HomeGrown Brewing Co. is inviting folks to learn more about the local vendors that supply ingredients for their beers and menu items by attending a party on its outdoor patio.

On Thursday, Sept. 5, the craft brewery, located at 28 N. Washington St. in downtown Oxford, will host “The Source: Farmers Festival.”

The event will run from 5 to 9 p.m., admission is free and it’s open to all ages. There will be free samples, giveaways, a petting zoo and live music. According to Jeff Powers, HomeGrown’s general manager, the festival is a celebration of the local businesses and farms that the craft brewery/restaurant relies upon to help feed its patrons and slake their thirst.

“It’s a chance to (see and taste) what makes our food so good (and) so fresh,” he said. “When you put a face to the product, it just tastes better.”

Participating vendors include Foglers Greenhouse and Farm Market in Oakland Township, East River Organic Farm in Oxford Township, Motor City Malt House in Shelby Township and White Pine Coffee in Orion Township.

Since opening in 2017, HomeGrown Brewing Co. has been firmly committed to using locally-grown-and-produced ingredients and products wherever and whenever possible.

“If it’s (from) a smaller source, it’s typically (of) a higher quality,” Powers said. “You can also get better customer service dealing with another small business.”

HomeGrown gets meat and produce from East River, produce from Foglers, coffee from White Pine and many of its specialty malts for brewing from Motor City.

Upland Hills Farm, located in Addison Township, is scheduled to bring some of its animals to the patio and set up a petting zoo. The farm and HomeGrown have a unique relationship.

“All the spent grain from our brewing process, they take and feed their animals with it,” Powers said.

Armed with her voice and guitar, Michelle O’Neil, a regular performer at HomeGrown, will provide live music. “She’s phenomenal. She’s our house favorite,” Powers said.

O’Neil plays everything from classic rock and folk to alternative rock and soul.

“She covers it all,” Powers said.