Some of the beer spots in the Chicago area have already resumed masking requirements for entry, some going as far to require proof of vaccination. So far, I have not seen any of these public events get postponed or cancelled yet. But it’s a good idea to check an establishment’s website, or to call ahead. We’d sure hate to see these resumed beer festivals get called off again, so mask up!

Friday, August 6

Chicago Brewing District’s Dancing In The Streets
1700-1800 W. Hubbard St., Chicago  Map
Friday, August 6th; 5pm-10pm
Saturday, August 7th, 1pm-10pm
Sunday, August 8th, 1pm-10pm
$10 suggested donation
Dancing In The Streets is the brainchild of On Tour Brewing Co. founder, and major jam band fan, Mark Legenza. The West Town Chamber of Commerce works with On Tour Brewing and the Chicago Brewing District to produce this one of a kind craft beer and live music event. Dancing In The Streets is the name of the event, and also a popular Grateful Dead song. The event dates were chosen specifically to coincide with the “Days Between” which is the name of the week celebrating the memory of Jerry Garcia between August 1st, Jerry Garcia’s birthday, and August 9th, the date that Garcia passed away.
The event features a robust craft beer menu with over a dozen varieties from the Chicago Brewing District. 
2021 Beer Menu
$8.00 Regular (14 ounce) • $4.00 Taster (7 ounce) 
On Tour Brewing Co.
Lightning Will Pilsner • Typical Daydream • Mercury  
Midwest Coast Brewing Co.
English Sporting Beer • Gummy Bandit – Blueberry Lemon Sour Ale
Great Central Brewing Co. 
Helles Lager  
Goose Island Beer Co.
312 Lemonade Shandy • 312 Urban Wheat Ale • Goose Island IPA
Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery
Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen
Finch Beer Co.
Tacocat Kettle Sour • 606 Pale Ale
Big Drop Brewing Co. 
Non-Alcoholic IPA (12 ounce can)
OTHER OFFERINGS:
White Claw Hard Seltzer Watermelon (12 ounce can) • Red Sangria • Boxed Water  
Full details at westtownchamber.org/dancing-in-the-streets

2:00 – 7:00 pm • Food Truck Friday w/ Arnold’s Tacos
Werk Force Brewing, 14903 S. Center St., Plainfield, IL (815) 531-5557 Map
Arnold’s Tacos will be joining us this Friday, August 6th from 2-7pm!
Tacos, Burritos and Nachos galore! Swing by for some beers and stay awhile for some great food!

4:00 – 6:00 pm • Pollyanna Tap Takeover!
Orange & Brew Bottle Shop & Tap, 1027 Burlington Ave., Downers Grove, IL (630) 541-3880 Map
Join us as we let our friends from Pollyanna take over our tap lines (and slushee machine!)! They’ll be at the shop talking beer and handing out swag.
We’ll have Prickly Pear Candy Sour, Summerly, Lexical Gap, the GABF award-winning Lite Thinking, and a taproom exclusive hazy IPA flowing. And we’ll have the return of the 2021 Summerly Slushee, too!

4:30 – 7:30 pm • Food Truck: Stix & Noodles
Plank Road Tap Room, 39W149 Plank Rd., Elgin, IL 224-238-3527 Map
Stix and Noodles is bringing a bounty of fare from the Philippines to foodies throughout the area. This truck’s the perfect pit-stop for those looking to expand their cultural palate one dish at a time.
The menu serves up some of the most popular Filipino street foods, each dish packed with all the bold spices typical of the region. Start your meal off with some lumpia, crispy egg rolls stuffed with well-seasoned pork and a blend of veggies. YUM!
PRTR is 21+ only. Children are not allowed on premise. Beer garden and parking are for tap room guest only. We kindly ask that if you are only purchasing food, please order to-go.

5:00 pm • Embers & Ashes – Fire & Smoke BBQ Collab Release Party
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
Beer and BBQ go hand in hand. So it only makes sense to collab with the area’s best on a new smoked beer, and to party hard when it’s ready to release.
THE SHORT STORY:
About a month ago, we brewed up a grodziskie, a Polish-style smoked wheat ale, with our friends at Fire & Smoke BBQ Company. For this uncommon traditional style, we used wheat smoked right here on site by F&S themselves. The result is a light, refreshing, but dreamily smoking beer that is PERFECT to pair with BBQ.
Luckily, F&S will be here serving up their awesome eats as well. The party starts around 5pm when we tap the keg and get our meat sweats on.
THE LONG STORY:
Our romance with Fire & Smoke BBQ Company is well documented. We love everything Mikey and Amanda do, from both the food side AND just being amazing people. They recent raised over $1000 to help out our mutual friends in need (Skeleton Key Brewery) and are ALWAYS giving back to their community in one way or another.
Now, it’s our turn. Last weekend, they were hit hard themselves. They atteneded a festival that was supposed to host 25k people. They prepped for 2k, knowing other vendors would be there and that attendance may not reach that number. Sadly, they only served about 250 people. For a BBQ company, that’s devastating any day, let alone when meat prices are this high. BBQ cannot be reused another day. They took a massive financial hit on a day that was supposed to take them to a new level of success.
Come out and support some of the good guys in the world…and have the chance to eat some fantastic BBQ and pair it with our collab beer. It’s going to be a great time

7:00 – 9:00 pm • An Evening with ZümBier and A Cuban Experience
ZümBier, 3232 Monroe St., Waukegan, IL 847-420-7313 Map
Join us at ZümBier for a fun night of beer and cigars!!! Pair your favorite Craft Beer with a Premium Cigar and enjoy the evening. New to beer or cigars?? No problem, you have the best experts of both at your service!!

8:15 pm • Backyard Movie Night
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
Side Lot Brewery is excited to bring back Backyard Movie Nights. With school starting just around the corner, this movie night will feature Ferris Buehler’s Day Off.
Reservations are strongly recommended. Make reservations at SideLotBrewing.com
Movie Nights are Weather Permitting.

9:00 pm • Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks
Rock Island Public House, 13328 S. Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
We kick off our Italian weekend with Big Night! (No movie Saturday, we are hosting a private event)

Saturday, August 7

9:00 am – 4:00 pm • Beer Pickup at Energy City!
Energy City Brewing, 917 First St., Batavia, IL 630-597-5581 Map
This Saturday, it’s the return of two classics: Pineapple & Orange Zephyr Turbine and Mango’rine Sorbet IPA! See our full lineup below, and welcome August with some fruited craft beers
Available:
Zephyr Turbine – Pineapple, Orange & Citra Hops, fruited American Sour Ale (6.5% ABV).
Mango’rine Sorbet IPA – Mango, Tangerine & Citra Hops, NEIPA (6.8% ABV)
Mango Strawberry MOSA, Hard Seltzer Smoothie (6.5% ABV)
Apple Cranberry Crumble MOSA, Hard Seltzer Smoothie (6.5% ABV)
Bistro Orange Meringue Pie – Orange, Lemon & Vanilla, fruited Berliner Weisse (6.5% ABV)
Bistro Blackberry Pancakes – Blackberry & Maple Syrup, fruited Berliner Weisse (6.5% ABV)
Crimson Guava Sorbet IPA – Pink Guava & Blood Orange IPA w/ Sabro hops (6.5% ABV)
New beer is available for online pre-order via shop.energycitybrewing.com
Drive-thru beer pickup time: Saturday, August 7th from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

12:30 – 4:00 pm • Wheaton Brew Fest 2021
Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave, Wheaton, IL  Map
We are back in 2021!
VIP | 12:30-4:30P • General Admission | 1:30-4:30P
Celebrating its 10th year, Wheaton’s outdoor craft beer fest returns to Memorial Park featuring more than 60 unique brews from more than 35 local and national breweries. The band, Nerdvana, will take the stage from 2:30-4P.
All guests must be at least 21 years of age with a valid ID for entry.
A portion of the proceeds benefits CASA of DuPage and the DuPage County Historical Museum.
Advanced Tickets through Eventbrite:
VIP | $75 • VIP Designated Driver | $35
General Admission | $50 • General Admission Designated Driver | $20
Door Sales Starting at 11A on Saturday, August 7 (Subject to Availability)
VIP | $100 • VIP Designated Driver | $50
General Admission | $75 • General Admission Designated Driver | $25
VIP TICKETS INCLUDE
12:30P event entry • Exclusive access to four premium craft beers • Private VIP area with two-hour food buffet • It’s Our Beer-themed event shirt • Commemorative pint glass • 32, 2oz samples
VIP Designated Driver tickets include three non-alcoholic drinks and no beer samples. Commemorative pint glass available from the merchandise area at the conclusion of the fest.
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS INCLUDE
1:30P event entry • Commemorative pint glass • 32, 2oz samples
General Admission Designated Driver tickets include three non-alcoholic drinks and no beer samples. Commemorative pint glass available from the merchandise area at the conclusion of the fest.
All tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred if requested at least 24 hours in advance of the start of the fest. Tickets are sold at the gate only if available.
Pets or animals not permitted. Properly identified service animals are permitted with advanced notice.
In accordance with the Illinois Liquor Commission Guidelines, only the equivalent of two (2) beverages can be distributed to a Brew Fest participant at one time. All guests will receive their initial 16 taste card on arrival. Once the card is complete, participants may return to a merchandise tent to obtain the 2nd tasting card at no additional charge. Wheaton Brew Fest reserves the right to refuse additional tastings to individuals exhibiting signs of over-intoxication in accordance with the Illinois Liquor Commission Rules and Guidelines.
Changes in Restore Illinois Phase 5 Guidelines could potentially impact this year’s Wheaton Brew Fest.

1:00 – 5:00 pm • Old Irving Park Beer & BBQ Challenge 2021 (Sold Out)
St. Viator Elementary School and Parish, 4140 W. Addison St., Chicago  Map
The Old Irving Park Beer and BBQ Challenge is Chicago’s ultimate craft beer and BBQ pairing competition. We pair 15 talented brewers & 15 pitmasters from the local area to deliver the ultimate Beer and BBQ pairing. You sample good local craft beer, taste some of the best BBQ in Chicago, and you vote on the best pairing of the two.
The ultimate winners are the kids at St Viator Elementary School & Parish in Chicago. 100% of the proceeds go to St Viator. 
Tickets currently sold out: beerbbqchallenge.com

1:00 – 7:00 pm • Naperville Food Truck Festival
Naper Settlement, downtown Naperville, IL  Map
Hey Foodies, we’ve missed you!
We’re returning to the Naper Settlement – the heart of downtown Naperville, to bring you the 2nd Annual Naperville Food Truck Festival. This years event will feature 30+ of the area’s best food trucks, live DJ entertainment, face painter, beer garden, bubble artist and a vendor village featuring local businesses. 
This is a family friendly event with entertainment for kids and everyone can enjoy the historical grounds.
We’ll be transferring all tickets to the new event dates for anyone who bought a ticket to the 2020 Naperville Food Truck Festival.
Want first dibs at your favorite food trucks? We are offering an Early Eater Ticket ($10 in advance online or $15 on event day). Join us from 11am-1pm for exclusive access to the trucks before the general admission session begins @ 1pm. Kids 10 & under are free with a paying adult.
General Admission into the #NFTF will be $5 in advance online and $10 on event day. Kids 10 & under are free with a paying adult.
Eat for a great cause! A portion of the proceeds from the #NFTF will benefit Community Access Naperville and their mission to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to work in, contribute to, and enjoy their community.
This event is outdoors with large grassy areas for guest seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. Some on-site seating will be available.
Ticket sales, and a full vendor list, at Enventbrite.

7:00 pm • Hops for Haiti
Fran and Linda Leeman’s backyard, Plainfield, IL  Map
New Life for Haiti is excited to announce the event of the summer!
Join us for an engaging evening on Saturday, August 7th, in the backyard oasis of Fran and Linda Leeman for award-winning beer, delicious finger foods, inspiring stories, and fun.
You don’t want to miss the impact you’ll make when joining us at 7 PM on August 7th.
All proceeds will go directly to our Village of Hope Orphanage – a refuge for orphans and children coming out of domestic servitude.
Limited number of tickets. Get yours today. (As this is a private home, the address is in the ticket link).

7:30 – 9:30 pm • South of Roosevelt Shorts
Whiner Beer Co., 1400 W. 46th St., Chicago 312-810-2271 Map
8 short films from the south side of Chicago will be showcased in an explosive and provocative outdoor screening of some of the best independent film artists working on city’s south side. Please join us at the Whiner Beer Company on August 7th from 7:30 – 9:30 PM for great cinema and great beer.
The films are:
Flight Logs; Director – Brian Ashby
The Testament; Director – Brandon K Calhoun
Redlining; Director – Mariah Woods
Dinner in Hyde Park; Director – Jon Silver
Devastating Paternity Secrets Revealed at the Auto Show; Director – Lance Eliot Adams
We Are Witnesses: Xavier; Director – Maggie Bowman
Chosen People; Director – Qihui Wu
The New Mother; Director – Eleva Singleton
This is a free screening with a suggested donation of $5.00.
Seating first come, first serve.
In the event of rain, there is an indoor backup space available.

Sunday, August 8

10:00 am • Barre + Brew
Elmhurst Brewing Co., 171 N. Addison Ave., Elmhurst, IL 630-834-2739 Map
Join us for a workout at 10am for Barre + Brew! Pure Barre will have a pop up in the Beergarden and for those that stick around after, enjoy 10% off your bill! Sign up via the Pure Barre app.

12:00 – 5:00 pm • Sunday Fun Day
The Beer and Now, 2801 Ogden Ave., Ste 7, Lisle, IL (630) 946-6660 Map
Every Sunday stop by for $1 off all draft beers!

12:00 – 4:00 pm • Pilot Project Fest
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (773) 270-5995 Map
Tickets $45 on Eventbrite.
Join us for Pilot Project Brewing’s first annual Beer Fest!
Pilot Project Brewing is the country’s first dedicated brewery incubator and launchpad for start-up brewing businesses. Our inaugural Pilot Project Fest 2021 will feature 12 of our brewery start-ups, partners and collaborators, and will offer samples of their most popular beer, cider, and hard kombucha offerings. The indoor/outdoor event taking place at Pilot Project in Logan Square will also feature local Chicago food vendors, music, and more.
Admission includes beer samplings from all of our vendors during event hours, a custom festival glass, with food and coffee sold separately. Tickets are non-refundable. Must be 21+ to enter and all guests will be carded at the door upon arrival.
Participating Breweries:
Pilot Project Brewing, Azadi Brewing Company, Histrionic Brewlab, Odious Cellars, Dutchbag Brew Co., Brewer’s Kitchen, Ørkenoy, Brother Chimp Brewing, ROVM Hard Kombucha, Luna Bay Hard Kombucha, Eris Brewery & Cider House, Overgrown Orchard

12:00 – 8:00 pm • TORNADO Relief Fundraiser at BHBC
Black Horizon Brewing Co., 7560 S. Quincy St., Willowbrook, IL (630) 413-4964 Map
Featuring music by Matt Strom, Zac from Zac & Eli, Ric Butley, Rob Lane, Mike Rawls, and Cheryl Rodey.
Ayala’s Empanadas Pop-Up, 1-5pm.
See the Facebook events page for codes to fundraising links.

2:00 pm • Sunflower Welcome Sign Sip & Paint
Two Pints Lounge, 641 E. Boughton Rd. #110, Bolingbrook, IL (630) 739-3000 Map
Primer Painters Presents……
Sunflower Welcome sign paint & sip
You will have the opportunity to come paint with us on Sunday.
Cost: $40.00 includes all materials (except sealant)
To Register: text/ call Sue at 630 864 7972 no later than August 5th to reserve your board. Must have a board reserved to attend. Payment due at registration.

3:00 – 5:00 pm • Trivia Night at Noon Whistle Lombard
Noon Whistle Brewing, 800 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, IL ​(630) 376-6895 Map
Are you tired of sitting at home answering every question correct on Jeopardy with nothing to show for it?
Come out for our General Knowledge trivia night and join your host as they quiz your teams through two full hours of general knowledge trivia, including awesome themed bonus rounds and music rounds!
While we’re testing your wit, Cellar Door will be keeping you fueled up an incredible food menu and delicious drinks all night, PLUS the top teams will win bragging rights and prizes, so bring your friends, family, and even your enemies (if they’re good at trivia) to increase your chances of winning.
Be sure to get there early and snag your team a spot and fuel up with some drinks, see you soon!
Please follow ALL Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions put in place by the venue, and here are a few extra tips:

1. Please bring your own pen/pencil. Our host will have pencils just in case, but it would be best to use your own for everyone’s safety & comfort.
2. The questions will be read by your host over our PA system, but may not be displayed on a screen if one is not easily available.
3. Any and all rules/restrictions are subject to change.

9:00 pm • Drive In, Dinner, and Drinks
Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
In tribute to St. Donatus weekend, we’ll end Italian Weekend with A Bronx Tale!
Everyone’s favorite Red’s The People’s Pie is back, 6p – 11p! Get here before they sell out!