By Ray Stout
Executive director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

Illinois Craft Beer Week returns May 19-26, 2023, with a dynamic lineup of festivals and events to excite and engage Illinois craft beer enthusiasts. This year, we’ll celebrate the enduring impact craft breweries have on communities across the state, with unique opportunities each day for you, our fans, to experience and support #IllinoisBeer

Friday, May 19 | Summer Passport Kickoff

This year, we’re bringing back the physical Summer Passport, a treasured keepsake designed to encourage brewery visits during ICBW and throughout the summer. Quantities will be limited, and demand will be high. To find out more about the passport program and see a list of participating breweries, go to IllinoisBeer.org/icbw

Saturday, May 20 | A Day of Giving at Will County Beer and Bourbon Fest

This year, the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild is supporting the Will County Habitat for Humanity’s annual Will County Beer and Bourbon Fest. All proceeds will support local Veteran Build programs, further exemplifying the role of craft beer in creating and sustaining our positive community impact. To purchase tickets to the Will County Beer and Bourbon Fest and support this awesome organization and the work they do, visit www.willcountybeerandbourbonfest.com 

Sunday, May 21 | Small Brewery Sunday

In what is now an annual tradition, Small Brewery Sunday encourages Illinois craft beer lovers to make a special beer run to their local brewery and stock up their beer fridge (we know you have one). Remember, every taproom visit and pick-up order supports jobs and economic growth in our neighborhoods! 

Monday, May 22 | Pint Day Fundraiser

This year, Illinois craft beer enthusiasts can buy the beer, keep the glass, and support the industry all at once. Beginning on Pint Day, we’ll encourage visits to participating breweries to purchase our limited-edition 16-ounce pint glasses designed especially for Illinois craft beer drinkers. A portion of every sale directly supports our non-profit trade organization.

Tuesday, May 23 | ImBIBE Spotlight

Today, we’re celebrating our biggest fans: the members of our enthusiast program, ImBIBE. Are you an ImBIBE member? Well, you should be! See a full list of membership perks and join at IllinoisBeer.org/imbibe

Wednesday, May 24 | Hump Day Patio Parties

There’s no better boost to get you over the mid-week hump than a visit to a taproom patio. On Wednesday, we’ll be spotlighting our favorite brewery patios from Springfield to Chicago and sharing fan photos when you tag @ilcraftbeer on Instagram.

Thursday, May 25 | Day of Action

On Thursday, we’ll mobilize our craft community, becoming one voice as we advocate for a stronger future through direct outreach to policymakers and a coordinated, high-impact social media campaign in partnership with you and our brewery members. 

Friday, May 26 | Beer Under Glass

This year, Illinois Craft Beer Week closes with our signature festival, Beer Under Glass. Once again, we’ll be pouring craft beer from 120+ Illinois breweries where the City of Chicago meets the State of Illinois — under the glass at Chicago Union Station’s Great Hall. Make sure you grab your tickets early, as this event will sell out fast! Get your tickets here.