Summer beer fest season may soon be ending, but before it does we’ve got one of the best in the world to drink at. This weekend is The Great Taste Of The Midwest 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. Here’s a look at the fest and fun taking place.
The Great Taste Of The Midwest 2017
The Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild has been putting on the 2nd longest-running craft beer festival in North America for 31 years, and they know how to create an amazing event.
With more than 190 brewers and +1,000 beers to choose from, there’s something for absolutely everyone at the festival. They’ve got an entire tent devoted to real ale and 6 others packed with the best brewers from throughout the midwest. With people spread out at the various tents throughout Olin Park, there’s rarely much wait to get your sample glass filled.
Between the beer, the brewers, the location, and the well-run event, this may truly be the best beer fest in the world and one every beer lover needs to attend.
Great Taste Eve
Having attended the Great Taste numerous years since the mid-’00s, I can say it’s worth heading to Madison even if you don’t have a ticket. Not only might you find one in line at the festival before it opens, but the parties the night before are legendary.
Each year numerous brewers take over bars all around the Madison area and put amazing lineups on tap.
You can find a great lineup of Great Taste Eve events here on the official website and the Wisconsin Distributors has posted this map with various pre-party locations listed. You should also check Facebook and search local beer events in the Madison area Friday, as numerous are listed there too.
All told, there are more than 25 breweries taking over bars around town. There’s sure to be plenty of great beers to try, just make sure not to overindulge, as you have a full day at the fest on Saturday.
Check out the Dane County Farmers’ Market around the Capitol square on Saturday morning. Get some Hot and Spicy Cheese Bread from Stella’s Bakery, a couple pounds of Hook’s Cheese, and a bunch of scones from Chris & Lori’s Bakehouse, before walking to The Great Taste Of The Midwest 2017.
An Awesome Event
Those in Madison this weekend are in for all kinds of beer-filled-fun. Between Great Taste Eve events and the beer fest on Saturday, everyone is sure to sample some of the best beers made in the Midwest.
If you haven’t been to this festival or it’s been a few years since you’ve attended, do yourself a favor and make your way to Madison this weekend. Then mark the calendar for August 11th, 2018 and The Great Taste Of The Midwest 2018. It’s going to be an awesome time.