Wine festivals run abound during the summer months in southwest Michigan, but with craft-brewed beer rising steadily in popularity across the country, a gathering of breweries from around the state of Michigan is a sure-fire way to bring good people and good beer together.
Saturday, Oct. 1 marks the second annual Weko Beach Brewers Festival in Bridgman — a happy (or hoppy, if you’ll excuse the pun) event showcasing a vast array of handcrafted beers produced in Michigan.
The Bridgman Area Economic Growth Alliance — the same group that organized the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival at Bridgman’s Weko Beach for nearly a decade — invites the public to savor more than 30 craft beers from 3 to 9 p.m.
“Last year was a fantastic success,” said organizer Tom Neubauer. “About 1,000 people braved the rain and cold, checking out the breweries under one big-top tent and bands under the other.”
This year’s participating breweries include North Peak Brewing Co. and Short’s Brewing Co. from north Michigan; Atwater Block Brewery and Arbor Brewing Co. from east Michigan; Founder’s Brewing Co., Odd Side Ales and New Holland Brewing from west Michigan; and Arcadia Brewing Co., Bell’s Brewery, Old Hat Brewery, The Livery, Round Barn Brewery and Greenbush Brewing Co. from southwest Michigan.

One of the new kids on the craft-brewing block, Sawyer’s Greenbush Brewing Co., first opened its doors in the beginning of June. Business has been booming and the brewery’s founders, brewers and show-runners have hit beer festival circuit hard this summer.
“I live in Bridgman, so it’s really cool to do something close to home and be a part of a newer festival,” said Greenbush brewer and part owner Scott Sullivan.
Beers at the festival will run the gamut of styles, with something for every kind of hophead. Among the many to look forward to is Arcadia Brewing Co.’s Hopmouth Double IPA, with its hoppy aroma and lingering bitterness. And bridging the gap to the early fall season, Arbor Brewing Co.’s Hoptoberfest will escort spicy hops and sweet malts to your tastebuds.
Regarding Greenbush’s additions to the festival, Sullivan said, “We’ll be bringing four beers, including one secret, huge beer and maybe a specialty beer.”
New Holland Brewing’s Ichabod pumpkin ale will give a nod to the new season, while stouts and porters from Arcadia Ales, Atwater Block Brewery, Round Barn and more will bring welcomed robustness to the mix.
Live music will enhance the scene at Bridgman’s picturesque Weko Beach over the course of the day. Helping kick off the festival at 3 p.m., South Bend’s Alligator Blackbird will entertain the crowds with a mix that covers extensive musical ground.
Then, at 4:45 p.m., Top Secret Band, a high-energy cover band from California will take the stage. Headlining and closing out the festivities will be Mr. Blotto, a Chicago-based jam band, starting at 7 p.m.
To keep your stomach satiated with more than fulfilling beer, Bridgman Premier Meat Market and Classic Catering will be serving barbecue, bratwurst and a variety of other food throughout the day.
Tickets will cost $25 at the door or $20 in advance. Admission includes a souvenir beer mug and 12 tasting tickets. Additional beer tickets are $1 each — one ticket for a taste, two for a half-pour or four for a full-pour. Note that only cash will be accepted for all tickets and food.
Designated drivers and attendees ages 13-20 can attend the festival for $10 at the door, while children 12 and under will be admitted for free.
To purchase tickets in advance, visit Greenbush Brewing Co., Round Barn Winery, Harding’s Friendly Market or buy them online at Ticketweb.com.
Last year’s rain at the festival didn’t stop the crowds from coming in droves to sample Michigan brews, so expect a lively time under the big top tents at this year’s Weko Beach Brewers Festival no matter the conditions.
“With this being our second year, we expect even more people,” said Neubauer. “And we’ve brought in bigger tents!”

For more information, visit www.wekobeachbrewersfest.com.