Zoo Town Brew Fest Lineup

MSO Brewfest
If you live in Missoula, and enjoy drinking beer, then I am sure that you are fully aware of what has happened in the last 10 years, but first, go back in time to 1986. At this time, Missoula Brewing had been out of business for over 20 years, and Americanized pilsners like Ranier dominated the market. In 1987, German brewmaster Jürgen Knö¨ller opened up Bayern Brewing, and the local craft beer industry had once again been established in Missoula. Five years after Bayern’s opening, Jürgen and a few other local business owners started an annual tradition that still holds today. The annual Garden City Brewfest had begun, and craft brew lovers have flocked to Caras Park in downtown Missoula for the event ever since.

Now, look back to just ten years ago. Believe it or not, there were only three breweries in Missoula. In the past 10 years, the love for craft beer has blown up to ridiculous proportions, and the greater Missoula area is soon to be home to over 10 breweries!

When you live in a city like Missoula, which is in a state that takes 2nd in the nation for breweries per capita, one brewfest is simply not enough. The first brewfest of 2016 was the Winter Brewfest, which was on February, 19th but there are still five more to come!

Remember, drink responsibly!

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April 1st

Backcountry Brewfest

Caras Park

 

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April 16th

Bacon & Brew Fest

Caras Park

 

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May 7th

Garden City Brewfest

Caras Park

 

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September TBA

Mavericks Brewfest

Caras Park

 

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October TBA

MBA Fall Fest

Caras Park

Thirsty? Grab a cold one at one of these breweries

In case you haven’t already noticed, breweries are a hot item in Montana. In 2013, the state ranked 3rd in the nation for breweries per capita. The number of breweries has grown since then, and the community is embracing it. Breweries offer a special experience for those who go. They also give back to the community by supporting non-profits, offer entertainment for people of all ages and gives the people of Montana a place to come together. Without further ado, here is a list of some of breweries worth checking out:

 

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Big Sky Brewing ~ Missoula, MT

One of the largest breweries in Montana, Big Sky Brewing offers a outdoor venue for its summer concert series that includes the likes of Slightly Stoopid, Ryan Adams, The Decemberists and Greg Allman.

Beers to try: Summer Honey, Trout Slayer

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Lewis & Clark Brewing ~ Helena, MT

Lewis & Clark brings a state of the art facility along with award winning beers to the Helena community. Awarded best brewery in the Best of Helena Awards, Lewis & Clark has something for everyone.

Beers to try: Miner’s Gold Hefeweizen, Backcountry Scottish Ale

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Mighty Mo Brewing Co ~ Great Falls, MT

One of the newer breweries in Montana, Mighty Mo opened its doors in 2013. Since then, it has become one of the most well known breweries in the state with it’s open floor tap room. It’s also one of the few breweries that you can challenge your friends to a game of ping pong.

Beers to try: Dam Fog, Smoke Jumper

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The Great Northern Brewing Company ~ Whitefish, MT

Great Northern Brewing Company is home to the tallest building in the town of Whitefish. This unique brewery churns out over 310,000 gallons of craft brew annually. Located downtown, Great Northern Brewery is right in the middle of many attractions.

Beers to try: Wheatfish, Wild Huckleberry

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Bozeman Brewing Company ~ Bozeman, MT

Bozeman Brewing opened its doors in 2002 and hasn’t looked back. Located in the historic brewery district, their unique tasting room compliments perfectly with their weekly Sunday Funday events.

Beers to try: Bozone Select Amber Ale, Hopzone IPA

Ten Mile Creek  ~ Helena, MT 

Ten Mile Creek is an up and coming brewery that is planning on opening its doors in late Spring/early Summer 2015. The owners are some recent college graduates looking to break in to the industry.