It has become a tradition for some visiting breweries to partner with local establishments to showcase their excellent beers. Even if you missed out on Great Taste tickets, you’ll still be able to find many opportunities to sample some special beers all around Madison. Some of these events even feature breweries that are not able to join us at the Great Taste. Look below for a list of events!
If you’d like to submit an event, please go here.
First Oktoberfest Tapping at Northside Lounge
August 7, 2025 @ 3:00 pm - 11:30 pm Northside Lounge - Madison, Wis.
Visitors to Great Taste of the Midwest have the opportunity to try one of the season’s first Oktoberfest!
Northside Lounge on Sherman Ave. in Madison will tap its first Oktoberfest keg of the year as part of its One Year Anniversary celebration on Thursday August 7.
Featured will be Titletown’s Bent Tuba Oktoberfest, a Märzen-style lager checking in at 6.0% ABV.
The official brewery description says, “Want a beer that kicks some serious brass? Bent Tuba is a smooth German-style amber lager, loaded with rich, toasty malt flavor, and complemented by a touch of crisp Bavarian hops. It’s playing your song.”
A representative from Titletown will be on hand to sample beer, socialize and answer questions from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Northside Lounge is located at 1022 N. Sherman Ave. Doors open at 3:00 p.m.
So join us to raise a pint and say “Prost” before the start to Great Taste.
Great Taste Weekend Warmup at Forward Craft & Coffee
August 7, 2025 @ 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm Forward Craft & Coffee - Madison
The countdown to the GREAT TASTE WEEKEND WARMUP at Forward is here!
We pulled out all the stops this year and brought in some new faces to go alongside some of our main stays.
Thursday 8/7 starting at 3:00pm:
We welcome in G-Five Brewing, 4 Hands Brewing Co., Sway Brewing + Blending, Drekker Brewing, Surly Brewing, Pilot Project Brewing. Come hang out with us, meet some of the brewers, and just get ready for a good time and even enjoy a few releases that you won’t be able to get anywhere else!Friday 8/8 starting at 10:00am
Revolution Brewing will once again have a VERY special release. Release will begin at 10:00am. Our Forward kitchen is also unveiling our first ever release of Supermassive Tiramisu Cheesecake…Our Friday tapping will begin at 10:00AM, but we promise we won’t stop you from coming in early to try some other amazing brews or get your Irish Coffee for Great Taste Eve morning!
Location: Forward Craft & Coffee 2166 Atwood Ave Madison, WI
Stay tuned and follow us as the date gets closer as we have a few more surprises in store and also our tap list announcement!
Pre-Pre Party @ Dexter's Pub
August 7, 2025 @ 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm Dexter's Pub - Madison, Wi
Three Breweries, 8 Lines Each
-Lion’s Tail Brewing Co.
-Ope Brewing
-Illuminated Brew WorksWing Party, special sauces made from some of the Brews on tap
Working Draft – Great Taste Pre-Party Thursday!
August 7, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Working Draft Beer Company - Madison
Join us Thursday, August 7th, as we start to get ramped up for the Great Taste of the Midwest Beer Festival!
We have a lot of fun on tap for you all weekend, including this exciting Thursday lineup:
— Release of our collaboration with Lupulin Brewing, a Munich Dunkel brewed with Wild Rice
— Limited release / preview of an unfiltered Stackenblochen Oktoberfest
— Food Truck
Sign me up and sign me in. See you Thursday!
Great Taste Face Off: 3 Sheeps vs. Founders 🥊🍻
August 7, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Blue Moon Bar and Grill - Madison Wisconsin
🎩 LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BEER LOVERS AND HOP HEADS! 🎩
Step right up for a sudsy slugfest of epic proportions…🥊 TAP TAKEOVER SHOWDOWN: THE BREWERY BRAWL! 🥊
In this corner, the wooly warrior of the north — 3 SHEEPS BREWING of Sheboygan, Wisconsin!
And in the other, the pride of Grand Rapids, Michigan — FOUNDERS BREWING CO.!🍻 A four-round fight for craft beer glory:
🔹 CHAOS PATTERN Hazy IPA vs. MORTAL BLOOM Hazy IPA
🔹 Lager vs. Pils
🔹 Mexican Hot Chocolate WOLF vs. KBS Iced Latte
🔹 Oktoberfest vs. Oktoberfest👑 You decide the winner — one pint at a time!
May the best brew rise to the top, and the losing brewery’s rep face the ultimate punishment:
🥃 A double shot of Malört — live, on site, no mercy.The gloves are off. The taps are on.
Come thirsty, vote loudly, and bear witness to the crowning of the next CRAFT BEER CHAMPION!Get a pull tab with any 3 Sheeps or Founders beer for a chance to win prizes! 🏆
🦋 Cocoon Brewing + 🌿 Humble Forager
August 7, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Garth's Brew Bar - Madison
Two wildly different but equally stellar breweries will be sharing a spotlight at Garth’s Brew Bar
Darkness and Donuts at Tipsy Cow
August 8, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 11:30 pm Tipsy Cow - Madison
Darkness and Free Greenbush Donuts in the Morning! (While Supplies Last)
Timed Tappings:
9am – Darkness and Donuts!!!
2018 Cherry Vanilla Darkness
Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla Bean & Cherry Added2017 Barrel Aged Darkness
Imperial Stout Aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels2024 Cola Darkness
Imperial stout, aged in bourbon barrels with cola flavoring, demerara syrup, vanilla, and orange peel2023 Nitro Coco Darkness
Aged in bourbon barrels, coconut, vanilla, and cacao, then is brewed on nitro for a rich, creamy finish – 12% ABV11AM
Oktoberfest Cask Firkin!!!
Marzen Lager – 6% ABVR&D Hazy IPA
Only Keg Outside of our Beer HallBarrel Aged Pentagram
Dark Sour Ale aged in red wine barrels for 18 months, then moved to a Rye Whiskey Barrel for 8 more months.4pm
Sunshine Supernova
Sour Ale crafted with mango, pineapple, and orange puree.Splitting the S
Irish Style Dry Stout2021 Gimme S’More Darkness
Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout with Vanilla and Cinnamon Added7pm
Fourteen
Barleywine aged in Parker Heritage Wheat Whiskey barrels and Tattersall orphan spirit barrelsBarrel Aged Ten
Our Legendary 10th Anniversary Old Ale aged on toasted sassafras, then aged on rum barrels for close to a year2023 Darkness with Friends : Other Half
Darkness aged in Old Fitzgerald Bourbon barrels with Cloud Cover Hayissa Olocho Keramo Coffee and vanilla beans addedOn Tap All Day
Furious
IPANiiice Beer
It’s a beer that tastes like a beerMosh Pit Juicy Pale Ale
Juicy Pale AleMosh Pit Hazy IPA
Hazy IPAGrapefruit Supreme
Grapefruit Berliner Weiss Tart AleMister Surly’s Orange Whip
Cream Ale with Blood Orange and VanillaAxe Man
IPA
Central Waters Great Taste Central Command 8.0
August 8, 2025 @ 10:00 am - 10:00 pm Lucille - Madison, WI
Central Waters is teaming up with Lucille for Central Command 8.0. We will be featuring 11 taps of a mixture of Central Waters favorites and some fun new surprises. Also we will have the following 8 barrel aged timed tappings: Black Gold 10am, Black Gold Maple Fudge 11am, Fleece & Feather 12pm, 26th Anniversary-J Henry 1pm, 27th Anniversary 2pm, 27th Anniversary Marion Berry 3pm, 27th Anniversary-Eastern Kille 12 year 4pm, 27th Anniversary-Elijah Craig 12 year 5pm!
Maduro & Bells Brewery Great Taste Pre-Party
August 8, 2025 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 am Maduro Cigar Bar - Madison
Our long standing tradition of hosting Bells Brewery for the Great Taste Pre-Party is continuing this year! They’re celebrating 40 years of making amazing beer and we’re opening early at 10am with 18 dedicated lines of beer including a 2014 Expedition Stout! This year we’ve invited a hand-rolled cigar maker to join us and offer a limited supply of cigars starting at 2pm to watch the process in action! Cheers!
Revolution Stoopermassive Café Deth Limited Release @ Forward Craft & Coffee!
August 8, 2025 @ 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Forward Craft & Coffee - Madison
Can you kick it? Yes you can! Once again Revolution x Forward Craft made a signature keg for Great Taste. Join us at 10am for the release of this only-one-made keg: Stoopermassive Cafe Deth Limited Release
This single barrel of extra-malty Deth’s Tar rested on FOURTEEN pounds of freshly roasted whole bean El Salvadorian coffee from Dark Matter for twenty four hours, producing a strong cold brew coffee out of beer rather than water. This über aggressive coffee treatment is balanced by heaps of chocolatey malt, providing subtle mocha vibes without the nibs.
Our Supermassive Cafe Tiramisu cheesecake slices, which will also be released the same morning, will be the perfect combo to fuel up your Great Taste Eve. HURRY DOWN, THIS WILL GO FAST!
3 Sheeps Tap Feature at The Coopers Tavern
August 8, 2025 @ 11:00 am - 11:59 pm The Coopers Tavern - Madison, Wisconsin
We’re excited to announce that The Coopers Tavern will once again be hosting 3 Sheeps for a Pre-Great Taste Party!
We’ll be featuring a fantastic selection of beers, including:
**Coopers Class Beer Trip:** A Collaboration Hazy IPA made with The Coopers team, featuring Galaxy, Motueka, Rakau, and Vic Secret hops (6.5% ABV).
**Fleece & Feather:** A collaboration blend of The Wolf and Black Gold with cocoa nibs and vanilla (14.5% ABV).
**Baker’s Dozen:** A barrel-aged Imperial Stout with maple syrup and coffee (13.2% ABV).
**2024 Veneration:** A Belgian-style Quad aged in Rye Whiskey barrels with figs and molasses (14.4% ABV).
**Sowre Grapefruit Lime:** A fruited sour (8% ABV).
In addition to these featured beers, we’ll also have many of your other favorite core and seasonal 3 Sheeps offerings available.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Hillsboro Brewing Company's 1st Great Taste! Pre-Great Taste Party @ The Brass Ring
August 8, 2025 @ 11:00 am - 11:30 pm Brass Ring - Madison, Wisconsin
Join the Hillsboro Brewing Company at The Brass Ring to celebrate their first time attending the Great Taste of The Midwest!
Hillsboro Brewing Company will be releasing exclusive beers throughout the day at The Brass Ring. Be sure to bring your putting skills Friday because they will have a putting game that can land you some sweet prizes starting at 4:00PM!Featured Brews:
Love Island – Hibiscus and Raspberry Sour
Sour Patch – Sour Patch Kid Sour
Jorts – Guava infused Hefeweizen
X-Thiols – Hazy IPA
Nutty Monkey – Pistachio Cream Ale
Space Invaders – Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
Collab-A-Festa-Sava-Thon 2025
August 8, 2025 @ 11:30 am - 12:00 am Young Blood Beer Co. - Madison, WI
Join us Friday, August 8 at our King Street and Northstreet taprooms for Collab-A-Festa-Sava-Thon 2025. It’s a one-day-only drop of collaborations we brewed with our fav breweries near and far. Featuring collaborations with Drekker, More, Revolution, Vennture, Lion’s Tail, Amorphic, 1840, Eagle Park, Hop Butcher, Mikerphone, and Little Thistle.
We’re not doing staggered tappings or ticketed pours. Just show up, grab a glass, and get into it.
🕛 Doors open at 11:30am
🍻 Every collab on draft at once
🛒 Limited four-packs available to-go
🍴Food situation? Our kitchen opens at 11:30am
Whether you’re warming up for the Great Taste or just in it for the party, this is the move.
Argus BarGrille- 3 Floyds- WarPigs
August 8, 2025 @ 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm Argus BarGrille - Madison, WI 53703
Oops we did it again! We locked in and locked down the infamous 3 Floyds and WarPigs Breweries for another not to be missed Pre Taste Party.
Seven styles of 3 Floyd’s, including 2 Darks Lords (Sundae Thunderstorm and Sceptor of Power), the “gulp-able” Deluxe Lager debuting this year (on tap and in the badass 16 oz can), as well as Evil Beast of 1,000 Bodies, Turbo Reaper, Zombie Dust, and Gumball Head and Robert the Bruce bottles.
Two different 3 Floyd’s canned cocktails: Paloma and Pineapple Mango.
Five styles of WarPigs: Bouffant Jellyfish, Imperial and Lil Geezers, Blinding Light Show and Foggy Geezer
BarleyPop Great Taste Pre-Party
August 8, 2025 @ 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm Barleypop Tap and Shop - Madison, WI 53704
We’re getting nuts on Friday with a round-up of some of the best breweries the Midwest (and beyond) has to offer! Come enjoy killer pours from:
– Side Project Brewing (St. Louis, MO)
– Toppling Goliath Brewing (Decorah, IA)
– Mikerphone Brewing (Chicago, IL)
– Blackstack Brewing (St. Paul, MN)
– XUL Beer Company (Knoxville, TN)
– 608 Brewing (La Crosse, WI)
– Barn Town Brewing (Des Moines, IA)
– Dimensional Brewing (Dubuque, IA)
– Hop Butcher For The World (Chicago, IL)
– Humble Forager (Waunakee, WI)Specific beers and timed tappings will be updated on our Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/943840227883377
The Catalyst – A Great Taste Pre-Party at Karben4
August 8, 2025 @ 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm Karben4 Brewing - Madison
The hype-est beers from across the land come together for one all-day extravaganza on the Karben4 patio. Sample the finest selections from Drekker, Oliphant, Brewing Projekt, and more, or grab a pint of the special in-house experiments we’ve brewed specifically for this weekend. A perfect preview of what’s in store at Olin Park the following day. And a way for those who missed out on tickets to get their fill. Running all day: noon-10pm
Working Draft – Great Taste Pre-Party Friday!
August 8, 2025 @ 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm Working Draft Beer Company - Madison
Come on back to WDBC on Friday, August 8th, as we really get down before Saturday’s Great Taste of the Midwest Beer Festival!
We have a lot of fun on tap for you all weekend, including this exciting Friday lineup:
— Release of our collaboration with Cellar West Brewery, a Dry-Hopped Wheat Lager brewed with Wild Rice
— Miller High Life on a Side Pull faucet
— Limited tappings from the WDBC vault, including Pocket Brat Smoked Helles Doppelbock and Primo Pivo Czech-Style Pale Lager
— Spaghett’s and a Special Cocktail
— Great Taste of the Midwest Ticket Raffle
— Special Food
We can’t wait for the weekend. See you Friday!
🎉 Great Taste Eve at The Lone Girl Taproom – Madison with Blake's Hard Cider 🎉
August 8, 2025 @ 12:00 pm - 12:00 am Lone Girl Taproom - Madison
Get a taste of what’s to come! Join us for an all-day pre-party leading up to the Great Taste of the Midwest. Doors open at Noon
🍺 ON TAP:
All your Lone Girl favorites, including our World Beer Cup medalist, Towhead. Plus some new favorites you haven’t met yet. And, an awesome tap takeover by our friends at Blake’s Hard Cider.🍕 PAIR YOUR PINT WITH PIZZA
Our Roman-style pies are made with a custom flour blend and a 72-hour rise for that thick, airy crust. Hand-pressed. Topped fresh. Baked to perfection. Also available for takeout.🎯 GAMES + GIVEAWAYS + GTMW TICKET RAFFLE!
#ProTip: Drink Beer = Get Raffle Tickets
• 1 pint = 1 ticket
• FLIGHTS = BONUS ENTRIES! (Flight of 6 = 6 raffle tickets!)
• Win Beer + Merchandise throughout the day and night
• GTMW Ticket Drawing around 8PM – You could walk away with a pair of GTMW tickets!🕛 EVENT SCHEDULE:
• 12PM – Doors Open
• 12–6PM – Extended Happy Hour – $4 pints + free bar snacks
• All Day – Blake’s Hard Cider specials
• 6PM – Sneak Preview Taps: Be the first to try our GTMW Special Release beers!Open until midnight
🦖 Toppling BarleyPop Tap and Shop🦖
August 8, 2025 @ 12:00 pm - 11:59 pm Barleypop Tap and Shop - Madison, WI 53704
Get ready to stomp, roar, and pour—Toppling Goliath is back at BarleyPop for our legendary Pre-Party to The Great Taste of the Midwest! We’ve been throwing this dino-sized bash for many years, and 2025 is shaping up to be another epic celebration.
Join the Toppling Goliath Crew, including our brewers, for a celebration of rare pours, good vibes, and prehistoric fun. Whether you’re a stout seeker or a hop hunter, we’ve got something to make your taste buds go Jurassic.
🦖 Draft List Highlights 🦖
Stouts:
2025 Mornin’ Delight – Breakfast in a glass.
2025 Assassin – Smooth, stealthy, and dangerously delicious.
XV (15-Year Anniversary Stout) – A celebration of 15 years of brewing excellence.
Meteora – Bold enough to leave a crater in your memory.Core Brands:
Pseudo Sue – The original hop beast.
Cyber Sue – A futuristic twist on a classic.
DDH King Sue – Double dry-hopped and royally juicy.
Summer Sue – Sunshine in a pint.
Berry Patch Fandango – A fruity dance party for your palate.Expect dino-sized pours, fierce flavors, and a chance to hang out with the TG team. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the herd, this is the perfect way to kick off your Great Taste weekend.
No bones about it—this party will be a roaring good time!
Flashback Friday – One Barrel Brewing at The Green Room Public House
August 8, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 1:00 am The Green Room Public House - Madison
We are going back in time and throwing a party at our old stomping grounds – 2001 Atwood ave in Madison! Our fine friends at The Green Room are giving up tap lines and transforming back to the OG One Barrel Brewing tap room. Swag giveaways, specialty brews alongside old school faves, and all the good vibes of Madison’s greatest neighborhood – Schenk’s Corners. On Tap:
Wierd Energy – Bourbon Barrel aged Barleywine – 9.5%
Fun Dip – Mixed Berry Sour Ale – 4.7%
Hypercolor – New England IPA – 6%
Commuter – Kölsch-style Ale – 4.8%
Penguin Pale Ale – American Pale Ale – 5.7%
Gentry’s Rosé Cider – Semi-sweet Hard Cider – 5%
G5 @ Square Wine Co.
August 8, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Square Wine Co - Madison
Come and hang with the G5 Brew Crew and have a beer on the Square at Square Wine Co.! Sample three beers for $10 or buy a four pack and your samples are FREE!! We will be bringing some of our tastiest and freshest beers AND maybe a rare beer to sample…
Untitled Art + boiler makers @ Grey Market
August 8, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm Grey Market - Madison
Untitled Art will be taking over the taps at Grey Market. Come enjoy a variety of Untitled Arts beers and seltzers along with special boilermaker pairings. The team from Untitled Art will be onsite with awesome swag giveaways and special art prints.
Tap list:
•BA American Imperial Stout
•Nectaron Krush IPA
•Sunset Passion Sour
•Navel Orange Yuzu Seltzer
•Kiwi Whip Sour
•Cryo Citra IPA
•Beer Beer American Pilsner
🍻 Great Taste Eve – Pre-Party at Starkweather Brewing Company
August 8, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 9:30 pm Starkweather Brewing Company - Madison, WI
Be first in line — the party starts as soon as our doors open Friday at 2 pm!
We’re pouring our award-winning flagships PLUS hitting it out of the park with:
🍊 An Orange Oasis (8.4% ABV)
🌞 Succulent Sunshine, Hefeweizen (6% ABV)Our friends from Milwaukee’s Pilot Project are joining the fun with:
🥒 Donna’s Pickle Beer (4.4% ABV)
🍻 Standard Goods Lager (5% ABV)
🌫️ Two Falls Hazy IPA (6.8% ABV)
Come kick off Great Taste of the Midwest with us — epic beers, great vibes, and your beer-loving crew!
Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company Great Taste Pre Party
August 8, 2025 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Off Broadway Drafthouse - Madison, WI
Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company will host a Great Taste pre-party on Friday, August 8th from 3–5 PM at Off Broadway Drafthouse. Beers on tap will include Bee’s B Crazy Hefeweizen, Crop Duester Cream Ale, Pink Flamingo Fruited Seltzer, Bentist Candy Juicy IPA, and Nutty Bills Peanut Butter Porter.
Great Taste Eve w/ Barrel & Beam, Earth Rider, and Sway.
August 8, 2025 @ 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm The Muskellounge - Madison, wi
Join us for a Great Taste pre-party with some of our favorite breweries — Barrel & Beam, Earth Rider, and Sway!
We’re celebrating exceptional beer on Friday, August 8th from 3–6 PM. Representatives from each brewery will be on-site pouring and chatting about some of their favorite brews. Hank’s will be open and serving up a classic fish fry, so come hungry and thirsty.
Here’s what we’ll be tapping:
Earth Rider Brewing
• Valhalla – Dancing Goat Barrel-Aged Scotch Ale (in collaboration with Muskellounge)
• Superior – Pale Ale
• Royal Bohemian – Lager
• Blueberry Honey – Cream Ale
• Peche – SourBarrel & Beam
• Blanc Du Nord – Belgian Wit
• Terre à Terre – Classic Saison
• Life in Michigan – Oak-Aged Amber
• Beau Blue – Blueberry Wild Ale
• Heritage – Hoppy SaisonSway Brewing
• A Little Breeze – Mexican-Inspired Pale Lager
• Lovely Cherries – Barrel-Fermented Saison with Door County Cherries
• County Goldenrod – Oak-Fermented Saison with Locally Foraged GoldenrodCome raise a glass with us and get a taste of what these incredible breweries have to offer!
Great Taste Pre-Party w/ Titletown Brewing & Live Music
August 8, 2025 @ 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm Bierock - Madison
Great Taste of the Midwest is almost here and so are Great Taste Eve events, including a special one at Bierock on Friday August 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
We’ve got featured beer tappings from Titletown Brewing Company in Green Bay and live music on the docket.
Performing live music will be Madison’s own Jack o’ the Dust, starting at 8:00 p.m.
Jack o’ the Dust is an acoustic folk duo comprised of Andrew Doiel on guitar and Amy McNally on fiddle.
Look out for indie-rock, punk and Americana influences in their soulful originals and covers. There is no cover charge.
Meanwhile, we’ll have a tap takeover with Titletown Brewing Company.
Visitors can expect a couple flagship and seasonal offerings from Titletown along with a couple others that are typically taproom exclusives, which we are proud to serve as a Great Taste Eve partner.
The beers in our lineup—along with beer styles—include…
Extra Point, Hazy IPA: Session hazy IPA. Tropical, stone fruit, strawberry, a little dank. Light, smooth and minimal bitterness.
Wild Card: Passion Fruit & Peach, Fruited Sour: Fruited kettle-sour with passion fruit and peach puree.Bent Tuba, Oktoberfest: Fall seasonal. Want a beer that kicks some serious brass? Bent Tuba is a smooth German-style amber lager, loaded with rich, toasty malt flavor, and complemented by a touch of crisp Bavarian hops. It’s playing your song.
Orange Crush, Citrus Wheat: American wheat with orange peel and fresh orange zest added.
Johnny Blood Red, Irish-Style Red Ale: Rich caramel malts and a touch of roasted barley create the distinctive flavor of this Irish Style Red Ale. Silver medalist, Irish-Style Red Ale, 2015 Great American Beer Festival.
Green 19, IPA: This hop-forward ale showcases a complex blend of citrus-like American hop varieties, their bitterness well-balanced by complex malt for exceptional drinkability.
Honey Ale, Blonde Ale w/ Honey: Local wildflower honey adds sweet floral notes to the lightly-toasted Wisconsin malt character of this golden ale. Brewed since 1996, this beer is named after the famous C&NW ‘400’ passenger train that kept the Green Bay depot buzzing for decades.
Early birds get the bonus of Happy Hour pricing. From 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., get $1 off all full-size pours of Titletown and all alcoholic drinks at Bierock.
Bierock will have its full food and drink menu during the event, as well as full indoor and outdoor dining available.
So stop by for the best Great Taste Eve pre-party in town.
Located at 2911 N. Sherman Ave., Bierock is part of the Northside TownCenter and across the street from Warner Park.
Pre-Great Taste Pinball Party with Mikerphone & Xul Brewing! 3 Strikes Tourney @ 7PM
August 8, 2025 @ 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm The Kickback - Middleton
Join us, Mikerphone, & their friends Xul Beer Co. out of Knoxville for an evening of games and delicious beer.
On Tap from Mikerphone:
The Limon Cello
I Want My IPA
Hey Malort, Marlot Italiano!
Land of Transfusion
Barrel Aged Super Imperial Smells Like Great Taste SpiritWe will have limited bottles of Great Taste Spirit for take away as well!
On Tap from Xul:
PB&J MixtapeThree Strikes Pinball Tourney @ 7PM with prize support from Mikerphone & Stern Pinball!
4 Hands Brewing Company ✋✋✋✋ @ Blue Moon Bar 🌘
August 8, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Blue Moon Bar and Grill - Madison Wisconsin
Join us Friday night at Blue Moon Bar for a special tap takeover with our friends from St. Louis’ 4 Hands Brewing Co.!
We’ll be pouring some fan favorites like Field Day (a tropical blonde ale) and Octohaze (a juicy hazy IPA), plus two limited releases you won’t want to miss:🍺 Madagascar – an imperial milk stout aged in bourbon barrels with Madagascar vanilla beans
🍺 Voltron Vol. 8 – a hazy IPA brewed in collaboration with 3 Sheeps Brewing (Sheboygan, WI)Come grab a pint and hang with the crew—this one’s going to be good.
Boulevard Brewing at Sardine 🍻🐟
August 8, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sardine - Madison, WI
Shuck, sip, and celebrate!
Join us at Sardine for Madison’s favorite oyster happy hour and a Kansas City-worthy beer bash with Boulevard Brewing Co. We’re warming up for Great Taste with fresh frites, icy oysters, and a Tank 7 or two… plus a stellar lineup of Boulevard brews that’ll have you coming back for another round.On tap:
🍇 Berry Noir – 4% ABV | Mixed Berry Sour
Vibrant, juicy, and refreshingly tart. Bursting with blueberries and blackberries, this bright purple pour drinks like berry lemonade with a spritzy finish.🪵 Wood Baron – 8.2% ABV | Barrel-Aged Ale
Smooth, rich, and deeply satisfying. Bourbon-barrel character meets notes of chocolate and vanilla in this hand-blended sipper. A real treat for your inner aristocrat.🌌 Space Camper Juice Nova – 9% ABV | Hazy IPA
An intergalactic blast of passionfruit and mango packed into a superstellar hazy IPA. Cosmic fruit flavor with a gravity-defying ABV.🍹 Quirk Grape Ginger Fizz – Cocktail by Sardine
A custom-crafted spritz with bright grape and spicy ginger—because Boulevard’s cocktail game is just as strong as their beer.
Founders Annual Great Taste Pre-party with TROY @ The Echo
August 8, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 11:30 pm The Echo Tap - Madison WI
Come hang out with Team Founders & Troy at our annual Great Taste party! We are featuring a fantastic lineup of beers including TWO exclusive kegs shipped straight from our taproom in Grand Rapids, MI, to Echo Tap for this celebration!
We hope to see you there, cheers!
2025 Line-up:
1. All Day IPA
2. Mortal Bloom Hazy IPA
3. There She Gose (Taproom Exclusive – Rosemary-Lemon Gose w/ Sea Salt)
4. Midwest Lager (Taproom Exclusive)
5. Oktoberfest
6. Rubaeus Raspberry Wheat Ale
7. Avery White Rascal
8. Mahou Cinco Estrellas Pale Lager
Great Taste Eve at Giant Jones Brewing
August 8, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Giant Jones Brewing - Madison
Join our co-owner/brewer Jessica Jones as she guides you through a flavorful beer journey. She will be selecting a flight of four Giant Jones beers, then she’ll chat with you all about the beers & what makes them so special. Each flight is $16. We will have 2 time slots for this fun event. 5:30pm or 7pm. Book your slot now as space is limited; link is below!
If you didn’t get tickets for The Great Taste of the Midwest you will have your chance tonight. We have 2 pairs of tickets and will be raffling them off at 6pm & 8pm!
We’re proud to be Wisconsin’s only certified organic brewery, so come see what our BIG beers are all about b/c we brew big beers for EVERYONE!
https://giant-jones-brewing.square.site/shop/events/4
Great Taste Eve Block Party with Revolution Brewing
August 8, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Essen Haus - Madison, WI 53703
Up North Bar, Essen Haus, and Come Back In are hosting a Great Taste Even Block Party with steins of beer, games, and live music from The Gary Beal Band!
Half Acre & Lion's Tail Takeover Cask & Ale
August 8, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Cask & Ale - Madison, WI
Join us Great Taste Eve for Half Acre & Lion’s Tail @ Cask & Ale
The Tap List is:
Lion’s Tail #90 Red
Lion’s Tail Bourbon Trail ’24 #7 Cherry
Lion’s Tail Juice Cloud
Lion’s Tail Sandbar Pils
Lion’s Tail Violet
Lion’s Tail Motherpucker
Lion’s Tail Cranked
Half Acre Vanilla Benthic
Half Acre Reef Knot
Half Acre Akari Shogun
Half Acre Slow Melt
Half Acre Waybird
Half Acre Daisy Cutter
Half Acre Great Taste Double IPA
Indeed Brewing Company Great Taste Pre-Party at Paul's Club!
August 8, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Paul's Club - Madison
🍻 Kick off your Great Taste of the Midwest weekend right with the Indeed Brewing Company crew at Paul’s Club’s PRE- PARTY Friday, August 8th from 4-8PM 🍻
We’ll be slingin’ some exclusive beers, playing PLINKO, and firing off some sweet swag giveaways all to gear you up for an unforgettable Saturday! 😎⚾️ Enter for a chance to win a 4-pack of Milwaukee Brewers tickets, plus a pizza party at the Milwaukee Indeed Brewing taproom before the game! 🍕
Let’s get ready for some good times at GREAT TASTE!
New Glarus Brewing Co. Presents…Pre-Taste on the Pitch
August 8, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Baer Balcony, overlooking Historic Breese Stevens Field - Madison, Wisconsin
World famous (yet only in Wisconsin) New Glarus Brewing Co. will be hosting their pre-party to The Great Taste of the Midwest – Pre-Taste on the Pitch – on Friday, August 8th from 4 PM – 8 PM in the Baer Balcony, overlooking Historic Breese Stevens Field.
Join us a we welcome New Glarus Brewing Co. and sample some of the finest libations the great lands of Wisconsin have to offer.
This event is FREE and open to the public*.
Play yard games, converse with the experts, WIN TICKETS, and enjoy a beautiful night overlooking the pitch as Breese Stevens Field.
GIVEAWAYS:
All attendees will have a chance to win a pair of tickets to the upcoming The Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse show at Breese Stevens Field on August 14th, 2025 …
or one of two pairs of tickets to The Great Taste of the Midwest on August 9th.
*Must be 21+ years of age to comsume alcohol.
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Taste the excellence brewed into each of these fine ales…– Teased from the loam by the kiss of the Sun. Mom’s Strawberry Rhubarb delights are the happy memories of childhood. Diploma Master Brewer Dan employed juicy sweet Strawberries to tame the barbaric wild tart fermentation of rhubarb. Escaped from the far corners of neighboring yards, local rhubarb was incorporated into the wild sour fermentation to create this drinkable dream. Bright sour and effervescent. Toast chilled cold to Bright skies, fireflies, bare feet and rhubarb pies!
– Exploding tart and crisp, Wild Grape Splash is 100% natural with zero artificial sweeteners allowing the real fruit goodness to shine through our Wisconsin malt. A refreshing 4.0% ABV, only 105 calories and a delightful 6.5 g of carbs triumph in our Wild Grape Splash.
– Eminently drinkable at 60 IBU this armonious IPA was built to partner with food and friends. A legacy combination of old school American hops with lively German and American newbies. Of course, dry hopping catapults this unique bouquet to your nose. Golden blonde and 15° P camouflages a substantial 6.75% ABV. Brewmaster Dan’s riff on the American IPA tradition.
– 100% Natural – great Midwestern and European Malts, the world’s most expensive hops, fresh yeast from Germany, and clear Wisconsin water make our Staghorn Octoberfest “Wisconsin’s Real Red.” You will find absolutely no additives, preservatives or artificial agents of any kind in this bier. Staghorn is brewed using the time honored methods to release the smooth flavor of our roasted malts.
This Octoberfest combines a smooth amber body with a clean, crisp finish. Be sure to hold this one up to the light of any harvest moon and enjoy “Wisconsin’s Real Red.”
– Fourth in our series of spontaneous sour ales. Fermented and aged in oak barrels – on yeast lees – with Oregon blackberries. Refermented in this bottle. Open with care – This is a funky wild sour beer!
Party with Potosi at Genna's
August 8, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Genna’s Cocktail Lounge - Madison
Meet & greet the Potosi Team at Genna’s. We’ll be taking over the taps with our classic brews and a few new rare offerings.
Sam Adams Great Taste Pre Party
August 8, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Village Green - Middleton
Samuel Adams will host a Great Taste pre-party on Friday, August 8th from 4–6 PM. Guests can try a variety of Sam Adams beers on draft, including Boston Lager, Octoberfest, Summer Ale, and American Light. There will be opportunities for free samples and swag during the event while supplies last. Each pint of Sam Adams purchased will earn an entry to win two tickets to the sold-out Great Taste of the Midwest. Sam Adams Utopias will also be available.
🦖 Toppling The Cardinal🦖
August 8, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 11:59 pm Cardinal Bar - Madison
Toppling Goliath is taking over The Cardinal Bar for one epic pre-party before the Great Taste of the Midwest — and you’re invited to raise a glass with the crew!
Join members of the TG team, including our brewers, for an evening of bold beers, good vibes, and exclusive pours. We’re bringing the heat with:
🍺 Pseudo Sue – the hop queen
💻 Cyber Sue – a techy twist on a classic
☀️ Summer Sue – your seasonal sidekick
🍻 TG Pils – crisp, clean, and crushablePLUS: We’ll have a very limited number of bottles for sale of our coveted barrel-aged stout Assassin 2025. This beast doesn’t come out often — don’t miss your chance to snag one!
So grab your fellow beerosaurs and head to The Cardinal Bar for a night of hops, roars, and pours. It’s going to be dino-mite! 🦕🍻
🌀 Topsy Turvy & 🔥 Torzala Brewing
August 8, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Garth's Brew Bar - Madison
Two up-and-comers that never disappoint will be hitting the tap lines and reach-in cooler at Garth’s Brew Bar
Beat the Brewer- Badger State Brewing at IO Arcade
August 8, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm I/O Arcade Bar - Madison, WI
Join Badger State Brewing at IO Arcade. Beat the crew in town from Badger State at arcade and pinball games, win a beer! Enter to win other raffle prizes including Brewery Swag and Gift Cards.
Earth Rider Pre-Party
August 8, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Northside Lounge - Madison, Wis.
Earth Rider will be showing up to Northside Lounge with some delicious beers and awesome giveaways. We’ll have brewery reps there to chat and enthuse about amazing beer.
Great Taste of Madison
August 8, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Delta Beer Lab - Madison
Get to know Madison’s robust and diverse craft beverage scene right down the road from the Great Taste of the Midwest festival grounds! Delta Beer Lab will be hosting guest beers from 16 Madison-area breweries, cideries, and distilleries representing a broad range of styles and flavors for the discerning craft beverage enthusiast. Meet representatives from the guest makers, learn more about their products, and buy a flight for a chance to win brewery swag! Don’t forget to grab a bite from our friends at Caracas Empanadas, who will be popping up at the Delta taproom for the night.
Every year, Madison plays host to the Great Taste of the Midwest, drawing top breweries from the Midwest and craft beer lovers from around the country. We love our brewery friends from out of town, but we decided it was time to give our visitors a chance to really get to know the host city for this top-tier festival. Featuring some makers that won’t be at the festival on Saturday, this pre-Great Taste event concentrates on the Great Taste of Madison that we’re all so proud of. As the brewery closest to the Great Taste festival grounds, Delta Beer Lab is proud to be the perfect taproom to host our local friends for the night.
1, 2, 3, … 4 years running August Schell's Brewery and Paradise Lounge Partner up for Pre and Post Party for Great Taste!
August 8, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 2:00 am Paradise Lounge - Madison
As the Paradise Lounge celebrates their 50th anniversary and August Schell’s celebrates their 165th anniversary, we have partnered up for the 4th year in a row to throw a pre and post party for the Great Taste! There is no crazy theme for this party, just good-easy-drinking beers at the “Dice” where you can grab some greasy grub, be a jukebox hero, and share some stories over some beers. Pouring award winning beers Oktoberfest, Notorious Juicy Lager, Deer Brand, Grain Belt Premium, and exclusive sneak peak of our new Cucumber Watermelon Refresher!
Beer & Chicken Wing Pairing 🍗🍺
August 8, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 11:59 pm Starkweather Brewing Company - Madison, WI
Friday, August 8, 2025
6:30 – 8:00 PM, $37 per person
We’re bringing together our award-winning craft beer and award-winning chicken wings for a one-of-a-kind pairing experience!
✨ What to Expect:
Savor the craft beers that Starkweather Brewing Co. is famous for, each paired perfectly with our mouthwatering wings — seasoned and sauced to perfection. You’ll explore a delicious range of beer styles and wing flavors, from classic favorites to daring and unique combinations that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
🎟️ Limited to 20 guests only! Buy your tickets now, get ready to treat your taste buds to this exclusive experience!Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1493175320579?aff=oddtdtcreator
Gr8 Taste Eve / 8.8 Celebration! 🍻🎉 Rooftop Party at Lone Girl Brewing – Waunakee
August 8, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm The Lone Girl Brewing Company - Waunakee
Gr8 Taste Eve Party – 8.8 Celebration! 🍻🎉
Join us for a night of fun as we count down to 8:08 PM! Enjoy raffles, live music, and plenty of Lone Girl brews. 🍺🎶 Live music by The Distractors kicks off at 7 PM – and every purchase from the moment the music starts until 8:08 PM earns you a raffle ticket!
🎟️ 8 raffle drawings at 8:08 PM – Will you be a lucky winner?
🍺New Beer Release – Brewer’s Choice IPA #18Prizes provided by The Distractors Band + Lone Girl Brewing
Square Wine Co. — After Dark!
August 8, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Square Wine Co - Madison
This is a rarity folks…Andrea is going to stay open for 2 EXTRA HOURS for G5 and our friends. We will have all 6 collabs available a day before Great Taste. Flights of 3 or 6 will be available. Come and meet the peeps that make the beer and all our collab friends!
– Streetside, Cincinnati OH
– Barrel Theory, St. Paul MN
– Little Thistle, Rochester MN
– Forbidden Root, Chicago IL
– Gravity Box, Mauston WI
– Alluvial Brewing, Ames IA
Third Space Brewing’s Pre-Taste @ Gamma Ray Bar & Live Music Venue
August 8, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Gamma Ray Bar & Live Music Venue - Madison, Wisconsin
Come find your Third Space at Gamma Ray Bar! The Third Space Brewing team will be hanging out to sample beers, give out swag, and jam to the funky musical stylings of The Periodicals, and The Burroughs!
Doors at 7pm
Music at 8pmWhat’s on tap?
Happy Place – Midwest Pale Ale – 5.3%
Heavenly Haze – Hazy IPA – 6.2%
Pretty Good Amber – Amber Ale – 5.5%
Marquette Golden Ale – Golden Ale – 4.9%
It Was All a Dream – Juicy IPA – 7%
Frog Weiss – Fruited Sour w/ Fig, Raspberry, Orange, and Ginger – 5% (cans)
Don’t miss out on all of the fun! Find your Happy Place with great beer and great music!
Great Taste Hangover Brunch and Meat Raffle with Surly Brewing Company
August 10, 2025 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Jordan's Big 10 Pub - Madison
Join us to cure your Great Taste of the Midwest hangover with a special brunch created by Chef Trevor starting at 11:00am. Starting at 1:00pm is our monthly Meat Raffle with assorted meats provided by Jenifer Street Market and other prizes (beer and brewery swag) provided by Surly Brewing Company!
Beer lineup:
Axe Man IPA
Niiice
& Special tapping of 2020 Mole Darkness!