On the Mississippi River
MONTICELLO
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2025
Beer , cheer flow freely at Lions Brewfest
What could be better than a summer day spent outdoors with a beer in hand ? How about the opportunity to sample as many as 150 different brews , while surrounded by friends and fellowship with a beautiful backdrop of the Mississippi River ?
Now heading into its 13th year , the Monticello Lions Brewfest will serve up a heaping mug of community cheer and local craft beer on Saturday , Aug . 16 at Ellison Park .
Running rain or shine , the annual craft beer sampling event also features live music , local food , vendors , fun and games — including a dunk tank — along with plenty for non-beer drinkers to imbibe , from wine and spirits to seltzers and hard teas .
Last year ’ s event had about 150 different beers on tap from a bevy of more than 20 mostly Minnesota-based brewers . It was the second time that Brewfest was held at Ellison Park , after about a decade of successful past events at West Bridge Park , with construction there forcing the venue change .
The more than 20 local and regional breweries that took part in 2024 included AEGIR , Alloy , August Schell , Bent Brewstillery , Brookview Winery & Cidery , Castle Danger , Founders Brewing Co ., Elm Creek , Gluek Beer , Jack Pine , Lake Hour , Lupulin , Mana Brewing Co ., Old Firehall Brewing Company , Pantown Brewing , Scribbled Lines Brewing , Spilled Grain , Sociable Cider Werks , Summit
Brewing , Sunken Ship , Surly , Thousand Lakes and Waconia Brewing .
Brewfest serves as the signature fundraiser for the Lions Club , a nonprofit organization that puts 100 % of proceeds back into the community , helping to better the city .
Brewfest benefits the Monticello Help Center , the Lions Christmas food basket program , Lions eyeglasses program and scholarships for Monticello High School seniors , among other worthy causes .
The craft beer sampling event continues to grow in popularity in and around Central Minnesota , becoming one of the premiere summer events in Monticello . Brewfest also features food options , as well as live music . Brewfest attendees must be 21 years old or older and have valid a photo ID to purchase tickets and enter the grounds .
VIP ticket sales to Brewfest include early entry to the event , a VIP T-shirt , a sampling mug , Brewfest mug lanyard , access to specialty kegs , catered snacks and private bathrooms . VIP ticket availability is limited and online only .
General admission tickets grant admission to Brewfest , a sampling mug , scorecard , and wristband that allows the tasting of unlimited craft beers .
Designated driver tickets are also available , allowing entry but no alcohol consumption .
To learn more about the event , and available beers , visit the website at www . montilionsbrewfest . com .
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