Liveblogging the 15th Annual Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival

Once again in the interest of public service, your selfless correspondent will be Twitterizing the goings-on at the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival, the 15th edition of which begins at 5pm (4pm if you're special) in Ypsilanti's Riverside Park today. Thrill to pictures of people standing in line! Laugh as Todd "BeerTodd" Parker of Copper Canyon Brewery gets dropped into a drunk, er, dunk tank! Turn green with envy as I tell of the awesome beers I'm trying! All this and more from just one Twitter widget. Technology is amazing, I tell you.

If you plan on joining me and doing your own Festival Twitting, be sure to use hashtag #MISBF12. And don't forget to download the program here so you can begin planning before you get there. Cheers!

The Week in Beer: It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's the most wonderful time of the year, at least if you love Michigan craft beer. This weekend, the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival returns to Ypsilanti for its 15th year, but there's also plenty going on before and after the Festival. Check out your action-packed Week in Beer for all the deets.

The Week in Beer: Hot Fun in the Summertime

Fortunately, there are much better beer options for your Art Fair weekend and beyond.

We may finally be getting some relief from weather that would have made even Martha and the Vandellas melt, but this is arguably the hottest week of the year for local beer lovers, as Ann Arbor Beer Week kicks into gear and leads up to the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival in Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park July 27-28. Everywhere you look there are special releases, tap takeovers, collaboration brews, and general beer nirvana. I’m getting thirsty just thinking about it.

The Week in Beer: Of Ales and Art Fairs

Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje helps unveil Arbor Brewing's new solar-powered thermal and electrical system.

It’s that time of year when seasoned Ann Arborites strategically plan their out-of-town vacations to escape the chaos and madness of the Ann Arbor Art Fairs week, which, let’s face it, is kind of like our own version of Mardi Gras, but with fewer masks and beads and less tasty food. Fortunately, though, we have New Orleans beat by a mile on the good beer front, and despite the throngs of artsy folks, there’s still plenty to be had during your Week in Art Fair Beer.

The Week in Beer: Cool Advice for Hot Days

A hoppy, sour, refreshing Luciernaga Belgian-style Pale Ale at Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery.

Hot enough for you? (Bet you’ve never heard that one.) You’re expecting me to say it’s time to cool down with some cold craft beer, and you’re right. It’s definitely my recommendation. But given that highs in the 90s are expected as far as the eye can see, I also recommend doing what every seasoned beer drinker knows to do: alternate pints of beer and glasses of water. Keeping hydrated is always important, especially if it means you’re able to enjoy more great seasonal summer brews. Here’s what’s going on as we head into July and the height of vacation season.

The Week in Beer: Enjoy the Hot Summer with Cold Brews

Ashley's recently introduced beer lovers to the new-to-distribution brews of Albion's Bad Bear Brewing, including their Polish Breakfast Stout.

Hot town, summer in the city, but don't walk around half-dead on those sidewalks hotter than a match head — cool down on the patio with a cold, refreshing beverage! Ice water is great for staying hydrated, of course, but for great flavor, you can't beat a beer. We've got so many local varieties to choose from, we often take it for granted. So your assignment is to get outside and take the time not only to appreciate the great outdoors, but to appreciate a delicious craft beer. Now get to it!

The Week in Beer: Drinking with Dear Old Dad

Dad wants you buy him a beer or two for Father's Day. Photo: Flickr user meaduva.

Father's Day is this weekend, and you've been scratching your head over what to do for the dear, sweet man who helped bring you into the world. Oh, you already know where I'm going with this, do you?

Fine, I know nobody reads these columns for their scintillating introductions, so yeah, I'll say it: Take Dad out for a beer! Maybe after a couple pints you can even get the old bird to loosen up enough to tell you all the sappy things he normally suppresses. Onward to a jam-packed Week in Beer!