GRAND RAPIDS, MI --- For the next month, Grand Rapids beer lovers can revel in a series of events in celebrating the craft breweries and beer scene in town.
Experience Grand Rapids is kicking off the fourth annual Beer Month GR beginning Saturday, Feb. 15. The events, including a festival, special menu items paired with beers and music performances, will run through March 15.
Organizers want locals and visitors to explore the beer scene. Beer Month GR includes Cool Brews. Hot Eats., and the 15th annual Winter Beer Festival at Fifth Third Ballpark on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 1 to 6 p.m.
More than 30 area restaurants and breweries will take part in Cool Brews. Hot Eats. The food component of the celebration.
FOOD
The participating restaurants and breweries will offer unique dishes paired with beers.
For example, Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery, located at 452 Ada Dr. SE, is offering an Antipasto Flatbread topped with artichokes, black olives, tomatoes, summer, sausage, pesto and mozzarella cheese to pair with Wizard’s Apprentice pale ale for a “mouthwatering experience.”
There’s also the Dirty Brisket from Founders Brewing Company, located at 235 Grandville Ave. SW. It is a house smoked beef brisket, fermented leeks, coleslaw, bread & butter pickles, and black garlic aioli piled on a toasted brioche bun.
To see a full list of participating locations, visit the Experience Grand Rapids website.
MUSIC
The “Sounds of Beer City” can be heard at various events at West Michigan breweries all month long. A variety of musical performances are being offered, including a series of performances at Cedar Springs Brewing Company and Founders Brewing Company.
On Wednesday, Feb. 19, experience “Metal on Vinyl Night” at Speciation Artisan Ales in Comstock Park.
On Saturday, Feb. 22, Creston Brewery will host “Back in Black: A Black History Month Celebration,” a performance and benefit by Beauty Beyond Drag Productions for the Ruth Ellis Center.
Search all music events during Beer Month GR on the Sounds of Beer City webpage.
FESTIVAL
The annual Winter Beer Festival will feature 150 Michigan breweries and brewpubs. In addition to the beer, there will be food available for purchase and live band performances. Winter Beer Festival tickets, transportation and accommodations can be found online.
Experience Grand Rapids is offering its Beer City Brewsader® Passport program, which encourages craft-beer lovers to visit Grand Rapids breweries all year long. Those who become a Brewsader during Beer Month GR will receive limited-time gifts in addition to the official T-shirt.
On Friday, Feb. 21, the night before the Winter Beer Fest, individuals can also receive $1 off their first pint at many participating breweries when they show their passport or app. Details can be found on the Experience GR website.
For a full schedule of events surrounding Beer Month GR, visit BeerMonthGR.com.
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