Beer Fest Celebrates County’s Growing Beer Scene

When the gates opened for the first 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, Door County will be able to claim eight local breweries, plus two more in Kewaunee County. 

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

Bridge Up brought a flagship brand to Sturgeon Bay before adding a family-friendly beer garden south of Fish Creek. Peach Barn Farmhouse & 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. 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. 

WHEN YOU GO

Expand your beer palate: Attendees will have four hours to sample beers of all styles from more than 40 breweries. 

Take an appetite: Grab a bite at the festival from four food trucks: Great Lakes BBQ, Mauricio’s, Crain’s Kitchen and Alex’s Greek Food.

Rock it out: Groove to live music from Frank Maloney and His Big Country Unit.

Safe travels: The festival offers free shuttles from lodging sponsors and nearby villages, including stops in Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Sister Bay and Baileys Harbor. Leave the keys at home! Shuttles will offer pickups beginning at 10:30 am for VIP attendees, with additional pickups for general-admission attendees to follow. Find detailed shuttle schedules at doorcountybeer.com.