From a catalog of Oktoberfest dirndls and lederhosen. Got yours yet? Flickr photo by jbcurio

I’m pretty caught up with tracking new events in these articles now. Just in time for Oktoberfest tappings and celebrations. I hope to catch as many new beer debuts as I can; I just need to get note of them a few days in advance.

Another new brewer? Looks like LaGrange Park will soon see the opening of Hop District Community Brewing Co. will be located at 23 E 31st St., a few blocks west of Brookfield Zoo. Their Facebook page is suggesting an opening for the end of the year.

Monday, August 30

7:00 – 8:00 pm • Backyard Yoga with Stefanie
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
Join us and Yoga Instructor Stefanie Tanacea for an hour of Side Lot Backyard Yoga followed by a refreshing Side Lot Draft Beer.
Class is $25 through Tock, and includes Two Drinks
The Brewery will remain open to participants 1 hour after class.
These classes are outside. In the event of inclement weather, the class will be rescheduled.
[Classes Are Non-Refundable]

Tuesday, August 31

Highwood Oktoberfest
Beermiscuous Highwood, 552 Sheridan Rd., Ste 2, Highwood, IL (847) 780-3486 Map
Join us as we kick off our 2021 Oktoberfest celebration! Starting next Tuesday, 8/31, through Labor Day, all German styles on draft will be $5 a full pour!
Because it’s never too early to start drinking Oktoberfests we (and everyone else) say(s)!

6:00 pm • 5th Annual Patches O’Houlihan Dodgeball Industry Tournament
Headquarters Beercade, 213 W. Institute Place, Chicago 773-665-5660 Map
It’s an outdoor lot party with beer tents, live commentary, and bleachers to watch the games. The afterparty will start at 10 PM with Ultrabeat performing! Ya’ll aren’t gonna want to miss this. Game on!

Wednesday, September 1

3:00 – 9:00 pm • Wing Wednesday!
Wildrose Brewing Co.,1104 E. Main St., Griffith, IN (219) 595-5054 Map
Wing Wednesday! Smoked then flash fried jumbo chicken wings tossed in our house spicy garlic, Jamaican Jerk or savory / sweet dry rub. Get ’em before they are gone!!!

7:00 pm • It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Trivia Night
Headquarters Beercade, 213 W. Institute Pl., Chicago 773-665-5660 Map
Join us at Headquarters Beercade for another night in our Trivia Series, this time putting your It’s Always Sunny knowledge to the test. Free reservations suggested.

Thursday, September 2

11:00 am • CLB Oktoberfest
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, IL (779) 220-9288 Map
Celebrate the release of CLB’s amazingly delicious, true-to-style Oktoberfest beer, here in the beer garden and tap room. We’ll have this year’s Oktoberfest on tap, of course, as well as traditional German food and awesome live music, all with no cover charge!
Thursday, Sept 2: Live music by Josh Skaja (7 – 9 pm).
Friday, Sept 3: Live music by Bourbon Country (7 – 9 pm) & Smash Burgers by The Biker Dude (5 – 9 pm).
Saturday, Sept 4: Live music by Brewmeisters German Oompah Band (3 – 5 pm) and The Lincoln Ramblers (7 – 9 pm) & Paninis and More by Party Food Alien (5 – 9 pm).
Plus, CLB will be serving authentic Bavarian brats and pretzels all 3 evenings!

4:00 – 9:30 pm • Thursday Night Tacos!
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
You’ve been asking when Tacos are coming back to Side Lot.
Taco Thursdays kick off on June 3rd and will continue every Thursday night.
Make your reservations!

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Beers With Queers
Dry City Brew Works, 120B N. Main St., Wheaton, IL (630) 456-4787 Map
Welcome to Beers With Queers. We heard you and we know there needs to be more safe places for LGBTQ+ folxs to feel welcome and accepted. We have partnered with Dry City Brew Works to bring you an open and welcome space every Other Thursday. Every other Thursday join Us here at OUTspoken Leaders, Dry City, and other LGBTQ+ folx as we hang out and connect with the community together. Please note this is a 21+ event every other Thursday however if you are and LGBTQ+ youth or young adult looking for support in your life please know we offer a weekly support and discussion group called OUTspoken Online and we also offer a sober space specifically for the LGBTQ+ on Saturday mornings called Coffee Chat!
OUTspoken Leaders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving, empowering, and amplifying the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. We offer social and service programs that promote self-acceptance, intentional compassion, and unconditional leadership!

6:00 pm • Miskatonic Tasting
The Beer and Now, 2801 Ogden Ave., Suite 7, Lisle, IL (630) 946-6660 Map
Join Mike on September 2nd at the Beer and Now! We’ll have a few Miskatonic brews for you to enjoy!
Even more exciting, our graphic designer Aran will be featured as the Artist of the Month in their taproom for September. So, make sure you come out to show your support!

6:00 pm • Trivia at Great Central
Great Central Brewing Co., 221 N. Wood St., Chicago (855) 464-4222 Map
TRIVIA’S BACK!
Love to test your knowledge while sharing some laughs with friends, and 24 beers on tap?!
Maybe you just want to try something different than your typical Thursday night?
Our Trivia night is for you!
Thursdays @6pm

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Lakefront Trivia & Tacos!
Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Craft Biergarten, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor, IL  Map
Lakefront Trivia Night at The Biergarten!! Tacos served from 5pm til Sellout!

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Mariano’s Oktoberfest
Mariano’s West Loop, 40 S. Halsted St., Chicago (312) 243-7657 Map
Lakeshore Beverage is kicking off Oktoberfest at Mariano’s West Loop and you’re invited! There will be German light bites and of course- BEER! Samplings from Goose Island Beer Co., Bell’s, Shiner Beer, and Virtue Cider will be offered. We can’t wait to see you there!
All ticket proceeds from this event will benefit Common Threads in Chicago. Common Threads is a national nonprofit that provides children and families cooking and nutrition education to encourage healthy habits that contribute to wellness.
For tickets head to this link!

6:30 – 10:00 pm • “Train with Brain” Running Club
Blue Island Beer Co., 13357 Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL (708) 954-8085 Map
Our good friend Brian Fee is training for the Chicago Marathon, and you can join him every Thursday til October! He’s raising money for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls and you can donate at this link.
Each week you can plan on running at the most 4 miles and your first beer is on Blue Island Beer Co.!

6:30 – 8:30 pm • Chicago Brew Cruise
Chicago Fireboat Tours  Map
Chicago Fireboat Tours and Phase Three Brewing Co. are partnering up to offer one of the most unique experiences in Chicago, every Thursday evening all summer-long!!
Phase Three Brewing Company will be bringing just days-old fresh, new releases directly from their Chicagoland brewery every week to serve aboard Chicago Fireboat Tours’ 1933 retired Chicago Fireboat, the Fred A. Busse.
Boarding begins at 6:00p.m and the boat departs at 6:30pm for a 2-hour sunset cruise. The Brew Cruise will start on the lake, float through the locks and right into the heart of downtown Chicago via the Chicago River, enjoying world-class views, an amazing sunset, and great music; all paired with fresh, innovative craft beers and hard seltzers.
Tickets are $45 per person at www.fireboattours.com, and include your 1st Phase Three brew once onboard. 

7:30 – 9:00 pm • Team Trivia
Sidecar Supper Club & Beer Garden, 12 N. River St., Batavia, IL (630) 406-9200 Map
Join us for Team Trivia every Thursday! Go 4 It Entertainment features 12 rounds of general trivia with musical hints and toss up questions to win your team free ‘tasty prizes’.
1st place – $30 gift certificate, 2nd place – $20 gift certificate, 3rd place – $10 gift certificate
Hosted by Chevy Mallhi

7:30 pm • Side Lot Trivia
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
Are you the smartest one in the Taproom? The only way to find out is to join Side Lot Brewery on Thursday nights at 7:30pm for Taproom Trivia.
7 Rounds with varying categories. Free to Play, Prizes to Win!