With hundreds of flourishing breweries all over the state, and new ones opening regularly, it’s no wonder craft beer has become synonymous with Michigan.
While you’re planning your summer travel calendar – especially if you’re doing it today, National Beer Day – consider incorporating a beer festival into your plans. Here are five awesome festivals, one a month, to get you started!
Beerfest at the Ballpark
Lansing – April 29, 2017
Not only will you have your choice of 60 breweries, but Beerfest at the Ballpark also offers the opportunity to sample flavors from seven cideries, four distilleries, five meaderies, and four wineries – all Michigan-based. So even if beer isn’t your drink of choice, you’ll definitely be able to find something that will please your palate.
12th Annual Michigan Beer & Brat Festival
Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville – May 27, 2017
For $30 a person ($60 for VIP and $35 for day-of), you’ll get a beer glass and five tokens – tokens can be used for drinks or food. This will certainly be an event you won’t want to miss. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.
Pleasant Craft Beer Festival
Mt. Pleasant – June 10, 2017
Adults 21 and up can sample beer and cider pours, followed by a hearty meal from one of the local vendors and dancing along to live music at this year’s event. Your $20 ticket will get you six drink tickets and a sampling glass. If you can, consider springing for the VIP Admission ticket for $40; it’s worth it. VIPs will receive a sampling glass, 10 drink tickets, and early admission into the festival.
Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival
Ypsilanti – July 21, 2017
If you’re going to attend just a single beer festival this summer, do yourself a favor and make sure it’s the Brewers Guild’s annual summer festival. Lucky festival-goers have the opportunity to select from over 1,000 types of craft beer provided by over 100 Michigan breweries. From porters to IPAs and everything in between, you’ll be able to find it here.
If the MBG Summer Beer Festival is on your calendar, consider joining the Guild as an Enthusiast Member. Your $55 membership includes early access to festival tickets – festivals consistently sell-out within days of tickets becoming available – as well as a MBG T-shirt, sticker, membership card, and a subscription to their quarterly publication, Mi Brew. Find out more about their Enthusiast Membership here.
10th Annual Traverse City Microbrew & Music Festival
Traverse City – August 11&12, 2017
If you haven’t already, you must schedule a visit to Northern Michigan this summer. With a wide variety of RV campgrounds, parks, and resorts, great beaches, and family friendly activities, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more relaxing place to get away. And while you’re there, you’d be wise to checkout the Microbrew & Music Festival. Beer, music, and great food, what more could you ask for?