

Brews, food and music are on tap for Beer Month GR


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Grand Rapids’ Beer Month Brings Bounty of Brews, Bites, and Beats
For one month, the city’s craft‑beer scene turns into a tasting trail, a culinary showcase, and a concert series all at once. Beer Month—now a staple of Grand Rapids’ tourism calendar—promises that every visit to a local brewery will be a multi‑sensory experience. The 2020 edition, scheduled to run from February 1 to 29, was marketed by the City of Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Regional Chamber as a celebration of the region’s brewing heritage and the vibrant culture that surrounds it.
A Full‑Calendar of Flavors
The event’s kickoff was slated for February 1 with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony at the new Grand Rapids Brewery’s “Taproom 1.” Mayor Jim Berridge, who has championed the city’s beer‑industry partnership with the Chamber, said the month was designed to “highlight the community’s pride in our breweries and the restaurants that pair with them.” The city’s Tourism Office worked with the Michigan Brewers Guild and the Grand Rapids Food & Beverage Coalition to line up over 30 distinct tasting tours, food‑pairing dinners, and music nights that showcase local talent.
Brewery Tours – Each participating brewery—ranging from Founders Brewing Co. to Grand River Brewing, and from Black River Brewing to the new indie craft of Silo Brewing—offers guided tours at set times. Tours typically last 45 minutes, include a “behind‑the‑scenes” look at the mash‑tasting room, and end with a curated sampler of two or three seasonal releases.
Food Pairing Nights – In partnership with the city’s culinary guild, the event features weekly “Beer & Bites” dinners. One of the most highly‑anticipated nights is the “Sicilian Street” dinner at the historic Grand River Restaurant, where chefs will pair small‑plate antipasto with Founders’ “Black Chocolate Stout.” A special note: the “Sicilian Street” event will also host a live DJ set featuring local producer KJ Luv.
Music & Atmosphere – Each night is accompanied by live music. Grand Rapids’ famed “Blue‑Stone Music Hall” will host the “Sippin’ & Swing” series featuring local jazz artists, while the “Grape & Ale” night in the West Side District will feature a lineup of up‑and‑coming indie rock acts. According to the City’s event coordinator, the music component is “designed to create a sense of community and to give local musicians a platform.”
A Spotlight on Local Breweries
The article highlights several breweries that will be front‑and‑center during Beer Month. A few stand out:
Founders Brewing Co. – The flagship brewery for the region, Founders is known for its flagship “All Day IPA” and its annual “Winterfest” barrel‑aged lineup. During Beer Month, Founders will run a “Founders’ Craft 101” workshop where participants can learn about hop varieties such as Amarillo and Simcoe.
Grand River Brewing – With a 20‑barrel system and a focus on “American‑style” beers, Grand River Brewing is scheduled to unveil its newest release: a smoked Porter. The brewery also plans a “Brew & Burger” night, in partnership with a local steakhouse.
Black River Brewing – Black River’s “Micro‑Ale” series is a favorite among locals. The brewery will host a “Micro‑Ale Marathon” that features a tasting of all of its past 12‑month releases.
Silo Brewing – The newest player on the scene, Silo Brewing is a cooperative brewpub that sources ingredients from local farms. During Beer Month, Silo will run a “From Field to Flask” series, where attendees can meet the farmers who provide the hops and barley.
Beyond the Taproom: Community Partnerships
The City’s Tourism Office collaborated closely with the Grand Rapids Regional Chamber to promote cross‑industry engagement. The Chamber’s “Craft Beer & Food” committee is spearheading an “Open‑Bar” initiative that allows food trucks to operate inside certain breweries, thereby adding a mobile element to the tasting experience. The Chamber also plans to release a “Grand Rapids Beer Guide” booklet, featuring maps of all brewery locations, a tasting schedule, and a short history of craft brewing in the city.
Another collaboration is with the Michigan Brewers Guild, which will provide a “Brewmaster 101” educational series across the participating breweries. According to Guild President John “Hops” Henderson, “Beer Month is not just about consumption; it’s about learning the science behind our industry, and building stronger community ties.”
The Bottom Line
Beer Month in Grand Rapids offers a well‑planned, immersive experience that caters to beer aficionados, curious newcomers, and music lovers alike. With an emphasis on local talent, culinary innovation, and educational outreach, the city’s beer‑centric festival reflects its identity as “America’s Beer Capital.” The event’s success will be measured not only in sales figures but in community engagement and cultural impact, with the city’s officials pledging to use the momentum to support the next wave of local breweries.
For those who can’t wait to taste the next round of hoppy surprises, the full itinerary is available on the Grand Rapids Tourism Office’s website. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting to explore craft beer, Beer Month is a timely reminder that good beer is best enjoyed with good food, good music, and great company.
Read the Full MLive Article at:
[ https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2020/02/brews-food-and-music-are-on-tap-for-beer-month-gr.html ]