Drink up at these upcoming Minnesota winter beer festivals

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Drink up at these upcoming Minnesota winter beer festivals
photo courtesy of the Winter Beer Dabbler

The frigid winter doesn’t stop us Minnesotans from enjoying a nice cold beer. Well, winter doesn’t stop us from doing most things – otherwise we’d be hibernating for half the year.

And so, beer lovers are braving the elements and gathering together at winter beer expos and festivals all around the state to warm up and share their innovative and tasty craft brews. At these fests, you’ll be able to chat with the brewers, learn about the latest beer and brewing trends, and of course, taste test your way through dozens of Minnesota craft brews.

And certainly by the end of winter after your delicious beer festival tour, you’ll have studied up and know your new favorite brew for when the weather finally thaws and you can properly enjoy a cold beer outside in the summertime.

Winter Beer Festivals

Mankato Craft Beer Expo — January 12, 2019

Starting the new year right, this year, the 7th annual Mankato Craft Beer Expo will host over 40 breweries that feature not only Minnesota brewers, but brewers from all around the country as well. You’ll have the opportunity to taste craft beer samples from each brewery in your commemorative sampling glass and chat with the brewers to learn more about the components that make each beer unique.

And if you’re interested in learning even more about beer and the brewing process, you can attend one of the education seminars and ask all your burning questions. There will also be live music and plenty of food vendors to keep your stamina going as you taste test your way around the expo.

Winter Beer Dabbler — February 23, 2019

The biggest outdoor winter beer festival in the state, the Winter Beer Dabbler is now in its 10th year of inviting Minnesotans to join them out in the snow and cold for a tasty craft beer experience. And you won’t have to go far. Hosted right on the Minnesota State Fair grounds, you’ll be able to try craft brews from over 180 local, regional, and national breweries.

They are pouring unlimited samples that you can try in your commemorative Winter Beer Dabbler 2019 sampling glass, which you can then pair with free meat and cheese samples provided by Lunds and Byerlys. You’ll also enjoy live music, silent disco, a home brew contest, and much more entertainment. And not to worry if you get a little chilly outside, you can pop inside the heated Coliseum to warm up before heading out for more delicious sampling.

Northern Lights Rare Beer Fest — March 23, 2019

You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind beer festival. Now in its 6th year, the Northern Lights Rare Beer Fest showcases specialty, vintage, and rare craft brews that you will seldom find at most bars and breweries. This event is where brewers can show off their talent, their creativity, and their innovative flavors.

You’ll be able to try brews from 30 of the top craft brewers in the country including 10 brewers from Minnesota. Beer samples are unlimited which you can enjoy from your commemorative tasting glass along with listening to live music and munching on catered food that’s all included in your ticket. Make sure you try all of these specialty beers, as this may be the only chance you get to taste some of the country’s most inventive craft brews.

With one beer fest each month you’ll definitely be able to keep the winter festivities going. Drink up!

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