Are you a beer buff? An ale enthusiast? An IPA aficionado? Then you may have what it takes to become a Beer City Brewsader®!
Get the Brewsader app and check in to eight local breweries to earn a FREE, exclusive Beer City Brewsader t-shirt. Check in to 30+ breweries to become an Ultimate Brewsader and earn a FREE crewneck sweatshirt.
You can also use the app to complete different challenges and earn fun badges, find local beer events and tours, get notifications on beer news and specials, and more. If it relates to beer in Grand Rapids, it’s probably in the app!
The Beer City Brewsader app is the easiest and most rewarding way to explore Grand Rapids’ world-class beer scene. We’re the reigning Beer City USA titleholder and we’ve been voted USA Today’s Best Beer City – and the Brewsader breweries constitute what TimeOut Magazine calls one of America’s 11 best food and drink trails. Cheers!
Become a Beer City Brewsader!:
How do I become a Beer City Brewsader?
Download the Beer City Brewsader app at the Google Play or App Store (click on either icon above). Use the app to check in to any eight (8) of the 40+ Brewsader breweries in and around Grand Rapids. Once you do, we’ll award you an exclusive Brewsader t-shirt to commemorate your adventures.
How do I know which breweries are Brewsader breweries?
They’re all listed in the app and at the bottom of this page. Most every brewery in Kent County participates … and a few in neighboring counties, too!
How do I get my t-shirt?
You can claim it digitally or in person. Answer the survey that pops up on your screen after checking in to 8 breweries or click on the word “Brewsader” under Current Level on your screen. Follow the instructions and we will mail your shirt to you.
Alternatively, you can pick up your t-shirt in person at the Company Store inside Founders Brewing Co. (235 Grandville Ave. SW). Fill out the form in the app and then show your confirmation email and app status to the staff at the Company Store to redeem.
One t-shirt per person.
What size t-shirts and sweatshirts are available?
Both Brewsader t-shirts and Ultimate Brewsader sweatshirts are available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large.
Can I earn multiple t-shirts?
Sorry, only one t-shirt per person – it wouldn’t be very exclusive if people could get their hands on three or four and give them away to just anyone. But you can continue to check in to additional breweries to become an Ultimate Brewsader.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes – you must be at least 21 years old so you can legally drink at a Brewsader brewery. But there’s no upper age limit, centenarians are welcome!
Do I need to update the app even if I’m already a Brewsader?
Yes! The latest version is filled with exciting new features and functionality, including the opportunity to tackle new challenges and earn fun new badges.
Get badges for checking in to breweries in different areas of the city, visiting assorted beer events, undertaking seasonal challenges, and more. You can earn these badges even if you’re already a Brewsader.
You’ll also need the new app to check in to additional breweries on your quest to become an Ultimate Brewsader.
Will my check-ins transfer to the new app?
If you follow the steps under “if you have the previous app on your phone above,” all your existing check-ins will be transferred to your new account. If you think any are missing, or if you have any trouble installing the app, reach out to BeerCity@ExperienceGR.com for help.
Can I still use the old app?
No, sorry – the previous app is as obsolete as a discontinued beer. It will no longer register brewery check-ins.
I’m visiting the area. Where should I stay when I’m working my way through your breweries?
A number of local hotels offer Beer City Packages that include special rates and beer-themed perks. You can also choose a hotel that matches your location, budget and amenity preferences
Can I visit breweries without having to drive myself?
Guided beer tours are a great way to visit multiple Brewsader breweries without getting behind the wheel. A variety of transportation services – including public buses, free shuttles, rideshare, taxis and more – are also available.
Why is Grand Rapids the home of the Brewsader?
Because Grand Rapids is Beer City. We won that title in a nationwide poll of beer-lovers. We’ve been named America’s Best Beer City and America’s Best Beer Town by USA Today. This truly is a global beer destination – and people from around the world have joined the Brewsade®!
How can I share my Brewsade?
Connect with Experience Grand Rapids and other Brewsaders (and Brewsader wannabes) via social media:
We love to see photos of you wearing your Brewsader t-shirt in other states and countries!
What’s this about a Brewsade?
The Brewsade is the global movement to patronize Grand Rapids-area breweries and become a Brewsader. Yes, we said global – there are currently more than 22,000 Brewsaders across every state of the U.S. and around the world. Will you be the next member of this elite crew?
Check in to at least 30 Brewsader breweries and you’ll attain Ultimate status and you will earn your Ultimate Brewsader crewneck! Once you check into your 30th brewery within the app, your status will change to "Ultimate" and it will instruct you on how you can claim your ultimate prize.
What if I already have an Ultimate Brewsader wallet card?
We have retired the wallet card and now use the app as your digital pass to access perks. If you have the original wallet card and were not a previous app user, please download the Brewsader app, create a login under “Breweries” and then email BeerCity@ExperienceGR.com with your:
• full name
• year you became an Ultimate Brewsader
• photo of your wallet card
We’ll arrange for in-app certification of your Ultimate status.
If you already attained Ultimate Brewsader status within the app, there is no need to follow the steps above.
How else can I drink beer and earn prizes in Grand Rapids?
Sign up for the free Flights of Flavor pass to find the city’s best beer flights and beer-and-food flights (and lots of other flights, too). Check in at flight locations to earn points toward free merchandise or charitable giving.
