All Star Craft Beer and Wine Festival to take over Citizens Bank Park this weekend

The Phillies will be facing off against the Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh this weekend, but fans of baseball — and beer — can still lift an elbow at Citizens Bank Park in the name of the game, thanks to the inaugural All Star Craft Beer and Wine Festival.

Set to hit Citizens Bank Park for the first time on Saturday, the festival will offer attendees unlimited samples of craft beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails from more than 100 vendors on the stadium's concourse. Guests will also be able to walk the bases on the Citizens Bank Park Field, and take selfies in the Phillies dugout, weather permitting.

The result, says organizer Ray Sheehan of UpcomingEvents.com, is a unique energy that turns the tables on the traditional baseball stadium experience.

"Generally, when you go to a ballpark, all the activity is on the field. This is completely the opposite," Sheehan says. "I don't want to say it's going to be a Phillies game, but over 10,000 people will be there, and there is going to be a vibe. It's not something you do every day."

That "vibe" is a decidedly booze-soaked one, with offerings from more than 100 vendors, including local stalwarts like Victory, Yards, and Dogfish Head, and more national and international brands like Barefoot Wine and Cutty Sark. Lesser-known companies, like local craft beer start-up 31st and Wharton and California's Chronic Cellars wine company, will also have samples on hand.

However, don't expect to buy beers down in the infield. After all, organizers want to keep the facilities nice for the Phils' upcoming May 22 home game against the Colorado Rockies.

"We won't have actual vendors on the field," Sheehan says. "The Phillies were extremely protective of the field and grass. But, basically, we will take over the ballpark."

Entertainment, meanwhile, will come via DJ sets, live jazz, and an acoustic set from local singer/songwriters Tim Williams and Clay McElwee.

VIP tickets, which provided early entry and special samplings at the festival, are currently sold out. General admission tickets are available at $45, and include unlimited samples, free parking, and two tickets to an upcoming Phillies game.

Designated driver tickets are also available at $25 each, and include a food voucher good at ballpark stands, a soft drink, and two Phillies game tickets. The festival, it should be noted, is a 21+ event.

Money raised at the festival will help support the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police and the Barkann Foundation, which works to provide aid to families in need due to tragedy. So, Philadelphians can toast to charity while getting toasted for charity. Though, Sheehan might put it a little better.

"Sometimes, it's great when you can have a good time while doing good," he says.

All Star Craft Beer and Wine Festival, Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday $25-$70, ballparkfestival.org.