Michigan brewers in the upper and lower Peninsulas produce a wide variety of beers ranging in different styles and marketed locally, regionally, and internationally. If you are a fan of a good tasting beer, one of the best things to do when in Michigan is to enjoy their craft beers.
Join us as we look at the beer festivals that take place and the best breweries in Michigan that deserve a visit!
Major Beer Festivals in Michigan
Michigan Brewers Guild Inaugural Spring Beer Festival
The Spring Beer festival is an annual event that is in its 3rd year and takes place at Turtle creek Stadium, Traverse City. This festival features hundreds of fresh local beers from some of the finest Michigan breweries and also offers a variety of food from numerous vendors.
Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival
The oldest of the Michigan’s Brewers Guilds festivals, the Summer Beer Festival, takes place come rain or shine in the outdoor setting of Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park in historic Depot Town. The festival hosts many of Michigan’s best breweries in their beer industry, where attendees get to have the opportunity of sampling over 100 of the fresh, local beers. Food is available for purchase inside the festival and guests can enjoy live music from a variety of Michigan bands.
Burning Foot Beer Festival
Burning Foot Beer Festival is a celebration of beer, art, beach, and music. The festival is held in August along Michigan’s beautiful lakeshore in Muskegon, MI and offers the perfect way to end the summer month. Expect to have 70+ great breweries with local, regional, and national musical acts performing across two stages. Burning Foot Beer Festival is passionate about its community and aims to work with local restaurants to offer attendees a memorable beer festival experience.
The 8 Best Breweries in Michigan
Bell’s Brewery
What to drink: Bell’s two hearted ale
Bell’s Brewery is the oldest and most well-known brewery in Michigan. This family-owned brewery first opened its doors in 1985 and is located within the Eccentric Café and general store. Their famed IPA known as Bell’s two hearted ale, has been named the best commercially distributed beer in the United States for four years in a row. The brewery has a spacious beer garden, with a well-appointed concert space. The Eccentric Café serves delicious meals to pair with their beer.
Address: 355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo
Hours: Mon- Tue (Closed) Wednesday-Thu (3PM-9PM) Fri- Sat (12PM-10PM) Sun (12PM-7PM)
Blackrocks Brewery
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What to drink: Coconut Brown
Blackrocks Brewery has fast become a favourite drinking spot for Marquette residents, serving craft beers in a repurposed house. The house has been renovated to create a cosy neighbourly atmosphere, making it a fun microbrewery to visit. Their outdoor area is intimate, with live music from Thursday to Sunday evening.
Address: 424 N 3rd St, Marquette
Hours: Mon- (4PM-11PM) Tue-Sun (12PM-11PM)
Founders Brewing Company
What to drink: Backwoods Bastard
Founders brewery has been perfecting its craft for over twenty years and are renowned for their big flavours. They are the 15th largest brewery in the United States and one of the finest and most well-known Michigan breweries. Founders also serve food, and the quality of their beers resonates with their food too.
Address: 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids
Hours: Sun-Wed (11PM-9PM) Thu-Sat (11AM-11PM)
Three Blondes Brewing
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What to drink: Blonde Ale
The name originates from the founding blonde sisters, Carrie, Amanda, and Megan, and with a name like that, everything they do has a family touch to it, and it shows. Their craft beers are delicious and have a strong sense of local pride. Three Blonde’s has a diverse menu that is suitable for the entire family.
Address: 1875 Phoenix St Suite B South Haven
Hours: Tue-Wed (11:30AM-9PM) Thu (4PM-9PM) Fri-Sat (11:30AM-10PM)
Tenacity Brewing
What to drink: Tenacity Light
Tenacity has been the go-to craft brewery spot for locals in Flint. Their brewery was once a firehouse that has been transformed into a modern place but still maintains much of its exterior look. Their brews are renowned for being creative, featuring complex, yet tasty flavours.
Address: 119 N Grand Traverse St #5620
Hours: Mon-Wed (4PM-10PM) Fri-Sat (4PM-12AM) Sun (Closed)
Keweenaw Brewing Company
What to drink: Borealis Broo
Keweenaw Brewer is located in the centre of downtown Houghton. They offer customers a selection of fresh beers brewed on their premises. Their taproom is smoke-free and includes two bars with tables and chairs all around, a seating area near their fireplace and an outside deck. There are many local restaurants around the brewery should you want to grab a bite to eat.
Address: 408 Shelden Ave Houghton
Hours: Mon-Wed (3PM-10PM) Thu-Sat (11AM-111PM) Sun (12PM-8PM)
Paw Paw Brewing Co
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What to drink: St. James English Mild
Paw Paw Brewing was established in 2010 and is located in the small village of Paw Paw, on the banks of the Paw Paw River surrounded by breath-taking views of the wilderness. The brewery has a down to earth exterior that is a perfect aesthetic for its community-based clientele. Paw Paw also provides a scrumptious menu to complement the beers on tap.
Address: 780 S Gremps St, Paw Paw
Hours: Mon-Thu (11PM-PM)
Old Boy’s Brewhouse Inc
What to drink: Connor’s Kolsch
Established in 1997, Old Boy’s Brewhouse is located on the shore of Spring Lake and is dedicated to producing the finest hand-crafted ales, using the freshest ingredients. Their layout is canine-inspired and offers family-friendly cuisine with an extensive menu of all the favourite American meals. The brewery also hosts local musicians who perform on weekends.
Address: 971 W. Savidge St Spring Lake
Hours: Sun-Wed (Closed) Thu (4PM-8PM) Fri-Sat (12PM-9PM)
Michigan’s reputation for its exceptional beers is largely built on a few brands that continue to be popular across the state, and far beyond that. Some of these breweries have managed to build a strong identity, reflecting the quality, creativity, and consistency of their craftsmanship.
According to the brewers association in the United States, Michigan is a state with the fifth-most breweries. This beer-rich state has many great breweries to choose from, the options are endless.