Two For Brew!

Sept. 30, 2016

Microbrew Fests for Fall

EMPIRE HOPS FESTIVAL

Paying tribute to that very small but most important ingredient of beer’s foundation, Empire’s Hops Festival returns for its third year with plenty of hoppy potables, including ciders, food, and great live music.

Brews: This year’s participating breweries include Stormcloud Brewing Company, The Filling Station, Right Brain Brewery, New Holland Brewing, Oddside Ales, St. Ambrose Cellars, The Workshop Brewing Co., Lake Ann Brewing Co., and Brewery Becker.

Foods: A fantastic range of snacks and carryout dishes will be available for purchase from the MI Grille, Scalawags Whitefish and Chips, the Little Traverse Inn, NJ’s Grocery, Pleva’s Meats, Deering’s Jerky Co., Art’s Tavern of Glen Arbor, plus standout Mexican fare from Mama Lu’s Taco Shop.

Sounds: Jackpine from 1pm to 4pm, Black Jake and the Carnies from 5pm to 7pm, and The Benzie Playboys wrapping things up from 8pm to 10pm.

When: October 1, 12pm–10pm

Where: Front Street in Empire, between Union and La Rue streets; free parking is available at Johnson Park, two blocks north of Front Street.

Cost: $15 admission includes a complimentary glass and drink ticket

Don’t Miss: A side trip to the always gorgeous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore next door is the perfect morning activity before you indulge in this microbrew extravaganza.

More Information: www.facebook.com/Empire- HopsFestival

HARBOR SPRINGS BREW FESTIVAL

The second annual iteration of this already-popular newbie fest brings microbrews, cider, and food together on Harbor Springs’ newly revamped scenic waterfront on Little Traverse Bay. Expect a friendly crowd that’s heavy on locals and in-the-know fall tourists.

Brews: More than 25 Michigan breweries and 100 craft beers and ciders will be included at this ambitious little event, including beverages from Arbor Brewery, Liberty Street Brewing Company, Oddside Ales, Petoskey Brewery, Short’s Brewing Company, Uncle John’s Cider, Vandermill Ciders, Tunnel Vision Brewery, Stormcloud Brewing Company, and more.

Foods: Food will available from Harbor Springs’ newest restaurant, Georgina’s Asian and Latin Taqueria, as well as from classic local fine dining favorites The New York and The Crow’s Nest.

Sounds: When you’ve got a local band this popular, you only need one band: the Jelly Roll Blues Band will be the afternoon’s entertainment, with their mix of classic rock and bluesy originals.

When: October 8, 1–5pm

Where: Harbor Springs waterfront at Lake Street Cost: $10 Entry plus $2 per 4-ounce pour

Don’t Miss: Sipping on a cold one while listening to Jelly Roll play their legendary cover of The Black Crowes’ “Hard to Handle” is one of northern Michigan’s trademark fall moments. More Information: harborspringsbeerfest.com