It’s my undisputed favorite summer time festival and I’m most certainly not talking about the Ann Arbor Art Fairs. But in fact talking about an event decidedly more adult-beverage oriented. Why yes, it’s time for the 14th Annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti! There will be over 300 beers from over 50 Michigan breweries, including all kinds of odd brews (I even had jalapeno beer last year, and much as it sounds, was not a good idea in theory or in actuality) and ass-kickin’ 14+% alcohol content concoctions. Food and live music are also available for your enjoyment (but I won’t even pretend like I go to this event annually for anything other than the tasty beverages).
The beer fest is Friday July 22nd from 5pm to 9pm and Saturday July 23rd from 1pm to 6pm. Tickets for Friday are $30 in advance and $35 at the gate and tickets for Saturday are $35 in advance and $40 at the gate (don’t worry, you will drink every penny’s worth). Designated driver tickets are also available for $5.
But be warned: the event sells out every single year, usually shortly after they open the gates. So don’t be making plans to go without tickets in hand, all pumped for an afternoon of infinite beer choices in a picturesque riverside setting, because you will find yourself staring at all the festival-goers on the other side of the partition with heart-breaking envy.
So get out your pretzel necklaces and those Guinness shirts that you usually only wear for St. Patty's Day kids, and head out to Ypsi this weekend! Beer Fest never disappoints!
So get out your pretzel necklaces and those Guinness shirts that you usually only wear for St. Patty's Day kids, and head out to Ypsi this weekend! Beer Fest never disappoints!
