Weekend includes Brrrewfest, Big Chill and snowshoe hike.

LUDINGTON — The Pure Ludington Brrrewfest will be held Saturday, Jan. 31 from 1 to 6 p.m. in the North James Street Plaza. The beer fest will feature approximately 20 brewers and live music.

Confirmed brewers include Arbor Brewing Co., B. Nektar, Bell’s Brewery, Founders Brewing Co., Blake’s Hard Cider, Petoskey Brewing Co., Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Mountain Town Station, New Holland Brewing Co., North Peak Brewing, Rochester Mills Brewing, Saugatuck Brewing Co., Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., Storm Cloud Brewing Co., Shorts Brewing Co., Vander Mill, Virtue Ciders and Love Wines.

“This craft beer event is a perfect way for people to get out, shake off the winter doldrums and share an afternoon together enjoying some of Michigan’s finest craft brews and live musicians,” said Brandy Henderson, who is managing the event on behalf of the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We encourage everyone to bundle up, head downtown and have a great time.”

National touring artist Mike Mains & The Branches, originally from Detroit, will be headlining the live music. Other local musicians will also take the stage including Chad Rushing, Hard Promises and The Morels.

Tickets for Brrrewfest are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and include a 5 ounce commemorative sampling glass plus six drinks tokens for sampling. Tickets are also available through Friday evening at Jamesport Brewing Company, The Mitten Bar and the Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce. Additional tokens and pint glasses are available for purchase at the event.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of the Ludington State Park, a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to preserving, enhancing and promoting the wise use and conservation of Ludington State Park.

“We are very proud to be partnering with a wonderful group of volunteers representing the Friends of the Ludington State Park, who provide great programming and take great care of one of areas largest attractions,” said Henderson. “People can come enjoy the outdoors, listen to some great music and drink some of Michigan’s finest craft beer, ciders and wine all for a great cause”.

Kicking off Brrrewfest is The Big Chill – a cool evening of local craft beer, ice cream and small plates on Thursday, Jan. 29, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jamesport Brewing Company. The event will pair beer and food by Jamesport, and dessert and ice cream by Best Choice Market and House of Flavors, along with entertainment by local artists and musicians. Space is limited, and tickets are $40 per person (does not include admission to Brrrewfest) and can be purchased at Jamesport Brewing, House of Flavors, Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Half of the proceeds of each ticket sale will be donated to the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.

Lantern-Lit Snowshoeing

This weekend the Ludington State Park will be hosting a Lantern-lit snowshoe hike from 6-10 p.m. Visitors can bring cross country skis and/or snowshoes to ski or walk a lighted, groomed trail.  A bonfire is at either end of the trail to warm up and enjoy a hot beverage. The park has 40 pairs of wooden snowshoes to loan for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Park staff can help novice trekkers get started.

No reservations needed. Participants should dress warmly, wear winter shoes or boots, and bring a flashlight. This event is free to attend. A recreation park pass is required for entry into the park. The hike will begin at the warming shelter to the east of the parking lot at the entrance to the park.