Visit Lake County Libation Trail Month, February 1-28, 2023

Did you know that Lake County, Illinois is home to more than 30 craft breweries (Mickey Finn’s, Tighthead, Half Day, Black Lung, Harbor Brewing, etc.), wineries and distilleries? Not only that, but February is one of the best months to explore the establishments of Lake County. Reason being, these fine artisans celebrate “Libation Trail Month,” sending craft-beverage enthusiasts on a mission to discover the creativity and flavors of these favorite venues. 

As a backdrop to award-winning libations, these unique spots offer a wide range of live music, events, games, tours, food and fun times. And don’t forget the Check-In Challenge, where you can scan the QR code for a current list of participants and receive Libation Trail updates. Not only that, libation lovers who visit and check in at five or more locations during the month of February will be eligible to win a commemorative Libation Trail roster long-sleeve shirt.

Head to VisitLakeCounty.org for more information. 

Saisons + Sours Beer School at The Beer Cellar in Glen Ellyn Jan. 25

The Beer Cellar craft beer shop in west suburban Glen Ellyn is excited to bring in Afterthought, Dovetail and IS/WAS for an evening of Saisons & Sours with the experts on Jan. 25. Each representative will guide guests through some of their beers while they talk about their brewery, the beers they brew and their philosophy on designing and making saisons and sours in a panel format.

Guests on the panel include Dan Modica from Dovetail Brewery, Mike Schallau from IS/WAS Brewing and Mike Thorpe from Afterthought Brewing. 

The event is from 7-9 p.m., and there will be time for mingling and questions at the end. 

The Beer Cellar is located at 488 Crescent Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. More information is available at BeerCellarChicago.com and tickets can be purchased here.

Buffalo Creek Brewing’s Alpine Fest Jan. 27-28 in historic Long Grove, IL

One of Chicagoland’s largest outdoor winter beer parties is coming to Long Grove in late January, as Buffalo Creek Brewing will be asking patrons to embrace the outdoors and join them for a weekend of fun at their Alpine Fest. 

Buffalo Creek’s Alpine Biergarten Village, which is modeled after a traditional ski village concept, features custom-built warming lodges, roaring fire pits and winter decor. This charming setup will be the backdrop for Alpine Fest, a free event that will offer fresh beer, live music, winter games, food trucks, drawings and contests. And if you get chilled, head in to warm up in Buffalo Creek’s cozy German-inspired winter lodge. Part of the proceeds from the event will benefit the local Lions Club. 

Buffalo Creek is located at 360 Historical Lane in north suburban Long Grove. BuffaloCreekBrewing.com

Westmont Winter Beer Festival Feb. 18

Head out to west suburban Westmont for their 2023 Winter Beer Festival in Ty Warner Park, which will feature dozens of craft breweries from the Chicagoland area. Participants will receive 20 four-ounce pours, and the event will have heated and lighted tents, bonfires, outdoor seating and food trucks.

Ticket options:
VIP (available until Feb. 17): $65 — Commemorative 16-oz glass and one hour early access (2 p.m.)
General admission: $50
At the door: $70
Designated driver: $10 — complimentary non-alcoholic beverages available

For more information, visit WestmontParks.org/BeerFest