Prepare for a hoppy adventure in the Windy City! Chicago bursting with an array of breweries and brewpubs that will tantalize your taste buds. And every year, the city hosts a variety of beer festivals and events that draw in locals and visitors alike. From small, intimate gatherings to large-scale festivals with hundreds of breweries, there’s something for every beer lover in Chicago.
In addition to these festivals, there are many other beer-related events that take place throughout the year in Chicago. These events include beer tastings, brewery tours, and beer pairing dinners. Whether you are a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun event to attend, Chicago’s beer festivals offer something for everyone.
Chicago Beer Festivals 2023
Chicago is famous for its passionate beer culture and hosts the best brew fests in the nation! Here are the beer festivals in Chicago for 2023:
Brewsology Beer Festival
The Chicago Beer Festival is organizing the Brewsology Beer Festival on March 4, 2023, at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. With over 60 breweries sampling their seasonal beers, attendees will have access to the museum and a unique night at the museum experience. General admission starts at 8 pm, early admission at 7 pm, and VIP admission at 6 pm, which includes two additional hours, limited release beers, and $30 in food credit.
The Cellared Beer Fest
The Cellared Beer Fest is an outdoor craft beer festival taking place at The Northman Beer & Cider Garden on the Chicago Riverwalk. The festival features over 40 cellared beers and will be held in a covered and heated pergola and surrounding outdoor site. There are two sessions available for purchase on April 22, 2023, and tickets cost $70 in advance and $80 at the door if still available.
Chicago on Tap
Chicago on Tap is an annual fundraising event that brings together local breweries and restaurants for a night of beer tasting and food sampling. Presented by the Meals on Wheels Chicago Associate Board, this year’s event is happening on Thursday, April 27th from 6pm to 10pm at the Theater on the Lake. Try amazing beer from popular breweries like Revolution, Metropolitan, Marz, and more. Tickets available online. Prices: $50 GA, $75 VIP.
Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo
The eighth annual Craft Brews beer festival is taking place at Lincoln Park Zoo on June 17, 2023, hosted by Lou Dog Events. Attendees can savor over 100 craft beers and ciders while exploring the zoo’s beautiful gardens during this after-hours event. General admission tickets are $55 and include entry to the zoo at 7 pm, twenty 3-ounce tastings, and a souvenir tasting glass. Early access tickets are $65 and include entry at 6 pm for an extra hour of beer-tasting. All ticket holders must be 21 or older with a valid ID. In addition to beer tasting, there will be food for purchase, music, lawn games, and the opportunity to see the amazing animals at the zoo.
Square Roots Craft Brew and Music festival
The Square Roots Craft Brew and Music festival is an annual event in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood that attracts over 30,000 fans each year. The festival features craft beer from Chicago’s finest breweries, live music, family activities, local restaurants and vendors. The festival is open from July 7-9 and is easily accessible from the CTA Brown Line Western stop.
Chicago Craft Beer Fest
The Chicago Craft Beer Fest is back for its 10th year, and it promises to be a flavor-packed event. From July 14-16, 2023, beer lovers can enjoy a variety of craft beers at Jonquil Park. With over 200 microbreweries in Illinois alone, the popularity of craft beers continues to grow. Don’t miss out on this exciting event located at 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave in Chicago.
Beer in the Woods
The 7th Annual Beer in the Woods is a beer festival that will be held on September 30, 2023, in LaBagh Woods in Chicago. The festival offers tastings from local craft breweries and cideries, nature programming, and opportunities to support local businesses. All proceeds from the festival go towards supporting conservation and community engagement initiatives. Tickets aren’t on sale you, but you can check the festival’s Facebook page for all the latetes updates.
Chicago Beer Fest
The Chicago Beer Fest takes place at the Field Museum, with last years fest featuring over 65 different breweries. The 2023 festival and dates haven’t been announced yet.
Other Beer Fests in Illinois
Over at Beerfests.com, that have some more listings of upcoming beer festivals in the Chicago suburbs and through out Illinois that you won’t want to miss. From the Bigby’s Pour House Ballpark Brew Fest in Schaumburg to the Hops for Hope 5K & BrewFest in St. Charles, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget about the Naperville Ale Fest Summer Edition and the Oak Park Micro Brew Review. Illinois is a diverse and culturally rich state, and its craft beer scene is no exception.
Tips for Attending Beer Festivals
Purchasing Tickets
It’s a good idea to purchase tickets for beer festivals in advance, as the smaller ones often sell out quickly. Also, some fests will offer an early bird discount, so you can save a little extra cash by buying tickets early on. For information on purchasing tickets, head over to festivals website for all the details.
Getting There
Beer festivals can get pretty crowded, so it’s important to plan ahead for transportation. Lucky for you, many festivals offer shuttle buses or public transportation options to make getting to and from the event a breeze. Just be sure to check the festival’s website for travel information.
If you’re planning on driving, we recommend planning for parking in advance. Parking can be limited and expensive in some areas of the city, so consider carpooling or using a ride-sharing service when making plans. And as always, never drink and drive and be sure to have designated driver in place.
What to Bring
When attending a Chicago beer festival, it’s important to come prepared. Be sure to bring a valid ID, as most festivals require proof of age for entry. It’s also a good idea to bring a refillable water bottle, as staying hydrated is important when sampling beer.
Other items to consider bringing include sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Many festivals take place outdoors, so it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather.
What to Expect
Chicago beer festivals offer a chance to sample a wide variety of craft and specialty beers from local and national breweries. In addition to beer, many festivals offer food trucks, live music, and other entertainment.
Cheers to Chicago
Chicago’s beer festivals offer a wonderful opportunity for beer connoisseurs to sample and sip some on some of the best craft brews around. So, don’t miss out on the festival fun! Make sure to snag those tickets, coordinate your ride, and pack your must-haves (valid ID, reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and comfy kicks) to ensure an unforgettable time. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to raise a glass at one of Chicago’s many beer festivals!
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Last Updated on February 22, 2024