BRISTOL, Wis. — Hundreds of people gathered under sunny skies Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of the Hansen Park Beer Garden, a new family-friendly destination launched by the same team behind the popular Petrifying Springs Biergarten in Somers.
From noon to 9 p.m., the sounds of live music, laughter and clinking aluminum cups echoed across the park as guests sampled local craft beers, played card games, danced near the stage, and watched children romp on the nearby playground.
The opening featured live entertainment from local musicians Brecken Miles and Bills Garner, while the kitchen kept busy serving Sicilian pizza, brats, and classic hot pretzels with a melty cheese dip. Guests enjoyed their meals and drinks from circular seating pods with padded chairs, contributing to what many described as a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
“It’s exactly what we were going for,” said co-owner Tony DeBartolo, who opened the venue with business partner Mike Grab after months of planning. “We want this to be a total family environment. We want our kids to be playing on the playground while the parents enjoy the music and the atmosphere.”
Beer flowed steadily throughout the day from twelve taps, ten of which typically feature Wisconsin-based breweries. All drinks were served in reusable, custom aluminum cups, reinforcing the venue’s environmentally conscious approach.
The Hansen Park Beer Garden will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. Live music is scheduled every Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, with special event announcements available on their Facebook page.
DeBartolo, who described the new location as a seven-month endeavor, said the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We’ve had some of our employees walking around just asking patrons what they think, and it’s been good vibes the whole night,” he said.
Though there are no immediate plans for additional locations, DeBartolo said their current focus is on growing community support in Bristol and providing a consistent, family-friendly experience. Private events and themed nights may be added in the future, but for now, they’re taking things one step at a time.
“We’re hoping this becomes the kind of gathering place families look forward to — a place where mom and dad can relax while the kids play nearby,” DeBartolo said. “That’s what we’ve created at PETS, and that’s what we want to build here.”
For updates, live music schedules, and future event plans, residents can follow the Hansen Park Beer Garden on Facebook.
