ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — On Jan. 30, St. Joseph, invites everyone 21 years and older to come out of hibernation and meet friends downtown during the first outdoor Winter Beer Fest, noon to 4 p.m., at the corner of Broad St. and Lake Blvd.

“We all get stir crazy at the end of January,” said event organizer Whitney Behnke, executive director of St. Joseph Today. “So we’re going to celebrate winter being half over with great brews and great company.”

Ken Kozminski, owner of The Buck Burgers and Brew, who is one of the event’s co-sponsors said, “Southwest Michigan is a four-season craft brew destination and we, along with our other sponsor, Revolution Design, are excited by the incredible selection of regional beers we’re lining up. This will be the best party of the winter!”

Tickets for beer sampling and entertainment are $30 in advance (available starting Dec. 10) or $35 at the door. They may be ordered online at themendelcenter.com or purchased at the St. Joseph Today Welcome Center, 301 State St.

Kozminski expects that beer fans will be excited about the lineup of local breweries set to serve at the festival. Breweries include: Arclight Brewing, Bell’s Brewery, Dark Horse Brewing Co., Founders Brewing Co., Greenbush Brewing Co., Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Tapistry Brewing, The Livery, The Round Barn Brewery, Shorts Brewing Company, Whiteflame Brewing Co.

To learn more about this and other winter events, contact St. Joseph Today. Visit www.stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday or call (269) 985-1111.

St. Joseph Today, a membership-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to developing and promoting events and business in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surround communities.