We Chicagoans tolerate Midwest winters because the summers are so epic – and a huge reason is because it’s peak festival season! Some of the most popular fests around the city consist of…booze. Beer fests are some of the best Chicago has to offer and trust me – we know our way around the good ones!
So grab your friends and your pretzel necklace and make sure you’re heading to the best beer fests throughout the city – you won’t regret it!
Chicago Ale Fest
Your summer isn’t complete without a trip to the Chicago Ale Fest! Boasting 150+ beers from 60+ breweries, drink in front of the most beautiful backdrop for up to four hours. Stop and snack at one of the various food trucks offered and chill out in Millennium Park for the afternoon. Oh and a bonus – they offer this fest in the winter too!
Beerhoptacular
Kick off fall with Beerhoptacular, a super cool fest with a variety of breweries offering their Oktoberfest beers, apple ciders, lagers, IPAs, and more. The location changes from year to year, but it’s always in an awesome place with a fantastic crowd. This year, it was held at a helicopter hangar. Pretty cool, huh?
Friday Night Flights
Need something fun to do on a hot summer Friday? During several weekends throughout the summer, pop-up beer fests are offered in different locations throughout Chicago. Think block party meets beer fest; chill, casual, and a great way to try some of Chicago’s best breweries.
Sorry for lack of a better picture…I guess we were just having a little too much fun!
Chicago Beer Classic
Football meets fest at the Chicago Beer Classic, held at Soldier Field! That’s right, drink your way around the home of the Chicago Bears and enjoy sips from 30+ breweries, games, educational beer seminars, and even a free pretzel necklace!
Brewlights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Ring in the holiday season at the Lincoln Park Zoo! Enjoy cozy winter beers at Brewlights from 10 breweries while taking in the beautiful lights and music outside. Oh, and did I mention you can ride on the merry-go-round for free? That alone is worth it!
