The largest and longest-running annual pub crawl in Michigan happens again in Ferndale on the last Friday in July. One of the most popular and anticipated nights of summer, the Annual Ferndale Pub Crawl is a walking tour of local pubs, clubs and restaurants that has raised money for non profit organizations since 1996.
"What folks love most about the pub crawl is the camaraderie and energy of the experience," says Ferndale Pub Crawl Founder and former Ferndale Mayor Craig Covey. "People enjoy going to places they may have never visited. The event has become a major tradition showcasing Ferndale's vibrant downtown ,while raising money for three great organizations."
The 18th Annual Ferndale Pub Crawl features venues as diverse as the people who attend, including upscale martini bars, several dance clubs, sports bars, gay bars, restaurants, neighborhood pubs - not to mention everyone's favorite spot - the Elk's Lodge. New venues this year include Twist Nightclub, M-Brew and Schramm's Mead.
The Ferndale Pub Crawl began 18 years ago with 36 people walking to the half dozen bars in downtown Ferndale. As the renaissance of Ferndale took place, the event grew and, this year, will feature 16 stops. The dazzling Detroit Derby Girls will lead several groups of 15 to 100 people who will spend 20 minutes to a half hour at each venue, sampling a taste of what it has to offer. Cover fees are waived at all establishments for crawlers, who are welcome to purchase food and drinks where they choose. Several dozen volunteers and the Ferndale Auxiliary Police help the event run smoothly and safely.
Participants must be 21+ with valid ID, which will be checked at each establishment. Tickets to the 18th Annual Ferndale Pub Crawl are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. To purchase tickets, please visitwww.ferndalepubcrawl.org. Registration for the event will take place Friday from 6:30 and 9:00 p.m. at Twist (formerly Boogie Fever). All attendees will receive instructions and a coupon for $25 off Uber Car Service for first time users. Uber Car Service will be available at www.uber.com/go/ferndalecrawl. Those participating are encouraged to spend the night in Ferndale, walk, use cabs, designated drivers, or car services. Motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited.
Funds raised will benefit the Ferndale Police Auxiliary, Ferndale Community Foundation, and the Michigan AIDS Coalition. To date, the event has raised more than $150,000. To volunteer, please contact Monica Mills at mmills@michiganaidscoalition.org.
Top sponsors this year include Garden Fresh Gourmet, Rosie O'Grady's, Jeffery &
Karen Lewis, and Pearl Vodka. Additional sponsors include Uber Car Service, Happy Hour Thursdays, Twist, Valentine Distillery, Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash, Mayor Pro-Tem Dan Martin, Councilman Greg Pawlica, Craig Covey, and Dickey's Barbeque Pit.
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