These are the beer festivals scheduled for the Milwaukee area and beyond this summer
There's a festival for just about anything and everything in the Milwaukee area — music, tacos and tequila, Shrek, art, pets and Harleys, just to name a few.
And being Brew City, of course there are fests to celebrate Milwaukee's drink of choice: Beer.
Here's a look at beer festivals scheduled for this summer around the area, plus a few beyond.
Note: Many of these beer fests require attendees to be at least 21 years old with proper ID proof, and are held rain or shine. Be sure to check out the events' websites for more info and updates.
Do you have a Wisconsin beer fest that's not on the list yet? Let me know at hannah.kirby@jrn.com.
Milwaukee area
June 10: Riveredge’s Frothy Forage, Saukville
During Riveredge's Frothy Forage, attendees can explore the nature center's forests, prairies and wetlands while sampling local craft beer, wine and cider, according to Riveredge's website. Attendees can also expect food trucks and live music. Participating purveyors can be found here. There's also an adult-only tree climb pre-event that day.
All proceeds help sustain the center's mission of supporting conservation through education that awakens curiosity, engages the body and explores connections to nature, the website said.
Where: Riveredge Nature Center, 4458 County Road Y, Saukville. A shuttle service is offered from Newburg Fireman's Park, starting at 11:50 a.m.
When: June 10. The adult-only tree climb pre-event is from 10 a.m. to noon. Frothy Forage sampling will run from noon to 3 p.m., food trucks will be open from noon to 4 p.m., and live music will start at noon.
Admission: A ticket costs $50 in advance through June 9, and $55 the day of (if available). A designated driver ticket costs $10. The adult-only tree climb add-on costs $25.
For more info or to purchase tickets: riveredgenaturecenter.org/program/frothy-forage/#Purveyors
June 17: Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival, Glendale
The Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival features more than 100 beer samples from over 50 Wisconsin craft breweries, food samples from local restaurants and cuisine partners, and local food trucks, according to a news release. There will be live music from Joe 2.0 from noon to 2:30 p.m. and V Funk from 2:30 to 5 p.m. All net proceeds from the fest will benefit the Wisconsin Brewers Guild, a nonprofit that aims to build upon the state's "rich brewing heritage" through the production, marketing and sale of "top quality" craft beers while maintaining the integrity of individual brewers and their breweries, the organization's website said.
Where: 5800 N. Bayshore Drive, Glendale
When: June 17. Noon to 5 p.m. for VIP and 1 to 5 p.m. for general admission.
Admission: A general admission ticket ($65 in advance through June 16 and $75 on the day of the event) includes entry into the event at 1 p.m., a tasting glass, beer samples, food and live music. A VIP ticket ($80) includes general-admission offerings, plus early entry at noon and a swag bag. A designated driver admission ($25) includes entry into the event at 1 p.m., a tasting glass, NA beer, soda, food and live music.
Worth noting: Alcohol carry-ins, animals and children are prohibited, the website said.
For more info or to purchase tickets: wibrewersguild.com/wiblf
July 29: Milwaukee Brewfest, Milwaukee
Milwaukee Brewfest features unlimited sampling of the world's "most celebrated" craft beers, ciders, wines, seltzers, and meads, the event's website said. Water, food and merch can be purchased on-site. There will also be live musical performances.
Where: McKinley Park, 1600 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee
When: July 29. Gates open at 2 p.m. for VIP and 3 p.m. for general admission. Last sampling call is at 6 p.m. Attendees must exit the fenced-in grounds by 6:30. p.m.
Admission: A general admission ticket ($65 in advance or $75 the day of the event if not already sold out) includes unlimited sampling of craft beers, ciders, meads and more; a commemorative pint glass, live music, exhibits, shopping from local businesses, and a variety of food available for purchase from local restaurants and vendors. A VIP ticket ($85 in advance or $95 the day of the event if not already sold out) includes all general-admission offerings, plus access to a VIP lounge, early sampling and sampling of rare and limited-edition brews from 2 to 3 p.m., special restrooms and an exclusive dated collectors glass. Designated driver admission ($20) includes a food and drink voucher. They may enter the grounds at 2 p.m. with VIP ticket holders, but only VIPs are allowed into the VIP area.
Worth noting: Pets and children are to be left at home. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs or blankets. Guests are asked to refrain from bringing their own food and drinks. There is event parking located south of the festival grounds for a fee paid to Boy Scout Troup 21, as well as street parking.
For more info or to purchase tickets: milwaukeebrewfest.com.
July 29: Milwaukee Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival, Milwaukee
The 6th Annual Milwaukee Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival, presented by Food Truck Festivals of America, features dozens of regional and national brews, per the event's website. Food trucks will serve up authentic Mexican street corn, oven-baked pizza, ice cream and more. There will also be lawn games, music, and artisans selling handcrafted goods and packaged food products.
Where: The plaza outside Fiserv Forum, 1111 N. Vel R Phillips Ave., Milwaukee
When: July 29. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for VIP and noon to 5 p.m. for general admission. Beer sales end a half-hour before the fest ends.
Admission: Food and drink will be sold separately from admission. General admission costs $7 online until 11 a.m. July 29 or $12 at the door. Foodies VIP, $22, is only available online and until July 29. Foodies VIP includes early admission from 11 a.m. to noon, one free dessert from the VIP dessert truck and bottled water while supplies last. Children 10 and under receive free admission.
Worth noting: No dogs are allowed at the festival. Attendees are encouraged to bring their families, lawn chairs and blankets, the website said.
For more info or to purchase tickets: foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/milwaukee.
Aug. 5: Wisconsin IPA Fest, Milwaukee
Third Space Brewing's seventh annual Wisconsin IPA Fest features IPAs from more than 40 breweries around the state, hundreds of beers to sample, food trucks, a DJ and surprises, the brewery's website said. At the end of the event, the brewery that received the most votes for "Best IPA in the state" from its brewery peers will be announced. And attendees will get to cast their votes for "People's Choice."
Where: Third Space Brewing, 1505 W. Saint Paul Ave., Milwaukee
When: Aug. 5. 1 to 5 p.m. for VIP and 2 to 5 p.m. for general admission.
Admission: A general admission ticket ($50) includes a Wisconsin IPA Fest sampling glass and unlimited beer sampling. A VIP ticket ($85) includes all GA offerings, plus an additional hour of sampling from 1 to 2 p.m., a lunch ticket, a private bar with extra beers just for VIP, and a four-pack of this year's VIP-only beer, which is a special collaboration brew with G5 Brewing Company, last year's IPA Fest champ. A designated driver ticket ($20) includes entry to the fest (without sampling) and free non-alcoholic beverages.
For more info or to purchase tickets: shopthirdspace.com/wiipafest2023.
BONUS: Aug. 5: Sprecher Root Beer Bash, Glendale
The sixth annual Sprecher Root Beer Bash will feature a free Sprecher and Culver's root beer float giveaway from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sprecher will donate a free meal to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin for every float served. The first 500 kids in attendance will receive a free goody bag. Free activities include a Kid Boogie Down dance party, balloon animals, and face and henna painting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then, face and henna painting will be available for purchase from 1 to 3 p.m. A petting zoo with baby goats, rabbits, pigs, ducks and a donkey will be on the grounds. Children can contribute to a community art project, which will end up being displayed at Glendale's City Hall or Visitor Center. The Sprecher Taproom will be serving up drinks, craft beers and a snack menu that includes a giant soft pretzel, root beer popcorn, Ellsworth cheese curds and more. There will also be food trucks. The band 5 Card Studs will be performing from 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: The Yard at Bayshore, 5800 N. Bayshore Drive, Glendale
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 5, aka National Root Beer Float Day.
Admission: Free
Worth noting: Free parking is available in Bayshore's structures and on the street. Carry-in alcohol and animals are prohibited.
For more info: thebayshorelife.com/events/2023/08/05/welcome-to-glendales-sprecher-root-beer-bash.
More: Milwaukee-area beer garden 2023 guide
A few of the beer fests across Wisconsin
June 9-10: Premier Beer Night and Up North Beerfest, Eagle River
Premier Beer Night, on June 9, is a VIP, red-carpet event that includes special brews from 15 breweries that won't be available at June 10's Up North Beerfest, the event's website said. There will also be special sampling glasses, heavy hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment.
Up North Beerfest, on June 10, features more than 100 different beers from over 30 breweries from the Midwest and beyond, including Tribute Brewing Co., Leinenkugel's, Barrel 41 Brewing Co. and Stillmank Brewing Co., the website said.
Where: Hi-Pines Campground, 1919 Highway 45 North, Eagle River
When: Premier Beer Night is from 6 to 8 p.m. June 9. Up North Beerfest runs from 2 to 6 p.m. June 10.
Admission: Premier Beer Night tickets (limited number available) can be purchased for $75 in advance online. Up North Beerfest tickets can be purchased in advance for $50 online or in-person at Eagle River's Trig’s Cellar 70 (Liquor Department), Tribute Brewing Co. and the Chamber and Visitors Center office. Up North Beerfest tickets at the door will be $60, if available. Designated drivers who attend Up North Beerfest receive free admission if they're accompanying an attendee who paid admission.
Worth noting: Parking is available on the grounds. Many of the event's overnight lodging partners are providing free shuttle transportation to and from the campground before, during and after the events, the website noted. No children, pets or carry-ins are allowed. Smoking is not permitted under the tented sampling areas.
For more info or to purchase tickets: eagleriver.org/events/up-north-beerfest.
June 17: Door County Beer Festival, Baileys Harbor
The Door County Beer Festival features more than 150 beers to sample from 40 Midwestern craft breweries. There will also be live music and local food.
Where: Maxwelton Braes, 7680 Highway 57, Baileys Harbor. Parking won't be offered on-site, however. Attendees must arrive via free shuttle (more on that in a sec).
When: June 17. Opens at 11 a.m. for VIP and noon for general admission. The tasting tents close at 4 p.m.
Admission: A general admission ($50) includes a Door County Beer Festival beer glass and unlimited three-ounce tastings. A VIP ticket ($70) includes early access to all of the tasting tents from 11 a.m. to noon., and access to a VIP lounge starting at noon, which has specialty beers, seating, tables and bathrooms. A designated driver ticket ($15) includes a commemorative glass and two non-alcoholic beverages.
Worth noting: Attendees must arrive via free shuttle. There will be pick-up and drop-off locations in Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Sister Bay and Baileys Harbor. Parking and pick-up/drop-off info can be found here. Dogs and children aren't allowed on the grounds.
For more info or to purchase tickets: doorcountybeerfestival.com
June 17: Taste of Wisconsin, Beaver Dam
Taste of Wisconsin, a craft beer and cheese tasting event, features only Wisconsin-made products, the event's website said. There will be nearly 100 beers available to sample, live music, food available for purchase, games and more.
Where: The Downtown Beaver Dam Watertower parking lot off of Mill Street
When: Noon to 4 p.m. June 17.
Admission: Beer tasting tickets ($45 in advance or $50 starting the week before the event) include beer and cheese tastings, a souvenir tasting glass and a souvenir program with evaluation for every beer and cheese at the event. People can also purchase a six-pack of tickets for the price of five. A designated driver ticket ($10) includes access to cheeses, water, music and games.
Worth noting: Parking will be available on Center and Ryan Cantafio Boulevard, Washington and Spring Street (next to the police station) and Henry and Spring Street, as well as on city streets, the website noted.
For more info or to purchase tickets: events.beerfests.com/e/taste-of-wisconsin
July 15: Lager Than Life Beer Festival, Beloit
The Lager Than Life Beer Festival, which takes place along the Rock River, will feature 30 breweries offering their "premier versions" of lagers, the event's website said. More than 100 samples will be on tap. Participating breweries include Karben4, Dovetail, G5 and the 2022 "Attendee Choice Winner," 608 Brewing Company. There will be complementary water and entertainment.
Where: Preservation Park, 3444 S. Riverside Drive, Beloit
When: 2 to 6 p.m. July 15.
Admission: A general admission ticket ($50) includes unlimited beer samples and a commemorative glass. A VIP ticket ($75) includes unlimited beer samples, a commemorative glass, food, and tent coverage with seating. Ticket sales end on July 14. A designated driver ticket ($20) includes a food voucher, and is only available at the gate on the day of the event via credit card payment.
Worth noting: Parking is free.
For more info or to purchase tickets: visitbeloit.com/lager.
Aug. 5: Malt City Brewfest, Manitowoc
Malt City Brewfest features unlimited sampling of more than 100 beers and ciders from over 30 craft brewers, the event's webpage said. Participating breweries can be found here. There will also be food trucks, serving up ribs, brisket, burgers, pretzels, cheese curds and more, as well as live music from Suzie and the Detonators. Proceeds will go to local charities, including Pink Heals of Manitowoc County and the Lakeshore Humane Society in Manitowoc.
Where: Downtown Manitowoc, in the parking lot between the river and library
When: Aug. 5. 1 to 5:30 p.m. for VIP and 2 to 5:30 p.m. for general admission.
Admission: A general admission ticket ($50) includes unlimited sampling and a commemorative event pint glass. A VIP ticket ($80) includes all general-admission offerings, plus early admission at 1 p.m., exclusive sampling and interaction with the craft brewers from 1 to 2 p.m., and a swag bag. A designated driver ticket ($15) includes soda and water, as well as a commemorative event pint glass upon exiting the fest. Tickets will be available on Eventbrite until 4:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
Worth noting: No children or pets (other than service animals) are allowed. Guests are not permitted to bring in their own food or drinks.
For more info or to purchase tickets: eventbrite.com/e/malt-city-brewfest-2023-tickets-579617169557
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee-area, Wisconsin beer festivals to check out in summer 2023
