Illinois State hosts North Dakota State for its 100th homecoming game Saturday in Normal. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)

Throughout college football, some programs refer to third down as the “money down.”

In five games this fall, Illinois State’s football team is failing to cash in.

The Redbirds (2-3) rank last in the 11-team Missouri Valley Football Conference in third-down offense and third-down defense.

“That’s disappointing,” head coach Brock Spack said during his weekly press conference. “Third down has been a big issue on both sides of the ball. We’ve been pretty good in years past.”

The Redbird offense has converted 27% of its third-down opportunities and is averaging just three conversions a game.

Now comes a matchup with unbeaten North Dakota State (5-0, 2-0 MVFC), which is ranked No. 3 nationally, for a visit to Normal. The Bison lead all MVFC defenses by allowing a 22% success rate on third down. The two teams kick off at 2 p.m. Saturday in an MVFC game.

Defensively, ISU (0-2 MVFC) is allowing opponents to have success on 50% of its third downs, an average of eight per game.

“A lot of it is pressure on the quarterback,” said Spack, whose team has a league-low six sacks in five games. “That’s been a big issue, finding ways to put pressure on. We have to win our one-on-one matchups. We’re not doing that right now.”

The Bison rank fourth in the league on offensive third-down conversions (41%) and bring an offense that is averaging 35.4 points a game behind the nation’s No. 1 ground game (289.8 yards).

Illinois State, which is coming off a bye week, has allowed at least 24 points in each of its last three games, two of which were against ranked teams.

News and notes

Sophomore Bryce Jefferson, who sustained a sprained right shoulder in the first quarter of ISU’s Sept. 18 victory at Eastern Illinois, will return to the starting lineup, Spack said, to face NDSU. … The Bison lead the series between the two schools, 12-2, and have won the last 10 games in a row against the Redbirds. … ISU senior defensive back Jarrell Jackson leads the conference with seven passes defended. … This week, ISU’s depth chart lists Bloomington native Franky West as a starter opposite Jackson at the two cornerback spots. Redshirt freshman Braden Price had started ISU’s first five games.

Where to find the game

ISU kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday at home against the undefeated Bison in Normal. The game will air on Marquee Sports Network and ESPN-Plus. The radio call is available online at WJBC.com. https://www.wjbc.com/

Okay, then: One more Oktoberfest picture

Almost done with Oktoberfest events, just in time for Halloween!

We gain one, we lose one. Wild Onion had announced it was closing its Wild Onion Tied House in Oak Park, effective at the end of October. But storms over the past weekend caused a sewer backup and a power outage to their food storage, so they decided to close for good early. The Wild Onion brewery in Lake Barrington remains in operation.

Meanwhile, Guthrie’s Tavern, which had to close the previous summer, has reopened on the North Side at 1300 W. Addison.

This Weekend

“Little Key” at Skeleton Key
Skeleton Key Brewery, 8102 Lemont Rd., Unit 300, Woodridge, IL (630) 395-9033 Map
“Little Key” is SKB stripped to its essentials: great beer, great service, and you
WHAT — AND WHERE — IS LITTLE KEY?
Little Key is a very intimate, 32-seat, taproom-of-sorts that we’ve set up at the back of the SKB brewery area. It’s kinda dim and not the prettiest, but it’s ours and we love it very much.
We don’t have A/C (or even windows). Our “sound system” is a portable speaker. Pretty sure the TV doesn’t work, if it even still exists. However, we have the same amazing service staff and several SKB beers on tap (currently Cold Fresh Joy Helles Lager, Migratory Coconut Golden Ale, and A Trip through Citrus Mountain IPA), as well as a couple of guest taps from our collab buddies
WHEN CAN I GO TO THERE?
We will only be open Friday (4-9 pm), Saturday (2-9pm) and Sunday (12-5pm) right now. And extra annoyingly for you, our hours will change each weekend because we don’t know when we’ll run out of the beer we have or when we’ll have more. So, our plan is to send a newsletter each Thursday stating what our hours will be — or if we’ll be closed.
WHO CAN GO?
Little Key is 21+ HUMANS ONLY, for a bunch of reasons. The big one is that there are probably a lot of small things to accidentally swallow, attractive hidey-holes, floors that should only be touched by shoes, and other un-kid-proofed stuff. The other big reason is that we have very limited seating. Li’l babies may be worn or secured safely in their carriers. Thank you so very much for understanding.
WHAT ELSE?
Masks are required regardless of vaccination status, and we don’t have the resources to manage reservations, so all seating will be first-come, first-served. We may ask you to limit your time if we have people waiting to sit. There are a limited number of standing spots for those flying solo, too. We honestly don’t know what to expect. Our normal bathrooms are still all broken, but we have some very clean portable restrooms right outside.

The Livery’s 6th Annual “Funk Fest”
The Livery Microbrewery, 190 5th St., Benton Harbor, MI (269) 925-8760 Map
The Livery presents: The 6th Annual “Funk Fest” – A celebration of wild, sour, and funky beer – October 15th – 17th!
Tap List: I Ain’t Afraid of No Lemon Lime • Mango Rouge • Soursop Spontaneous Combustion • Blackberry Rhubarb Spontaneous Combustion • Golden Caruba • Dry Hopped Golden Sour
Bottle Releases: Mango Rouge • Mueuze 2021
Firkins:
Friday = McGilligans Dry Hopped with Biergarten Hops!
Saturday = Cherry Mango Rouge Pie • Raspberry Plum Lemon Dark Wheat Sour
Entertainment:
Fri. Oct. 15th – St. Joe Jack & Company – 8PM show OUTDOOR BEER GARDEN- “Honor Cover” ($10 suggested admission)
Sat. Oct. 16th – Brendan Bayliss (of Umphrey’s McGee) – 6:30pm doors/8pm show – $40
Sun. Oct. 17th – Brendan Bayliss (of Umphrey’s McGee) – 4:30pm doors/6pm show – $40

2021 Oktoberfestiversary
Dovetail Brewery, 1801 W. Belle Plaine Ave., Chicago (773) 661-6963 Map
Begyle Brewing Co. and Dovetail Brewery are excited to announce that Oktoberfestiversary—our annual outdoor fall party to celebrate Begyle’s birthday and those last few days of warmer weather–returns Saturday, October 16 (12-9 pm) and Sunday, October 17 (11am-7pm).
The festival is free to attend with a $5 suggested donation to benefit The Friendship Center, which provides hope and dignity in the community through access to food, clothing, and critical social services, which have seen an increase in need throughout the pandemic.
Dovetail will tap its annual Festbier, and for the first time, will pour beers with fall-inspired flavors including: Bourbon Barrel Kriek, Pumpkin Vignette, and La Mûre—a spontaneously-fermented beer on blackberries.
Begyle will be tapping several barrel-aged beers throughout the weekend; including our gold-medal winning 2018 Barrel-Aged Imperial Pajamas, our Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged Snooze Button, and Batch 663 (our 7th anniversary English-Style Whiskey Barrel-Aged Barleywine)
Attendees will also enjoy Oktoberfest-inspired food from some of Chicago’s finest, including:
● Sausages from Beard And Belly
● Pretzels from Bulldog Bakery
● German-style kebabs from Dönermen
● Caramel apples from Amy’s Candy Bar
Local DJs and more will provide musical entertainment during the fest.
To keep this gathering thoughtful, please be vaccinated if you are planning to attend, and while the party will be all-ages, we won’t be able to welcome our pet friends this year.

Friday, October 15

MyGrain 4th Anniversary
MyGrain Brewing Co., 50 E. Jefferson St. Ste. 106, Joliet, IL (815) 345-3339 Map
4 years in the books! We can hardly believe it. We have worked very hard as a team to make this dream a reality and are truly blessed to do what we love. As much as this is a celebration of what we have accomplished, this is a celebration of you all. You have allowed us to be part of your lives, your family celebrations, your Friday beer and brunch gathering with friends. For that, we will be forever grateful to you all.
We will be releasing our Nutella “inspired” Barrel Aged Vingori with Chocolate and Hazelnut.
We will also be doing German/ Polish Platter (serves two) with Polish Sausage, Chicken Schnitzel, 4 Potato and Cheese Pierogi, Mashed Potatoes, and Sauerkraut.

11:00 am • Kidnapped by Vikings Returns
Solemn Oath Brewery, 1661 Quincy Ave. #179, Naperville IL (630) 995-3062 Map
& Solemn Oath Brewery Still Life, 2919 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago  Map
Every autumn we unleash our series of Vikings beers to great fanfare from all of you, our fervent supporters. This year the demand for Kidnapped By Vikings, the first ever Viking beer released nearly a decade ago, has been humbling. Our initial drop which should have lasted into the fall season, sold out within days of its release leading us to add it back to our brewing schedule to satisfy our collective yearning for more KBV.
Starting right now, Kidnapped By Vikings cases are available for online pre-order for pickup Friday, October 15 at which point the remaining cases will be available in 4-packs. Order a case today and help us in this, our most noble crusade, and it is our solemn oath that we will unleash Death By Vikings on draft and in cans by the end of this calendar year. Get Kidnapped

12:00 pm • Even Strength Goal Cream Ale Tapping & Book Signing
Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 638-0700 Map
We are back at it again with The Black Beer Baron, this time to make a Cream Ale called Even Strength Goal. As explained in Evan Moore’s forthcoming book, “Game Misconduct: Hockey’s Toxic Culture and How to Fix It”, there exists a need for change in a sport that we all love.
In an effort to boost the signal for great organizations who are on the forefront of that change, we are donating a portion of the proceeds of this beer to Black Girl Hockey Club, Chicago North Stars Hockey on your Block, and I.C.E. (Inner City Education). “I believe hockey culture can rid itself of toxicity by including everyone, especially people from marginalized communities. An Even Strength Goal takes place when everyone is on the ice.” -Evan Moore
Pick up a copy of Evan’s book (and get it signed by him!) and join us for a pint or two of Even Strength Goal Cream Ale at Haymarket Pub & Brewery on Friday. Members of each of these wonderful organizations will be in attendance as well!

12:00 pm • Deth’s Tar, Café Deth, and Deth by Raspberries Release
Revolution Brewery & Tap Room, 3340 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago (773) 588-CANS Map
Enjoy the return of the original fully-operational Imperial Oatmeal Stout, Deth’s Tar, in both four-packs and a new 19.2-ounce format. We’ll also have a fresh new Café Deth blend and the first-ever canning of Deth by Raspberries.
As with recent releases, these beers will be sold via preorder on our webstore the Tuesday of the release week for pickups starting that Friday.
Curbside and walk-up pickups will be available, and the Taproom will be open with variants pouring.

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Friday Night Food Truck – Billy Bricks Pizza
Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove, IL 847-821-6140 Map
Thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pizza, baked in an authentic wood-fired, brick oven is the centerpiece of a simple menu along with some treats!

5:00 – 9:00 pm • Friday at Miskatonic
Miskatonic Brewing Co., 1000 N. Frontage Rd, Darien, IL (630) 541-9414 Map
We have another action-packed weekend coming up. Chef Alex and Ayala’s Empanadas are back Friday, serving up their amazing Columbian-style dishes. The awesome Echo and Ransom will be making their Miskatonic debut, so come on by for a great time.

9:00 pm • Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks
Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Halloween at the drive-in continues with 30 Days of Night!

Saturday, October 16

Whiskey Hill Beer Release
Whiskey Hill Brewing Co., 1115 Zygmunt Circle, Westmont, IL 630-442-7864 Map
Switch the Stars:⁣ Mead and Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout with Star Anise, Cinnamon, and Cocoa Nibs – 12.5%. Collaboration with Pips Meadery in Beach Park, IL.⁣

9:00 am • Black Lung Saturday Slate
Black Lung Brewing Co., 2217 IL-83, Round Lake Beach, IL (847) 340-3320 Map
Saturday we have a huge benefit for local Lake Villa School District 41! There will be a meat raffle, games, live music, and food for anyone coming out. The festivities start at 2 PM. Later, we then have Heffs Cowboy Kitchen at 6 PM and our friend Megan Lick rocking the taproom at 7 PM!

9:00 am – 4:00 pm • Energy City Releases
Energy City Brewing, 917 First St., Batavia, IL (630) 597-5581 Map
This week’s beers for pickup:
Bistro Pumpkin Parfait, Berliner weisse ale brewed with lactose-free yogurt, pulpy yellow pumpkin, succulent clover honey and warming fall spices.
Bistro Pink Guava Banana Smoothie
Orange Ripple Sorbet IPA
Bistro Pumpkin Pancakes
Bistro Spiced Apple Donuts
Aloha Sunrise Sorbet IPA
Bâtisserie S’mores Imperial Stout
Pina Sunset Sorbet IPA
Hop Skiff DIPA
Hop Coastal DIPA
Hop Schooner DIPA
New beer are available now for online pre-order.
RSVP to this event for shopping convenience and reminders!
All beer is pre-sold online and delivered to your vehicle with proof of purchase and valid ID. PROXIES ALLOWED with copy of email receipt & 21+*

10:00 am • Black Velvet Release with 2 Fools Cider
Miskatonic Brewing Co., 1000 N. Frontage Rd, Darien, IL (630) 541-9414 Map
Saturday, we have an action-packed day. Kent Slayton kicks off the afternoon at 3 with the first set of live music. At 4p, SteMartaen is back providing their delicious Vegan-based dishes. The party keeps going at 7 when the Kennedy Acoustic Duo.

11:00 am – 2:00 pm • RUN FOR BEER – Empirical Brewery
Empirical Brewery, 1801 W. Foster Ave., Chicago 773-654-3104 Map
We are the Illinois Brewery Running Series and we run for beer!
Come join us at Empirical Brewery on Saturday October 16, for a 5kish course that starts and ends at this awesome Ravenswood taproom. Weave through the surrounding area at whatever pace you like, no matter what there’s a beer waiting for you at the finish line!
What’s included?! All participants receive:
-FREE craft brew from Empirical

Your choice of a collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item from the Brewery Running SeriesYour chance to win sweet door prizes, like Brewery Running Series merchandise or a growler to take homeAccess to event festivities, games, goodies and giveaways, and more!

We are all about being active, having fun and giving back to our local community. Since our inaugural event (the Brewery Running Series was founded in Minnesota in 2012), we have been able to donate over $200,000 back to local nonprofits. This event will add to that tally! So not only do you get to a little exercise and enjoy a great beer, you are contributing to our awesome community!
Registration is limited, so sign up today!
Important details:
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

11:00 am • Yoga and Craft Beer!
Rock Island Public House, 13328 S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Join us for Yoga and Craft Beer! on Saturday October 16th – Join us for our monthly installment of yoga! Weather permitting, this event is held outside, just bring your own mat! One hour of yoga for all levels followed with a beer of your choice!

12:00 – 9:00 pm • Autumn in the Stix – Solemn Oath Brewery & Lodi Tap House
Lodi Tap House, 309 Main St., Maple Park, IL (815) 827-0827 Map
A day full of live music, craft beer, delicious eats, craft vendors, build a bear trailer, and tons of other family fun!
Music Schedule:
Matt Keen – 12PM to 1:30PM (Acoustic Rock)
Tell Tale Hearts – 1:30PM to 3:00PM (Rock)
7th Heaven – 3:30PM to 5:30PM (#1 on the Midwest Billboard Charts 3 times in past 3 years)
Dropped Once – 6:30PM to 9:00PM (Reggae Rock)
Craft Vendors include: The Purple, Crystal Collective, Miss Henna Marie, Ursala Naturals
Kids activities: Build a Bear, Touch a Truck, Pumpkin Painting, Scarecrow Building
General Admission: $10 (Eventbrite)
Lodi Style: $50 – This ticket includes general admission, Artisan Lodi/Solemn Oath Mug and unlimited Lü Kölsch.

12:00 – 10:00 pm • Urban Forest Oktoberfest
Urban Forest Craft Brewing, 6551 E. Riverside Blvd. #112, Rockford, IL (779) 256-2978 Map
The 2nd annual Urban Forest Oktoberfest is here! We’re a tad late to the party. But we prefer our Oktoberfest in October when the weather is a little cooler and malty beer goes down so well. If you agree, we hope to see you Saturday between Noon & 10pm. We’ll have live music from The Ryan McGrath Band, Food, UFCB branded 0.5L Oberglas Boots, and of course our Oktoberfest Lager, Das Booty!

1:00 – 6:00 pm • Svengoolie on the Big Screen
Cigars & Stripes, 6715 W. Ogden Ave., Berwyn, IL (708) 484-1043 Map
Every Saturday Svengoolie on our BIG SCREEN and all TV’s including the beer garden.
Why not come early and catch the 3 Stooges?
Food and Drink specials always a fun time. Halloween is on the way.

2:00 – 6:00 pm • Pop Up: Lodi Tap House
Penrose Brewing Co., 509 Stevens St., Geneva, IL (630) 232-2115 Map
Our friends from Lodi will be cooking on site serving up some of their best locally sourced dishes. Come and grab a pint and some grub and get your weekend started!

2:00 – 5:00 pm • Ice Cream + Beer Social!
Plank Road Tap Room, 39W149 Plank Rd., Elgin, IL 224-238-3527 Map
We partnered with our friends over at the Milk House in Pingree Grove to develop 4 custom flavors to pair with 4 Dragon’s Milk Reserve Variants from New Holland Brewing Company.
Tickets: $22pp (Toast) includes (4) ice cream servings + (4) – 6oz pours of the following beers:
Dragon’s Milk Reserve: Salted Caramel paired with Light Caramel Ice Cream w/ Chocolate Covered Pik-nik Sticks ice cream.
Dragon’s Milk Reserve: Peanut Butter paired with Peanut Butter Cold Brew ice cream.
Dragon’s Milk Reserve: Double Barrel Double Vanilla paired with Salted Malted Vanilla ice cream.
Dragon’s Milk White paired with Dutch Cocoa w/ Dragons Milk Brownies ice cream.
Reception: 2:00pm. Pairing begins: 2:30pm 
This is a 21+ only event. Please arrive no later than 2pm. Event takes place in the beer garden, so dress accordingly.

2:00 – 6:00 pm • Howl-O-Ween Tail-Gate
Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL (708) 954-8085 Map
Bring your own chair and your (well behaved) pups out for a Halloween tailgate party! Costumes encouraged! We’ll have something special for all the good dogs too! This is a family friendly and socially distant event. Masks must be worn unless you are seated at your table inside. We have two house made sodas on draft, and also offer hard cider and seltzers in cans for non-beer drinkers.

2:00 pm • Pups, Pumpkins & Pints
Holzlager Brewing Co., 150 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL (815) 308-5901 Map
Come join us for a day full of drinks, food, fall activities and, you guessed it, pups! We’ve partnered with our friends over at Helping Paws to bring you a fun-filled day that you can spend with not only your family, but with your furry friends! There will be raffles, a pet costume contest, food provided by Mac Dynamite, live music and, of course, beer! Live isn’t so RUFF at Holzlager!

2:00 – 7:00 pm • 4th Anniversary
Navigator Taproom, 2211 N. Milwaukee Ave., Ste. 100, Chicago (773) 687-9135 Map
Can you guys believe that we are 4 years old already?? What a crazy few years it’s been (especially 2020) and we’re happily alive and kicking and excited for the future.
Come celebrate with us this Saturday from 2-7pm (and into the night of course…) here at Navigator Taproom. We have partnered with Operation BBQ Relief for our smoke-out and a portion of our sales will be going to the charity. We invite you and all of yours to come celebrate and support this fantastic organization! We thank the following partners and sponsors for the day of. Shiner, Pipeworks, Pilot Project, Toppling Goliath, Limp Brisket, Brass Monkey BBQ, Backyard BBQ Chicago, Beautiful Rind, Serai Chicago, and Lakeshore Beverage.
Come enjoy smoked meats and sides as well as fantastic beers where part of the proceeds go to support Operation BBQ Relief! Cheers!

2:00 pm • Ballpark Beer Fest
Wintrust Field, 1999 S. Springinsguth Rd., Schaumburg, IL 847-461-3695 Map
Tickets on sale now here. VIP: $75.00; DESIGNATED DRIVER: $10.00; GENERAL ADMISSION: $45.00
Finally we are back! The 8th annual Ballpark Brew Fest will come to Wintrust Field in Schaumburg on Saturday October 16. Food trucks, authentic live Irish music from The Joyce Boys, and over 50 breweries! VIP hour from 1-2 and regular fest hours from 2-6.
Breweries (Subject to change): BrickStone, WarPigs, Catbird, Surly, Press Seltzer, Noon Whistle, Great Lakes, Illuminated, The Lucky Monk, Perennial, Elmhurst Brewing Co., Crystal Lake Brewing, Foreign Exchange, AleSmith, Obscurity, Sketchbook, Alter, Mikerphone, Church Street, Sagecraft, Temperance, More Brewing Co., 2 Fools, Hubbard’s Cave, Firestone Walker, What’s Brewing, Pollyanna, Liquid Love, Metal Monkey, Penrose, Tighthead, Untitled Art, Transient, Miskatonic, Pipeworks, Wolfden, Maplewood, Old Irving, Whiskey Hill, Misbeehavin Meads, Roaring Table, Riverlands, Two Brothers

3:00 – 7:00 pm • World Food Day
Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom, 2101 S. Carpenter St., Chicago (888) 404-2262 Map
Join us at Lo Rez on Saturday for a celebration of World Food Day! 
Live Music by Bumbacjoe
Locally grown vegetables, fruit & more by Pilsen Community Market
Locally made honey by Westside Beez Boyz
Cupcakes by Naked Cupcake
Food by Yvolina’s Tamales & more
T-shirts by Teetsy
Raffle with local Pilsen businesses
This event is a collaboration with Advocates for Urban Agriculture, a non-profit organization that works with local growers to provide training, resource, and funding opportunities and advocate for policies that support urban growers to feed Chicago communities, primarily on the South and West sides.

3:00 – 6:00 pm • Pupusa Time
Alarmist Brewing & Taproom, 4055 W. Peterson Ave. (Rear Building), Chicago (773) 681-0877 Map
This Saturday, Pupusa Time will be at the taproom slanging the good good. It will be a ludicrous time so come get your eat and drink on.

4:00 pm • Mac Dynamite Surprise Event!
Holzlager Brewing Co., 150 S. Eastwood Dr., Unit F, Woodstock, IL (815) 308-5901 Map
They’re back!
Our friends from Mac Dynamite are back pop’n up in the taproom. Come enjoy explosive mac and your favorite pint! Outdoor beer garden is open with plenty of seating and live music!

4:00 – 7:00 pm • Pours for Parks – 2021 Beer & Spirits Tasting
Founders Community Center, 140 Oak St., Frankfort, IL (815) 469-9400 Map
Join us for this 5th Annual adult only event to raise funds for park projects for the community of Frankfort.
$30 Event ticket includes 10-3 oz. tastings and tasting glass.
$40 at the door day of event
Food will be available for purchase from Hog Wild
$15 Designated Driver/General Admission, no tastings available the day of
Limited domestic beer and wine will be available for purchase
21 & Over event, ID’s required
Last pour is at 7:00 pm
BREWERIES
Arrowhead Ales Brewing Co., Brothership Brewing, Hailstorm Brewing Co., Hickey Creek Brewing Co.,MyGrain Brewing Co.,Nik & Ivy Brewing
Trail’s Edge Brewing Co
SELTZERS & MORE
Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Mike’s Hard Lemonade Seltzer, White Claw, The Long Drink.
Domestic beers will be available for purchase during the event
SPIRITS
Dillinger Vodka (Outlaw Spirits), Dead Drop Pecan Whiskey (Thornton Distilling Co), Dead Drop Gin (Thornton Distilling Co)
WINE
The Wine Thief will have wine samplings and wine available for purchase during the event.
FOOD
Hog Wild Express Food Truck will have food, water & pop available for purchase.
BAND
River Road Trio Band will be playing liveWeather permitting tasting will be outdoors, indoor facilities are available

5:00 – 9:00 pm • Pasatiempo BBQ Pop-up
Dry City Brew Works, 120B N. Main St., Wheaton, IL (630) 456-4787 Map
Come grab some delicious bbq to pair with a pint of your favorite Dry City brew! We are thrilled to have Pasatiempo back and we hope you will all come out to see them!

6:00 – 11:00 pm • 10th Annual Brew Moon Beer & Band Fest
The Max McCook Athletic & Exposition, 4750 S. Vernon Ave., McCook, IL  Map
Brew Moon Beer & Band Festival is the largest craft and micro beer tasting event in the western suburbs. Beer enthusiasts are able to experience the finest that local breweries have to offer in an indoor park-like setting.
Event Tasting Admission (No refunds or exchanges)
$51.00 in advance or $55.00 at the door
Tasting hours are 6:00-9:30 p.m.
Complimentary tasting glass
Access to band pavilion and cash bar from 9:30-11:00 p.m. Purchase Tasting Tickets
General Admission Ticket
$16.00 in advance or $20.00 at the door
Access to the band pavilion and cash bar from 6:00-11:00 p.m. Purchase GA Tickets!
Tickets can also be purchased at Palmer Place Restaurant located at 56 South LaGrange Rd. in LaGrange .
COVID Protocol:
We encourage all attendees to be vaccinated or have a recent negative COVID test.
Temperature checks and masks will be required upon entry. We will be spacing tasting tables etc. further apart to allow for social distancing.
Brew Moon is a unique partnership between local businesses, municipalities and civic groups. Our purpose is to raise funds for local non-profit organizations.

6:00 – 6:00 pm • Huitzillin Danza Mexicana Día de los Muertos!
Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing, 216 W. Clayton St., Waukegan, IL (847) 445-2467 Map
Huitzillin Danza Mexicana performs traditional Mexican folk dances celebrating Día de los Muertos in full costumes. Part of our ZombieWauk celebration.

9:00 pm • Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks
Rock Island Public House, 13328 S. Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Saturday brings us a double feature! Planet Terror and Death Proof.

Sunday, October 17

6:00 – 9:00 am • RUN for BEER – Temperance Beer
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
We are the Illinois Brewery Running Series and we run for beer!
Times have been crazy, but we are excited that we are back to hosting live in-person events where we can be active, have fun, and give back SAFELY!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Everyone will need to respect safety guidelines as they pertain to COVID 19. Please keep an eye out for all specific event details and be prepared for any additional adjustments needed.
Join us at Temperance Beer Company on Sunday October 17, for a 5k-ish course that starts and ends at this awesome Evanston brewery. Weave through the surrounding area at whatever pace you like, no matter what there’s a beer waiting for you at the finish line!
While so many sports have been canceled this summer, one thing has not been canceled: the lovely art of tailgating. Temperance has an amazing outdoor space that will allow us to bring lawn chairs, grills, food, and anything else our hearts desire while enjoying awesome, local beer and enjoying it safely!
What’s included?! All participants receive:

FREE craft brew from TemperanceYour choice of a collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item from the Brewery Running SeriesYour chance to win sweet door prizes, like Brewery Running Series merchandise or a growler to take homeAnd more!

We are all about being active, having fun and giving back to our local community. Since our inaugural event (the Brewery Running Series was founded in Minnesota in 2012), we have been able to donate over $160,000 back to local nonprofits. This event will add to that tally! 10% of all proceeds goes directly to Chicago Run and Chicago Parks Foundations, awesome local organizations that make Chicago a great place to live. So not only do you get to a little exercise and enjoy a great beer, you are contributing to our awesome community!
Registration is limited, so sign up today! ($45)
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
Cheers to beers! We’ll see you at Temperance!

7:00 am • Midwest Brew Review for Bears/Packers Sunday
Orange & Brew, 1027 Burlington Ave., Downers Grove, IL (630) 541-3880 Map
Our friends from the Midwest Brew Review will be doing a live halftime event on Sunday, October 17th. Come join us as we cheer on the Bears against the Packers and come with your beer and Bears questions! We’re doing $2 off all regular draft beers, glasses of wine, and cans of beer, cider, and seltzer for here. Plus, Outpost Mexican Eatery will have the flat grill on-site for fresh tacos.

12:00 – 5:00 pm • Marz Record Show
Marz Community Brewing, 3630 S. Iron St., Chicago (773) 837-0145 Map
Chicago Vinyl Connection 002
Presented by Miyagi Records & South Rhodes Records
Chicago Vinyl Connection is a new record show with a mission from old – connecting discerning diggers of Chicagoland to the best records and to one another. Miyagi Records and South Rhodes Records have come together along with several other vendors and DJs offering thousands of new and vintage vinyl albums. Expect to find the classics you know and need, plus the genres and artists not typically available at record shows. And, through the music, expect to connect with other local collectors!
Featuring thousands of records, new and used, in all formats and genres, from local, independent record dealers!
Miyagi Records | South Rhodes Records | A1 Records & CDs | Beverly Phono Mart | Del Pueblo Records | Aadam Jacobs | Jaytoo | Mississippi Records | DJ PWC + Esteban LaGroue | Shady Rest Vintage & Vinyl | Sonorama Discos
DJ Sets by: DJ Volcan, Katharine Hepburn, Trew, & Nunya
Free to everyone, family friendly, all ages welcome! Come say hi and grab a record or 2!

9:00 pm • Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks
Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Spooky season continues with Hocus Pocus!