13th Annual Michigan Beer & Brat Festival
May 16, 2018
THOMPSONVILLE, MI – Among the many cookouts scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend is one that attracts thousands to the base of Crystal Mountain’s ski slopes, the Michigan Beer & Brat Festival on Saturday, May 26 (4-8pm).
The event, now in its 13th year, features over 100 craft beers from 35 Michigan breweries paired with upwards of two dozen varieties of brats from local markets with flavors like asparagus bacon parmesan and blue cheese jalapeno. Tickets for the special VIP hour, which begins at 3pm, must be purchased in advance ($60). General Admission begins at 4pm. These tickets can be purchased online for $30 with day-of tickets $35. Tickets can be purchased online at https://mynorthtickets.com/events/michigan-beer-brat-festival.
Here are few notes and new twists:
Live Music
Drew Hale opens the festival, taking the stage from 3-5pm. The Rock Show Band, a fan favorite from previous years, will take the crowd on a sojourn through the Steve Perry era from 5:30pm through end of the event at 8pm.
Cameo Appearances
There are always some special offerings for the festival goer whose palate prefers wine or a craft cocktail. Crystal’s neighbor, Iron Fish Distillery, will make a cameo with two cocktails featuring their gin and vodka along with wine selections from Brengman Brothers.
Free Transportation
Festival-goers can pre-schedule a free ride from Benzie Bus by calling 231.325.3000. Shuttles will run from the Family Fare in Frankfort (2pm, 3:10pm, 4:20pm), Beulah Depot (2:10pm, 3:20pm, 4:30pm) and the Honor Bus Shelter across from the Platte River Inn (2:20pm, 3:30pm, 4:40pm). Buses will depart from Crystal Mountain at 5:10pm, 6:10pm, 7:10pm and 8:10pm.
Cool Cars
Tesla and the Twin Bay British Car Club will cruise into the Michigan Beer and Brat Festival at 3pm and have their cars on display throughout the event.
North Mitten Half-Marathon, 10K & 5K and Micros at MountainTop
The craft beer lovers of Saturday will be replaced by runners on Sunday morning at 8am. The fifth running of the race features a combination of paved roads, dirt roads and primarily flat (in other words, no climbing the mountain), open trails on Crystal Mountain property. Registration for the Half-Marathon is $75, 10K is $47 and 5K is $42 until May 25 (price increases May 26-27). Every runner receives free admission to Micros on MountainTop from 12-4pm (Sunday, May 27), a chairlift ride to microbrews, BBQ and live music by John Pomeroy. Open to the public with tickets for $5 until May 25, $10 day of the event.
About Crystal Mountain:
Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain is a family-owned, four-season resort located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and just a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Recognized nationally by trusted resources like Conde Nast Traveler, Fodor’s Travel and Parents magazine, the resort features lodging, dining, downhill and cross-country skiing, two championship golf courses, award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan’s only alpine slide, the Park at Water’s Edge, Michigan Legacy Art Park, weddings and a conference center.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Brian Lawson, 231.378.2057
Debbie Bihlman, 231.378.2000, ext. 2508