Michigan Summer Beer Festival in Ypsilanti Returns with New Format, Over 100 Breweries Expected

The Michigan Brewers Guild's 26th Annual Summer Beer Festival in Ypsilanti returns on July 25-26 with notable changes, especially on Saturday. While Friday's event remains a traditional beer-tasting experience from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday introduces a concert-focused format where beer sampling is limited to 3-6 p.m., followed by full-sized beer sales from 6 p.m. onward alongside live music by Keller and the Keels from 7 to 10 p.m. This shift to incorporate a concert and reduce sampling time on Saturday has sparked some dissatisfaction among craft beer enthusiasts who prefer the longer tasting sessions. Ticketing also changes on Saturday with a move from tokens to a ticket system for beer purchases. Despite these modifications aimed at boosting attendance and attracting a broader audience, the festival still features over 100 craft beers and maintains its status as Michigan's premier beer festival, offering options like designated driver tickets and access to the concert alone. Weather forecasts predict hot conditions with a chance of thunderstorms on Saturday, and attendees are advised on permitted items and parking arrangements.