Cabin fever fighters rejoice! The Missoula Downtown Association’s winter brew fest takes place this Friday, February 21, at Caras Park in Missoula. It’s the fourth such event and the second to take place outside.

Forty-two beers, ten wines, live music and food vendors are expected. The fun gets going at 5:00 p.m and continues until 10 p.m.  As popular as brew fest are in Missoula, the MDA’s winter version has always had a bit of a crowding problem.  Organizers say improvements are in store this year with a different arrangement for the serving area and better access between the tent and the great outdoors.  Things could get interesting with forecasts predicting a 70% chance of snow, but Montana beer lovers have never let weather get between them and the beer.

The usual suspects dominate the list, but there are enough new and curious beers to keep the adventurous happy.  Absolutely check out Homestead Ales while you’re there.  Homestead is one of Montana’s most remote breweries and this is a perfect chance to try their excellent beers. Kettlehouse Brewing is breaking out some Winter Spiced Double Haul and Oatmeal Espresso Stout. Compare it to Elysian Brewing’s Split Shot Espresso Stout which has been rising rapidly up the beer popularity meter.

Admission is $12 and includes a 7 oz commemorative glass and two beer tokens.  Additional tokens are $1.  You know the drill.  More info is available at the MDA’s website.