Beer:30 Celebrates Its 8th Year

One of Berrien County's Largest Cycling Events Returns September 12 as Beer:30 Celebrates Its 8th Year

One of Berrien County's largest organized cycling events returns this fall as the 8th Annual Beer:30 Bicycle Tour rolls through Southwest Michigan on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Hosted by Watermark Brewing Company in Stevensville, Beer:30 has become one of the region's signature cycling and tourism events, combining scenic riding, award-winning craft beverages, and community giving into one unforgettable experience.

Presented in partnership with Visit Southwest Michigan, United Federal Credit Union, Berrien Dental, and Metzger Insurance Agency, Beer:30 showcases the very best of Southwest Michigan while raising critical funds for a local nonprofit.

Beer:30 is a 30-mile self-guided bicycle tour through the heart of Michigan's renowned Craft Beer Country, guiding riders along scenic roads with stops at some of the area's most celebrated breweries, taprooms, and cideries. Participants ride at their own pace while enjoying Southwest Michigan's unique blend of outdoor recreation, hospitality, and locally crafted beverages.

Participating locations include:

• Watermark Brewing Company
• Round Barn Public House
• Transient Artisan Ales
• SideYard
• Haymarket Brewery & Taproom
• Peat's Cider Social

Registration includes:

• Fresh Red Coach Donuts and Infusco Coffee before the ride
• A premium Specialized Beer:30 commemorative water bottle
• A commemorative Beer:30 tasting mug
• Drink samples at participating breweries and taprooms
• A post-ride celebration at Watermark Brewing Company featuring live entertainment

Food will be available for purchase at select brewery stops and during the post-ride celebration at Watermark Brewing Company. Official Beer:30 event T-shirts will be available separately for $30, and participants can also purchase raffle and 50/50 tickets throughout the day.

Since its inception, Beer:30 has raised more than $30,000 for Cycle-Re-Cycle of Benton Harbor, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives throughout Southwest Michigan by promoting bicycling, providing bicycle access, and encouraging healthy, active transportation. Every registration helps put more bicycles into the hands of local residents while supporting cycling education and advocacy efforts throughout the region.

"This event has become one of the highlights of the cycling season because it brings together everything that makes Southwest Michigan special—beautiful roads, outstanding local breweries, great people, and a chance to support an organization making a real difference in our community," said Greg Collins, President of the Pachyderm Pedalers. "Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or simply looking for a fun way to experience our area's incredible craft beverage scene, Beer:30 offers an experience unlike anything else."

"We're proud to host Beer:30 each year because it celebrates everything we love about our community—great local businesses, outdoor recreation, and bringing people together," said Chris Mason, owner of Watermark Brewing Company. "It's exciting to welcome visitors from around the Midwest to experience Southwest Michigan while supporting a cause that gives back locally."

Beyond the ride itself, Beer:30 has become an important tourism event for Southwest Michigan and is now recognized as one of the largest organized cycling events in Berrien County. Each year, cyclists travel from across Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and neighboring states, with many making a weekend of the experience by visiting local breweries, restaurants, beaches, wineries, shops, and lodging establishments. The event continues to strengthen Southwest Michigan's reputation as one of the Midwest's premier destinations for cycling tourism and craft beverages while generating valuable economic activity for local businesses.

Beer:30 showcases the region's unique combination of scenic rural roads, nationally recognized craft breweries, Lake Michigan shoreline communities, and welcoming hospitality, giving visitors an authentic taste of everything that makes Southwest Michigan a premier destination for outdoor recreation and culinary tourism.

Event Schedule

• 9:00 a.m. – Rider Check-In Opens
• 9:30 a.m. – Route Opens
• 10:30 a.m. – Last Riders Depart
• 12:00 p.m. – Post-Ride Party Begins at Watermark Brewing Company

Participants should note that some brewery locations may not begin serving until approximately 11:00 a.m.

Registration

• $40 through August 16
• $50 from August 17 – September 11
• $60 Day-of-Event Registration

Important Information

Beer:30 is a self-led ride that allows participants to travel at their own pace. Route maps, pavement markings, and directional signage will guide riders throughout the course.

Participants wishing to sample beverages must be 21 years of age or older and present a valid government-issued photo ID at check-in.

All riders must sign an event waiver acknowledging the inherent risks associated with bicycling and agreeing not to hold the organizers, sponsors, participating businesses, or beneficiaries liable for injuries that may occur during participation.

While beverage samples are included, participants are encouraged to ride responsibly. Additional alcohol consumption during the ride is discouraged and remains the responsibility of each participant. Safety is the highest priority, and organizers encourage all riders to make smart decisions, stay hydrated, obey all traffic laws, and look out for one another.

Registration and complete event information are available at www.pachydermpedalers.com.

About Beer:30

Beer:30 is an annual 30-mile cycling tour organized by the Pachyderm Pedalers and hosted by Watermark Brewing Company. Now in its eighth year, the event has become one of Berrien County's largest organized cycling events, attracting riders from throughout the Midwest while raising funds for Cycle-Re-Cycle of Benton Harbor. The event celebrates Southwest Michigan's nationally recognized craft beverage industry, scenic cycling routes, and vibrant local communities, making it a signature destination event for riders and visitors alike.