Will County Craft Beer and Bourbon Fest May 31

Tickets for the fourth annual Will County Beer & Bourbon Fest, proudly presented by Blue Ribbon Products, are selling quickly. This highly anticipated event takes place on Saturday, May 31, from 12-5 p.m. with VIP entry starting at 11 a.m.

The fest, which is expected to draw 2,000 attendees, will be hosted in the parking lot at Hollywood Casino in Joliet. All proceeds from the fest will contribute to the Will County Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build program — a cause dedicated to supporting local veterans in need.

General admission tickets are priced at $75. For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP tickets are available at $125, and new this year are VIP Beer & Bourbon Bungalows available for $2,500.

Attendees can look forward to a diverse array of offerings, including craft beer and bourbon samplings, food trucks, live music, an exclusive VIP area and a variety of merchandise vendors. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to savor unique flavors while contributing to a great cause. For additional details and to purchase tickets, visit HabitatWill.org. Cheers to a day of great tastes and greater purpose!

Streetz Artz Alliance hosts artisan market at Tighthead Brewing in Mundelein on May 18

Tighthead Brewing in Mundelein is set to host its first-ever artisan market in collaboration with the Streetz Artz Alliance this Sunday, May 18, from 12-5 p.m. More two dozen local artists will transform the brewery’s event space into a vibrant spring bazaar featuring handmade goods, tasty treats, original artwork and unique finds for all ages.

Located at 161 N Archer Ave., Tighthead Brewing provides the perfect backdrop for this indoor sip-and-shop experience. Curated by John E. Streetz, head of the Streetz Artz Alliance, this event marks the Alliance’s debut at the brewery, bringing together 29 talented makers from Illinois, southern Wisconsin and northwest Indiana.

Attendees can expect an eclectic mix of items, including handmade jewelry, 3D printed goods, copper electro-formed pieces, soy candles, CBD-infused products, ghost sculptures, chain mail, custom coasters and reusable gift bags. Food lovers can indulge in cake tacos, dipped treats, trail mix, pancake mixes, gourmet sauces and local favorites like Grandma Dan’s Cookies and Jetibles Treats. Casita de Sueños, based in Zion, will offer healing herbs, body oils, plants and vinyl records, while artists like D’Mood Kreationz and Created by Emme will showcase handcrafted jewelry and accessories for all styles.

Hungry shoppers can also enjoy eats from Centenario Bellos, a local food truck serving tacos, burritos, nachos, and more.

Streetz Artz Alliance hosts more than 15 events across the Chicagoland area throughout the spring, including the Wolfden Pride Bazaar on June 1. For more information, check out StreetzArtzAlliance.com

Keg Grove Brewery’s annual Summerfest + Pub Club Rotary’s BBQ Smoke Show in Bloomington June 7

Get ready for an unforgettable day of craft beer, mouthwatering BBQ and live music on Saturday, June 7, as Keg Grove Brewing in Bloomington is bringing the heat with their annual Summerfest. And as a bonus, this year they’re teaming up with Pub Club Rotary to showcase their BBQ Smoke Show, where 20 teams compete for the title.

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.

Keg Grove Brewing, 712 E. Empire Street in Bloomington. KegGroveBrewing.com

St. Charles Six Collaboration Beer Launch Party June 18

The STC Six is back with their fourth annual collaborative beer. This unique partnership brings together all of the St. Charles breweries — 93 Octane Brewery, Alter Brewing + Kitchen, Broken Brix Fermentation Emporium, Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling and Riverlands Brewing — for a special brew you won’t want to miss.

Be among the first to taste it at the official launch event on June 18 at 5 p.m. at Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling. With every purchase of the STC Six collaborative beer and limited-edition glassware, $1 will be donated to Support Over Stigma, a local nonprofit providing vital mental health resources for military, veterans, first responders and their families.

After the launch, you can find this exclusive summer release at all six St. Charles breweries, while supplies last.

Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling
106 S Riverside Ave. in St. Charles
For more info, visit STCSix.com

Mayfestiversary in Ravenswood May 24-25

Mayfestiversary is happening once again over Memorial Day weekend, as Chicago’s Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery are hosting their annual spring party to welcome back Chicago’s best season. The fest, which runs Saturday, May 24 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, May 25 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at the corner of Ravenswood and Belle Plaine between the two breweries, will feature tons of local beer, food trucks and kids activities. A $5 suggested donation will benefit The Friendship Center, a local food pantry. Go to Mayfestiversary.com for more info.

Bust’d Beer Bash May 25

Tickers are on sale now for the second annual Bust’d Beer Bash, which will take place on Sunday, May 25 outside of Bust’d Brewing in Peoria Heights and feature craft beer samples from across the state. General admission is $55 ($45 early bird until May 18) and limited supply VIP passes are $75. More info: BustdBrewing.com