Shop Local, Drink Local: Holiday Walking Tour of Downtown Kalamazoo Shops, Breweries — Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023
West Michigan Beer Tours is proud to be partnering with Discover Kalamazoo and the rest of our partners for walking tours of downtown Kalamazoo breweries.
Dubbed one of the Top 10 walking tours in the country by Paste Magazine, this casual afternoon will introduce you to some of the colorful personalities and flavors behind Kalamazoo’s beer culture.
For a December twist, we are collaborating with a few downtown Kalamazoo retailers that carry a series of beverage-related gifts — everything from bottle openers to ornaments to coasters and more. We’ll curate the stops with visits to places carrying a variety of great gifts.
We will take advantage of Downtown Kalamazoo’s “Common Areas” where people can consume to-go beverages in officially marked cups from licensed bars and restaurants. We’ve partnered with Old Burdick’s inside the Radisson Plaza Hotel, which has a to-go license, and explore the Kalamazoo Mall before heading to a pair of downtown breweries.
Learn about the craft beer in Kalamazoo, enjoy sampling some of the best beers in the world, and meet the personalities behind the beer. NOTE: Tours will require a minimum of 6 attendees to be held.
Need overnight accommodations?
Consider our exclusive room rate at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo.
Dec. 16 Itinerary
Origination: Old Burdick’s, noon-1 p.m.
Stop 1: Kalamazoo Mall walk, to-go drink and shopping, 1-2:30 p.m.
Stop 2: Saugatuck Brewing Co.-Kalamazoo, 2:45-3:30 p.m.
Stop 3: Final Gravity Brewing Co., 3:15-4 p.m.
Termination: Old Burdick’s, 4:45 p.m.
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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- 211 E Water St., 269-532-1188
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- 241 E. Kalamazoo Ave., 269-488-7782
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- 100 W. Michigan Ave., 269-343-0032
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- 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, 269-492-0100
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.
