Downtown Manistee Features Beer & Boats During 4th Annual Hops & Props, September 18-20

Downtown Manistee will be brewing as the 4th Annual Hops & Props Craft Beer and Classic Boat Show returns to the riverfront, Sept. 18-20. Tickets for all festival events are on sale now online here.

“Craft Beer and Classic Boats—what’s not to love?” says Patrick Kay, director of the Manistee Main Street Downtown Development Authority. “This is the only event of its kind and what better place to do this than on the shores of Lake Michigan with Craft Beer exclusively from Michigan; the primary home and headquarters of the Century Boat Company for 60 years.”

The festival weekend kicks off on Friday with a 5-course Beer and Food Pairing at Bluefish Kitchen + Bar for $25 per person. Space is limited to 100 and reservations are required by contacting the restaurant directly at 231-887-4188.

Saturday’s festivities run throughout the day and include a Boat Show 10am-7pm along the Riverwalk. As many as 40 classic and wooden boats are expected to line the riverfront, both in and out of the water—including many Century Classic Boats, which were made for 60 years in Manistee. This year, a “Best in Show People’s Choice” award will be presented based on votes from the public.

Saturday also features Art Fair from 10am-7pm directly beside the main event space and live music from 2-7pm in front of the Marina.

The Michigan Craft Beer Tasting takes place from 2-8pm along the downtown streets. Tickets are $20 per person ($25 at the gate) and includes admission, a tasting glass and 6 tickets. Additional tickets are for purchase, at 3 for $5. Some 25 Michigan breweries are expected to participate. Several downtown restaurants will also be featuring “Michigan Beer Tap Take Over” offerings, from 6pm until Midnight.

The weekend concludes with Sunday Brunch, including a buffet, mimosa or Bloody Mary and coffee, from 9-11am at Bluefish Kitchen + Bar. Tickets are $15 per person and advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

For more information on Hops & Props, including the list of participating breweries, log onto VisitManistee.com and click on the “Events & Festivals” tab. You’re also invited to Like the Hops & Props Facebook Page.

Downtown Manistee is home to nearly 150 businesses and community resources, many overlooking the Manistee River Channel and the Riverwalk, with a Central Business District listed on the “National Register of Historic Places.”

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of the City of Manistee is an independent, special taxing district created in 1982. The DDA encourages redevelopment and revitalization and is an active participant in economic development, marketing and the stimulation of private investment.