11 Remarkable Beer Festivals In Illinois You Don't Want To Miss
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Elizabeth Crozier
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If you need an excuse to drink the day away, try these 11 fantastic beer festivals taking place in 2018 in the great state of Illinois. Whether you’re a connoisseur of craft varieties or just love the smell of yeast in the evening, these celebrations are just for you.
These incredible events take place throughout the year, so keep this guide handy. Check it out:
This event will feature about 60 different American craft beers that are unique and delicious. Downtown Ottawa will come to life with live music and local food on May 26, 2018 from noon until 5 p.m. General admission is $30, and it takes place at 243 Albin Stevens Dr., Ottawa, IL 61350. Catch more details on the fest's website here.
Wine lovers will especially enjoy this event. It features more than 55 wines and 55 craft brews for you to try. Guests will also find gourmet foods to pair with their drinks. The festival takes place May 26-27, 2018 in the afternoons and evenings. The cost is $10, while under-aged visitors enter for less. Learn more on the vinyard's website here.
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Featuring more than 250 different brews from nearly 80 companies, this huge event takes place in Lake County on June 2, 2018. General admission is $35 and VIP tickets are $65. (Designated drivers can enter for just $10.) The event takes place on South Whitney Street between Center Street and Park Avenue in downtown Grayslake, and you can learn more on the festival's website here.
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Locals enjoy more than 80 craft brews, wonderful food trucks, and live music at this annual event. It will take place on June 9, 2018 at Lincoln Park in downtown St. Charles at W Main St. & N 5th St,. St Charles, IL 60174. The event is only for those of age to drink and costs $45 for general admission and $65 for VIP tickets, while the designated driver may enter for just $15. Get more information on the fest's event page here.
This rain or shine event is all about live music, food, and games in addition to the best craft brews available. The cost is $40 for general admission, and the event takes place June 9, 2018. The event happens at Tighthead Brewing Company, which is located at 161 N Archer Ave., Mundelein, IL 60060. Join your fellow Illinoisans and learn more about the event here.
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Taking place June 22-23, 2018, this event is free to enter. If you wish to drink, though, you will need to purchase a $5 wristband. The event is put on by local Illinois breweries that have been making amazing beers for ages. It takes place at 301 E Hydraulic St., Yorkville, IL 60560. Get more details on the official website here.
Explore new beers from more than 45 different companies at this unique celebration on June 23, 2018. It is one of the most popular beer festivals on the north side of the state. General admission is $50 for non-members ($40 for members), and VIP tickets are also available for an added cost. Get all the specifics on the arboretum's website here.
This charitable event features live music, gourmet oyster dishes, and more than 30 different brands of craft beers. This one-day celebration takes place September 1, 2018 from midday until about 5 p.m. at the Inn At 835 Historic Bed and Breakfast, which is located at 835 S 2nd St., Springfield, IL 62704. General admission is $20 while VIP tickets cost $65. Keep up with the schedule of events on its website here.
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Taking place in downtown Rockford, typically at the intersection of State and Main streets, this one-day event will happen September 8, 2018, and tickets will be on sale in June. This is one of the most popular beer festivals in the state, and you can learn more as information becomes available on its website here.
When it comes to beer festivals, this one takes the cake. It features about 35 different craft brews and proceeds benefit the American Legion. This event takes place on September 15, 2018, and general admission is $40 with a VIP version available. It will take place at 325 N O'Plaine Rd., Gurnee, IL 60031, and you can learn more here.
It's worth the trip into the city for this popular drinking fest. Guests enjoy German culture and treats as well as a slew of international brews you'll never forget. The event lasts September 28-30, 2018 and takes place at 1429 W Wellington Ave., Chicago, IL 60657. Admission is cheap at just $5 or $10 depending on when you show up. Keep up with this festoval through the Chicago events website here.
For another great place to try some amazing brews, check out this historic bar in Illinois that’s been around since the 1920s here.
What other beer festivals in Illinois are you looking forward to this year? Share your local drinking bash with us in the comments.
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