Do not wear your pretty shoes. There. I said it. And you will thank me later, because this is good advice for attending a beer festival that attracts more than 6,000 attendees, each one sloshing a big glass of some the best beer that will ever cross your lips.
For most, visiting Founders Brewing Company can be bit of a religious experience -- excellence married to craftsmanship brings this out in people. But for one day each year, we take the party into the street -- which is why you need to watch your shoes.
The most noticeable change for this year's event, according to Founders staff, is that unlike previous years, FBC is undergoing one of their biggest expansions. The plus for everyone is that under this new layout (and with the expected record-breaking crowd, if advance ticket sales are any indication), they have been able to add an extra beer tent, more food vendors, and many other surprises.
While the big draw may be the beer, the diverse entertainment will keep you moving all day. Lowdown Brass Band, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, Cabildo, Roster McCabe, FBC All-Stars (comprised of staff and friends), Alexis, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Man Man, Lowdown Brass Band, and G. Love & Special Sauce will all storm the stage. Music programming begins at 3 p.m. and continues all day until 11 p.m. (Have cab fare handy if you plan to make a day of it.)
FBC also invites area restaurants like The Corner Bar of Rockford, What the Truck (from the Winchester), The Pita House (Sami's Gyros), The Cottage Bar, and Tacos el Cunado to be a part of the day, and even reaches into the fine art community to invite a few notable favorites to set up booths.
The special beer this year is Founders Fest Wheat, a perfect hoppy wheat beer sure to keep everyone in a celebratory mood. Its delicious flavor is attributed to Amarillo hops, which offer up a super crisp 6.6 percent ABV. This brew is best consumed under the sun.
Let's toast to the trendsetters of our craft brew scene and all that flows from this brewery with each passing year.
Admission: $20 in advance, $25 day of event (if tickets are still available)
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