Return the empty kegs to the East End Brewery in this costumed Pittsburgh tradition

Put away the pumpkin beers already……it’s keg pulling time. The East End Brewing Company is at again, this time returning empty kegs to be filled with an awesome winter beer.

This annual ride known as the Reverse Keg Ride will see hundreds of riders brave any weather on November 2nd to make sure the kegs make it safely back to the brewery. The route is relatively short, from the OTB Bicycle Cafe in the South Side to the brewery in Larimer. But, riders may be encumbered by poorly thought-out costume choices. “The costume contest aspect of the ride really brings out people’s creative side,” mentions Scott Smith, owner of East End Brewing and all around head bike/beer/keg guy, “I’ve dressed my family up as monkeys for the ride last year. With help from the OTB we’re offering cash prizes along with gift certificates and T-shirts to the Cafe and the brewery for the best costumes.

New this year is an added Beer Festival that coincidentally is happening at the brewery the same night as the ride. Scott adds, “You’ll have a chance to sample beer, ginger ale, and root beer from our 13 taps while enjoying the behind-the-scenes view of the brewery that can’t be seen during our normal hours.” Food trucks will be on hand to fill your bellies while DJ Zombo fills the air with great music.

Keep the Glass: You’ll also leave with a commemorative KegRideGlass, so be sure to bring a bag or a busboy to carry it home.

Full details are online at this website.

Tickets for both the ride and the Festival are limited. Tickets will NOT be sold at the doors, so click on over to this website to purchase tickets today.

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