Empire hosts fifth annual Hops and Harvest Festival

From staff reports

The first weekend of October marks the fifth annual Hops and Harvest Festival in Empire. The village is surrounded by a number of hops farms, many of whom source their hops to breweries throughout the state. Each fall the Empire Chamber of Commerce hosts the festival to celebrate the harvest season with local food, beer and music on Front Street in the village. Tickets to the event are $20 for adults, which includes a commemorative Hops and Harvest Festival glass, along with a drink ticket. Children 16 and under are free.

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5, with a fish fry hosted by Art’s Tavern under the tent on Front Street. The fun continues on Saturday at noon and lasts until 10 p.m. Food and beer vendors will be set up throughout the day on Saturday with items available for purchase. Local bands will provide live music throughout the event, capped off by The Benzie Playboys at 8 p.m. on Saturday evening.

Tickets can be purchased prior to the event via MyNorth.com and will also be available for purchase at the door. Volunteer opportunities are available as well, and volunteers receive free admission to the festival, along with a commemorative glass, t-shirt and drink tickets.

For a full list of bands and vendors who will be at the Hops and Harvest Festival, or to volunteer, visit EmpireChamber.com.