The Great Taste of the Midwest is an entirely volunteer planned and run event by The Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild. We are a local homebrewing club and nonprofit organization located in Madison, Wisconsin which was created “to aid and educate members in the appreciation and legal production of fermented malt beverages, including those brewed at home and those brewed commercially.”

We are very proud of this event. It is a massive undertaking and is a highlight of the summer for many. In addition to tasting the very best our excellent Midwest breweries have to offer, we feel lucky to be able to support several local charities with the proceeds from our festival.

To our knowledge, the Great Taste is the second longest-running craft beer festival in North America. Every year about 200 breweries and brewpubs serve about 1400 different beers in a beautiful lakeside setting in Madison, Wisconsin.

PERKS:

• With a view of the state capitol, great local food vendors, and a variety of live music throughout the park, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to explore the finest beers the Midwest has to offer.

• We limit ticket sales to a reasonable figure so you aren’t standing in line all day for beer.

• The brewers themselves usually attend and pour, so you have a chance to talk to the people who brewed the beer, rather than someone who may not know what they are serving.

The Great Taste of the Midwest beer festival is held annually at Olin Park in Madison on the second Saturday in August. The festival site is just off John Nolen Drive, across from the Alliant Energy Center.

• The gates open at 1:00 p.m. and the event ends at 6:00 p.m.
• There are NO onsite ticket sales.

Top of page

How many beers are there?

There are approximately 1400 available to sample.

Your ticket price includes unlimited 2 oz sampling in a beautiful commemorative tasting glass.