On the last Saturday in April, Munster becomes the epicenter of the craft beer world as Three Floyds Brewery hosts its Dark Lord Day festival. For the past eight years, Munster is one of the most important places to be to buy a coveted four-bottle pack of Dark Lord Imperial Stout.
Fans of the brewery throughout the world convene in Munster to partake of this special brew and other entertainment. It is not uncommon to introduce yourself as a Munster resident and be recognized because of Three Floyds.
This type of notoriety has prompted the birth of a new fall tradition. On Oct. 18, the first Munster Ale Fest will take place at Centennial Park. The Ale Fest will give residents and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy unlimited samples from craft brewers from Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and other states.
General admission tickets go on sale online for $45 June 1, and allow access from 1 to 4 p.m. Only 2,000 general admission tickets will be available. Tickets usually sell out quickly for these events.
Munster’s own Three Floyds Brewery will be a participant. A special VIP ticket is available for $80 and includes unlimited samples, entry one hour early, a commemorative five-pint glass, food pairings, and special tastings from Three Floyds.
How can you purchase tickets? Go to www.munsteralefest.com after noon June 1 to claim your spot.
Not a drinker, but enjoy good food and people? Purchase a Designated Driver ticket for $15. You get admission to the grounds and a commemorative pint glass along with water and soda pop.
All ticket holders will also be able to purchase food from vendors. Munster Ale Fest will highlight unique cuisine from local vendors and food trucks.
But before the Munster Ale Fest, there are many great festivals and events to check out this summer. We have the wonderful Music in the Park Series at Centennial Park beginning June 13 with Together, and continuing July 18 with the Echoes of Pompeii, a Pink Floyd tribute band. The series ends with American English on Aug. 15. If you were not able to see American English last summer, I highly encourage you to come and see entertaining Beatles tribute band. All concerts begin at 7 p.m.
Don’t forget about the Town’s Independence Day activities. A fireworks display will take place July 3 at approximately 9:30 p.m. at Centennial Park. Bring your friends and family to this event with concessions, a beer garden, and live music by singer Nicole Jamrose.
The Munster Lions Club Independence Day Parade will begin at 2 p.m. July 4, running the same route as in the past, from the Calumet Avenue/Fisher Street intersection to Ridge Road at Columbia Avenue.
Our Farmers Market remains a popular event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday through September. Vendors offer their wares at the north parking lot of Centennial Park. Come find fresh produce, baked goods, arts, craft, and more.
We’re excited about starting new festival traditions and continuing the old ones this year in Munster.
By Thomas DeGiulio Times Columnist
