Craft beer and bacon lovers, this is for you! Racine Downtown hosts its second annual Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk on Saturday, November 4th, 2023. As you walk the streets of downtown, enjoy beer samples from local breweries, paired with delicious bacon and bacon-infused bites across 20 different locations.
Calling all craft beer and bacon lovers. The Downtown Racine Corporation is hosting their 4th annual Beer & Bacon Walk on Saturday, November 4th from 1pm-6pm. Stroll the sidewalks downtown and sample delicious brews paired with bacon-infused bites at twenty downtown locations. Mark your calendars and set your alarms because tickets are expected to sell out fast!
Tickets are $45 and include:
– Admission to event
– 20 3 oz. samples of beer
– 20 bacon-infused bites
– 16oz pint glass
– One 16 oz full-pour of your choice
Who wouldn’t want to pair mouthwatering bacon-infused bites with craft beer?
Some of the bacon-infused bites to be sampled include: Beer and Bacon Cheese Dip
Whiskey Bacon Brownies
Root beer moonshine-soaked bacon corn dog
Mini Chicken Fried Bacon Bites
Mac ‘n cheese with bacon
Bacon Popcorn
Beer & Bacon Cheese Soup
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bacon cupcakes – varied
Some of the beers to be sampled:
Sam Adams Cherry Wheat
Lein Creamy Dark
Bells Eclipse Oberon
Bells Double Cream Stout
Great Lake Christmas Ale
Papa Jacks
New Belg Fruit Force
Whole Hog Oatmeal Pie
Heineken Silver
Alaskan Amber
Hacker-Pschorr Oktobfest 4
Hofbrau Octfest
Lake Louie Badger Club
Alaskan Grizz Coffee
Point Limited Cookies
Hungry yet? Thirsty yet? It all happens Saturday afternoon, November 4th. You can buy them online or get your tickets by calling 262-634-6002.
It’s easy to get to downtown Racine, along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Just head east from I-41/94 via Highway 20 (Exit #333), County K (Exit #329), or Highway 11 (Exit #335) approximately 8 miles; or Highway 38 can bring you in from Milwaukee, and Highway 32 brings you to downtown Racine north from Kenosha and Illinois or south from Oak Creek and Milwaukee’s south suburbs. Lots of options, and lots to do and see once you get there!
Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk Address:
425 Main Street (Highway 20, between Highways 32 & 38)
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-6002 Website
Wisconsin Dells’ own Dells On Tap embraces autumn with a craft beer walk, a 5K dash, and plenty of harvest and other fun activities on Friday, October 13th and Saturday, October 14th. This is on top of all the things there are to throughout the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton areas, from water parks to fun shops, museums, and even the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse along Wisconsin Dells Parkway! Hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23 and check these activities out:
Friday, October 13th:
• Dells Craft Beer Walk – Sample from a huge selection of artisan brews at participating bars while you stroll throughout the downtown Wisconsin Dells area.
Saturday, October 13th:
• Race to the Taps – Enjoy this 5K run/walk to help kick off the event!
• Dells On Tap – One of the Midwest’s premier microbrew beer tasting events, with a slew of Wisconsin-based and other nearby breweries showcasing their original creations. For those of you who want to take the craft experience to another level, you’ll want to get in on our VIP admission. Check out the list of craft breweries participating here!
Wisconsin Dells’ Dells On Tap runs Friday night and Saturday but there is also plenty to do Sunday with the rides, water parks, shops along the main drag, restaurants, and more.
Dells On Tap Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023
9 am – 7 pm Purchase Dells Craft Beer Walk Glasses $20 Advance/$30 Day Of
5 pm – 9 pm Dells Craft Beer Walk
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023
9 am Dells on Tap 5K / Race to the Taps
10:30 am Corn Hole/Bag Toss Tournament
12:30pm Beer Pong Tournament
12 pm – 5 pm Dells On Tap VIP Admission $65 Advance/$80 Day Of
1 pm – 5 pm Dells On Tap General Admission $40 Advance/$55 Day Of
All Day Live Entertainment
You’ll find the festivities in Wisconsin Dells (of course), an easy ride off I-90/94 (Exits 85-92), U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23.
Wisconsin Dells On Tap Address:
200 La Crosse Street
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(800) 223-3557 Event Website
Eagle River has Up North Beerfest back for 2022! It happens with Premier Beer Night Friday, June 10th and the main event Saturday, June 11th. All happens at Hi-Pines Campground.
Walk the red carpet – literally – for Premier Beer Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening. This insider event allows participants to sample beers from a dozen breweries that will not be available during the Saturday main event. The trio Hijinx will play live music while you sip suds and enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are available now for $75.
Saturday’s main event runs from 2pm to 6pm. It includes a sampling glass to taste nearly 100 different beers. A complementary beer guide will direct you to your favorite beer styles – or perhaps to styles you have yet to savor. The People’s Choice, a 9-piece band specializing in classic rock, will provide live entertainment. Food will be available for purchase from the Rotary Club of Eagle River. Advance ticketsare $50 online, $60 at the event.
Parking is available on the grounds for both events, however, many area hotels and lodging places will provide free shuttle transportation to and from Hi-Pines Campground before, during, and after the main event on Saturday. No children, pets, or carry-ins are allowed to the event. Smoking is not allowed under the tented sampling areas.
There are three ways to purchase tickets: Online, via mail, or at these Eagle River locations:
Trig’s Cellar 70 (Liquor Department)
Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
Tribute Brewing Company
You’ve been hibernating long enough. It’s time to enjoy the fresh air up here and taste some delicious beers! Hi-Pines Campground is right along U.S. 45/Highway 17/Highway 32 just north of Eagle River, not far from the World Championship Derby Complex and Tribute Brewing. Highway 70 also bring you to Eagle River, just head north a few miles!
Up North Beerfest Address:
Hi-Pines Campground
1919 U.S. 45 North
Eagle River, WI 54521
(800) 359-6315 Website
The H.H. Hinder Brewing Company presents Hinder Fest 2020, the original festival of Hinders with a slogan of “Don’t touch your face, grab a Hinder!” It’s a fun-filled afternoon and evening Saturday, September 12th, 2020 with great food, live music, and even a new release of a beer called Hinderfest 2.0. Food will be available from Hinder itself along with the Waupaca Lions Club and Aftershock BBQ.
Live music at Hinder Fest includes:
1:00 – 2:30 pm: Amelia Ford
3:00 – 4:30 pm: Red Ben, Laura Bomber, and Chris LaLonde
5:00 – 8:00 pm: Desperate Ottos
8:00 – 10:00pm: Gerry Sloan
Hinder Brewing (pronounced like “hind end,” not like “hindrance”) opened in Waupaca in 2017, filled with great brewing ideas and buttocks-related double entendres. Really, we wouldn’t be shocked if Sir Mix-A-Lot was involved in this place; but it was the brainchild of Mike Stroik, who named Hinder as , in a sense, the opposite of “Hooters” (went to the back end, you might say.) The H. and H. refer to Mike’s father and father-in-law, Howard and Herald.
Hinder Brewing is located in a beautiful building on Churchill Street, refurbished on the inside and out with reclaimed wood and other materials from buildings all over the state, including Algoma, Slinger, and even some brick from Chicago buildings – most date back to original 19th century construction.
Speaking of construction, Hinder’s beer samplers come in a Sprocket, a heavy and impressive custom-made piece of iron that solidly nestles the 5-oz. glasses and you spin your way through them. They really get you in gear for all the brews they craft! (Yes, bad pun, but we do that here.)
The beers at Hinder are brewed on-site with their seven barrel system; at this time, you can’t get their beers elsewhere, so get them here. Beers available when we last visited (August 2020) – complete with names that go with the “Hinder” theme – include their Cafe Keister Coffee Stout; Big Bockside Doppelbock; Craggy 2.0 NEIPA; Butt Lite Light Lager; the 715 Blonde; I Pledge My Assets IPA; Red Tail Amber Ale; El Extremo Mexican Lager; Foundry H2.0, a Helles; GladAss Porter; Schweddy Stout; Pluhm-erz KraK, a Smash Ale; B.A. WeisseAss, a Berliner Weisse; Rumpenheim Altbier; the Hinderweizen Hefeweizen; ze Saison Mure de La Fesse, a Blackberry Saison with probably their fanciest name; and the Special Hinder, a Bitter. For those who prefer wine or mixed beverages, they’ll cover your butts, too.
Hinder is a little southeast of downtown Waupaca, but it’s also easily accessed from the U.S. 10 freeway via the direct Churchill Street exit. Highways 22, 49, and 54 also do end-arounds on the Waupaca Bypass, but come into town and grab a Hinder… why not?
Hinder Fest 2020 Address:
Hinder Brewing Company
804 Churchill Street
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 942-8018 Website
Madison Craft Beer Week promotes Madison’s thriving craft beer culture, enhancing beer knowledge and appreciation by sponsoring a ten-day countywide festival that attracts beer tourism, fosters knowledge of our regional brewing heritage, and serves as a showcase for the Madison area’s breweries, restaurants, pubs, caterers, retailers, entertainers, and other businesses with ties to the craft beer community.
Madison Craft Beer Week features a wide variety of events highlighting Dane County’s vibrant craft beer culture. MCBW features beer dinners, festivals, rare bottle tastings, cheese pairings, brewery tours, classes, movies, and more – there is truly something for everyone, from novices to connoisseurs. Craft beer week activities may include:
The 11th annual Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest brings a ton of brewers and cheesemakers from around Wisconsin and adjoining states to Madison, where you can meet and mingle with them while sampling hundreds of varieties. This is quite the warm, happy, and fun celebration right in the midst of winter.
The Isthmus is celebrating 11 years of the Beer & Cheese Fest, and in true Spinal Tap salute, they’re “turning it up to 11” with more breweries and cheesemakers than ever! Piano Fondue Dueling Pianos will perform and take requests; Silent Disco will also be there providing entertainment.
General admission tickets ($50) grant festival entry from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. and include unlimited sampling and an Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest tasting glass. “Premium Tickets” ($85) allow for a more intimate atmosphere with early access to exclusive tappings & tastings from noon – 2 p.m. Premium Ticket purchases also include an official Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest t-shirt, a tasting glass, and a meal from their Food Court Cart inside the Alliant Energy Center. Either way, it’s a great afternoon experiencing some of Wisconsin’s best eats and drinks.
Tickets tend to sell out every year, so if you want to go, score them sooner rather than later. Of course, you must be 21 to attend. Shuttle rides are available from HopCat (222 W. Gorham Street), Great Dane’s Hilldale location (357 Price Place), and One Barrel Brewing Company (2001 Atwood Avenue.) Parking for the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall is accessible through the Main Gate and costs $7. A coat check (it’ll be January, after all) will be available for $2. You can purchase tickets online here. starting October 3rd, 2019.
You’ll find the Alliant Energy Center on Madison’s south side, right off the Beltline (U.S. 12 & U.S. 18) near Rimrock Road and John Nolen Drive. U.S. 14, 51, and 151 and Highways 30 and 113 are all nearby.
Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 251-5627 Website Facebook Event Page
Need a reason to hit Bayfield this weekend? Perfect! The Fall Brew Weekend is happening at the Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield October 25th & 26th.
This is where Old Rittenhouse Inn partners with South Shore Brewery to present a weekend of great regional beer and pub fare with a gourmet flair. Over the weekend you can celebrate the joy of fresh micro-brewed beers and delicious food. The schedule includes a beer tasting with appetizer buffet on Friday, an afternoon brewery tour and tasting on Saturday, and a 6-course dinner on Saturday night with craft brews selected to match each dish.
Bayfield is located along Highway 13 on the shores of Lake Superior, about 15 minutes north of U.S. 2. U.S. 63 brings you towards Bayfield from the Hayward, Spooner, and Twin Cities areas; U.S. 51 north through the North Woods sends you toward U.S. 2 for the connection to Bayfield, too. Enjoy Bayfield, nearby Madeline Island, and great brews and food at the Fall Brew Weekend!
Fall Brew Weekend Address:
Old Rittenhouse Inn
301 Rittenhouse Avenue
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-5111 Website
Read details about schedules and packages below!
Weekend events are included in our discount lodging package, but can also be booked a’ la carte.
A’LA CARTE: OCTOBER 25-26, 2019
Beer Tasting and Reception
Friday, October 25 from 7-9pm
Enjoy a variety of brews to sample, and a buffet of gourmet appetizers and desserts. Meet expert brewers from South Shore Brewery. Swap stories, and meet new friends in a fun, casual atmosphere. Taste hoppy beers, fest brews, dark beers, and a special surprise brew from SSB. This event is included in the weekend package, or available ala carte for $50/person, plus 20% gratuity and tax. This event is held at Le Chateau, located at 7 Rice Avenue, Bayfield WI.
Brewery Tour and Tasting
Saturday, October 26 (time TBD)
During Saturday’s brewery tour, journey to nearby Washburn for a visit to the South Shore Brewery, where you’ll sample their fine beers and take a guided tour. This event and transportation to the Brewery is included in the weekend package, or available ala carte for $60/person, plus 20% gratuity and tax.
Fall Brew Dinner
Saturday, October 26 from 6:30-8:30pm
Save room for Saturday evening’s 6-Course Fall Brew Dinner where each course is accompanied by a tasty brew selected to compliment the food. Includes appetizer, salad, sorbet, entree and dessert. This event is included in the weekend package, or available ala carte for $75/person. plus 20% gratuity and tax.
The Kiwanis Fall Fest of Ale in Janesville offers an evening filled with beer, food, music and now, wine! Sample and enjoy over 105 different beverages – a combination of breweries and wineries from all over the Midwest and locations as far away as Alaska – plus all-you-can-eat sample foods from local businesses. Also enjoy live music by the Ryan McGrath Band. The Janesville Kiwanis Fall Fest-Of-Ale is a premier beer tasting event bringing together some of the finest microbrews, wines, spiked beverages and more from around Wisconsin and Illinois.
The Oktoberfest & Fall Fest of Ale is in a NEW LOCATION this year, at the Pontiac Convention Center. Still easy to get to! You can reach the Fall Fest of Ale event via I-39/90 at the U.S. 14 exit, which is also within blocks of Highway 26 on Janesville’s north side.
Fall Fest of Ale (and Wine!) Address:
Pontiac Conference Center
2809 N. Pontiac Drive
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 754-3696 Website
Great Lakes Brew Fest takes place Saturday, September 14th in Racine. The 2019 Festival Theme is Woodstock’s 50 years! The Fest features unlimited sampling of more than 450 craft beers and sodas from over 100 brewers, plus many food trucks with a variety of food offerings, all on the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan at the Racine Zoological Gardens just north of downtown.
All paid attendees will receive a souvenir tasting glass, and local restaurants will have plenty of menu items available for purchase. Doors open at 3pm; VIP members begin at 2 (they get first crack at everything, you see.) The festival also features live music including performances by the world renowned Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps, the internationally-acclaimed group for whom the Great Lakes Brew Fest helps raise money for. There will be more music from Duosonic.
The Great Lakes Brew Fest also serves as the host of the Schooner Home Brew Championship. Home Brew Island will also welcome groups like the Beer Barons of Milwaukee, the Brain Roasters Guild of Pleasant Prairie, Central Wisconsin Vintners & Brewers from Fond du Lac, Society of Oshkosh Brewers, Chicago Home Brewers Group, Square Kegs Homebrewers from Chicago, Forest City Brewers from Rockford, North Shore Brewers Club from Milwaukee, Dells Unified Frequent Fermenters (D.U.F.F.) from Reedsburg, Racine’s own Belle City Home Brewers, and more.
You must be at least 21 to attend. This is an adult event and all attendees must be of legal drinking age to participate. Children, toddlers, babies or pets are not permitted. However, at other times they are welcome to enjoy the Racine Zoological Gardens, because it’s a terrific zoo!
General Admission tickets are $50; a Basic Designated Driver Fest Pass is $20, which includes admission, a fest pint glass, and complimentary soda and water. A VIP Fest Pass runs $90 and includes early admission (2pm instead of 3pm), a commemorative stein and a pint glass, sausage and cheese sampling, a VIP Lounge area, and secure article check-in, and a $10 voucher off “festival swag.” Get all the ticket details here!
To reach Great Lakes Brew Fest, access Racine via Highways 11, 20, 32, or 38. Downtown Racine is about 8 miles east of I-41/94 and about 4 miles east of Highway 31. The Racine Zoological Gardens is just north of downtown along Lake Michigan via Highway 32, just follow the signs.
Sheboygan is a fantastic town for German heritage, brats, and beer! The 8th Street Ale Haus Oktoberfest celebrates this heritage Friday, September 13th and Saturday, September 14th. 8th Street Ale Haus always has at least 100 beers available, but this particular weekend they’ll have extra on hand for everyone showing up in lederhosen – or whatever clothes, really.
Of course, beer will be involved. 8th Street Ale Haus will also feature terrific German food, HAMMERSCHLAGEN (the game where you drive nails into a huge tree trunk), German Potato Salad Contest, keg tapping, and live music with the Charlie Bucket Band, The Waltzmeister, the Newton Brass Band, and The Honeygoats. Check out the full schedule below!
You can get to the 8th Street Ale Haus heading east on Highway 23, continuing past its end, and going south on 8th Street. Highways 28 and 42 come together close by, and I-43 is just a few miles to the west.
8th Street Ale Haus Oktoberfest Address:
1132 N. 8th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 208-7540 Website
Belle City Brewfest convenes in downtown Racine Saturday, March 9th! Over 90 varieties of craft brews from 40 breweries will descend on Festival Hall at the Civic Centre showcasing their brands for unlimited tastings of beer and cider, including newer local breweries like Racine Brewing Company just down the street, R’Noggin Brewing of Kenosha, and more! There will also be live entertainment and beer seminars; judge the Homebrew Competition, enjoy live music from Mean Jake, and all in all just have a great Saturday!
Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the gate. Tickets include a souvenir cup and live entertainment along with a complete festival guide. Designated drivers can get in for $8 and get free soda or water plus full access to all beer seminars and the live entertainment. You can go to the Belle City Brewfest website or buy them directly from Ticketmaster here. A portion of the proceeds benefit Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin.
Belle City Brewfest will take place inside Festival Hall at Racine Civic Centre, which is right downtown and close to other favorite venues like the Racine Art Museum, Reefpoint Marina, even the Kewpee for burgers. Stay updated with their Facebook page.
You can get to downtown Racine from I-41/94 or Highway 31 via Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38.
Belle City Brewfest Address:
Festival Hall, Racine Civic Centre
5 5th Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-9229 Website
Lancaster Brews and Blues is a music and beer festival celebrating some of Wisconsin and the nation’s greatest cultural assets! Situated on U.S. Highway 61, the Blues Highway (also the highway “revisited” from Bob Dylan’s classic album), Lancaster offers the perfect backdrop for a festival full of good beats and good treats.
Sip some of Wisconsin’s finest microbrews and enjoy the sounds of one of America’s original musical genres. Music, beer, food, and fun, brought to us by the Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce & the City of Lancaster. What more could you ask for on a Wisconsin summer day? 21 and older only.
Tickets are $25, which includes a souvenir festival tasting glass and unlimited samples! Designated Drivers can attend and enjoy non-alcoholic beverages for $10. The music and such, too.
Bands include The Jimmys and Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo; breweries and wineries participating include:
Beer has a long, illustrious history as the centerpiece of many parties and events, especially here in Milwaukee. With this in mind, the Milwaukee Public Museum on Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee will open its doors after hours and add another chapter to that story. The Milwaukee Public Museum’s 18th Annual Food & Froth Fest will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 from 7 – 10 p.m.
Food & Froth will feature over 200 different beers from more than 70 breweries, including Midwest treasures such as Summit Brewing Co., which is making its Food & Froth debut, and international favorites like Germany’s Krombacher Brauerei. Nibble on tasty bites from Screamin’ Sicilian frozen pizza, sampling a fully loaded pizza perfect for pairing with beer, as well as many other treats from local restaurants and caterers. Additionally there will be live music on all three exhibit floors, including a performance by The Whiskey Belles.
Food & Froth tickets are $75 for members and $125 for VIP tickets. VIP tickets include 5:30 p.m. entrance into the special VIP room filled with exclusive craft beers, a smorgasbord of unlimited savories and sweets, and 6:00 p.m. early entry into the event.
Tickets are available by calling (414) 278-2728 or (888) 700-9069 during museum hours. Admission fee covers all food, beer and live entertainment. You must be at least 21 years of age to attend, and a valid identification and ticket are required for entrance into the event.
The Milwaukee Public Museum is right along U.S. 18 (Wells Street) in downtown Milwaukee, within blocks of I-43, I-94, the south end of Highway 145, and also close to Highway 32 (Broadway/Milwaukee Street), Highway 38 (5th/6th Street south of downtown), Highway 59 (National Avenue), and I-794.
Start:
February 20, 2016 7:00 pm
End:
February 20, 2016 10:00 pm
Venue:
Milwaukee Public Museum
Phone:
414-278-2728
Address:
800 W. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, United States
This premier beer-tasting and brew-teaching event bring great beer, breweries, and people from across the Great Lakes Region to the Harley-Davidson Museum® on October 23 & 24th, 2015. There will be three tasting sessions (Friday 4:30-9:00, Saturday 11:00-3:30, and Saturday 4:30-9:00) and eight 50-minute classes (Friday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 2:00, 3:00 and Saturday at 9:00, and 10:00) taught by brewers Randy Mosher, John Palmer, Stan Hieronymus, and Dr. Brad Smith.
Each brewery will bring a Taproom-Only Beer and/or a Rare Limited-Release Option for each of the three sessions. There is an extensive list of breweries participating, see their website for the full list!
The Harley-Davidson Museum is just south of downtown Milwaukee in the Menomonee Valley, along 6th Street. Highway 145 begins just blocks to the north and Highway 38 begins just blocks to the south, at Highway 59/National Avenue. I-43/94 and I-794 are nearby, as are U.S. 18 and Highway 32.
Start:
October 23, 2015
End:
October 24, 2015
Venue:
Harley Davidson Museum
Phone:
877-436-8738
Address:
400 W. Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53201, United States
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Beer
November 4, 2023
Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk
Craft beer and bacon lovers, this is for you! Racine Downtown hosts its second annual Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk on Saturday, November 4th, 2023. As you walk the streets of downtown, enjoy beer samples from local breweries, paired with delicious bacon and bacon-infused bites across 20 different locations.
Calling all craft beer and bacon lovers. The Downtown Racine Corporation is hosting their 4th annual Beer & Bacon Walk on Saturday, November 4th from 1pm-6pm. Stroll the sidewalks downtown and sample delicious brews paired with bacon-infused bites at twenty downtown locations. Mark your calendars and set your alarms because tickets are expected to sell out fast!
Tickets are $45 and include:
– Admission to event
– 20 3 oz. samples of beer
– 20 bacon-infused bites
– 16oz pint glass
– One 16 oz full-pour of your choice
Who wouldn’t want to pair mouthwatering bacon-infused bites with craft beer?
Some of the bacon-infused bites to be sampled include:
Beer and Bacon Cheese Dip
Whiskey Bacon Brownies
Root beer moonshine-soaked bacon corn dog
Mini Chicken Fried Bacon Bites
Mac ‘n cheese with bacon
Bacon Popcorn
Beer & Bacon Cheese Soup
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bacon cupcakes – varied
Some of the beers to be sampled:
Sam Adams Cherry Wheat
Lein Creamy Dark
Bells Eclipse Oberon
Bells Double Cream Stout
Great Lake Christmas Ale
Papa Jacks
New Belg Fruit Force
Whole Hog Oatmeal Pie
Heineken Silver
Alaskan Amber
Hacker-Pschorr Oktobfest 4
Hofbrau Octfest
Lake Louie Badger Club
Alaskan Grizz Coffee
Point Limited Cookies
Hungry yet? Thirsty yet? It all happens Saturday afternoon, November 4th. You can buy them online or get your tickets by calling 262-634-6002.
It’s easy to get to downtown Racine, along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Just head east from I-41/94 via Highway 20 (Exit #333), County K (Exit #329), or Highway 11 (Exit #335) approximately 8 miles; or Highway 38 can bring you in from Milwaukee, and Highway 32 brings you to downtown Racine north from Kenosha and Illinois or south from Oak Creek and Milwaukee’s south suburbs. Lots of options, and lots to do and see once you get there!
Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk Address:
425 Main Street (Highway 20, between Highways 32 & 38)
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-6002
Website
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
October 14, 2023
Dells On Tap
Wisconsin Dells’ own Dells On Tap embraces autumn with a craft beer walk, a 5K dash, and plenty of harvest and other fun activities on Friday, October 13th and Saturday, October 14th. This is on top of all the things there are to throughout the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton areas, from water parks to fun shops, museums, and even the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse along Wisconsin Dells Parkway! Hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23 and check these activities out:
Friday, October 13th:
• Dells Craft Beer Walk – Sample from a huge selection of artisan brews at participating bars while you stroll throughout the downtown Wisconsin Dells area.
Saturday, October 13th:
• Race to the Taps – Enjoy this 5K run/walk to help kick off the event!
• Dells On Tap – One of the Midwest’s premier microbrew beer tasting events, with a slew of Wisconsin-based and other nearby breweries showcasing their original creations. For those of you who want to take the craft experience to another level, you’ll want to get in on our VIP admission. Check out the list of craft breweries participating here!
Wisconsin Dells’ Dells On Tap runs Friday night and Saturday but there is also plenty to do Sunday with the rides, water parks, shops along the main drag, restaurants, and more.
Dells On Tap Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023
9 am – 7 pm Purchase Dells Craft Beer Walk Glasses $20 Advance/$30 Day Of
5 pm – 9 pm Dells Craft Beer Walk
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023
9 am Dells on Tap 5K / Race to the Taps
10:30 am Corn Hole/Bag Toss Tournament
12:30pm Beer Pong Tournament
12 pm – 5 pm Dells On Tap VIP Admission $65 Advance/$80 Day Of
1 pm – 5 pm Dells On Tap General Admission $40 Advance/$55 Day Of
All Day Live Entertainment
You’ll find the festivities in Wisconsin Dells (of course), an easy ride off I-90/94 (Exits 85-92), U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23.
Wisconsin Dells On Tap Address:
200 La Crosse Street
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(800) 223-3557
Event Website
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
June 10, 2022 – June 11, 2022
Up North Beerfest
Walk the red carpet – literally – for Premier Beer Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening. This insider event allows participants to sample beers from a dozen breweries that will not be available during the Saturday main event. The trio Hijinx will play live music while you sip suds and enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are available now for $75.
Saturday’s main event runs from 2pm to 6pm. It includes a sampling glass to taste nearly 100 different beers. A complementary beer guide will direct you to your favorite beer styles – or perhaps to styles you have yet to savor. The People’s Choice, a 9-piece band specializing in classic rock, will provide live entertainment. Food will be available for purchase from the Rotary Club of Eagle River. Advance tickets are $50 online, $60 at the event.
Parking is available on the grounds for both events, however, many area hotels and lodging places will provide free shuttle transportation to and from Hi-Pines Campground before, during, and after the main event on Saturday. No children, pets, or carry-ins are allowed to the event. Smoking is not allowed under the tented sampling areas.
Breweries participating include:
Bare Bones Brewery, Oshkosh
Barrel 41 Brewing, Neenah
Bent Paddle Brewing, Duluth, MN
Crystal Lake Brewing, Crystal Lake, IL
Fox River Brewing, Oshkosh
Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee
Leinenkugel Brewing, Chippewa Falls
Mosinee Brewing, Mosinee
New Glarus Brewing, New Glarus
O’so Brewing, Plover
Pecatonica Brewing, Gratiot
Rebellion Brewing, Cedarburg
Rhinelander Brewing, Rhinelander
Rocky Reef Brewing, Woodruff
Some Nerve Brewing, Manitowish Waters
South Shore Brewery, Ashland
Stone Arch Brewing, Appleton
Third Space Brewing, Milwaukee
Titletown Brewing, Green Bay
Tribute Brewing, Eagle River
Tumbled Rock Brewing, Baraboo
Wisconsin Brewing, Verona
There are three ways to purchase tickets: Online, via mail, or at these Eagle River locations:
Trig’s Cellar 70 (Liquor Department)
Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
Tribute Brewing Company
You’ve been hibernating long enough. It’s time to enjoy the fresh air up here and taste some delicious beers! Hi-Pines Campground is right along U.S. 45/Highway 17/Highway 32 just north of Eagle River, not far from the World Championship Derby Complex and Tribute Brewing. Highway 70 also bring you to Eagle River, just head north a few miles!
Up North Beerfest Address:
Hi-Pines Campground
1919 U.S. 45 North
Eagle River, WI 54521
(800) 359-6315
Website
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September 12, 2020
Hinder Fest at Hinder Brewing Company, Waupaca
The H.H. Hinder Brewing Company presents Hinder Fest 2020, the original festival of Hinders with a slogan of “Don’t touch your face, grab a Hinder!” It’s a fun-filled afternoon and evening Saturday, September 12th, 2020 with great food, live music, and even a new release of a beer called Hinderfest 2.0. Food will be available from Hinder itself along with the Waupaca Lions Club and Aftershock BBQ.
Live music at Hinder Fest includes:
1:00 – 2:30 pm: Amelia Ford
3:00 – 4:30 pm: Red Ben, Laura Bomber, and Chris LaLonde
5:00 – 8:00 pm: Desperate Ottos
8:00 – 10:00pm: Gerry Sloan
Hinder Brewing (pronounced like “hind end,” not like “hindrance”) opened in Waupaca in 2017, filled with great brewing ideas and buttocks-related double entendres. Really, we wouldn’t be shocked if Sir Mix-A-Lot was involved in this place; but it was the brainchild of Mike Stroik, who named Hinder as , in a sense, the opposite of “Hooters” (went to the back end, you might say.) The H. and H. refer to Mike’s father and father-in-law, Howard and Herald.
Hinder Brewing is located in a beautiful building on Churchill Street, refurbished on the inside and out with reclaimed wood and other materials from buildings all over the state, including Algoma, Slinger, and even some brick from Chicago buildings – most date back to original 19th century construction.
Speaking of construction, Hinder’s beer samplers come in a Sprocket, a heavy and impressive custom-made piece of iron that solidly nestles the 5-oz. glasses and you spin your way through them. They really get you in gear for all the brews they craft! (Yes, bad pun, but we do that here.)
The beers at Hinder are brewed on-site with their seven barrel system; at this time, you can’t get their beers elsewhere, so get them here. Beers available when we last visited (August 2020) – complete with names that go with the “Hinder” theme – include their Cafe Keister Coffee Stout; Big Bockside Doppelbock; Craggy 2.0 NEIPA; Butt Lite Light Lager; the 715 Blonde; I Pledge My Assets IPA; Red Tail Amber Ale; El Extremo Mexican Lager; Foundry H2.0, a Helles; GladAss Porter; Schweddy Stout; Pluhm-erz KraK, a Smash Ale; B.A. WeisseAss, a Berliner Weisse; Rumpenheim Altbier; the Hinderweizen Hefeweizen; ze Saison Mure de La Fesse, a Blackberry Saison with probably their fanciest name; and the Special Hinder, a Bitter. For those who prefer wine or mixed beverages, they’ll cover your butts, too.
Hinder is a little southeast of downtown Waupaca, but it’s also easily accessed from the U.S. 10 freeway via the direct Churchill Street exit. Highways 22, 49, and 54 also do end-arounds on the Waupaca Bypass, but come into town and grab a Hinder… why not?
Hinder Fest 2020 Address:
Hinder Brewing Company
804 Churchill Street
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 942-8018
Website
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April 24, 2020 – May 3, 2020
Madison Craft Beer Week
Madison Craft Beer Week promotes Madison’s thriving craft beer culture, enhancing beer knowledge and appreciation by sponsoring a ten-day countywide festival that attracts beer tourism, fosters knowledge of our regional brewing heritage, and serves as a showcase for the Madison area’s breweries, restaurants, pubs, caterers, retailers, entertainers, and other businesses with ties to the craft beer community.
Check madcraftbeerweek.com for updates. This year, it runs April 24 – May 3, 2020!
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January 18, 2020
Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest
The 11th annual Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest brings a ton of brewers and cheesemakers from around Wisconsin and adjoining states to Madison, where you can meet and mingle with them while sampling hundreds of varieties. This is quite the warm, happy, and fun celebration right in the midst of winter.
The Isthmus is celebrating 11 years of the Beer & Cheese Fest, and in true Spinal Tap salute, they’re “turning it up to 11” with more breweries and cheesemakers than ever! Piano Fondue Dueling Pianos will perform and take requests; Silent Disco will also be there providing entertainment.
General admission tickets ($50) grant festival entry from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. and include unlimited sampling and an Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest tasting glass. “Premium Tickets” ($85) allow for a more intimate atmosphere with early access to exclusive tappings & tastings from noon – 2 p.m. Premium Ticket purchases also include an official Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest t-shirt, a tasting glass, and a meal from their Food Court Cart inside the Alliant Energy Center. Either way, it’s a great afternoon experiencing some of Wisconsin’s best eats and drinks.
Tickets tend to sell out every year, so if you want to go, score them sooner rather than later. Of course, you must be 21 to attend. Shuttle rides are available from HopCat (222 W. Gorham Street), Great Dane’s Hilldale location (357 Price Place), and One Barrel Brewing Company (2001 Atwood Avenue.) Parking for the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall is accessible through the Main Gate and costs $7. A coat check (it’ll be January, after all) will be available for $2. You can purchase tickets online here. starting October 3rd, 2019.
You’ll find the Alliant Energy Center on Madison’s south side, right off the Beltline (U.S. 12 & U.S. 18) near Rimrock Road and John Nolen Drive. U.S. 14, 51, and 151 and Highways 30 and 113 are all nearby.
Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 251-5627
Website
Facebook Event Page
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October 25, 2019 – October 26, 2019
Fall Brew Weekend, Bayfield
This is where Old Rittenhouse Inn partners with South Shore Brewery to present a weekend of great regional beer and pub fare with a gourmet flair. Over the weekend you can celebrate the joy of fresh micro-brewed beers and delicious food. The schedule includes a beer tasting with appetizer buffet on Friday, an afternoon brewery tour and tasting on Saturday, and a 6-course dinner on Saturday night with craft brews selected to match each dish.
Bayfield is located along Highway 13 on the shores of Lake Superior, about 15 minutes north of U.S. 2. U.S. 63 brings you towards Bayfield from the Hayward, Spooner, and Twin Cities areas; U.S. 51 north through the North Woods sends you toward U.S. 2 for the connection to Bayfield, too. Enjoy Bayfield, nearby Madeline Island, and great brews and food at the Fall Brew Weekend!
Fall Brew Weekend Address:
Old Rittenhouse Inn
301 Rittenhouse Avenue
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-5111
Website
Read details about schedules and packages below!
Weekend events are included in our discount lodging package, but can also be booked a’ la carte.
A’LA CARTE: OCTOBER 25-26, 2019
Beer Tasting and Reception
Friday, October 25 from 7-9pm
Enjoy a variety of brews to sample, and a buffet of gourmet appetizers and desserts. Meet expert brewers from South Shore Brewery. Swap stories, and meet new friends in a fun, casual atmosphere. Taste hoppy beers, fest brews, dark beers, and a special surprise brew from SSB. This event is included in the weekend package, or available ala carte for $50/person, plus 20% gratuity and tax. This event is held at Le Chateau, located at 7 Rice Avenue, Bayfield WI.
Brewery Tour and Tasting
Saturday, October 26 (time TBD)
During Saturday’s brewery tour, journey to nearby Washburn for a visit to the South Shore Brewery, where you’ll sample their fine beers and take a guided tour. This event and transportation to the Brewery is included in the weekend package, or available ala carte for $60/person, plus 20% gratuity and tax.
Fall Brew Dinner
Saturday, October 26 from 6:30-8:30pm
Save room for Saturday evening’s 6-Course Fall Brew Dinner where each course is accompanied by a tasty brew selected to compliment the food. Includes appetizer, salad, sorbet, entree and dessert. This event is included in the weekend package, or available ala carte for $75/person. plus 20% gratuity and tax.
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October 18, 2019
Fall Fest of Ale
The Kiwanis Fall Fest of Ale in Janesville offers an evening filled with beer, food, music and now, wine! Sample and enjoy over 105 different beverages – a combination of breweries and wineries from all over the Midwest and locations as far away as Alaska – plus all-you-can-eat sample foods from local businesses. Also enjoy live music by the Ryan McGrath Band. The Janesville Kiwanis Fall Fest-Of-Ale is a premier beer tasting event bringing together some of the finest microbrews, wines, spiked beverages and more from around Wisconsin and Illinois.
The Oktoberfest & Fall Fest of Ale is in a NEW LOCATION this year, at the Pontiac Convention Center. Still easy to get to! You can reach the Fall Fest of Ale event via I-39/90 at the U.S. 14 exit, which is also within blocks of Highway 26 on Janesville’s north side.
Fall Fest of Ale (and Wine!) Address:
Pontiac Conference Center
2809 N. Pontiac Drive
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 754-3696
Website
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September 14, 2019
Great Lakes Brew Fest
Great Lakes Brew Fest takes place Saturday, September 14th in Racine. The 2019 Festival Theme is Woodstock’s 50 years! The Fest features unlimited sampling of more than 450 craft beers and sodas from over 100 brewers, plus many food trucks with a variety of food offerings, all on the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan at the Racine Zoological Gardens just north of downtown.
All paid attendees will receive a souvenir tasting glass, and local restaurants will have plenty of menu items available for purchase. Doors open at 3pm; VIP members begin at 2 (they get first crack at everything, you see.) The festival also features live music including performances by the world renowned Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps, the internationally-acclaimed group for whom the Great Lakes Brew Fest helps raise money for. There will be more music from Duosonic.
The Great Lakes Brew Fest also serves as the host of the Schooner Home Brew Championship. Home Brew Island will also welcome groups like the Beer Barons of Milwaukee, the Brain Roasters Guild of Pleasant Prairie, Central Wisconsin Vintners & Brewers from Fond du Lac, Society of Oshkosh Brewers, Chicago Home Brewers Group, Square Kegs Homebrewers from Chicago, Forest City Brewers from Rockford, North Shore Brewers Club from Milwaukee, Dells Unified Frequent Fermenters (D.U.F.F.) from Reedsburg, Racine’s own Belle City Home Brewers, and more.
General Admission tickets are $50; a Basic Designated Driver Fest Pass is $20, which includes admission, a fest pint glass, and complimentary soda and water. A VIP Fest Pass runs $90 and includes early admission (2pm instead of 3pm), a commemorative stein and a pint glass, sausage and cheese sampling, a VIP Lounge area, and secure article check-in, and a $10 voucher off “festival swag.” Get all the ticket details here!
To reach Great Lakes Brew Fest, access Racine via Highways 11, 20, 32, or 38. Downtown Racine is about 8 miles east of I-41/94 and about 4 miles east of Highway 31. The Racine Zoological Gardens is just north of downtown along Lake Michigan via Highway 32, just follow the signs.
TICKETS ARE ALMOST GONE – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS!
Great Lakes Brew Fest Address:
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 634-2100
Website
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September 13, 2019 – September 14, 2019
8th Street Ale Haus Oktoberfest
Sheboygan is a fantastic town for German heritage, brats, and beer! The 8th Street Ale Haus Oktoberfest celebrates this heritage Friday, September 13th and Saturday, September 14th. 8th Street Ale Haus always has at least 100 beers available, but this particular weekend they’ll have extra on hand for everyone showing up in lederhosen – or whatever clothes, really.
Of course, beer will be involved. 8th Street Ale Haus will also feature terrific German food, HAMMERSCHLAGEN (the game where you drive nails into a huge tree trunk), German Potato Salad Contest, keg tapping, and live music with the Charlie Bucket Band, The Waltzmeister, the Newton Brass Band, and The Honeygoats. Check out the full schedule below!
You can get to the 8th Street Ale Haus heading east on Highway 23, continuing past its end, and going south on 8th Street. Highways 28 and 42 come together close by, and I-43 is just a few miles to the west.
8th Street Ale Haus Oktoberfest Address:
1132 N. 8th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 208-7540
Website
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March 9, 2019
Belle City Brewfest
Belle City Brewfest convenes in downtown Racine Saturday, March 9th! Over 90 varieties of craft brews from 40 breweries will descend on Festival Hall at the Civic Centre showcasing their brands for unlimited tastings of beer and cider, including newer local breweries like Racine Brewing Company just down the street, R’Noggin Brewing of Kenosha, and more! There will also be live entertainment and beer seminars; judge the Homebrew Competition, enjoy live music from Mean Jake, and all in all just have a great Saturday!
Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the gate. Tickets include a souvenir cup and live entertainment along with a complete festival guide. Designated drivers can get in for $8 and get free soda or water plus full access to all beer seminars and the live entertainment. You can go to the Belle City Brewfest website or buy them directly from Ticketmaster here. A portion of the proceeds benefit Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin.
Belle City Brewfest will take place inside Festival Hall at Racine Civic Centre, which is right downtown and close to other favorite venues like the Racine Art Museum, Reefpoint Marina, even the Kewpee for burgers. Stay updated with their Facebook page.
You can get to downtown Racine from I-41/94 or Highway 31 via Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38.
Belle City Brewfest Address:
Festival Hall, Racine Civic Centre
5 5th Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-9229
Website
Participating brewers include:
…and more!
More from Real Racine
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June 17, 2017
Lancaster Brews & Blues
Lancaster Brews and Blues is a music and beer festival celebrating some of Wisconsin and the nation’s greatest cultural assets! Situated on U.S. Highway 61, the Blues Highway (also the highway “revisited” from Bob Dylan’s classic album), Lancaster offers the perfect backdrop for a festival full of good beats and good treats.
Sip some of Wisconsin’s finest microbrews and enjoy the sounds of one of America’s original musical genres. Music, beer, food, and fun, brought to us by the Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce & the City of Lancaster. What more could you ask for on a Wisconsin summer day? 21 and older only.
Tickets are $25, which includes a souvenir festival tasting glass and unlimited samples! Designated Drivers can attend and enjoy non-alcoholic beverages for $10. The music and such, too.
Bands include The Jimmys and Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo; breweries and wineries participating include:
Lancaster Brews & Blues Festival Address:
Schriener Memorial Library Park
113 W. Elm Street
Lancaster, WI 53813
(608) 723-2820
Website
You’ll find Lancaster via U.S. 61 and Highway 35 or Highway 81. Check out the beautiful dome at the Grant County Courthouse while you’re there!
February 20, 2016
Food & Froth at the Milwaukee Public Museum
Beer has a long, illustrious history as the centerpiece of many parties and events, especially here in Milwaukee. With this in mind, the Milwaukee Public Museum on Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee will open its doors after hours and add another chapter to that story. The Milwaukee Public Museum’s 18th Annual Food & Froth Fest will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 from 7 – 10 p.m.
Food & Froth will feature over 200 different beers from more than 70 breweries, including Midwest treasures such as Summit Brewing Co., which is making its Food & Froth debut, and international favorites like Germany’s Krombacher Brauerei. Nibble on tasty bites from Screamin’ Sicilian frozen pizza, sampling a fully loaded pizza perfect for pairing with beer, as well as many other treats from local restaurants and caterers. Additionally there will be live music on all three exhibit floors, including a performance by The Whiskey Belles.
Food & Froth tickets are $75 for members and $125 for VIP tickets. VIP tickets include 5:30 p.m. entrance into the special VIP room filled with exclusive craft beers, a smorgasbord of unlimited savories and sweets, and 6:00 p.m. early entry into the event.
Tickets are available by calling (414) 278-2728 or (888) 700-9069 during museum hours. Admission fee covers all food, beer and live entertainment. You must be at least 21 years of age to attend, and a valid identification and ticket are required for entrance into the event.
Proceeds benefit the Museum’s exhibits and educational programs. Get all the details here!
The Milwaukee Public Museum is right along U.S. 18 (Wells Street) in downtown Milwaukee, within blocks of I-43, I-94, the south end of Highway 145, and also close to Highway 32 (Broadway/Milwaukee Street), Highway 38 (5th/6th Street south of downtown), Highway 59 (National Avenue), and I-794.
October 23, 2015 – October 24, 2015
Wisconsin Craft Beer Festival
This premier beer-tasting and brew-teaching event bring great beer, breweries, and people from across the Great Lakes Region to the Harley-Davidson Museum® on October 23 & 24th, 2015. There will be three tasting sessions (Friday 4:30-9:00, Saturday 11:00-3:30, and Saturday 4:30-9:00) and eight 50-minute classes (Friday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 2:00, 3:00 and Saturday at 9:00, and 10:00) taught by brewers Randy Mosher, John Palmer, Stan Hieronymus, and Dr. Brad Smith.
Each brewery will bring a Taproom-Only Beer and/or a Rare Limited-Release Option for each of the three sessions. There is an extensive list of breweries participating, see their website for the full list!
The Harley-Davidson Museum is just south of downtown Milwaukee in the Menomonee Valley, along 6th Street. Highway 145 begins just blocks to the north and Highway 38 begins just blocks to the south, at Highway 59/National Avenue. I-43/94 and I-794 are nearby, as are U.S. 18 and Highway 32.