Thank you, BEER! October 13 - December 30, 2012

Agriculture?  The Pyramids?  Antibiotics?  Thank you, BEER!  From a humble bar coaster to community contests via social media, the exhibition looks at life through beer-colored glasses.  What can't we thank beer for?  Thank you, BEER! highlights the intelligence and enlightenment of the famous brew, and the brewers who are exploring a whole new world of craftsmanship and taste.  Learn about the ingredients and chemistry of brewing, the cultural contributions of beer, the failure of prohibition and the role of beer in pop culture.  This exhibition is free with general admission.

The Museum is hosting a wide array of fun and engaging special events throughout the duration of the exhibition, so get your tickets today!

Thank you, BEER! Programs and Events

Members Only Preview

Members get the first look at this exciting new exhibit.  This is an all-ages event with beer sampling and a cash bar for those 21 and older.  For information click here.

Dates/Times: Friday, October 12  • 5:00 - 8:00pm

Brewers' Challenge

The Brewers Challenge is an audience-judged competition that will showcase Michigan regional brewers.  The event will also feature beer-related merchandise, cider and home-brew displays, and an interview station to capture the stories of current local brewers.

Dates/Times: Friday, October 19 • 6:00 - 9:00pm

Saturday, October 20 • 11:00 am - 5:00pm

Ticket Price: $30 per person; includes general admission, small plate food and ten beer tasting tokens.  Please  note this event is for guests 21 and older.

Purchase tickets to the Brewers' Challenge online or by calling 616-456-3977.

Beer School

Beer School will feature a series of five Thursday evening classes from 7:00 to 9:00 pm with special speakers on different beer-related topics.  The Museum will also provide a cash bar set-up with regional beers.

Dates/Classes: October 25 • The Harvest – A Summer Gathering

November 15 • Beer Styles and What They Mean to Us

November 29 • Extreme Sides of Beer

December 6 • A Holiday Feast – A Story of Holiday Beers

December 13 • The Future of Beer

Ticket Price: $8.00 per person; includes admission to the exhibition and the class

Purchase tickets to Beer School online or by calling 616-456-3977.

Gourmet Pairing Dinner

Museum Chef Hans Dokl will present an elegant five-course dinner paired with beers made by the five winners of the Brewers' Challenge.  Chef Hans will talk about the foods and their pairings, and the brewers will explain the chosen brews.  The Museum's special commemorative beer by Founders will also be featured as a special "Welcome Beer."

Date/Time:  Saturday, November 17 • 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Ticket Price: $45.00 per person; please note this event is for guests 21 and older.

Purchase tickets to the Gourmet Pairing Dinner online or by calling 616-456-3977.

Hoppy Hour Tastings

Every Tuesday night and most Saturday afternoons during the run of the exhibition, adults will be able to purchase and enjoy selected regional craft and national beers.  Free root beer samples will be offered for kids in Rudell Drug Store.

Dates: October 13, 16, 23, 27, 30

November 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27

December 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 29

Time: Tuesdays 5:00 – 8:00pm

Saturdays 11:00am – 5:00pm ("dry" Saturday exceptions are Oct 20 and Nov 3)

Price: $5.00 per person for 5 samples

Purchase tickets for Hoppy Hour Tastings at the bar located in the Lacks Gallery of the Museum.

Special Note: All events/activities will appropriately promote responsible drinking and driving.