Winter in Michigan is not just a season—it’s an extreme sport. And on Saturday, February 22, the 19th Annual Michigan Winter Beer Festival proved once again that Michiganders are world-class athletes in the art of drinking great beer in ridiculous weather.
Michigan Winter Beer Festival 2025
Michigan brewers brought their A-game—along with their snowmobile suits and trusty Carhartts—to showcase an impressive lineup of fresh, local beer (nearly 500, from what I heard). From bold stouts and bourbon barrel-aged beasts to rich porters, crisp lagers, hop-loaded IPAs, and everything in between, there was no shortage of liquid insulation to keep festival-goers warm and spirits high.
The festival welcomed a few newcomers; at least, they were new to us.
Beer Church Brewing
I can definitely get behind attending regular services at Beer Church Brewing. Dodging another icy blast of wind laced with salt, we ducked into the tent for a visit. Feeling the need for a pick-me-up, Chuck tried the Cardinal Cuppa coffee stout. Robust in taste with a lovely coffee aroma, this beer was just the ticket for a windy winter day. Beer Church Brewing is located in New Buffalo (which is on Lake Michigan, almost to Michigan City – way way over in the far west corner of the state).
Oakestown Brewery
Making their festival debut at this year’s winter beer festival is Oakestown Brewery. Their team was in great spirits as they served some tasty beers. Sticking with the dark theme, Chuck tried the OuninPohja Baltic porter. Dark and smooth, it would be easy to get carried away with this gem. Fun Fact: OuninPohja is a road in Finland that is world-renowned for its rally race, where cars literally fly down this dirt road.
Off the Chain Brewstillery
The wind (seriously, it was a beast this year) decided to turn the Off the Chain Brewstillery pop-up tent into a kite. Head brewer Tshecomah Fisher shared a photo of their tent, which had been out in front of the big tent before it took sail. The tent tribulations didn’t phase the Off the Chain Brewstillery crew, as they had some bodacious brews to serve. As you might guess, Chuck went for the Rusty Spoke sweet stout, which put a big smile on his face thanks to the notes of chocolate and full finish. If you are out in Grand Haven, be sure to stop by Off the Chain.
Get Close to the Fire Pit But Not Too Close
Few things are as satisfying as crowding around a fire pit with a fresh pour of OGMA Brewing’s Nightmare Fyule 2024 Barrel-Aged Beer while your frozen fingers unthaw. Pro tip: Position yourself strategically close enough to feel the heat but not so close that you accidentally catch your coat on fire. I’ve seen this happen, and it is not a pretty sight.
Dance Like Your Body Temperature Depends On It
When the Great Lakes Brass Band comes marching through, don’t just stand there shivering—MOVE.
Not only does dancing keep the blood flowing, but it also burns just enough calories to justify the Stiggs Brewery S’more stout, Camping with Uncle Charlie, which was superb.
Hand Warmers: The MVP of Winter Beer Fest
Tuck hand warmers into your gloves, pockets, boots—anywhere that won’t get you kicked out of the festival. I forgot mine, but luckily, Kelly Ringler came to the rescue with extras—a total lifesaver. You should have seen Chuck’s face when I slipped one into his frozen hand—pure, unfiltered joy.
One of my MFBs (My Favorite Beers) was Flat River’s Pog Freak—a bright, tangy kettle sour that hit just right. At some point, I got separated from my pack and wandered into a massive line. Turns out, it was for Flat River, so I figured, why not? Sometimes, the best beers find you.
Frosty Beer Fashion
Winter Beer Festival fashion is its own unique creature—a blend of survivalist chic and “I found this in my grandma’s attic.” This year did not disappoint. The hats alone were a spectacle: from classic Lions hats to the traditional bomber hats and everything in between.
Then there were the coats—oh, the coats! Several faux furs and at least one person rocking a smoking jacket made with the granny squares. And we have to mention polar bear git-up with a snazzy pink bathrobe.
Then I’m not sure where to put this adornment.
Music
Hannah Rose Graves
Heating up the stage just after the gates opened was Hannah Rose Graves. Her warm and vibrant voice called us to join her in a celebration of music and beer. Hannah and her band played songs off her latest album, Medicine, which beautifully blends country, R&B, and a touch of Motown groove. Beers in hand, people were dancing to the music. Hannah was the spark we needed to make this festival bright.
Caitlin Cusack
Closing out the music for this year’s Winter Beer Fest was Caitlin Cusack. She was a ray of sunshine under the leaden clouds. She played blissfully bright and cheering piano forward music. The sparkle and shine to her music was driven by her voice which is powerful and majestic. Mixing originals with a few choice covers, Caitlin sent us off on a high note.
Raise your Glass and Toast your Friends
Between bands, the crowd proudly belted out the Michigan Great Beer State Fight Song—because nothing unites cold, slightly tipsy people quite like an enthusiastic, slightly off-key singalong. Afterward, there was the Tapping of the Firkin, a moment of community and camaraderie.
Tapping a keg of Mitten Brewing’s Czech Swing (a dark Czech lager) were Colin and Ethan Engel. The twin brothers got to work on the keg like Mario and Luigi.
A couple of solid swings of the Michigan Brewers Guild hammer, and we were enjoying a delightfully dark and smooth beer.
Become an Enthusiast
Enjoying any beer festival is so much easier when you have VIP access, first dibs on the best beers, and bonus MBG swag to layer up in.
Pictures
Check out our photo gallery for more photos from the Michigan Winter Beer Festival 2025.
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