Mid-Michigan’s Favorite Beerfest Returns For Its 4th Installment

Beerfest on the Bridge comes to Veterans Memorial Bridge in downtown Portland from 3 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11. Recently voted “Best Local Event” by local beer aficionados, Portland Downtown Executive Director Tina ConnerWellman is excited to be part of #BeerOnBridge. “While it’s been my honor to be a part of many great events over the years, this is only my second Beerfest on the Bridge here in Portland. I get to work with great promoters and outstanding volunteers. It’s exciting to see the community come together to welcome visitors from everywhere, all enjoying each other’s company in a fun and inviting environment. I have got to say, I see why it was voted ‘Best Local Event.’ Cheers to great tastes!” said ConnerWellman. It’s about the people and, of course, the craft beer, wine, cider, soda and, for the first time, spirits - all provided by fermented and distilled artisans including American Fifth Spirits, Arbor Brewing Company, Bell’s Brewery, BrickHaven Brewery, ConfluxCity Brewing Company, Cranker’s Brewery, EagleMonk Pub and Brewery, Ellison Brewery, Dark Horse Brewery, Grand Armory Brewing, Lansing Brewing Company, Looking Glass Brewing Company, Leelanau Cellars, Ridge Cider Company, The Sanctuary, Saugatuck Brewing Company, Schmohz Brewery, and Tabor Hill Winery. Also featured this year with be Portland Strong Blackberry IPA brewed by Cranker’s Brewery. “’Crank up your craft’ is our slogan at Cranker’s and we wanted to ‘crank up’ Beerfest on the Bridge with this year’s signature Portland Strong beer,” says James Crank, Cranker’s head brewer. Food will be provided by Sweet Caroline’s BBQ and Catering, Maria’s Tacos, and Gobblin’ Good to Go. Live music by Alex Mendenhall will open the festival and Rachel Curtis will close. However, it’s about more than the drinks, food and music, according to festival promoter Eric Proctor. “The boardwalk, bridge, and park surrounding the river are what separates this festival from other beer festivals out there. At the end of the day, a beer festival is a beer festival. However, Beerfest on the Bridge has one of the most vibrant atmospheres,” said Proctor. Portland City Manager Tutt Gorman agrees. “Beerfest on the Bridge has become a hallmark event that showcases our historic downtown and local landmarks — the Veterans Memorial Bridge and the boardwalk overlooking the Grand River,” says Gorman. “We are extremely proud of our community and what it has to offer and look forward to showing it off.” This will be the fourth year of the festival held on the historic bridge. Constructed in 1890, the bridge offers a historic and exciting entrance into downtown Portland. Tickets are $40 for VIP entry, which includes an extra hour of the beerfest (with entry at 2 p.m.), a logo tasting glass and 15 tasting tickets – 3 oz. each. The regular, advance ticket includes a logo tasting glass and 10 tasting tickets – 3 oz. each. Advance tickets are available through midnight onAug. 10. If any tickets are available the day of the event they will only be available at the gate for $40 General Admission and $50 VIP. Advance tickets are also available at the Portland Party Store, where ticket purchase starting July 28 will include a free Beerfest on the Bridge pint glass while supplies last. For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, visit beeronbridge.com. About The Portland Main Street Program: Celebrating its 15th year, the Portland Michigan Main Street Program is an organization that focuses on revitalizing Portland’s downtown area into a gathering place by providing opportunities for entrepreneurs, sustaining a strong economic foundation, and safeguarding history, tradition, and community.