Tapped craft beer fest hoppy to return to downtown Midland

Whether you’re a privy to the pilsners, pale ales, or partial to an IPA, prefer a stout versus sour, fan of cider or stick to seltzers, or non alcoholic options, Tapped has something for you. The 6th annual craft beer fest returns to downtown Midland on Saturday, Aug. 28. With 50+ varieties to sample, there’s plenty of pours to keep beer enthusiasts hoppy.

Downtown Events Coordinator for the City of Midland, Renee Smith, spoke about the changes to this year’s event, after taking a pause in 2020. There are three main changes: a new location, two separate event times, and categorized groups of samplings. “We’re excited to be back, and we also have a new location,” Smith says. “It’s going to be on the corner of Main Street and Cronkright Street underneath the Poseyville Bridge.”
The Tapped Craft Beer Festival will move to a new plaza below the Poseyville Road bridge.
In previous years, the event was held in front of downtown businesses on Main Street, but this year’s set-up, which consists of two separate waves, has found a new home at the newly-renovated Main Street Plaza and East End area.  Dustin Neumeyer, vice president of the Midland Downtown Business Association and Tapped event chair handles the behind-the-scenes logistics for the annual event. Although the event has taken place since 2015 (except for its cancellation in 2020), Neumeyer says this year will look a little different with two separate times to allow distancing, and different pouring stations. Prior years have seen up to 1,100 attendees., This year, there are 600 tickets for each designated wave: 2 to 4pm, and 5 to 7pm.
  
“In the past, we've grouped product offerings based on brewery representation at the event. This year, we're trying something new and product offerings will be grouped based on style,” Neumeyer says. “This will allow guests to quickly find a style they already like or want to try. This change also allows us to offer product offerings from breweries that are outside of Michigan for the first time.  
 There will be over 50 varieties of beer to sample.
Therewolf will be playing live music from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by Marsupial Creampie from 5 to 7 p.m. Molasses and Proper Taco will have food trucks on-site for those who are more than just thirsty. The Main Street After Party is open to the public, with live music from 4 to 9 p.m.
 
Neumeyer says just as the craft beverage industry has changed and grown, so too has the Tapped homebase -- downtown Midland. “Each year, new styles are developed and new breweries open, which can make it difficult to choose something when you’re shopping at a local supermarket. Events like Tapped provide guests an opportunity to sample new offerings and old favorites all in one place.”
 
The 21+ event also aims to encourage attendees to shop, sip, and stay a while. “This Saturday, someone could start their day at the Midland Area Farmers Market, grab a bite to eat in The Commons Pedestrian Plaza, do some shopping, enjoy Tapped, and end the day back in The Commons for some live music,” Neumeyer says. 
We're excited to be back.
Advanced ticket sales have ended but they can be purchased at the event for $30. Your ticket includes a 5 oz. commemorative tasting cup and six drink tickets, with additional tickets available for purchase at the event. Event proceeds go to the Midland Downtown Business Association.