One of the city’s most anticipated summer events is coming back to Grand Rapids this July. Beginning at 2 pm on Saturday, July 19, The Summer Craft Beer Festival invites Grand Rapids residents to enjoy five hours of live music, local vendors, and delicious food. The 2014 festival will mark the fourth anniversary of the annual event.
If you’re attending the event, you will be able to sample over 100 different types of beers. These beers are available from breweries across the United States. The samples you’ll be invited to try include, but are not limited to, the following breweries: Ace Premium Hard Cider, Alaskan Brewing Company, Arbor Brewing Company, Bell’s Brewery, Inc., Big Sky Brewing Co., Cheboygan Brewing Co., Coronado Brewing Co., Epic Brewing, Lion Beer, North Peak Brewing Company, and Vander Mill Ciders.
Additionally, a number of sponsors make the annual event possible. Thanks should be given to Imperial Beverage, Alliance Beverage Distributing, Henry A. Fox Sales Co., Hobart, Berlin Raceway, Godwin Plumbing, and Drink GR for helping to make the festival an exciting part of the city’s summer celebrations.
The festival is held in the historic John Ball Park on Fulton Street, which means that in addition to the entertainment, beverages, and food, you will be treated to the gorgeous scenery that the park has to offer. As you enjoy The Summer Carft Beer Festival offerings, you will also be invited to explore the park’s flower gardens, playground equipment, and zoo. You may wish to stop by the large bronze stature that serves as a memorial to John Ball himself as you enjoy the park named after him. Perhaps you’ll even want to pose for a photo with the statue, as has been a local tradition for generations of Grand Rapids residents.
A general admission ticket for the festival is $30 if you pay for it in advance. If you are paying at the door, a general admission ticket is $40. Each general admission ticket includes 15 sample tickets for trying brewery offerings as well as a sample glass that you can keep as a souvenir. VIP tickets include 20 sample tickets, a chance to taste limited brews not available to the general public in the VIP tent, and a $5 voucher for food. Prices for VIP tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door.