KALAMAZOO, MI — As West Michigan’s reputation for world-class beer continues to grow, so too will the number of opportunities to visit those breweries as part of a walking tour of downtown Kalamazoo breweries with West Michigan Beer Tours.
As a vehicle to spotlight the growth of Kalamazoo’s brewing industry, the Walking Tours — sponsored by Discover Kalamazoo — provide a glimpse into what makes the city unique through the lens of craft beer. Guests will learn about the history of Michigan beer and Kalamazoo’s influential role in the industry’s resurgence. For the first time since launching the events in 2013, the walking tours will be available year-round — sunshine, rain or snow.
Public walking tours will be held every Saturday through October and three Saturdays in November and December. Private walking tours are available on request.
Registration for each tour will begin at noon at one of four downtown Kalamazoo bar and restaurants: Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill, HopCat Kalamazoo or Shakespeare’s Pub. The breweries visited on each date will vary. Please check the individual tour for the registration locations and breweries.
The tour will then depart at 1 p.m. and visit three breweries with the tour concluding at around 4 p.m.
Tickets start at $29 per person. The ticket price includes samples or a pint at the three brewery stops and a goody bag that includes a commemorative stainless steel pint. There will be other prizes and giveaways during tours as well.
Guests will also have the opportunity for occasional production tours and the chance to meet those who make some of the city’s fine craft beer.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.westmichiganbeertours.com/walking-tours.
The series is made possible by: Discover Kalamazoo; Radisson Plaza Hotel; The Kalamazoo House; Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Sustainable Brewing Program; Shakespeare’s Pub; HopCat Kalamazoo; Kalamazoo Beer Exchange; Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill; Nature Connection; Down Dog Yoga; Masonry Heater & Design; Local Hop; Damn Handsome Grooming Co.; One Well Brewing; Rupert’s Brew House; Beer Cap Maps; Tempo Vino Winery; Bad Moon Studio LLC; Daus Financial Group; Journey Jug; Taco Bob’s; Green Door Distilling; Tibbs Brewing Co.; Airway Fun Center; Spirit of Kalamazoo; Kalamazoo State Theatre; Avolio Glasswerks; Pop City Popcorn; Lana’s Boutique; Grayling Ceramics.
Walking Tours
Each tour will include:
Origination at a craft beer bar/restaurant, either Shakespeare’s Pub, Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill, Central City Tap House or Kalamazoo Beer Exchange
Stops at 3 featured breweries – with samples or pint at each stop
Featured Breweries/Distillery/Winery: Kalamazoo, Bell’s Brewery Inc., Saugatuck Brewing Co.-Kalamazoo (formerly Gonzo’s BiggDogg Brewing Co.), Brite Eyes Brewing Co., Final Gravity Brewing Co.-Kalamazoo, The Kalamazoo Stillhouse, Green Door Distilling and Tempo Vino Winery
Knowledgeable tour guide providing a history of Kalamazoo beer and the Michigan craft beer industry
Stainless steel pint
Registration will be at noon. Departure at 1 p.m.
Tours officially conclude at approximately 4 p.m. The cost is $39 per person. It is $45 for guests purchasing tickets the day of the tour.
Take advantage of our exclusive room rate at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Downtown Kalamazoo, visit other local breweries, try some of our unique bars and restaurants, and meet many of our fantastic retailers. West Michigan Beer Tours is dedicated to providing craft beverage lovers with fun, flavorful and educational tours.
Guests must be 21 to participate. We encourage every attendee to drink responsibly and have a designated driver. After each tour we will also provide access to a local taxi service. If any of our tour directors have reason to believe that a person is intoxicated prior to a tour, we reserve the right to turn them away. If a person is turned away due to intoxication no refund will be provided.
Tours will run rain or shine. Unless West Michigan Beer Tours cancels the tour, all tours are non-refundable.
Lodging Partner
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- Radisson Plaza Hotel, 100 W. Michigan Ave., 269-226-3115
Origination Partners
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- 241 E. Kalamazoo Ave., 269-488-7782
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- 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, 269-492-0100
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- 211 E Water St., 269-532-1188
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- 100 W. Michigan Ave., 269-343-0032
Participating Sponsors
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- 346 S. Kalamazoo Mall Kalamazoo, MI 269-382-5770
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- IHS Distribuing
Featured Stops
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- 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., 269-382-2332
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- 1156 S Burdick St A, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
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- 246 N. Kalamazoo Mall, 269-350-5136
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- 140 S. Westnedge Ave.
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- 429 E. North St., Kalamazoo, 269-929-7341
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- Tempo Vino Winery, 260 E. Michigan Ave., 269-342-9463
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- 618 E. Michigan Ave., 206-376-0937
Testimonials
What happens if I am late for the tour?
The bus will leave promptly at the scheduled time. Please arrive at the origination site at least 20 minutes ahead of time. If you are late we will not wait for you. There are no refunds.
What happens if I need to cancel?
All ticket fees are non-refundable. However tickets may be transferred to another passenger.
What happens if a tour is cancelled?
If a tour is canceled for any reason all ticket fees will be fully refunded.
Can I drink beer on the bus?
In most cases there is no drinking on the bus.
Can I bring a minor?
No – all tour participants must be 21 years or older. Please bring personal identification.
May I bring beer on the bus?
Only beer purchased from the participating brewers may be brought on to the bus. For most tours, no drinking on the bus will be permitted.
Will there be food included on the tour?
Light snacks (i.e. pretzels and chips) and water will be provided on the bus. For most tours food will be available for purchase at one or more of our brewery tours. Unless otherwise indicated, most tour packages will not include the cost of food at the stops.
