The Franksville Craft Beer Garden will kick-off their second full season as the area’s first and only permanent beer garden this Memorial Day weekend. The celebration begins on Thursday evening with an opening toast at 5:15 p.m., followed by the first pour by Terri Maier, President of the Caledonia – Mount Pleasant Joint Park Board. “The community ambiance we have developed at the Franksville Craft Beer Garden is something we are incredibly proud of, and something we have really missed over these long winter months. We are thrilled to be back in the park, pouring craft beer and seeing people connect with their neighbors,” said Ken Michel Jr., co-owner of Hop Heads Hospitality & Events, which operates the beer garden.
The opening weekend plans include live music, food, lawn games, and plenty of great summer weather. The Summit Restaurant Food Truck will be on site all weekend, and the beer garden will have 16+ WI Craft Beers ready to tap. There’s a little something for everyone, with Sprecher Root Beer also on tap, as well as Wine, White Claw, Cider, and Tipsy Tomato Bloody Marys.
The new Real Racine Music Stage at the beer garden will also be kicking-off a Weekly Live Music Series this weekend. On Friday, May 24th, local singer Jackie Brown will be performing a great mix of country and rock covers from 6-9 p.m. Another local favorite, Gary Wortham, will be bringing his laid-back style to the stage on Saturday, May 25th, from 6-9 p.m. As always, there will be lawn games, fun, and plenty of friends. “This weekend is just the beginning of what we have planned for this season.” explained co-owner Molly Michel, “We have so much in store for the community – night markets, food truck nights, a summer beer festival, yoga, run clubs, and of course an incredible live music line-up every weekend.” The Franksville Craft Beer Garden was named in the top three of free entertainment venues by The Racine Journal Times in 2018, and this year they are hoping to place again. More information about all events can be found on the beer garden’s Facebook page.
The Franksville Craft Beer Garden is open every weekend until the end of September. Hours are Thursdays 5-9 p.m., Fridays 1-9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.. The beer garden is located in the Caledonia-Mount Pleasant. 9614 Northwestern Ave. Parking and entry are always free, and non-alcoholic carry-ins are welcome.
Hop Heads Hospitality & Events in co-owned by the husband and wife team of Ken and Molly Michel. Hop Heads specializes in community-based events and gathering spaces. They are responsible for opening Racine County’s first and only permanent beer garden, the Franksville Craft Beer Garden, in 2018. In addition, Hop Heads operates events such as the Franksville Food Truck Festival, Oktoberfest of Greater Racine, Belle City Biergarten, Parks on Tap Biergarten, Wisco Summer Beer Festival and other events throughout the summer.