According to USA Today’s 10BEST poll, Grand Rapids is Beer Capital USA. But Michigan’s Capital City is doing its part to keep up with the booming craft beer scene, too. National Beer Day is approaching (April 7) as well as the perfect beer-drinking weather; here are five local breweries and events in the Lansing area to help you celebrate both.

Lansing Brewing Co. 
Located in the Stadium District of Lansing, Lansing Brewing Co. offers a large, lively space with good service and great food (their poutine is a must-have) to pair with their beer, which is brewed on location. They have three signature beers: the Amber Cream Ale, the Angry Mayor IPA and the Union Golden Ale that are always on tap. Everything else is rotational depending on the season. Inside provides guests with a rustic yet modern atmosphere. Their large outdoor patio, bonfires and cornhole add to the buzz. They don’t take reservations, but if you’re looking to celebrate, their Stockhouse room should meet your needs with lots of space, activities and access to their back bar. 

Address: 518 E Shiawassee St., Lansing

Website: lansingbrewingcompany.com

Ozone’s Brewhouse 
Old Town is now home to a new brewhouse in Lansing, which is just eight months young. The brewhouse makes its own beer on location, and is a smaller venue that boasts a small-town feel. When you walk in you get the sense that everyone knows everybody’s name, and if not, they will by the end of the night. Two glass garage doors serve as windows in the place, and on warm nights you’ll find them wide-open. Come to enjoy the beer, play a few hands of euchre on a Wednesday or order Detroit Frankie’s Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza (served Tuesday through Saturday).

Address: 305 Beaver St., Lansing

Website: ozonesbrewhouse.com

Ellison Brewery 
Ellison Brewery is a hidden gem in East Lansing that’s worth finding; you wouldn’t know that the brewery shares the same zip code as many of the bars downtown East Lansing. They not only brew their beer on-site, but their equipment is visible at just about every turn; from the delivery trucks you pass on your way in, to the beer tanks right behind the bar, Ellison Brewery’s authenticity is at the heart of the atmosphere. For a fee of $100 you can become a mug club member – that gives you a personalized mug with your name on it, a t-shirt, gifts and access to special events. They don’t serve food here, but the complimentary popcorn and live music will surely make you want to stay for more than just one beer. 

Address: 4903 Dawn Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823

Website: ellisonbrewing.com

Midtown Brewing Co.
At Midtown Brewing Co. you’re guaranteed locally bought produce from the MSU Dairy Farm and a wide variety of beer options; they’re a brewpub that makes their own beer at Mountain Town in Mt. Pleasant, and they also bring in other products. Managing partner Marc Wolbert does it all; you’ll find him helping out in the kitchen while also creating new masterpieces to add to the beer menu. Stop by for one of Wolbert’s favorite dishes, the smoked portobello sandwich paired with his favorite beer, the American Stout — they’ve been using the same recipe for the beer for over 20 years. 

Address: 402 S. Washington Square, Lansing

Website: midtownbrewingco.com

Beerfest at the Ballpark 
There won’t be a baseball game on Sat., April 29 at Cooley Law Stadium. Instead of the Lansing Lugnuts suiting up, 57 Michigan breweries will take the field for Lansing’s third annual Beerfest at the Ballpark. Breweries from the Greater Lansing area will be in attendance, such as all the aforementioned brewing companies plus Old Nation Brewery and Eaglemonk Pub and Brewery. Grab your tickets before they run out. 

Address: 505 E Michigan Ave., Lansing

Website: beerfestattheballpark.net

Are you thirsty yet?