Chad and I decided to go to the Burning Foot Beer Fest this year in Muskegon! We went with our really good friends Mallory and GK. We love doing beer festivals with them as they can usually keep up with us. Just kidding, we usually try to keep up with them haha.
We are so happy that Burning Foot Beer Fest and Traverse City Music and Beer Fest teamed up and moved the beer fests on separate weekends.
What drew us to the BFBF (Burning Foot Beer Fest) was that it was right on the beach of Lake Michigan! They literally open up the beer fest to the water.
The below arial picture was from 2016 and it was bigger and better this year!
Lodging
BFBF offers camping with an additional cost with your ticket. Little known fact about me guys is that I hate sand hahaha. So, I couldn’t even start to imagine camping on the beach all weekend long. When we were looking for another campground we landed on Fisherman’s Landing. One of the top needs of a campground that I was looking for was the proximity to the festival. Bonus, it was clean and well maintained too!
We were able to fit a camper and a tent on the same site with plenty of room to spare. The front office was friendly and helpful and was even there to help us when we showed up late for check-in. One thing that I loved about the campground is the bathrooms believe it or not. They had a key code on the doors so the bathrooms stayed clean for the guests and was pleasantly surprised to see them clean every time I went in. It was also half the price of camping at the festival.
Eat
Dockers
The first night after setting up camp we went to Dockers and was I impressed with this place. The outdoor space was fun, inviting and alive with live music.
It was laid back so no need to dress up for this place as they will accept you as you are. We were STARVING so we ordered the House Smoked Fish Platter and the second one we got the Sweet Maine Lobster Fondue. They were both delicious and we probably could have stopped there with dinner as they were so big and filling! But we, of course, didn’t haha. I got the Crabby Patty, Chad got the Fish Tacos and we were both so happy with our dishes. I would for sure recommend this place to anyone who wants an easy and laid back dinner and place to just hang out! Bring the bug spray though because chad got bit up from mosquitos while we were there lol.
Hank’s Tavern
Oh man, am I glad I found this place. Hank’s Tavern is actually new to serving breakfast and brunch but you would never know. by tasting their food. Their bloody mary’s were delicious and they even accommodated my pickle obsession. Can you guess which one was mine?
It was priced great and the atmosphere was awesome too with a great outdoor space. Weather not so great? The inside space is bright and inviting as well!
I landed on the breakfast wrap and wasn’t disappointed. Everyone else seemed to love their breakfast dish too. We liked this place so much we went back the next day to eat brunch again!
Burning Foot Beer Fest
Entry into the festival was very easy and quick even with a line. What was also really great about BFBF was that they allowed you to bring in backpacks and beach chairs. It was really great to be able to bring warmer clothes for later on in the night and to have a spot to come and sit down for a few minutes.
The variety of beers and new brews that be breweries brought was top notch. Lots of choices and small batch brews that was great to try something new.
The atmosphere was chill and laid back which matched the beach vibe happening. Even some of the staple breweries branched out and put forward some new stuff that isn’t on the usual tab rotations.
Brewfest Outfit
For beer festivals I like to be able to dress in layers and be comfortable. I decided on a plaid boyfriend button up, Shorts Brewing tank top, bralette and some distressed shorts. I packed jeans to change into later in the night.
Muskegon Mentionable Stops
Here are a few places we went to that I would reccomened stopping at too!
Pigeon Hill Brewing
I was very impressed with the staff and beer at Pigeon Hill Brewing. The bartenders were knowledgeable and friendly. The beer was constantly good and a wide variety if brews. What else could you ask for at a brewery? I would most definitely make this place a must stop.
Unruly Brewing Company
I wish we would have stopped by this place before going to BFBF on Saturday than hitting this place up on the Sunday after the beer fest. At that point I was kinda “beered out” hahaha. I hope that we go back up to Muskegon so we can hit this place up again. Its a really cool place that has three business in one! They include the brewery, a coffee shop and a pizza place = genius.
We are excited to make this a yearly trip! This was my first time to Muskegon and the town has so much potential for growth that I can’t wait to see how the town will progress year after year.
Thanks Burning Foot Beer Fest for making it such a great experience!
