Beer Lover’s Guide to the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival

Here’s the skinny on what beer lovers should be sure to check out at this weekend’s Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival (Nov. 18-20).

Local beer lovers are sure to find lots to enjoy at this weekend’s festivities. Beer is so big they even added it to the name of the event!

Returning this year is the Michigan Craft Brew Hall. Sponsored by the Michigan Brewers Guild, this special festival area features more than 100 beers from 14 local breweries including Arbor Brewing Company, Arcadia Brewing Company, Bell’s Brewing, Brewery Vivant, Darkhorse Brewing Company, Dragonmead Microbrewery , Founders Brewing Company, Frankenmuth Brewery, Mt. Pleasant Brewing Co., New Holland Brewing Company, North Peak Brewing Company, Saugatuck Brewing Company, Short’s Brewery and  Tri-City Brewing. (Jaden James Brewery will also have a presence in the show, find them in Booth #24 with Cascade Winery).

Action Water Sports and Cobalt Boats are providing a complimentary logoed beer glass for sampling while in the Craft Brew Hall. While in this area, enjoy the music of Really Keely (musicians Jim Marcusse and Ron Kelly) who will be performing from 6:30-9:30pm on Thursday, 7-10pm on Friday and 2-5pm and 6-9pm on Saturday.

The Beer Garden and Music Stage area, located in the southeast corner of the Steelcase Ballroom, offers a selection of fantastic beer, live music provided by local jazz musician Steve Talaga and friends, and a place to sit down for a bit and relax.

Seven different free seminars focused on beer are being offered this year, including:

Thursday, November 17

7:30pm (Seminar Room D)  A Taste of 150 Years of Brewing Expertise

Presented by Ted Marti, A. Schell Brewery

Hosted by Kent Beverage

8:00pm (Seminar Room F)   Beer – Belgium’s Beautiful “Wine”

Presented by Latis Imports

Hosted by West Side Beer

Friday, November 18

8:00pm (Seminar Room C)  McSorley’s Beer

Presented by Mike Finn

Hosted by Henry A. Fox

9:00pm (Seminar Room F)   Grilling Local…With Beer

Presented by Arcadia Ales & The Grillin’ Guys

Hosted by West Side Beer

Saturday, November 19

4:30pm (Seminar Room D)  Chocolate & Beer

Presented by Fred Bueltmann, New Holland Brewing Company

Hosted by Kent Beverage

8:00pm (Seminar Room C)  The History of 4 Classic Breweries:

                                    Sam Smith, Lindeman, Orval  and Ayionger

Presented by John Stanton - MDV

7:30pm (Seminar Room F)   Brewing with the Best Regional Ingredients

Presented by The Boston Beer Co.

Hosted by West Side Beer

Note: Seminars are free with ticket admission (which is $15 per person, plus 50 cents for tasting tickets).