Back to All Events

6th Annual IPA Challenge.

The Sixth Annual IPA challenge, presented by MI Local Hops is a local competition between ELEVEN Traverse City breweries. Each brewery will produce their “Best IPA”. 200 beer lovers will be a judge and choose their favorite brew. All tastings will be blind. Ticket holders will know the description of the beer, ABV, and other facts, but the brewery will remain confidential.

The TC Ale Trail, Create TC and The Little Fleet are happy to announce the SIXTH Annual IPA Challenge presented by MI LOCAL HOPS! The official kick-off event of Traverse City Beer Week.

The IPA challenge is a local competition between ELEVEN Traverse City breweries. Each brewery will produce their “Best IPA” and submit it for the event. 200 beer lovers will have the opportunity to get tickets and be a judge and choose their favorite brew. All tasting will be blind. Ticket holders will know the description of the beer, ABV, and other facts, but the brewery will remain confidential. At 9pm an awards ceremony will take place. The winning brewery will take home a trophy and the privilege of saying their brewery has “The Best IPA in Traverse City”

Troy Daily, owner of the TC Ale Trail™ is excited about the event “The IPA Challenge has become an exciting and friendly competition. It's really great to see the breweries coming together and showcasing their individual styles, bringing their best."


All ELEVEN Traverse City breweries are participating in the event including;

The Filling Station Microbrewery

The Workshop Brewing Company

North Peak Brewing Company

Old Mission Beer Co.(@ Jolly Pumpkin)

Brewery Terra Firma

Right Brain Brewery

Earthen Ales

MiddleCoast Brewing Co.

Rare Bird Brewpub

Silver Spruce Brewing Co.

Fresh Coast Beer Works


There will be VIP tickets available in the YURT at The Little Fleet. This will guarantee you a seat, table service, a full meal from Milkweed, snacks and other amenities. Limited seats are available!

$25 Early Bird tickets available until October 14

$30 Tickets available October 14-November 6.

$35 at the door

$65 VIP


Earlier Event: November 6
Tiki Night
Later Event: November 8
Live in the Yurt: Oh Brother Big Sister