One small note to report: Iain Wilson, head brewer for 14 years at Rock Bottom Orland Park, has put in his notice. His last day will be August 5, which he will mark by tapping Final Daze as a farewell beer. Iain posted on his Facebook account that he will take over August 9 as head brewer at Hop River Brewing Co. in Fort Wayne.

Iain is likely the longest-tenured brewmaster that the Chicago area Rock Bottom restaurants. I had heard, but could not confirm, that was retained to brew enough beer to fill taps at all the restaurants as they reopened after emerging from bankruptcy.

Monday, August 2

7:00 – 8:30 pm • Yahtzee Game Night
Evil Horse Brewing Co., 1338 Main St., Crete, IL 708-304-2907 Map
We’re playing YAHTZEE (in a socially distanced way, of course!). Come with a group of your besties, or just by yourself. We will play 4 rounds of Yahtzee, and the group with the best average score wins! You can play with 2 or more in your group. If you don’t have a group, we’ll set you up! Feel free to bring your own Yahtzee set if you’d prefer, but we’ll have plenty of sets to play with as well.

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 3

6:00 pm • DC Movie Trivia
Two Pints Lounge, 641 E. Boughton Rd. #110, Bolingbrook, IL (630) 739-3000 Map
5 rounds of trivia. Prizes each round. All ages welcome. Call 630 739-3000 and register your team name.

6:30 – 8:30 pm • So You Want to Become a Beer Judge
Orange & Brew, 1027 Burlington Ave., Downers Grove, IL (630) 541-3880 Map
Learn to evaluate attributes of beer with a recognized set of criteria. You will learn become a more distinguished evaluator of beer and discover best practices of beer judging. Get a sneak-peak into the important habits practiced by beer judges and the dos and don’ts of beer judging.
Orange & Brew Bottle Shop in Downers Grove
This class is presented by Marty Nachel, a 35-year member of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) and professional judge who has participated in some of the largest and most prestigious beer competitions in the U.S. and abroad.
To learn more, contact Jenifer Walsh, program manager, at (630) 942-3045 or [email protected]
College of DuPage Continuing Education, class PROED-0011-611, $39

7:00 pm • CLB Trivia
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, IL (779) 220-9288 Map
Grab a few friends to form your team and join Chicago Trivia Guys every Tuesday night at 7pm, here in the tap room. Drop ins are welcome, the trivia is entertaining and laid back, and prizes go to the top teams. There’s no more fun way to spend a mid-week evening!

7:00 pm • Side Lot Bingo!
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
We’re playing Bingo again!
Get ready to shake your balls every Tuesday night at Side Lot Brewery. Limited seating is available both inside and outside. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended.
MASKS ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER THE PROPERTY & ANYTIME YOU’RE NOT SEATED. If this is a problem, stay home.

Wednesday, August 4

No events for today.
But please check back, we update continuously.

Thursday, August 5

11:00 am • Chicago Ducky Derby Watch Party
The Northman Beer & Cider Garden, 233 E. Riverwalk, Chicago  Map
The 2021 annual Chicago Ducky Derby takes place on Thursday, August 5th after a break in tradition due to COVID in 2020. The Chicago Ducky Derby helps raise money for Special Olympics Illinois, allowing supporters to adopt a rubber duck (or ducks) in the hope of winning prizes which include an all-new Chevy Trailblazer, an all inclusive trip to Mexico, a Chicago Day Getaway, $2,000 cash, and more!
Join us at The Northman for a “Birdseye” view of the Chicago Ducky Derby as more than 65,000 rubber ducks splash down from the Columbus Drive Bridge and race down the Chicago River. The Northman open at 11am, no reservations, come on down and join in the fun and help raise money for a great cause!
Don’t worry, no ducks or Chicago River life is harmed during this fun, family-friendly event. Nets catch all the duckies after the race and are re-used, again and again, in different cities around the country.
Special Olympics Illinois is not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,100 athletes with intellectual disabilities and over 13,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by provide year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership, and personal development. If you are interested in being a part of Special Olympics Illinois and its vision, contact your local region, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website.

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!

4:00 – 10:00 pm • Vinyl Night at Black Lung
Black Lung Brewing Co., 3232 Monroe, Waukegan, IL (847) 340-3320 Map
We have vinyl night every Thursday evening! Bring a record and we will even give you $1 off while your vinyl spins! Rain or shine! Shutdown if we have a band!

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Hop Field Open House
Backbarn Hops, 9N050 Dittman Rd., Elgin, IL  Map
Please join us as we bring together local family farmed hops with local brewers.
The field should be close to harvest ready so start thinking about how you want to brew with Michigan Copper hops.
It will be an open house style event so please stop by if you are available, talk hops and beer, or simply take photos.
We only grow hops so BYOB is encouraged.

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Food Truck: Serna’s Grill
Plank Road Tap Room, 39W149 Plank Rd., Elgin, IL 224-238-3527 Map
Serna’s Grill will be rolling into the beer garden this summer! They are known for their monster burgers and gyros. But, they have a little something for everyone…. tacos, Italian Beef, and more! Check out their menu here.
Please note: Times and menus are subject to change. PRTR is 21+ only. Children are not allowed on premise.

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

6:30 – 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 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!