×

UPtoberfest returns this weekend

ESCANABA — People in the area will be able to have fun while supporting good causes when craft beer and wine festival UPtoberfest returns for its 14th year Saturday.

Josh Marenger — vice president of Bay de Noc Brewers, the club that organizes the annual event — said tickets to UPtoberfest sold out faster than ever this year.

“Tickets have been sold out for over two weeks,” he said.

No major changes are being made to UPtoberfest for 2019.

“Mostly, at this year’s event it’s more of the same,” Marenger said.

This includes UPtoberfest’s focus on beer and wine made in the area.

“It’s all Michigan vendors — mostly U.P. vendors,” Marenger said.

According to Marenger, a total of 22 breweries and wineries will be present at 2019’s UPtoberfest — a record number for the event. Some vendors will be making their debut appearance at UPtoberfest this year.

“For the first time, we have … Mitten Brewing (Co.) out of Grand Rapids, we have Three Bridge Brewing (Company) out of Menominee and we have End of the Road Winery out of Germfask,” he said.

This year’s UPtoberfest will be setup in the same spot the event moved to in 2018, near the bandshell at Ludington Park. The move was well-received by event attendees and members of Bay de Noc Brewers.

“I got no negative feedback about that location last year,” Marenger said.

Also returning for this year’s event will be free hors d’oeuvres prepared by Bobaloon’s Cafe and music from ToHuBoHu.

UPtoberfest will once again support charitable organizations in the area, as well — including the United Way of Delta County.

As has been the case for the past several years, $10,000 in UPtoberfest proceeds will be donated to the United Way.

Recently, UPtoberfest has also supported other causes in the area.

“Our secondary beneficiary this year is going to be Camp Harstad, which is run by the local Rotary Club,” Marenger said.

UPtoberfest is scheduled to run from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, rain or shine. All attendees are reminded to bring their IDs, as they will be checked at the gate.

For more information about UPtoberfest, visit uptoberfest.org or find the event on Facebook.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today