The College of Dupage “Business of Craft beer” information seminar July 16

Join the College of DuPage and their popular Business of Craft Beer program at Pollyanna Brewing Company in Lemont for an exciting in-person event where you can learn all about the business side of craft beer. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer, just starting out or interested in learning more about working for a brewery, this session will cover key insights and tips to help you succeed in the craft beer industry. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network with fellow beer enthusiasts and gain valuable knowledge to take your craft beer game to the next level.

Date: Tuesday, July 16 from 7-8 p.m.
Location: Pollyanna Brewing Company, 431 Talcott Avenue in Lemont, IL
More info: Cod.edu/craftbeer

Mikerphone Brewing’s Smells like a Beer Fest returns Aug. 3

You won’t want to miss Smells Like a Beer Fest 2024. Mikerphone Brewing has partnered with the village of Elk Grove to host this charity event on Saturday, Aug. 3 from noon-5 p.m. (VIP entrance at noon, general admission at 1 p.m.) Proceeds from the fest will benefit the Youth Committee Scholarship.

The annual event will feature more than 60 breweries, meaderies and distilleries offering up unlimited samples, as well as live music, food vendors, a dunk tank, Stern pinball machines, art vendors, a tattoo booth and more! Plus, making their debut will be Mikerphone’s 2024 barrel-aged Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit variant beers. Food options include Biker Dude, Flyin’ Hawaiian, Private Sector Provisions and Tacos Las Manitas. Live music from Beer and Loathing and DJ Escrow. 

Date: Saturday, Aug. 3 from noon-5 p.m.
Location: Mikerphone Brewing, 121 Garlisch Dr. in Elk Grove Village, IL
Tickets: tinyurl.com/smellslikeabeerfest2024

The Oak Park Microbrew Review is Saturday, Aug. 17

Get ready for the annual Oak Park Microbrew Review, which will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 in downtown Oak Park. This 17-year-strong beer festival features 70-plus breweries, offering a diverse range of more than 200 beers, ciders, seltzers and craft cocktails. Enjoy food from 10 local vendors, live music from 12 bands spanning three different stages, and explore local businesses. This event supports the environmental nonprofit Seven Generations Ahead, and it is the Midwest’s largest zero-waste craft beer fest. Visit SevenGenerationsAhead.org/opmbr for more information. Cheers to a day of craft brews and sustainable community support!

Date: Saturday, Aug. 17
Location: Downtown Oak Park
Tickets and more info: SevenGenerationsAhead.org/

Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer Fest —Sept. 14

The Gurnee American Legion Post 771 and the Friends of the Gurnee American Legion are excited to announce the return of the seventh 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. 14
Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Location: Gurnee American Legion Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee, IL 60031
Tickets and more info: GurneeLegionsOfBeer.com

Streetz Artz Alliance upcoming shows

Each Street Artz Alliance market is free to attend, expertly curated and includes a variety of handmade artists to shop from while enjoying a craft beverage from the host brewery. For more information, join the Streetz Artz Alliance group on Facebook. 

July 14, 2024 — Flurry of Makers Market at Hailstorm Brewing in Tinley Park. Noon-5 p.m. Smash burgers will be served! Indoor and outdoor.

July 27, 2024 — Summerween Market at Soundgrowler Brewing in Tinley Park. Noon-5 p.m. If you’re a fan of tacos, you need to be here. Indoor and outdoor.

Aug. 10, 2024 — Join us for the first ever Summer Send Off Market at More Brewing in Villa Park from noon-5 p.m. We anticipate more than 30 local artists and makers in a perfectly curated mix setup in the parking lot along the side of the brewery and behind. 

Aug. 24, 2024 — Nik & Ivy Maker’s Market at Nik & Ivy Brewing in Lockport. Come celebrate this great brewery’s anniversary. Noon-5 p.m.  

Aug. 31, 2024 — Comics & Cosplay Market at Soundgrowler Brewing in Tinley Park. Noon-5 p.m. (subject to change). Come get your fill of tacos, comics and cosplay! Indoor and outdoor.