Brewery Vivant: Craft Beer, Artisanal Cocktails & a Strong Sense of Community

From Brewery Vivant:

Vivant Brewery + Spirits is thrilled to announce the 2024 BFF Fest. Taking place in the parking lot of Vivant, ticket holders will enjoy a day filled with craft beer, artisanal cocktails, and a strong sense of community.

B.F.F. Fest builds upon the esteemed legacy of the Wood Aged Beer Fest (WABF), affectionately remembered by its passionate fans. This year, the festival not only celebrates Barrel-aged beers, Firkins, and Farmhouse ales but also introduces a curated selection of craft cocktails, adding a fresh and exciting dimension to the festivities.

“This festival means so much to our community and staff. It is a chance to share the experimental and traditional beers we have been working on all year” says Jason Spaulding, Founder & CEO. “Many of our most iconic brands that we are known for started as festival beers, so is it a chance for the public to sample what is to come. This is the first year we have expanded into cocktails, which will add a nice dynamic and allow us to share our passion in spirits as well” he adds.

Renowned for drawing beer enthusiasts from across the region to Grand Rapids, Beer City, USA, the BFF Beer Fest is making its second year debut with an enhanced concept that promises an elevated experience. Attendees can anticipate sampling a diverse range of meticulously crafted beers and innovative cocktails, all while enjoying the warm camaraderie that defines Vivant’s vibrant community.

“Wood aged sour beers are something we are super proud of as brewers. The tradition and time it takes to make these beers is dear to us. We have a fan favorite beer named Paris back this year as well as our first Oud Bruin, which is a traditional Flemish style beer we have been aging for over a year” says Jesse Weinkauf, Vivant head brewer.

“It is not just about beer this year” adds Jon Ward, VP of Sales & Marketing. “We started out as a brewery making traditional European style beers but what we have evolved into goes beyond that. The extra layer of spirits and cocktails will let us show off our passion in that world too. People are going to love it” he adds.

The 2024 BFF Fest will be held at Vivant Brewery + Spirits, located at 925 Cherry St SE, on Saturday, September 14, from 1 PM to 5 PM. Tickets are available online from Vivant’s website or at https://www.ticketsource.us/brewery-vivant for $40 or at the door on the day of the event for $50, while supplies last. Each ticket includes a commemorative glass and 10 drink tokens. Delicious food will be provided by Oso Provisions and Taqueria Chilango food truck. Games will be set up in the parking lot that will include oversized beer pong, giant Jenga, and a bean bag toss.

“The games and the camaraderie that ensue at this festival are an integral part of what makes Vivant & this Uptown neighborhood so special” says Evann McUmber, GM at Vivant Brewery + Spirits. “We limit attendance for the BFF Festival to curate the atmosphere we want. The lines are not long, there is time to talk to staff & ask questions and there is plenty of space to visit & move around. A festival like this is what earns Grand Rapids its national title of Beer City USA” she adds.

Join Vivant Brewing + Spirits for the 2024 BFF Fest and be part of an unforgettable celebration that blends tradition with innovation, all set against the backdrop of Grand Rapids’ vibrant Beer City spirit.

Who we are

Vivant Brewery + Spirits is the world’s first LEED® certified commercial microbrewery and is a Certified B Corporation. We brew beer and craft cocktails in the European tradition with the addition of American ingenuity. At our pub we strive to elevate the enjoyment of libations & food and the sense of community in everything we do. Vivant prides itself on being a destination in the “Beer City” of Grand Rapids. Vivant beer brands are distributed throughout the State of Michigan.

Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits is a certified B Corp that focuses on flavor exploration. We stay on the cutting edge with ongoing experimentation to explore new flavors, styles & techniques.  There is a constant curiosity to try new things, find new ingredients to push boundaries in beer, spirits, food & beyond.