The Lehigh Valley’s 2nd Annual Allentown Cocktail Week (ACW) returns the week of October 2–9. Allentown Cocktail Week will feature lectures, book signings, educational happy hours, tastings and several other special events throughout the week at various downtown restaurants including Bell Hall, Fegley’s Brew Works, Centro, Chickie’s & Pete’s, Crust, grain., Roar/Hush, The Dime and The Hamilton Kitchen.
Todd Pasini, restaurant manager at The Renaissance and one of the organizers, stated, “ACW 2016 Round Two will build on the success of last year’s inaugural event and will continue to highlight the vibrant Downtown Allentown restaurant and cocktail scene.”
Lehigh Valley Libation Celebration
ACW 2016 kicks off with the Lehigh Valley Libation Celebration on Sunday, October 2, from 1–5 p.m. at the Renaissance Allentown Hotel (12 N. 7th Street). Anthony Britcha, CEO of County Seat Spirits, shares, “The Valley is becoming a hub for the craft beverage industry and the Lehigh Valley Libation Celebration will showcase our area’s craft spirits, breweries and wineries.” There are commitments from local purveyors including Blackledge Winery, Bluebird Distilling, Colony Meadery, Hijinx Brewing Company and many more. Guests will be able to sample these libations and meet with the crafters who make them. Tickets are $35 per person, with a discounted rate of $20 for designated drivers.
Iron Shakers Competition/Bridgeworks Block Party
The second event of the week is the Iron Shakers Competition/Bridgeworks Block Party on Wednesday, October 5, at Bridgeworks Enterprise Center (905 Harrison St.) from 5–9 p.m. This competition will pit the Lehigh Valley’s finest bartenders against each other through multiple surprise challenges—testing the limits of their cocktail knowledge and creativity. One bartender will earn the title of “King of Cocktail Week.”
The Bartender Olympics
The Bartender Olympics will take place on Sunday, October 9, from 12–4 p.m. at Centro (530 Hamilton St.). Teams of bartenders will compete in three events for time and skill. Events will include beverage name basketball, pour accuracy, fruit cutting, fruit juicing and several others.
Shakers Ball
ACW 2016 will culminate in the Shakers Ball on Sunday, October 9, from 6–10 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Allentown Hotel. Tickets are $45 per person, with a discounted rate of $20 for designated drivers. Combination tickets to the Libation Celebration and the Shakers Ball are available at $65 per person and $30 for designated drivers. Admission to the Iron Shakers Competition and the Bartender Olympics is free.
A portion of the proceeds will support the Hamilton District Main Street Program, a revitalization program designed to help businesses in downtown Allentown. The District consists of the area from 5th Street to 12th Street, and from Walnut to Linden Streets, and is supported by adjoining city neighborhoods and the riverfront.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Allentown Cocktail Week’s website.
- Top photo: Alexandra Whitney Photography
- Bottom photo: Picography
