By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Jul 31, 2017 at 2:01 PM

The weekend has come and gone, and – likely unbeknownst to many – we’re officially in the midst of the inaugural Milwaukee Craft Brewery Week, a week of events that celebrates locally brewed beers and the folks who make them.

The week, which runs through Aug. 6 is hosted by the Milwaukee Craft Brewery League (MCBL), an organization comprised of 14 of Milwaukee’s best breweries including Black Husky, Brenner Brewing, Company Brewing, District Fourteen, Enlightened Brewing Co., Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee Brewing Co., MobCraft Beer, Raised Grain Brewing Co., Sprecher Brewery, St. Francis Brewery & Restaurant, City Lights Brewing Co., Good City Brewing and Third Space Brewing.

During the week, participating breweries will be hosting a variety of events at which guests can learn more about the brewing process, try unique and rare brews, mingle with the brewmasters and gain an appreciation for the city’s burgeoning craft beer scene.

Don't miss the following events, which will take place all week long.

Monday, July 31

Starting a Brewery: Risk, Reward, and Red Tap
7 p.m. at The Explorium Brewpub

This educational event will feature a panel of industry experts speaking about topics including:

  1. Differentiating your brewery in a crowded market
  2. The risks and challenges of opening a brewery
  3. The rewards of success and managing growth
  4. Regulatory hurdles.

The ticket price of $16 includes two beer tickets and a spread of snacks after the discussion. The panel discussion starts at 7 p.m. and will run until 8:30 p.m. with the reception to follow.

Tuesday, Aug. 1

Liquid Food Drive Hunger Task Force
Donate at least two nonperishable food items at participating breweries and receive a coupon redeemable at the Humboldt Park Craft Beer Garden.

Wednesday, Aug 2

#Drink414
Get $1 Off Pints at all MCBL Breweries

Thursday, Aug. 3

#DrinkBrewCity
Enjoy tap takeovers across the city. Current venues include: World of Beer, Draft and Vessel and Urban Bayview

Friday, Aug. 3

Amplified Ales
3 to 9 p.m. at MobCraft Beer
Enjoy taps and corresponding music from the following bands and breweries.

Food will be available from 2 to 10 p.m. from Hidden Kitchen MKE.

Saturday, Aug. 5

Wisconsin IPA Fest
noon to 5 p.m. at Third Space Brewing

Sample a variety of IPAs and pick your favorites.There will also be a double blind judging during which area brewers crown Wisconsin's Best IPA. Admission is free and sampling tickets will be available for purchase on site for $2 per 4-ounce sample pour. Pints of select Third Space beers will also be available.

Sunday, Aug. 6

Second annual Project Terroir Beer Festival and Street Party
noon to 7 p.m. at D14 Brewery and Pub

During this one day event, nine breweries will use one recipe to create their own distinct brews. The event is free, and featured beers will be available for purchase in both sample sizes and full pours. Brewers and craft brewery owners will be in attendance. There will also be live music, food vendors and a collection of additional unique craft beer offerings from participating breweries.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.