(LANSING, Mich) – The Michigan Brewers Guild has once again designated July as Michigan Craft Beer Month. With more than 250 member breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs spread out from coast to coast to coast – through both Peninsulas, in rural and urban areas – it’s no wonder Michigan is known as “The Great Beer State.” Currently Michigan ranks #4 nationally for the overall number of breweries, according to the Brewers Association.
Legislators in Lansing annually recognize July as “Michigan Craft Beer Month,” noting its long-standing history, impact on both the tourism and agricultural industries, and the ongoing contributions to the economy of the state:
- Michigan craft brewers are a vibrant affirmation and expression of Michigan's entrepreneurial traditions, operating as community-based small businesses and providing employment for more than 5,000 workers;
- Craft brewers in Michigan support state agriculture by purchasing hops, malted barley, wheat, beet sugar, cherries, apples, and numerous other fruits, herbs, and vegetables grown in Michigan;
- Michigan craft brewers promote Michigan’s spirit of independence through a renaissance in handcrafted beers like those first brought to Michigan by European settlers and produced here by our forefathers, including Bernhard Stroh, for the enjoyment of the citizenry;
- Striving to educate legal drinking-age residents, Michigan craft brewers convey awareness about the differences in beer flavor, aroma, color, alcohol content, body, and other complex variables, beer history, and gastronomic qualities of beer; Michigan craft brewers have been a successful business model by contributing well over $144 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $600 million, thriving and expanding in furthering their economic importance to the state;
- Craft brewers in Michigan produce more than 100 distinct styles of flavorful beers, the quality and diversity of which have made Michigan the envy of many states, contributing to balanced trade with increased Michigan exports and promoting Michigan tourism;
- Michigan craft brewers are vested in the future, health, and welfare of their communities as employers providing a diverse array of quality local jobs, as contributors to the local tax base, and as committed sponsors of a broad range of vital community institutions and philanthropic causes, including not-for-profit housing development associations, chambers of commerce, humane societies, athletic teams, and medical research.
- Michigan craft brewers champion the message of responsible enjoyment to their customers and work within their communities to prevent alcohol abuse and underage drinking;
The Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four eco-conscious festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan craft beer produced by its members breweries, which attracts more than 35,000 people collectively each year. Upcoming festivals include:
The Michigan Brewers Guild is the network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. The mission of the Michigan Brewers Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan craft beer industry with an overarching goal to help craft beer acquire 20% of the market by 2025.
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Summer Beer Festival: July 27-28 – Ypsilanti
UP Fall Beer Festival: September 8 – Marquette
Detroit Fall Beer Festival: October 26-27 – Detroit
Winter Beer Festival: February 22-23 – Grand Rapids
Michigan Brewers Guild is a proud member and supporter of the following organizations:
Brewers Association | Michigan Agri-Tourism Association | Michigan Association of Society Executives | Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association | Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development | Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | Michigan Festivals & Events Association | Michigan Grocers Association | Michigan Licensed Beverage Association | Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association | Michigan Restaurant Association | Michigan Snowsports Industries Association | Michigan State University – Extension | Michigan Trails | The Nature Conservancy | Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan (TICOM) | Travel Michigan (MEDC — Pure Michigan) | West Michigan Tourist Association