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Home›Inside Scoop›Inside Scoop: The Lodi Tap House “Christmas in July” Beer Advent Calendar pre-sale, Streetz Arts Alliance shows, Ravenswood on Tap, Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer Fest and Sketchbook’s Oktoberfest celebration

Inside Scoop: The Lodi Tap House “Christmas in July” Beer Advent Calendar pre-sale, Streetz Arts Alliance shows, Ravenswood on Tap, Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer Fest and Sketchbook’s Oktoberfest celebration

By Trent Modglin
July 13, 2023
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Lodi Tap House celebrates “Christmas in July” with popular Beer Advent Calendar pre-sale

The temperatures may be warming up outside, but it’s Christmas in July at the Lodi Tap House. The craft beer establishment has launched its third edition of the Lodi Tap House Beer Advent Calendar. The exclusive pre-sale takes place throughout July.

This one-of-a kind holiday gift for yourself, or others, contains 24 unique Illinois brews, made exclusively for the advent calendar by top Illinois breweries. 

Through July, customers can secure the calendar at last year’s price of $89.99, and no shipping fee. If a craft beer doesn’t tempt your palette, then perhaps the cider/mead version of the popular advent calendar will satisfy your taste buds.

To secure your 2023 Advent Calendars, visit loditaphouse.com.

For more information, you can email [email protected].

Street Artz Alliance upcoming shows

7/15/2023: Crafts, Drafts & Curiosities SUMMER EDITION: Art Fair & Makers Market at Bubblehouse Brewing Co. in Lisle, IL. Over 20 hand makers and artists will be here, the patio will be open and a food pop-up will be announced. Expect a brand-new mix of expertly curated artists and new beers too!

7/23/2023: Flurry of Makers Artisan Market at Hailstorm Brewing in Tinley Park, IL — Artists will be inside and outside. Scratch Made Kitchen will be serving up food. You’ll find a wide variety of craft beer from the brewery and around 20 artists will be there. A relaxing sip-and-shop event.

7/29/2023: SUMMERWEEN Market at Soundgrowler Brewing in Tinley Park, IL. Mix summer, Halloween, tacos and artists and we bring you the first ever Summerween event at the brewery. Nearly three dozen artists will be on site, and these themed events are always a blast.

7/30/2023: Sunday Summer Market, part of the Brookfield Beats & Brews 2K23 at Imperial Oak in Brookfield. This weekend festival goes from Friday to Sunday, but the Streetz Artz Alliance is setting up about two dozen artists there on the Sunday of the event. Music, art and beer are always a great mix.

8/5/23: Artisan Market at Church Street Brewing in Itasca, IL. More than 20 artists will be set up inside the brewery, their kitchen will be open during the event, and now the brewery has mixed drinks in addition to beer and cider. Relax on the patio in between shopping and getting another beer.

8/20/2023: Makers Market at D&G Brewing in St. Charles, IL. A smaller but intimate market with more than a dozen local artists and makers. Food pop-up to be announced and brand-new beers to be released near the event. Need a new tie-dye? D&G has a plethora of them for sale!

Follow Streetz Artz Alliance on Facebook for more info and events.

Ravenswood on Tap July 22-23 

Malt Row in Chicago’s Ravenswood community is one of the most prolific craft brewing communities in the country – and they celebrate each summer with Ravenswood On Tap, a two-day outdoor festival that is all about local.

Enjoy beers from all the Malt Row breweries (Half Acre, Dovetail, Begyle, Hop Butcher, etc.), KOVAL Distillery cocktails, special tappings, live music, delicious street food, local artists and artisans, axe-throwing and more. 

July 22 12-10 p.m.
July 23 12-6 p.m.
Location: Ravenswood & Berteau Avenues in the Ravenswood Corridor
More info: Ravenswood.org

Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer Fest — Saturday, Sept. 9

The Gurnee American Legion Post 771 and the Friends of the Gurnee American Legion are excited to announce the return of the sixth annual Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer Festival.

The group’s primary goal of this fest is to raise money for the Legion Post and various activities for local veterans and their families. The secondary goal is to showcase local breweries and present the great craft beer options Lake County and Northern Illinois have to offer.

While there are many craft beer festivals in Illinois, what sets the Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer apart is that it directly benefits a veterans’ service organization. And you can’t beat that. 

Date: Saturday, Sept. 9 from noon-4 p.m.
Location: Gurnee American Legion Post 771
749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee, IL 60031
More details and ticket info: GurneeLegionsOfBeer.com

Sketchbook’s Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 22-24

Sketchbook, the popular craft brewery in Skokie and Evanston, will again host what they call “the finest Oktoberfest this side of Munich” at the Skokie location Sept. 22-24, and judging by past events and their plans for this epic weekend, who are we to argue? Expect three days of cold beer, live music, and delicious local food.

Enjoy costume and stein-hoisting competitions, Hammerschlagen, music each day, dancing, ample food options and plenty of liters of Sketchbook’s stellar Oktoberfest Märzen flowing freely all weekend. Think traditional — but with a twist.

Oktoberfest activities will primarily be held outside in the Skokie location’s spacious beer garden and in the east alley and back in the brewery’s loading dock. Look for their Oktoberfest in stores soon.

Located at 4901 Main Street in Skokie. (847) 588-0652. SketchbookBrewing.com

TagsBegyleBrookfield Beats & BrewsBubblehouse BrewingChurch Street BrewingD&G BrewingDovetailGurnee American Legion Post 771Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer FestHailstorm BrewingHalf AcreHop ButcherIllinois BrewingImperial Oak BrewingKovalMalt RowOktoberfestRavenswoodRavenswood on TapSketchbook Brewing CompanySoundgrowler BrewingStreetz Artz Alliance
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About us

Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, Illinois Brewing is printed and distributed quarterly (early January, April, July and October) to more than 250 breweries across the state as well as more than 100 craft beer-focused bars, restaurants and stores. Each member of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s IMBIBE club also receives the magazine in the mail. 

Publisher/owner: Trent Modglin
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Art director: Brian Hertel
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Illinois Brewing's magazine, website and email newsletter are property of Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

Illinois Brewing magazine

illinoisbrewing

Stylish magazine, website and e-mail newsletter focused on the vibrant craft beer scene in Illinois. Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

Nice patio session catching up with old friends la Nice patio session catching up with old friends last night at @halfacrebeer on Chicago’s far north side. Really dug the Nebula Double Daisy Cutter hazy IPA, Persephone pomegranate kolsch and Second Setting imperial IPA. New supply of Illinois Brewing is there now too. Summer issue out soon.
Brewer’s Choice: Tom Beckmann @twbeckmann from @ Brewer’s Choice: Tom Beckmann @twbeckmann from @goldfingerbeer on tasty recent brews from @iswasbrewing and @suncatcherbrewing … the growth of his brewery and their fifth annual Lagerversary coming up July 18-20

Read the spotlight from our spring issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com
This is not an event to be missed from the @ilcraf This is not an event to be missed from the @ilcraftbeer Guild. Tomorrow, Friday, June 6 at @gallagherwaychi next to Wrigley Field. Not a bad backdrop, right?

30-plus Chicago breweries serving up some of their best stuff for just $30. Can’t beat it, and the weather looks awesome.
This Saturday, June 7 is the @keggrovebrewco annua This Saturday, June 7 is the @keggrovebrewco annual Summerfest + Pub Club Rotary’s BBQ Smoke Show 

Get ready for an unforgettable day of craft beer, mouthwatering BBQ and music. Summerfest includes plenty of live entertainment, food trucks, and craft beer from across Illinois. A portion of the proceeds will go toward providing supplies for local animal shelters, so every bite you take is for a great cause. Doors open at noon.

712 E. Empire Street in Bloomington. KegGroveBrewing.com
One of the nearly 400 locations across the state y One of the nearly 400 locations across the state you can grab a copy of Illinois Brewing is @hopdistrictbrewing in west suburban La Grange Park. Friendly staff, versatile space, community focused, great beer (try the 2 Week Vacation hazy IPA) and an underrated patio out back. 
#IllinoisBrewing #craftbeer #DrinkIllinois
With a nice variety of small-batch beer, a popular With a nice variety of small-batch beer, a popular communal patio, family vibes, and Megan Welch’s desire to keep her late husband’s dream alive, @macushlabeer is quite the destination in north suburban Glenview

Read the spotlight from the spring issue at illinoisbrewing.com
Want to see your name in print in breweries, festi Want to see your name in print in breweries, festivals and bottle shops across the state this summer? Our LAST CALL section for the upcoming summer issue is asking craft beer enthusiasts the following question: 

*** What is the most underrated spot for enjoying a cold beer outdoors this summer? 

Remember, we like details, so please don’t just answer “Brewery X’s patio.” Tell our readers why you like it and give a few reasons. And feel free to share if you have friends who know of a few alluring patios, beer gardens or festivals. Thanks in advance, and cheers!!
Afternoons like this were made for craft beer and Afternoons like this were made for craft beer and patios like @hairycowbrewing in Byron. Creative woodfires pizzas and views of the Rock River included.
What better backdrop for sampling great local craf What better backdrop for sampling great local craft beer than in @gallagherwaychi next to iconic Wrigley Field? Friday Night Flights is back on Friday, June 6, and it’s a fantastic deal for such a unique event.

* 30+ Chicago craft breweries
* Live DJ
* Food trucks & local eats
* Just $30 in advance ($35 at the door)

Tasting session 1:  5–7 PM
Tasting session 2:  8–10 PM

Hosted by the @ilcraftbeer Educational Foundation, every ticket supports scholarships and education for the Illinois brewing community. 

Tickets on sale now at linktr.ee/illinoisbeer
Finally was able to stop by the @mastheadbrewing t Finally was able to stop by the @mastheadbrewing taproom in Cleveland last weekend. Especially enjoyed the In the Shadow of a Colossus barleywine, Estate Grown IPA and Zungenbrecher doppelbock. Very cool space, knowledgable staff and good vibes
If you find yourself around the near NW suburbs th If you find yourself around the near NW suburbs this Sunday, May 25, head on over to the annual Main Street Craft Beer Festival in Park Ridge. The eighth annual event — hosted by @wehavegreatbeerpr and @theharpandfiddle — will be held from 12-9 p.m. in the Park Ridge farmers’ market lot. With food, live music, a kid zone and, most importantly, 100+ craft beers available from breweries like @hopbutcher @dovetailbrewery @phasethreebrew and @morebrewing … it’s a pretty solid way to kick off summer.
#IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer #beerfest
One of the nearly 400 locations around the state t One of the nearly 400 locations around the state that you can find a copy of Illinois Brewing is @alterbeer.obc 
It’s a gorgeous venue with private event space and great food and @alterbeer brews
Dropping off the cousin at O’Hare today reminded Dropping off the cousin at O’Hare today reminded us that one great spot for a beer and delicious food before departure (or while awaiting an arrival) is @crustbrewing in Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark 

Great venue to catch Rosemont’s Rockin’ in the Park concert series every Thursday in the summer too. 

Today’s offerings: The I Know Joe hefeweizen and the delightful Blueberry Crusher, a light-bodied cream ale with a hint of lemon and lots of real blueberries.
One of the nearly 400 locations around the state t One of the nearly 400 locations around the state that you can find a stack of Illinois Brewing is @noonwhistlebrewing in west suburban Lombard. Check out their Gummy series of hazy IPAs, solid daily specials, crispy pizzas and Pause sparkling water with THC
Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the @streetzmob Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the @streetzmobeatz artisan market at @tightheadbrew May 18, the @willcountybeerandbourbonfest May 31, Mayfestiversary with @begylebrewing and @dovetailbrewery May 24-25, @keggrovebrewco BBQ Smoke Show June 7 and more 

Read it all now at Illinoisbrewing.com
Illinois Brewing's Beer of the week: Lil’ Bison Illinois Brewing's Beer of the week: Lil’ Bison hefeweizen from @sturdyshelterbrewing in west suburban Batavia

Just in time for spring, this German classic is brewed with a Bavarian hefeweizen yeast and is bursting with that traditional banana/clove flavor. Links & Drinks is still happening throughout the western burbs too, so bring your putting stroke.
Our spring issue cover story — Read it now at Il Our spring issue cover story — Read it now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewery bites: Great craft beer is everywhere in Illinois, but here are a few dishes we’ve encountered at spots like @openoutcrybrewing @crustbrewing and @destihlbrewery @destihlrestaurant that are sure to get your stomach growling as well
Enjoying a trek around Lake Geneva today with my d Enjoying a trek around Lake Geneva today with my dad and cousin that included a burger and @newglarusbrewing Moon Man at Chuck’s and tasty Wisconsin craft beers at the one and only @owltavern from the likes of @topsyturvybrewery @lakefrontbrewery @duesterbecksbrewingco and @lowdailybeer
So glad the crispy chicken paillard we had on spec So glad the crispy chicken paillard we had on special at @mickey_finns recently made its way onto their regular menu in Libertyville. Such a great spot for dinner, catching the game or kicking back on the patio.
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A total of 94 craft breweries were pouring at the A total of 94 craft breweries were pouring at the annual #BeerUnderGlass festival from the @ilcraftbeer Guild last night, and believe me, we tried to hit them all. The rooftop terrace of the @harristheaterchicago in @millennium_park proved to be an ideal new location. What a way to kick off Illinois Craft Beer Week. #IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer #ilcraftbeerweek
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