Brews on the Lakeshore

Breweries have fostered a reputation of being somewhat lowkey. They don’t often have the high alcohol percentages, late closing times, and grandeur that a New Year’s Eve party usually needs. Even breweries known for their crowds, live music, and community are closing their doors on the 31st so staff can enjoy a New Year’s Eve elsewhere. However, a select few are embracing the occasion by hosting brew-filled New Year’s Eve events to ring in 2025.

1. Stormcloud Brewing Company:
12th Annual Growler Drop

December 21st 7pm-9pm,
growler dropping at 9pm
303 Main St., Frankfort MI 49635

Stormcloud Brewing Company is ringing in the New Year with local favorite, Tim Jones, taking the stage. The celebration wouldn’t be complete without Frankfort’s beloved tradition: the iconic growler drop, a festive staple for the past twelve New Year’s Eve celebrations.

New Year’s Eve in Frankfort

Frankfort, Michigan may feel remote in winter, but nearby Crystal Mountain Resort, just 30 minutes from Stormcloud Brewing Company, hosts the area’s biggest New Year’s Eve bash. For those staying closer to Frankfort, the town offers a variety of restaurants and bars to explore after watching Stormcloud’s growler drop.

2. Jamesport Brewing Company:
New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet

January 1, 2025, 10am-3pm
410 S James St, Ludington, MI 49431

While many Michigan breweries take a well-deserved break on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Jamesport Brewing Company is bucking the trend. They’ll open their doors at 10am on New Year’s Day, welcoming everyone from weary beer lovers piecing themselves together to bright-eyed families ready to kick off 2025 with a never-ending breakfast.

New Year’s Eve in Ludington

Downtown Ludington is set to start the new year with its annual New Year’s Eve fest and ball drop. The streets will come alive with music, drinks, lights, and fireworks. The morning after the festivities, fuel up with a hearty buffet at Jamesport Brewing Company for a perfect start to your new year.

3. Muskegon Brewing Company:
New Year’s Eve Comedy Show

December 31st, 6pm & 8pm
500 Adelaide Circle, Muskegon MI 49441

Muskegon Brewing Company stands out as the only brewery in the area hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration. For $40, guests can enjoy a night of laughter with a comedy show, indulge in appetizers, and sip on their signature brews from a cash bar—making it a festive way to ring in the new year.

New Year’s Eve in Muskegon

Muskegon is gearing up for its second annual New Year’s Eve bash to welcome 2025. Downtown will come alive with a ball drop, live music, and fireworks. With music kicking off at 8pm, downtown Muskegon makes for an ideal second stop on your New Year’s Eve.

4. Odd Side Ales: Dueling Pianos

December 30th & 31st, 9pm-midnight
41 Washington Ave Grand Haven, MI 49417

Odd Side Ales is shaking up Grand Haven’s New Year’s scene by staying open until the ball drops. They’re hosting the fun with dueling piano performances on both New Year’s Eve and the night before, promising lively entertainment to close out the year.

New Year’s Eve in Grand Haven

Dank Hill will take the stage in downtown Grand Haven, preceding the annual ball drop and fireworks. Whether you’re soaking in the dueling pianos at Odd Sides or exploring the lively social district, New Year’s Eve in Grand Haven promises to be a vibrant celebration, offering something for everyone.

5. Founders Brewing Co.: New Year’s Eve Beer Tour

December 31st, 1-5pm
Beginning at The Mitten Brewing Co.

Grand Rapids is once again raising the bar for West Michigan’s beer scene. For $75, beer enthusiasts can embark on a Grand Rapids beer tour, visiting four of the city’s most iconic breweries: Greyline Brewing Co., The Mitten Brewing Co., Kusterer Brauhaus, and Founders Brewing Co.—a perfect way to toast the New Year with some of the best brews in West Michigan.

New Year’s Eve in Grand Rapids

With the craft brew crawl ending at 5pm, a full night of Grand Rapids NYE events awaits. The BOB is set to host the largest party in town for a ticket price. Other celebrations at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar, and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel are just a few of the events that will keep the night young in Grand Rapids.

6. Three Blondes Brewing: New Year’s Day Brunch

January 1st, 9am-3pm
1875 Phoenix St Suite B, South Haven, MI 49090

Three Blondes Brewing stands out among Southern Michigan’s breweries by hosting a festive New Year’s celebration. After serving guests until 8pm on New Year’s Eve, they’ll be back bright and early at 9am on New Year’s Day for a special brunch. Expect a spread featuring signature Bloody Marys and mimosas—the perfect remedy for lingering holiday hangovers.

New Year’s Eve in South Haven

South Haven offers a vibrant lineup of events throughout New Year’s Eve, leading up to a festive New Year’s brunch. A DJ kicks off the nightlife in downtown South Haven starting at 8pm on NYE, with a ball drop and fireworks on the beach at midnight.