The 27th annual Garden City BrewFest, Montana’s oldest and largest beer festival, takes place Saturday, May 4, in Caras Park in downtown Missoula. The event offers more than 70 beers, wine and ciders, plus four flavors of Big Sky Brewing’s Spiked Seltzer.
Garden City BrewFest takes place from noon-8 p.m. and features live music from three Missoula-based bands.
Good Old Fashioned kicks off the festival with a mixture of old-time bluegrass, folk, country and blues from noon-2 p.m. The band members Chris Woodman, Callie Woodman, Brody Klemer, Jeff McLain, Adin Kloetzel and Grace Decker showcase soaring vocal harmonies, tightly-crafted original tunes and catchy recreated covers. Rotgut Whines, a two-piece Missoula rock band, combines soulful rhythms with energizing tempos and passionate storytelling. Lead singer/guitarist Evan Manuel and drummer/backup vocalist Andrew Murphy take to the stage from 2:30-4:30 p.m. to share crisp beats and catchy melodies.
Moneypenny, an award-winning blues/rock quartet closes out the festival from 5-8 p.m. The group recently reformed and has redefined its musical styles to create a high-energy often funky, authentic blues experience. Band members include Christopher Gray, Charlie Hopkins, Mark Price and Antonio Alvarez.
While admission to Garden City BrewFest is free, those interested in sampling the offerings can purchase a 7-ounce commemorative glass, a wristband, and five tokens for $20; additional tokens are 2 for $3.
A variety of food vendors will also be on hand to provide food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Garden City BrewFest coincides with opening day of the Saturday Markets in Downtown Missoula. Shop for fresh produce and baked goods at the Missoula Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Circle Square on North Higgins and the Clark Fork Market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. adjacent to Caras Park; the People’s Market offers handcrafted wares from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on East Pine.
The University of Montana Commencement is also Saturday.
For more information, visit www.missouladowntown.com or call the Downtown Missoula Partnership at 406-543-4238.