hill Brewery. Other names showing up for the occasion span Forest & Main Brewing, Levante Brewing, Big Oyster Brewery, Dewey Beer Company, Cape May Brewing and Tonewood Brewing.
“Bringing breweries together from across the region isn’t just about celebrating great beer – it’s also about recognizing the shared history, passion, and creativity that drives our craft. Our motto has always been ‘brew unto others,’ to encourage everyone to get together, enjoy good brews, and each other’s company. This event is the culmination of everything we stand for”, said Kehoe when asked about why the event means so much to him and his company.
The Real Ale Invitational will also feature live entertainment, complimentary brewery tours, soft pretzels from Philly Pretzel Factory and slices of Marchiano Bakery’s tomato pie.
Tickets are available now via the Yards website for $50 and includes admission, pours of each beer, live music, food, and a commemorative glass. Guests who do not wish to partake in drinking can get a designated driver ticket for $20 as well. For more information about the 2025 Real Ale Invitational at Yards Brewing Company (500 Spring Garden St.), or where to find Yards beer, visit yardsbrewing.com
