From Brooklyn to Grand Rapids: Founders prepares stage for largest music, beer fest yet

On Saturday, June 21, Founders Brewing Company will host its seventh annual Founders Fest outdoor music festival on dual stages in front of the brewery at 235 Grandville Ave SW. The festival begins at 3 p.m and ends at 11 p.m. It will include local food, music and - of course - beer. 

“[We’ve seen] a lot of growth in the past year in all aspects, and most significantly, it’s the brand growing that’s yielding more attendance. We’ve seen better response in advance tickets [this year],” says Joey Basch, a Founders taproom manager and entertainment coordinator.

Founders Fest has seen some significant growth over the past several years, and this year promises to set another record in attendance with roughly 7,000 guests expected.

“It’s been great to see it grow,” says Basch. He says first Founders Fest that was organized and executed by 17 volunteers and staff members. This year, more than 170 volunteers and staff members were involved which shows the exponential growth the Festival has seen over the course of seven years.

This year, festival goers will see some new additions to the food vendors, Giorgio’s Pizza, and Grill Masters BBQ.

“That’s one thing I’m especially excited for,” says Basch. “Adding that to the sights and smells [already there] is going to be awesome.”

New food vendors are not the only new thing coming to this year’s Festival. Founders will be live streaming the event from start to finish, “so if you can’t come to the Festival, you can watch at home," says Basch. 

In addition to the live bands, there will also be some sideshow entertainment.

"We’ve worked with Super Happy Funtime Burlesque, so there will be a lot of roaming entertainment,” Basch says.

As if there weren’t already something for everyone, there will also be members of the Founders education department available to talk with guests about the history of Founders and its beer.

The band lineup this year will include Brooklyn, NY bands Lettuce, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Break Science, and Budos Band, as well as The Giving Tree Band from Yorkville, IL, and Grand Rapids Bands Fauxgrass, Valentiger, and The FBC All-stars, a group of Founders employees who prepare a set of surprise covers for the festivalgoers.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door on the day of the event. Drink tickets can be purchased at the event for two dollars each, and each beer costs either two (for Class 1 beer) or three tickets (for Class 2) each. Live streaming of the event can be found at the website http://www.alldayipa.com.