By Rachael Rennebeck

The anticipation of a beer a scavenger hunt and beer cupcakes can only mean one thing; it is time to celebrate craft beer at its finest throughout Pittsburgh breweries.

Starting Friday, April 21, Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week will kick-off and celebrate the adoration of craft beer with 18 breweries for over 10 days, like Allegheny City Brewing, Penn Brewery, and Rivertowne Brewing to name a few from the Northside.

The group responsible for the ‘beer fest’ is Pittsburgh Craft Beer Alliance.  This is a non-profit organization made up of craft beer professionals, and enthusiasts, from all over the Pittsburgh region, and overseen by a board of brewery, restaurant & craft beer industry veterans.  These beer buds have enhanced the thriving Pittsburgh craft beer scene since April of 2012.

“Every time I see a bottle shop open I am impressed because that means we are making progress in the growth of craft beer,” said Brian Meyer, Pittsburgh Craft Beer Alliance President.  “This whole event is about the love of the product and the industry.”

The board is made up of volunteers who simply enjoy an IPA, or prefer a particular stout. This small group of beer enthusiasts emphasize the importance of local taste-testing to grow pub-style communities, and enhance the appreciation and need for Craft Beer Week.  In fact,  the Pittsburgh Craft Beer Alliance contributes over $2 million to the Pittsburgh economy thanks to the concept.

In its sixth year, and almost doubling breweries since its growth, the Alliance turned to a local artist to epitomize the celebration and mark its growth, and artist Mark Brewer had the perfect name to fit the bill.

“Each brewery was helpful in building my confidence on how to best convey the 2017 illustrations,” said Brewer. “I was worried about beer on a white tee, but quickly realized that beer stains come out in the wash.”

Allegheny City Brewing, 507 Foreland St., will host an event from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26 and be pouring its collaboration beer “Pawsitivity” that was brewed with Rivertowne Brewing, Southern Tier, and Spring Hill Brewing. Each pint sold will donate $1 to the Animal Rescue League/Western PA Humane Society, and there will be adoptable dogs from the Humane Society on site during the event.

The brewery will also be hosting a free trivia night on Thursday, April 27 from 6-8:30 p.m. The Franktuary Food Truck will also be on site.

Bear Dog Bicycles is hosting a beer ride from Penn Brewery to ACB and back on Sunday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10.