EARTH RIDER FEST 2025

Earth Rider Brewery is thrilled to announce event details for the seventh annual Earth Rider Fest, taking place this Saturday, August 16th. This year’s festival will mark the brewery’s eight-year anniversary with live music and special small batch beer releases.

Attendees will be treated to midwest alt-country stalwart Erik Koskinen and his band, the infectious reggae grooves of California’s Cry on Cue, roots-americana licks and melodies with Molly Maher & her Disbelievers as well as a energized afterglow set in the Cedar Lounge featuring Boss Mama & the Jebberhooch.

“Celebrating Earth Rider Brewery’s anniversary feels extra special this year,” says company founder Tim Nelson. “The eight year milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire staff, and the incredible support from our community, loyal fans, and invaluable wholesaler and retail partners. Earth Rider Fest is a fun get-together for everyone who’s made Earth Rider’s journey possible.” Nelson adds, “ it’s our way to celebrate another year of brewing in Superior while fostering a vibrant community wherever Earth Rider beer is served.”

This year’s Earth Rider Fest is also a significant milestone for Nelson, marking his 30th year as a leader in the Twin Ports brewing and bar/restaurant industry. His journey in the beer business began when he co-founded the Fitger’s Brewhouse brewpub in 1995. He dedicated two decades to that establishment and its affiliate restaurants, serving as President and managing partner. In 2015, Nelson decided to embark on a new venture: launching Earth Rider Brewery in September 2017, a testament to his continued passion and vision for a place where craft beer and live music find synergy.

During his tenure at Fitger’s Brewhouse, Nelson worked with a talented team that included brewer Frank Kaszuba. Frank now serves as Earth Rider’s Director of Brewing Ops. His and Head Brewer Allyson Rolph’s leadership has led to several national and international brewing awards, a testament to Earth Rider’s strong collaborative spirit. Reflecting on his career, Nelson shared, “It’s an honor to continue to contribute to the exceptional Twin Ports beer and music community, especially during these highly dynamic times in craft beer.” His statement encapsulates a career dedicated to innovation, community building, and contributing significantly to the evolution of the craft beer landscape in the region.

In addition to the stellar music lineup, Earth Rider Fest will offer an exclusive selection of rare beer releases. Beer enthusiasts will have the opportunity to savor a unique Pineapple and Habanero Cloud Top Hazy IPA, a rich and complex Birthday Cake Imperial Stout, the seasonally brewed Earth Rider Festbier, an Italian-style Pilsner that was brewed in collaboration with Hopsteiner Co. specifically to serve to brewers participating in this year’s hop-selection in Yakima, WA, or a refreshing Blue Raspberry Hard Seltzer slushy. These limited-edition beverages are a testament to Earth Rider’s commitment to both innovation and quality.

The festivities start at 5pm. The Earth Rider Fest Grounds are conveniently located at the base of the Blatnick Bridge in Superior, Wisconsin’s North End neighborhood. The vibrant space provides the perfect backdrop for the festivities. The event had been scheduled to begin at 1:00pm with additional acts scheduled but was recently consolidated to a later start time to avoid forecasted thunderstorms earlier in the day.

Attendees can purchase tickets in person at Earth Rider Brewery’s Cedar Lounge Taproom, or conveniently online at www.earthrider.beer/events. For direct access to ticket purchases, please visit the event page: DIRECT TICKET LINK. From Thurs. August 14- Fri. August 15 there will also be a BOGO ticket sale when you use “241BOGO” code at ticket checkout.

UPDATED : EARTH RIDER FEST PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

5:00 PM : FEST FIELD GATES OPEN

6:00-7:00 PM : MOLLY MAHER & HER DISBELIEVERS

7:30-8:15 PM : CRY ON CUE feat. BERNIE LARSEN 8:40-10:00 PM ERIK KOSKINEN BAND

10:00 PM-12:00 AM : BOSS MAMA & THE JABBERHOOCH