Hoppy Beer Lovers United in Hudsonville for Springfest – May 2

Hudsonville Fairgrounds will play host to more than 40 of West Michigan’s best, and newest breweries during the 2nd Annual Beer City Springfest, on Saturday, May 2. Gates open at Noon for VIP ticket holders (1pm to the general public), with the festival running until 6pm. This epic day will be filled with Michigan-made libations, as well as food, games and live entertainment.

Last year’s inaugural event saw more than 2000 individuals join in the festivities; this year’s capacity is set at 2500 with all proceeds benefitting local veterans.

“This year’s Springfest will once again showcase the talents of West Michigan best brewers,” says event organizer Joe Boyer. “We’ll welcome those who have achieved worldwide recognition as the best in the industry, as well as almost a dozen new breweries to the area.”

Many local brewers and producers will be on hand to describe their hand-crafted products and techniques used to create the refreshing Spring flavors. In all, some 200 beers will be available for sampling, along with local spirits, cider, wine and mead.

A variety of food options will also be available, including selections from Standard Pizza from Rockford; Low and Slow BBQ from Saginaw; and RnR from Hudsonville.

“We had so much fun last year, this is just a great way to meet some of the new brewers, try some new beers, and I still hear about how good the prime rib was last year,” Boyer says. ”Everyone is so friendly, strangers walk right up, and describe the best beer they have tried, like I’ve known them for years, many become great friends, I just love the people who come to these events.”

A VIP ticket for the Beer City Springfest gets attendees in at Noon and includes 18 sample tokens (3 ounces each). General admission ticket holders are admitted at 1pm, with 12 sample tokens. Tickets are on sale now at www.beercityfestivals.com. All attendees (including designated drivers) must be 21 with valid ID to be admitted into the festival grounds. Designated driver tickets are available at the door for $5.
Everyone who buys tickets online before April 1st is automatically entered to win a special VIP weekend that includes a deluxe suite in a local hotel, 2-personal brewery tours, hoodies and T-shirts for the event, transportation to and from the festival, and meals.

Parking at the fairgrounds is free. Shuttle transportation is available through the ticketing site for $20 per person and includes a round trip ride from 250 Seward Ave. (Dash Lot #9) on one of the New Salem party busses. Busses leave Grand Rapids at 11:30am and will leave Springfest at 4:30pm and 6:00pm.

Follow the Springfest Facebook page to get updates on VIP ticket releases and giveaways.

Beer City Springfest Welcomes Area Brewers to Hudsonville Fairgrounds – Saturday, May 3

More than 25 Area brewers are bringing hundreds of beers to the Hudsonville Fairgrounds this spring, including several special offerings during the inaugural Beer City Springfest on Saturday, May 3.

An exorbitant number of talented and creative breweries in West Michigan and surrounding communities, has prompted the American Legion Neal E. Fonger Post 179 to celebrate the long awaited coming of spring with a Michigan beer festival. Thousands of beer enthusiasts weren't able to get tickets to the Michigan Brewers Guild, Winter Beer Festival in February at Fifth Third Ball Park, so Springfest will offer them another opportunity.

“The discerning palates of the real beer lovers in this area are wonderful, and is the fuel driving us to be great brewers.” said Bill White, owner of White Flame Brewing, “Many of the incredible beers being made around Greater Grand Rapids are becoming sought after country wide.”

Tickets for Springfest go on sale Thursday, March 27 at Noon and online at www.beercityfestivals.com. Only 2,500 tickets will be available, for $30 each, and include 15-three ounce sample tickets.

There will be an option to upgrade to VIP, and a limited number of bus tickets will be available for a $15 ticket upgrade. Busses will transport hundreds of guests from locations throughout downtown Grand Rapids to the fairgrounds and back downtown.

Gates will open at 12:00 Noon for VIP guests and 1:00pm for the general public. Food trucks will be on hand for those bringing an appetite along with a thirst. Springfest will be a full day of live music, and beer tasting for the craft beer lovers.

Follow the Springfest Facebook page (www.facebook.com/beercityspringfest) to get updates on VIP ticket releases and giveaways.

www.beercityfestivals.com