Chicago does a lot of things well, but craft beer is something it does great. Really, really great.
From tried and true favorites like Goose Island, Half Acre and Revolution, to newbies like Solemn Oath, Atlas and Kickstarter-launched Begyle, brewing beer is big in Chicago. And to celebrate that bigness, we get Chicago Craft Beer Week — a series of beer-focused events beginning this Thursday, May 16th and running through the following Sunday, May 26. A full ten days of sudsy glory.
Highlights from this year’s lineup of more than 250 events (I told you it was big) include:
Beer Under Glass — Thursday, May 16th
The sold out kickoff celebration, held at the Garfield Park Conservatory, includes tastings from over 40 local breweries.
Bottles, Bleachers & Baseball — Sunday, May 19th
If you love baseball, but Old Style’s just not your thing, check out Greenbush Brewery’s Cubs rooftop takeover. Craft beer, BBQ and baseball? That’s a homerun.
Half Acre Brewery Open House — Thursday, May 23rd
See where local favorites like Daisy Cutter Pale Ale and Gossamer Golden Ale are brewed, and talk to the guys who brewed them. Afterwards, swing by the Half Acre Taproom (located right next door) for a pint. Can’t get much fresher than that.
West Loop Craft Beer Fest — Saturday, May 25th
This inaugural celebration, which holds the official title of Chicago’s largest craft beer outdoor block party, will round out the week of festivities with beers from over 25 breweries and food from local vendors like Lillie’s Q and Saigon Sisters.
So whether you’re a novice or a self-proclaimed beer snob, with over 250 events, you’re sure to find something that whets your whistle.
Check out the Chicago Craft Beer Week website for a full list of events and start planning your ten days of beer nerdery. Drink local.