"Brrs, Beards & Brews: A Lumberjack Festival" returns to Old Town in Lansing this weekend.


Brrs, Beards & Brews: A Lumberjack Festival

📍 Where: Old Town Lansing (Turner Street)
📅 When: Saturday, March 7
Time: Noon – 5 p.m.
💰 Admission: $15 donation
🔞 Age: 21+


The quirky annual event will take place Saturday, March 7, from noon until 5 p.m. along Turner Street in Old Town, between Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard and Clinton Street.

READ MORE: 9 Awesome Festivals to Check Out in Michigan This March

You don't have to be a lumberjack to be part of the fun — in fact, most attendees aren't.

"It's a good excuse to get out, get into Old Town, visit some of the local small businesses, and have some fun with your friends," says festival organizer Shawn Dyer.

Awards for the softest and best-smelling beards are among those handed out at Lansing's "Brrs, Beards & Brews: A Lumberjack Festival", being held in Old Town this weekend. (Photo via JR, Townsquare Media Lansing)
Awards for the softest and best-smelling beards are among those handed out at Lansing's "Brrs, Beards & Brews: A Lumberjack Festival", being held in Old Town this weekend. (Photo via JR, Townsquare Media Lansing)
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The "Brrs"

It's Michigan, and when planning a late winter outdoor event, one never knows what kind of weather to expect.

The 2026 edition of "Brrs, Beards & Brews" looks like it could be one of the festival's warmest in its seven-year history, with temperatures in the 60s. Morning rain showers are expected to end before this year's event gets underway.

The "Beards"

Contestants come from all over to be part of the various beard competitions held during "Brrs, Beards & Brews".

"For the record, this is widely known worldwide as the world's least professional beard competition," Dyer jokes. "It is a very fierce competition, but also not really that serious."

Jason Heien of Detroit was the model for the 2025 "Brrs, Beards & Brews" event poster. (Photo via JR, Townsquare Media Lansing)
Jason Heien of Detroit was the model for the 2025 "Brrs, Beards & Brews" event poster. (Photo via JR, Townsquare Media Lansing)
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This year's categories include:

  • The Weirdiest and Beardiest (awarded for the most unique facial fur),
  • Velveteen Vigor (awarded to the softest, smoothest, judged by feel alone),
  • The 'Stache Stands Alone (awarded to the gnarliest mustache),
  • The Beard Means Business (awarded to the neatest and cleanest), and
  • Best in Show (the overall winner).

The "Brews"

Founders Brewing Company, 3 Floyds Brewing, and Ozone's Brewhouse will be among the beer vendors at the festival. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.

The "Fun"

Expect to see buffalo plaid aplenty at "Brrs, Beards & Brews", as the red-and-black flannel is sorta-kinda the unofficial uniform of the quintessential lumberjack.

Cheer on your favorite teams as they compete in a series of lumberjack-themed games (also known as "Feats of Strength"), and maybe try your hand at a few skill games yourself.

Crowd participation is encouraged at "Brrs, Beards & Brews". (Photo via JR, Townsquare Media Lansing)
Crowd participation is encouraged at "Brrs, Beards & Brews". (Photo via JR, Townsquare Media Lansing)
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There will also be live entertainment, and merchants along Turner Street will be open for business including Meat BBQ, Good Truckin', and Cravings Gourmet Popcorn if you're hungry.

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This is a 21+ event, and attendees are asked not to bring their pets.

A $15 donation is requested at the gate.

You can learn more about "Brrs, Beards & Brews: A Lumberjack Festival" here.

"Brrs, Beards & Brews: A Lumberjack Festival" - 2025

Take a look at one of Lansing's quirkiest events - "Brrs, Beards & Brews: A Lumberjack Festival". The event took place in Lansing's Old Town on March 29, 2025.

Gallery Credit: JR

5 Quirky But Fun Festivals Around Michigan

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

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