By RYAN NEWHOUSE
Missoula Craft Beer Week is returning to Missoula for the third straight year and is bigger and better than ever, including over 30 beer-themed events throughout the week, starting with Draught Works’ Beer ‘N Bacon Brunch and the Brews on the Block (Party) and ending with the Missoula Downtown Association’s 22nd annual Garden City Brewfest.
“Missoula has really embraced this annual celebration,” says Alan McCormick, beer blogger for Growler Fills and co-founder of Missoula Craft Beer Week. “A wide variety of businesses are getting involved and finding ways to show their love for craft beer and share it with their patrons.”
New this year is the Brews on the Block (Party), from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday April 27th. It includes a variety of beer-themed games from Summer Sun Brew Supply, local food trucks, beer poured from Tamarack Brewing’s “Ambrewlance,” an outdoor cinema courtesy of Warm Springs Productions, the debut of Thirst Gear and their 15 passenger pedal pub, and many other vendors and activities.
Also new this year is a fundraising event for the Missoula Food Bank. On Thursday May 1, the inaugural Craft Beer Cup: Mini Golf Tourney and Pub Crawl will host up to 18 teams on a mission to be the best at mini golf. Nine Missoula downtown bars are building custom mini golf holes in their bars, and each hole is sponsored by a different brewery (breweries are from Montana, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon). Teams can register for $20 per person, minimum of four players per team (max of six players), until April 27. Register at The Rhino (158 Ryman).
Rounding out the week are multiple beer dinners, special beer releases, beer-inspired art classes, a special movie showing of the documentary, “The Beer Hunter,” brewing demos, and other events.
“We strive to create events that will educate as well as entertain both the craft beer novice and the expert alike,” says Ryan Newhouse, blogger for Montana Beer Finder and co-founder of Missoula Craft Beer Week. “This year you’ll be able to take part in a beer-themed art class, learn about sour beers, take part in a Buzzed Brews beer and coffee event and even swap home brewing equipment with fellow enthusiasts.”
A full list of events and supporters is available at the Missoula Beer Week website. Contact email Ryan Newhouse or call (406) 546-5280 for interview requests or for more information.
About Missoula Craft Beer Week
Launched in conjunction with the 20th Annual Garden City Brewfest, Missoula Craft Beer Week showcases craft beer served and/or made in Montana (and surrounding states) at businesses and venues throughout Missoula. The variety of events is designed to grow appreciation for the art, science and social nature of craft beer, the people who make it and the fans who enjoy it. Missoula Craft Beer Week is presented by Craft Beer Promotions, LLC, and sponsored by the Missoula Downtown Association and Draught Works Brewery.