This year’s Cocktail Week Grand Rapids runs from Nov. 9-20, when local bars, distilleries and restaurants showcase West Michigan’s craft beverage culture. For $25 or less, you can enjoy two craft cocktails and a shared plate at any participating restaurant or distillery. It’s the perfect time to grab a cocktail, take a tour, taste something new—and sip local.
Sponsored by Valentine Distilling Company, the event overlaps with Grand Rapid’s annual Wine, Beer and Food Festival, which runs from Nov. 17-19 and draws craft beverage enthusiasts from all over the country. This year they’re unveiling an expanded spirits area in honor of Cocktail Week GR. Tickets can be purchased for one night of the event or at a discounted rate if you plan to attend all weekend long (it may take that long to hit every booth).
Another event overlapping with Cocktail Week is the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s newest fashion exhibit, Fashionably Buzzed, which will be at the GRAM until January 15th. GRAM has invited 10 neighboring mixologists to design cocktails inspired by Iris van Herpen’s fashion collections, and museum-goers and members will receive a discount when they grab a drink after touring the exhibit.
If you want to enjoy cocktail week free of any distractions, head to the source of the spirits. Long Road Distillers on the west side of GR offers hospitable tours and a close look at what goes into crafting the main ingredient of cocktails — liquor. Gray Skies Distillery opened just over a year ago on Ottawa Ave. and offers a collection of spirits crafted in Grand Rapids. New Holland’s newest location, The Knickerbocker, is doing a lot more distilling, as well as Atwater Brewing Company’s new location (both on Bridge St.). Stop by to see their operations and appreciate some of the newest buildings in town.
No matter what sounds fun on a night out in Grand Rapids this fall, remember that Cocktail Week GR is happening Nov. 9-20. Keep an eye out for the menu releases from all participating restaurants and bars on November 2.
Call 616-459-8287 for more information and to get tickets.
