HoptoberFest: A Street Party Where Beer Is The Star

Years ago, fall beer festivals were everywhere. And during those times, Grand Rapids would flock to these events in en masse not just to drink, but to be social. It was a small town then, and you could guarantee you would see a crowd with familiar faces everywhere.

But for all of our beer-drinking themed events over the decades that followed, one niche has not been cornered yet. And if restaurateur Mark Sellers has his way, this will be his corner of the Grand Rapids’ beer universe….literally.

Already, his downtown bar, Hopcat, has toppled all other local venues by being named by Beer Advocate as the third best beer bar on Planet Earth!

Now debuting on Ionia St. between Oakes and Weston is HoptoberFest, a beer event celebrating the fine art of craft brews made here in Michigan.

All the local favorites are invited, including Founders Brewery Co., The Hideout and Schmohz. Even Sellers’ own brews will be flowing, with all beers priced at an inexpensive $3-$5.

It is the very first chance for the public to sample Hudsonville’s new White Flame Brewery’s product. 

In addition to featuring local brews, HoptoberFest will be featuring an all-German beer garden complete with fräuleins in the fetish-rich uniform we have come to equate with these types of beer. And while the women will be actresses in this beer play, the men are the real deal as an entourage from Germany will be here to participate in this cross-country activity.  

The event will be packed with plenty of entertainment including Chicago’s legendary blues singer/guitarist Lonnie Brooks. Other bands performing include Big James & the Chicago Playboys, Stacy Mitchhart and Rob Blaine’s Big Otis Blues.

Admission: $10 In Advance / $15 Day of Event