Detroit -- in fact, all of Michigan -- is fast becoming a hot spot for craft beers. There's a diverse mix of modern and traditional in Michigan beer-making. Beer may even surpass ice cream as Michigan's favorite summer treat, and like ice cream, Michigan beers come in every flavor under the sun. One not-to-be-missed Detroit beer event is the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Festival 2012. Here are details.
* Place and date: This one's not technically in Detroit, but in nearby Ypsilanti, Michigan. If you're from the Motor City, this event, now in its 15th year, promises to be well worth the short drive. The festival happens at Riverside Park in Depot Town (in Ypsilanti) on Friday, July 27, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, July 28, 2012 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The festival wends its way along the river in this relaxed outdoor venue.
* Offerings: Over 60 local breweries from Michigan's diverse beer culture will offer 450-plus beers to sample. Independent vendors will serve food, and live music will be provided.
* Cost: Advance tickets for Summer Festival cost $30 for Friday and $35 for Saturday. They're available online. Day-of tickets cost an extra $5 each, but aren't guaranteed. In years past, advance festival tickets have sold out early. Be sure to visit the website listed to order ahead. Ticket price includes 15 drink tokens, and each drink token is redeemable for a 3-ounce beer sample. Additional tokens will be available inside the festival for 50 cents.
* Safety: The Michigan Brewers Guild strictly follows state liquor control guidelines. To make sure that this event complies with regulations, the guild uses drink tokens and specially designated cups. Guests are asked to cooperate so the festival can remain a safe, enjoyable event for everyone. Guests must be 21 years old and show valid ID. Designated driver passes are available for $5. No alcohol will be served to designated drivers. Children are not allowed. Coolers and outside food are allowed but not alcohol or glass containers.
* Breweries: Can't make Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Event? Why not visit some of the Detroit-area breweries that will be represented? In Ypsilanti, try Corner Brewery, Side Track, and Aubree's (in Depot Town). In Ann Arbor, Michigan, Arbor, Grizzly Peak, and Wolverine State brewers will be there. Merchant's Fine Wine in Dearborn, Michigan, offers brews. From Warren, Michigan, try Dragonmead and Kuhnhenn. Other metro breweries include Liberty Street (Plymouth, Michigan), Royal Oak Brewery (Royal Oak, Michigan), Rochester Mills and Clubhouse BFD (both in Rochester, Michigan). You might try a Motor City Brew Tour, too.
