By Gari Voss
Summer in Allegan, MI really begins when Bridgefest hits Riverfront Park and the surrounding streets. All are invited to enjoy time with family and friends while exploring the community tents along Locust and Hubbard Streets, dropping into the many shops to find bargains, finding favorite food in the Allegan restaurants and food trucks, participating in the fun from Riverfront Park across the walking bridge to the bouncing toys in Hanson Park, and settling in for entertainment that begins at noon in Hanson Park and goes into the evening on the Riverfront Stage.
A new activity that should not be missed is the 4pm Brew Hop. This .5K race is being sponsored by Tantrick Brewing Co, Heronmark, and Schaendorf Brewing Co. Tie on your running shoes and participate. Those 21 and older can even sample the wonderful brews around town!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
10am-10pm: Splash Pad
10am-4pm: Free tours at the Allegan County Historical Society Old Jail Museum
11am-6pm: Community Tents
11am-11pm: Downtown Allegan Social District
11am-10pm: Food Trucks
11am-6pm: Inflatables by The Allegan District Library
11am-8pm: Art Market by The Sassy Olive & Eccentric Garden
12pm-2pm: Panda Pete
12pm-10pm: Ferris Wheel on the Riverfront
12pm-10pm: Ballistic Swings on the Riverfront
2pm-4pm: Tangent on the Riverfront Stage
4pm: Brew Hop .5K by Tantrick Brewing Co, Heronmark, Schaendorf Brewing Company
5pm-7pm: Melophobix on the Riverfront Stage
8pm-10pm: Project 90 on the Riverfront Stage
MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Ride tickets are $1 each or 5 for $4 – rides cost 2 to 3 tickets each. All-day wristbands are $10
BRIDGEFEST 2025 SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS:
Brew Hop. If you have never participated in a Brew Hop, or heard of a Brew Hop, it is a race where you will never break a sweat. You may run, walk, use your walker or wheelchair. Begin the race at Schaendorf Brewing Co., high tail it to Heronmark, and finish at Tantrick Brewing Co.
The Distance was scientifically measured for approximate accuracy to be 0.5 kilometers. The trick is to arrive at each checkpoint, gulp down a massive amount of beer (4oz) from a Social District cup with a Bridge Fest Brew Hop Coozie, and still be enjoying the camaraderie by the end of the race. Participation fee is $15, and registrations at participating breweries continue all the way to 4pm when the race begins.
Disclaimer: No actual athletic ability is required, and the race may include a good time and good beer!
Bridge Fest Buzz: This is the feeling you experience by strolling around Downtown Allegan during Bridgefest. Whether enjoying the community tents and visiting with friends, riding the rides, eating delicious food, or sitting and enjoying the entertainment, the friendly feelings perk up the spirit.
Support Local Businesses and Organizations: Show some love to local businesses and organizations by visiting shops and booths. Whether the local non-profits or brick and mortar shops, new treasurers can be found or information learned. Watch for tents like the Wellhead Environmental Tent that will feature tie dying and coloring. Stop in at Sharon’s Quilts & More to learn about the Shop Hop. Explore the treasures at Just a Second or Aubrey’s Closet. Don’t forget to go further up Trowbridge to Tardy’s Underground Comics & Collectibles or up Hubbard Street to A-Tech.
Downtown Allegan hopes residents and visitors have a wonderful day.
