A good beer is not a hard thing to find in Chicago, but to try all of the best options, you’d normally have to spend days schlepping around the Windy City. Chicago Beer Fest brings all those hops under one roof at the Field Museum, where over 65 breweries will be showing off their fall selections. This year’s breweries include 3 Floyds Brewing, Half Acre Beer Co., Brewdog, Stone Brewing Co. and Spiteful Brewing among many others. General admission is open from 8-11pm, and it includes a variety of microbrews offering seasonal beers, specialty beers and beer tastings. There will be more than 65 breweries on hand. Early admission will get you the general admission benefits plus an added hour (7-8pm) and access to limited-release specialty beers. (Admission includes beer samplings but not food.)
As Benjamin Franklin famously did not say, “God made craft beer because he wants us to be happy,” so what more could you need than the Chicago Beer Fest?
The Specs
Attendance numbers are not available for the festival, but you can expect to see over 65 breweries present.
Want to buy tickets? Festival tickets range from $55-$70 for general and early admission.
Visiting Chicago? Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to the best things to do in the city here.
FAQs
Where does the festival take place?
The Chicago Beer Fest is held at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois.
What’s the best way to get there?
Public transportation is the easiest way to get to the festival, the Field Museum is accessible by bus and subway.
Wait, is this the same thing as Chicago Craft Beer Fest?
No. Chicago Beer Festival and Chicago Craft Beer Fest are two different events. The craft beer festival was held July 5-7, 2024 at Jonquil Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL USA), in Lincoln Park.
What’s the benefit of early admission?
Early admission will include early entry at 7pm and specialty beers poured during the first hour to attendees.
Will Dovetail Brewing be at the Chicago Beer Fest?
Dovetail was represented at the craft beer fest in July but is not listed on the Chicago Beer Fest roster yet.
Will Chicago Beer Festival have live music?
No. Though the fest is held in a museum and some of the exhibits will be accessible.
What if it rains?
The event will happen rain or shine.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, this festival is 21+ only.
What breweries will be attending this year?
This year’s brewers include 3 Floyds Brewing, Half Acre Beer Co., Brewdog, Stone Brewing Co., Spiteful Brewing, Two Brothers Brewing Co., Old Irving Brewing Co., Energy City Brewing, Surly Brewing Co., Revolution Brewing, Right Bee Cider, Founders Brewing, Uncle John’s Cider Mill, Goose Island and Best Day Brewing among several others.
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