Missoulians love their beer and turn out by the thousands for annual brewfests in May and September. Now there’s a rare opportunity to take part in an indoor brewfest in the middle of winter.  Thanks to a partnership between the new owners of the former Macy’s building, Octagon Capital Partners, and the Missoula Downtown Association,  the now empty Macy’s building will be transformed into a festival of 30 beers and live entertainment on February 12, 2011.

The fun takes place from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at the corner of Front Street and Higgins Ave. Admission is $10 per person which includes a 7 oz commemorative glass and 2 beer tokens.  Additional tokens are $1 each.  Other sponsors include Kettlehouse Brewing, Regent Realty and Territorial Landworks.  Who’s providing the entertainment? The Lil’ Smokies, Cash for Junkers, The Wild Coyote Band and Tom Catmull & the Clerics.

Proceeds from the event benefit the renovations planned for Caras Park.  For more information, check out the Missoula Downtown Association’s website here.  This is a one-and-done event, at least at this location. Before long renovations will begin on the former Macy’s building and it will be transformed into yet another iteration of its life.