When planning your summer in northern Michigan, enjoying a Traverse City Beach Bums game should definitely be at the top of your list. A visit to Wuerfel Park has become as engrained in this area’s summer fun as swimming in Grand Traverse Bay or walking along the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

The Beach Bums, and their owner, John Wuerfel, are walking a little taller this year. After a stellar 2015 season, the Beach Bums took home the Frontier League championship.  Undoubtedly, this is huge win for loyal fans and an incentive for first-time visitors to the area.

But baseball is arguably just a small portion of the Wuerfel Park experience. From contests between innings to the antics of mascots Suntan and Sunburn, Beach Bums games are a stage to a variety of entertainment for families and baseball fans alike. “When people come to a minor league ballpark, they come for the entertainment. Oh, and a baseball game too,” Wuerfel chuckles.

How do you keep the fun going when the season ends? What about the other 317 days per year when the ballpark is left unoccupied?

The Beach Bums’ home turf has begun a transition from a baseball facility, to an entertainment venue, as well. The hope is to attract a larger audience to the park and extend its year-round appeal.

Wuerfel admits that they were slow to bring festivals and other events to their park. Simply, he says, “We didn’t know how.” But with the vision and help of their son Jason, vice president and director of baseball operations, Wuerfel has scheduled a variety of events this year, including a Winter Beverage Expo, Celtic Festival, and Country Music, BBQ & Bourbon Festival.

One of the biggest developments is the partnership between Wuerfel Park and Short’s Brewing Company, of Bellaire, and construction of the Short’s Biergarten. “Short’s Brewing Company is super to work with” said Wuerfel. “And we are excited about the future possibilities with these guys.” They are currently planning to add a small stage to the Biergarten that will showcase a variety of musical acts.

These events are just the start. Wuerfel foresees more concerts, races, car shows, and festivals at Wuerfel Park over the coming years. With the many upcoming events in the near future, Wuerfel suggests that residents keep their calendars open – because visits to Wuerfel Park won’t end with the last swing of a bat.