Kellie Hwang

The Republic | azcentral.com

Raise a glass: Arizona Beer Week is extending its festivities from one week to nine days next year.

With the rapid growth of breweries and craft-beer bars in Arizona, many more establishments wanted to be part of the suds-filled week.

Hosted by the Arizona Brewer's Guild, the fifth annual Arizona Beer Week will be Feb. 12-21, 2015, and feature festivals, special tappings, beer-pairing dinners and tastings, and brewery tours.

The event will start with the 15th annual Strong Beer Festival on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix. Because it's Valentine's Day, the fest will feature a special "Sweethearts Section."

In the past, events have included Bell's Brewery Eccentric Cafe paying a visit to the Valley; a tapping event with Doug Odell, founder of Odell Brewing Company in Fort Collins, Colo.; and the Boulders on Broadway annual beer festival. All events will be posted on the website closer to the kick-off date.

During Arizona Beer Week, the guild hopes to educate fans about the Arizona Beer Bill, proposed legislation supported by its 49 member breweries and 11 member companies of the Beer and Wine Distributors of Arizona. To find out more about the bill, visit azbeerbill.com.

Details: Feb. 12-21, 2015. Various locations throughout the state. arizonabeerweek.com, craftbeeraz.com.



