Tips to master the Makers Trail Festival

Do you like trying new craft beers, wines, ciders and spirits? Are you a fan of beach parties? Then you won’t want to miss out on Southwest Michigan’s biggest beach party — the Makers Trail Festival!

On June 8, you can party from 1-7 p.m. with live music, locally made beverages and food vendors at Weko Beach in Bridgman. This is a blast for the whole family, and there will be water, beverages and soda, so bring your kiddos, too! We want you to have the best time possible at this year’s festival, so we’re offering you our insider tips.

Get your tickets in advance 

You have the choice of purchasing your tickets before the festival or at the gate on the day of. We recommend purchasing by May 31 because you get a discounted price! Purchase tickets at the Bridgman Harding’s for $10 each, online by May 31 for $10 plus fees, June 1-7 online for $20, or at the festival gates for $20. Children 12 years old and younger get in for free.

Bring cash

This is a cash-only event, so please bring cash money to buy your drink tasting tickets ($1 each) and food from our vendors. We have approximately 20 makers signed up to bring their drinks to you. Make sure you have enough money to try as many of their creations as you’d like.

Use the shuttle

There will be free parking with free shuttles. That’s right. No charge! Shuttles will run frequently throughout the event so you can come and go when you want. Parking locations will be just a couple miles away from Weko Beach at Eagle Technologies and AEP. They will both be monitored by the Berrien County Mounted Division. There will be no parking available at Weko Beach.

There will be no hotel shuttles this year. Plan in advance to park in the event parking lot and take a shuttle from there.

Come rain or shine!

There will be plenty of room for you under the big tents. You’re welcome to bring your own camping chairs, too. However, please leave your pets, coolers, drinks and food outside the gates – they’re not allowed on the festival grounds. No smoking is permitted, either.