One week until the coveted "Chicago Craft Beer Week" kicks off, showcasing local craft beer from all of your favorite and 'yet to be discovered' favorite breweries from the Midwest and beyond. This 11 day celebration is brought to you by the hard working folks of the Illinois Craft Brewer's Guild, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the development and expansion of the local craft beer industry.
This year's schedule is overwhelming to say the least, with over 250 locations involved. Each day offers dozen's of fantastic events, spanning not only the Chicago area neighborhoods, but expands into many of the surrounding suburbs.
In addition this year the ICBG has published a free CCBW app, to help you organize your event schedule as well as check into events to earn points to win prizes, such as beer festival tickets, t-shirts and more. The app can be downloaded here.
Below are some highlighted favorites, with the best intentions to hit as many as possible. We of course have to spotlight our own event - Celebrating Real Women of Craft Beer on May 23rd at Riverview Tavern. The ladies behind your favorite local breweries will be in attendance to tap an exclusive all women brewed collaboration beer, "99 Problems" - a Saison brewed with Chamomile and Ginger. We'll be screening the documentary "The Love of Beer".
Hope to see you there!
For the full list of events go to www.chibeerweek.com and follow @chibeerweek
Thursday, May 16th
Beer Under Glass
Some would say the most spectacular event to kick off Craft Beer Week featuring all of Chicago’s local breweries pouring beer at the beautiful Garfield Park Conservatory.
Garfield Park Conservatory, 6:30pm, tickets are SOLD OUT
Friday, May 17th and May 24th
Half Acre Double Firkin Tapping
Taking their weekly Firkin Friday to the next level, Half Acre will feature two firkins - to be announced the day of
Half Acre Taproom, North Center
http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=259
Saturday, May 18th
Ipswich, MA-dness, featuring Boston area breweries Clown Shoes and Brash Brewing. The brewery guys will be in attendance and are ready to rock the Chicago scene.
Jerry’s Sandwiches, Andersonville, 6pm
Saturday, May 18th
Atlas Brewing 80’s Beer Prom/Two Brothers Tap Takeover
A fabulous night of Two Brothers beers, 80's music, dancing, awkwardness, balloon arches, and polaroid photos!
Lincoln Park, 9pm
Sunday, May 19th
Goose Island’s 25th Anniversary Party
Celebrating of 25 years of brewing in Chicago with a variety of beer including the Fulton & Wood and Bourbon County collections.
Goose Island Fulton Brewery, 12pm-3pm, $25 tix
Monday, May 20th
Brown Line Brews, featuring local northside breweries Half Acre Beer Company, Begyle Brewing, Atlas Brewing Company, Metropolitan Brewing, DryHop Brewers
The Longroom, Ashland/Irving Park in North Center, 6pm
Monday, May 20th
Viking’s Feast with Solemn Oath Brewing, featuring 8 taps and a firkin of Solemn Oath’s beer, paired with Viking films and Nordic Metal music.
Jerry’s Sandwiches, Andersonville, 7pm
Wednesday, May 22nd
5 Rabbits Tap Takeover
The Beer Bistro North, Lincoln Park, 6pm
Wednesday, May 22nd
New Wave Brewer Showcase, featuring Temperance, 4 Paws, Lake Effect, Spiteful, Flesk, Ale Syndicate, Begyle & DryHop
Hamburger Mary’s, Andersonville, 7pm
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Thursday, May 23rd
Celebrating Women in Craft Beer, featuring the female brewers of the Midwest from Goose Island, Two Brothers, Rock Bottom, Metropolitan, Greenbush, 4 Paws, Ale Syndicate, Flossmoor Station as well as Bottles & Cans beer store, with an exclusive all women brewed collaboration beer.
Riverview Tavern, Roscoe Village, 6:30pm
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Friday, May 24th
Barrel-Aged Obfuscation Release (I’m proud to have helped brew this beer!!)
Atlas Brewing, Lincoln Park, 7pm
Saturday, May 25th
West Loop Craft Beer Fest
IL Craft Brewer’s Guild & Chicago French Market bring you the city’s largest craft beer block party with over 25 breweries participating
French Market, West Loop, 12pm-5pm, $40 Gen Admission ($65 VIP hour)
Saturday, May 25th
Beerfly Alleyfight - Watch 10 homebrewers compete with the same beer recipe paired with a food dish and a local artist performance. Sample food, beer & art!
Haymarket Pub, West Loop 12pm-5pm, $35 advanced tix
Sunday, May 26th
3 Floyds & Off Color Brewing Tap Takeover
Northdown, Lincoln Park, 2pm
