Are you ready to toast the coast?

It’s no secret Michigan is home to great breweries and picturesque beaches.  Combining the best of both worlds, the Bridgman-Lake Township Economic Growth Alliance hosts a relaxing fall day on a pristine beach to savor award-winning Michigan craft beers as spectacular as its harvest sunsets.

Live music will enhance the scene as visitors ‘toast the coast’ on from 1 to 7 p.m. Sept. 29 under a big-top tent overlooking Weko Beach in Bridgman.

The Weko Beach Brewers Festival is a showcase event to sample more than 30 locally produced craft beers from southwest Michigan.  Wrap this into a day filled with sun and sand, tasty cuisine from local restaurants, live music, a dazzling sunset and you have the recipe for one fantastic fall festival.

Participating breweries

Contrary to the state’s high unemployment rate, breweries, microbreweries and brew pubs from southwest Michigan to Detroit to Bellaire and Bay City are adding jobs, increasing production and investing in expansions and renovations totaling more than $70 million, according to the Michigan Brewers Guild. Many breweries are returning, and some new, for this year’s Brewer’s Fest, include Arbor Brewing Company, Bell’s Brewery, Founders, Greenbush, Livery, Mount Pleasant Brewing Company, Round Barn and Saugatuck Brewing Company.

Entertainment

Enjoy some tunes with drinks as this year’s lineup includes three bands playing throughout the day.

The Mangos get things going at 1 p.m., followed by the Rebecca Anne Band at 3 p.m. and the popular Mr. Blotto at 5 p.m.

Admission to the festival is $20 in advance or $25 at the door and includes 10 tasting tickets and a souvenir beer mug. Advance tickets are available at www.ticketweb.com. Ages 13 to 20 are admitted for $10, while kids ages 12 and younger are admitted free.  Tickets are also available with no service fee at Hardings Friendly Market, 3651 Shawnee Rd., Bridgman; Round Barn Winery, Brewery & Distillery, 10983 Hills Rd, Baroda; Greenbush Brewing Company, 5885 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer; and The Livery, 190 5th St., Benton Harbor.

Parking and shuttle buses will be available at designated nearby lots in Bridgman.  No coolers allowed. It is a rain or shine event.

Weko Beach is located at Exit 16 off I-94, then north on Red Arrow Highway.  Look for parking signage along Red Arrow in Bridgman.

For information on participating breweries, check the website wekobeachbrewersfest.com or call (269) 925-6301.