Brewfests Around Montana

Here in Montana, we are fortunate enough to have a plethora of great beer and great venues, events, and breathtaking scenery in which to enjoy that beer. According to the Brewers Association, Montana ranks 3rd nationwide in breweries per capita, with last count at 54 breweries total (this probably went up in the five minutes that have passed since I typed it).

Brewfests are a spectacular way to get out and try new beers and really find out what styles you prefer best. You can sample, sample, and sample! Many people, women especially, are intimidated by craft beer simply because they don’t know very much about it. They think they are too strong tasting and non easy to drink. That could not be farther from the truth. Craft beer spans across a countless number of beer styles. You are sure to find a few (or a lot) of beers that suit your fancy. Gather up your gals and hit up a brewfest for a fun ladies night and educational experience.

Here is a list of some upcoming brewfests in Montana, so mark your calendars! We’ll meet you there.

Bakken Brewfest – Sidney – April 18th

Garden City Brewfest – Missoula – May 2nd
Bozeman Spring Brewers Festival – Bozeman – May 7th
Ales for Trails – Helena – May 15th
Tap Into Ennis – Ennis – May 16th
Dog & Grog – Virginia City – July 18th
Helena Summer Brewers Festival – Helena – August 15th
7th Annual Montana Fall Brewers Festival  – Missoula – October 16th
Butte Oktoberfest – Butte – October 3rd

 

Ales for Trails is a series of brewfests that happen across the state every year, with proceeds benefitting bike (and walking?) trails in various Montana cities. They are a great way to try new beers, drink old favorites and support outdoor access with zero effort on your part! There is an Ales for Trails event in Helena on May 15th, and one in Billings every Fall.

Beers for Gears is a set of pint nights at various breweries across the state that all benefit Bike Walk Montana, a non-profit that helps lobby for safer and more convenient trails, as well as bike and pedestrian lanes. You can support them here at Draught Works on May 5th!

If you truly want to visit all of the breweries in Montana, invest in a Brew Crew Card. This card entitles the holder to one free beer per brewery that is a member of the Montana Brewers Association. Right now, the list tops out at 40 breweries, but that number is growing by the day. So for around $40, you get 40 delicious, locally crafted beers! To keep track of all of the delicious beers you encounter on your statewide journey, pick up a Montana Brewery Passport.

Also, don’t miss Missoula Craft Beer Week, happening April 25th thought May 2nd! There are all sorts of exciting beer-related events and activities for you to partake in.

Now, go forth and taste.

View another ramble: Cask vs. Real Ale: A Lesson