Michigan Harvest Beer Festival

The inaugural event will actively promote local food, Detroit brewing history, and of course, Michigan craft beer. The festival is the culmination of the inaugural Detroit Beer Week, which runs Oct. 16-24.

“We expect our combined efforts to result in one of the best local beer events in the region,” said Scott Graham, Executive Director of the Michigan Brewers Guild. “We anticipate more than 40 Michigan microbreweries and brewpubs to participate, with nearly 200 different beers available to sample.”

A variety of harvest foods also will be prepared and sold by local restaurants including Detroit Beer Co., Foran’s Grand Trunk Pub and Russell Street Deli, with Traffic Jam & Snug deli / brewery serving up its popular housemade cheese. Live entertainment will also be provided throughout the afternoon by two well-known local bands, the Grand Nationals and Orbitsuns.

The festival will be set up in the Eastern Market parking area, north of shed #5, with ample parking in the surrounding market area. The cost to enter the festival is $35 in advance and $40 at the gate, if tickets are still available (attendance is limited to 2500). Admission includes 15 drink tokens, each valid for one 3-ounce beer sample. Additional tokens may be purchased during the festival for 50 cents each. Admission tickets are now available for purchase online at www.michiganbrewersguild.org.

Select retail outlets are also selling tickets; that list is available on the MASH page of the Guild’s website (www.mbgmash.org), along with the list of participating breweries and beers to be served. Festival attendees must be 21 years of age or older and have ID to enter. Designated drivers are encouraged and DD tickets will be available online and at the gate for $5 each.