Rain or shine, the U.P. Fall Beer Festival will be brewing up its 10th Annual at Mattson Lower Harbor Park on Saturday Sept. 8 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees can hop around from tent to tent with over 600 locally crafted beers from more than 80 Michigan home grown breweries.
Scott Graham, the executive director for Michigan Brewers Guild, explained that this is a good event for beginners that want to try new beer, as well as for returners that plan on continuing this tradition in the community.
“It’s about tasting and experiencing new beer,” Graham said. “The community has been welcoming and it’s fun to host an event in the town and area.”
There is a token policy that can be found on their website as well, explaining that attendees provide a token for each sample of beer
received. This is in correlation with Michigan Liquor Control Commission regulation. Soft drinks and other non-alcoholic
beverages will be available for purchase at a concessions area but are also encouraged to be brought into the event for designated drivers.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be brought into the event. Refer to the information provided on www.mibeer.com for additional items that are and not allowed into the event. Fifteen drink tokens are included with admission and each is redeemable for a 3- ounce sample of beer. Additional tokens will be available inside the festival for 50 cents.
There is an option for beer lovers to become an Enthusiast Member, acquiring unique opportunities within the
Michigan Brewers Guild and benefits that other attendees do not have access to. This includes early admission, which means getting to that beer first. Members also have access to
special beers, receive a free T-shirt and more, Graham explained.
“It’s like having VIP status,” Grahm said.
The weather should be ideal as the weekend unfolds and Graham encourages more individuals to purchase their
tickets as they are still
available. Limited tickets are available for purchase at The Vierling, Blackrocks Brewery, Ore Dock Brewing Co. and Marquette Food Co-op for $45 in advance, or $50 at the gate if still available.
A complete beer list can be found by downloading an app called “BeerFestList.”
Surrounding restaurants will be serving food for additional costs and there will be
freemusical entertainment for the community to enjoy. The best place to receive all this information and purchase a ticket is online through www.mibeer.com, Graham said.
Further and more specific questions can be answered on their website under the
“Festival FAQ” section.
“This is a big celebration,” Graham said.
