120 Michigan brewers involved in 9th annual Detroit Fall Beer Festival

The Michigan Brewers Guild’s 9th Annual Detroit Fall Beer Festival (Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28, at Eastern Market in Detroit) promises to be bigger and better than ever before — with nearly 120 Michigan craft breweries signed up to participate. Now in its 20th year, the Michigan Brewers Guild prides itself as hosting the oldest, largest and original craft beer festivals by the brewers, about the brewers and for the brewers.

The Motor City has a long-standing brewing history and in recent years it has been revitalized thanks to a growing interest in the craft beer movement. Established in 1891, the current Eastern Market is one of the nation’s oldest farm markets and the area is rife with brewing history. In its heyday, there were more than 40 breweries in the Detroit area and malt silos still stand as a testament to the rich brewing history — making it the perfect backdrop for the Detroit Fall Beer Festival.

Tickets for Friday are $40 in advance (and $45 at the gate, if any remain available); Saturday tickets are $45 in advance. Admission includes 15 tasting tokens, each good for a three-ounce sample. Additional tokens are 50-cents each. Designated Drivers are encouraged and DD tickets are for $5 each. Designated Drivers must be 21 with a valid photo ID and are not permitted to drink any beer during the event.

The festival is held, rain or shine. Festival attendees must be 21 years of age or older and have valid photo ID to enter. Active Enthusiast Members ($55 annual fee) are admitted one hour prior to the general admission. The list of breweries, beers and entertainment will be posted in early October on The Mash blog.

The Michigan Brewers Guild is the network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. The mission of the Michigan Brewers Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan craft beer industry with an overarching goal to help craft beer acquire 20 percent of the market by 2025.  Michigan’s thriving brewing industry conservatively contributes more than $144 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $600 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks No. 6 in the nation — thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”