There is no other place in Montana nor any other time of the year when you can taste more than 70 Montana brewed beers from 25 Montana breweries all at the same place.  That’s right, it’s time for the 3rd Annual Montana Brewers Festival. This year, the Festival takes place Friday, September 9, 2011 from 5:30 to 11:00 at the open air Haynes Pavilion at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman.

You already know Montana is second in the number of breweries per capita, but getting from Great Northern Brewing Co. in Whitefish to Beaver Creek Brewery in Wibaux is a 600 mile trip (one way) that’ll take you 10 hours (give or take). Who’s got time for that?  Yes, there’s an easier way.  Head to Bozeman on Friday, Sept. 9, 2011 and you’ll only need to walk the length of the Haynes Pavilion.  Here’s the scoop:

Tickets:  $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Special deal:  $35 will get you in the door at 4:00 with access to the brewers and shorter lines. 

What you get:  A 6-ounce tasting glass and unlimited pours (pacing, my friend). 

Music: The Dirty Shame (classic outlaw country) and, who else for a beer festival, The Growlers.

Food:  pulled pork sandwiches, brats, burgers, noodles and pizza.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, head to the Montana Brewers Association website.