For the 10th year running, the folks behind Milwaukee Beer Week are gearing up for a week’s worth of tastings, rare tappings and pairings.

This year’s festivities will take place May 4-11 and will include hundreds of events (most free) at venues throughout the greater Milwaukee area.

To help guests navigate the wide variety of options during the eight-day celebration, MilwaukeeBeerWeek.com is back with more functionality than ever, including user options to sort events by date, venue, location or brewery. Users can also log in to create a personalized digital itinerary.

The week kicks off with a veritable feast of beer-focused events including a Brewers Brunch at Stubby's Gastrogrub & Beer Bar, a showcase of hazy IPA's at Rumpus Room, and a unique Beer -Week-Meets-Geek  May the Fourth party at Oak & Shield.

And it continues with keg tappings, burger and beer pairings, tap takeovers and  beer dinners along with a variety of tours and events at area breweries.

"Milwaukee Beer Week started as an event, but it has truly taken on a life of its own thanks to the passion, creativity and dedication of local brewers, bars, restaurants, retailers and most importantly, the people," said Cartwright. "We are incredibly proud to celebrate 10 years of Milwaukee Beer Week with craft beer community and we look forward to the next 10."

Social contests

In an effort to shine a spotlight on the craft brew enthusiasts, bars, restaurants and brewers that have made this event possible, Milwaukee Beer Week will also be encouraging event attendees to post a picture of their "beer week experience" to Instagram and tag @MKEBeerWeek for a chance to win the ultimate craft beer lover’s prize pack complete with rare brews, apparel, glassware sets and a $100 gift card to the new Downtown Good City Brewing location.

Every post between May 4 and 11 will earn an entry into the grand prize drawing which will take place the following week. This promotion will replace the beer week passport that was used in previous years.

"The longevity and success of this event has only been possible thanks to the incredibly passionate craft beer community in the greater Milwaukee area," said Dave Cartwright, craft sales manager for New Berlin-based beer wholesaler, Beechwood Sales and Service.

"Whether people attend one or two events or 20, we want to acknowledge everyone who has and continues to support Milwaukee Beer Week and to give them a platform to share their experiences and connect through our social channels."

In addition to the grand prize, Milwaukee Beer Week will be also be doing smaller, daily giveaways via its Facebook page as another way to thank participants for 10 years of support and patronage. Give it a follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for regular updates.