Beer Fest Celebrates County’s Growing Beer Scene

When the gates opened for the rst Door County Beer Festival in 2012, the peninsula boasted just one local brewery. When the 11th edition of the festival sprawls across the grounds of Maxwelton Braes in 2023, the county will be able to claim eight local breweries, plus one more in Kewaunee County.

Though it took a while for the cra beer scene to cross the county line, its growth has not only brought new brews to local taps, but helped to rejuvenate and reimagine the county’s tourism identity.

Bridge Up brought a agship brand to Sturgeon Bay before adding a family-friendly beer garden south of Fish Creek. Peach Barn Farmhouse and Brewery has become a home for improv theater, live music, families and community gatherings.

Door County Brewing Co. was a crucial spark in the resurgence of Baileys Harbor, and the One Barrel taproom helped do the same in Egg Harbor. Island Orchard Cider o ers a quiet retreat from the bustle of the peninsula in Ellison Bay, and the newest entry into the scene is Sway in Baileys Harbor. These breweries, plus about 35 more from throughout the Midwest, will be part of this year’s edition of the Door County Beer Festival on Saturday, June 17, in Baileys Harbor. There, you can meet the people behind the brews, check out local food trucks and dance to great live music on the lawn.

Door County Beer Festival

Saturday, June 17, 2023 • 12-4 pm

MAX at Maxwelton Braes in Baileys Harbor

Get tickets at DoorCountyBeer.com.