IRON MOUNTAIN DOWNTOWN Development Authority Events Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen, left, and DDA Program Director Mindy Wittock show off the new Brew Fest “sampler” glasses for this year’s event. Brew Fest will be 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the downtown stage area on Iron Mountain Street. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Brew Fest returns Saturday to downtown Iron Mountain.

This year’s Downtown Development Authority-hosted event will be 1 to 6 p.m. at the downtown stage on Iron Mountain Street and features several popular Michigan breweries, including couple of local favorites.

Bringing samplings of ale are Barrel+Beam, Alpha Brewing, Ore Dock Brewing Co., Bell’s Brewery Inc., Cheboygan Brewing Co., Big Lakes Brewing, Short’s Brewing Company, Tripleroot, StarCut Ciders and St. Ambrose Cellars.

“We will have over 50-plus beverages to taste,” DDA Program Director Mindy Wittock said.

“It’s great to have 51st State and Alpha joining us to bring their own brews,” DDA Events Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen added.

Those who aren’t beer drinkers will have plenty of options as well. Iron Fish Distillery and Les Cheneaux Distillers, both of Michigan, are new to the festival. Les Cheneaux will make mixed drinks and Iron Fish will serve its bottled old fashioned cocktail.

“We are hoping this will hit everyone’s tastes,” Wittock said.

Bink’s Wines will also offer spirits, including a couple special wines. “They will be bringing a new one that hasn’t been out yet,” Williamsen said. “It’s a lemonade flavor — it’s amazing.”

Bink’s will have a black peach tea-flavored wine, too. “These are both perfect for the summer — very refreshing,” Williamsen said.

Entertaining the crowd will be the One Human Band Bryan Drewyor, playing his folk-Americana music from 1 to 3:15 p.m. Closing out the party will be Kind of Blues from 3:30 to 6 p.m. The will offer the audience authentic blues with a twist of jazz classics.

The DDA will games for entertainment throughout the afternoon, including cornhole and yard Jenga.

“This is just some extra fun for the crowd while drinking beer,” Wittock said.

The first 100 individuals through the gate Saturday will receive a coupon from Solberg’s Greenleaf Sports Bar and Grill in Iron Mountain for a free Pick Axe pretzel with beer cheese with the purchase of a beverage at the restaurant, Wittock said.

Presale tickets are $38 and available online at https://www.downtownironmountain.com. Tickets at the gate will cost $40. Designated drivers can enter the grounds for $10. All festival attendees must be 21 or older to enter, even if a designated driver and are not drinking.

Passes will get attendees a sample tasting glass, along with 14 tokens for vendors. Beer tasting ranges from one to two tokens and cocktails from two to four tokens, Wittock said.

“This is the first year using the sampler-size cups,” she said.

Ticket sales are going well, Williamsen noted.

“Brew Fest was last held in 2019 and we think people will be excited to come back,” Wittock added.

Smokler’s BBQ and Dulce Nulla bakery will provide a variety of food options throughout the afternoon. Non-alcohol refreshments will be available for sale at the concessions area.

The DDA still needs volunteers for the day of the event. Anyone interested can call the DDA office at 906-774-8534, or go directly to the DDA Facebook page at Downtown Iron Mountain by messaging or clicking on the link to sign up.

Brew Fest will take place rain or shine. “We are hoping the weather is good,” Wittock said, “but there is plenty of protection in case of inclement conditions.”

Brew Fest sponsors include Bacco, Solberg’s Greenleaf Sports Bar and Grill, Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area, Northern Interstate Bank and 41 Lumber.

The DDA also expressed appreciation to the Iron Mountain Department of Public Works for assisting with set up.

“Brew Fest is our first area event (of the summer season),” Wittock noted, “and is a good walk-into-summer event.”