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Home›Inside Scoop›Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the Will County Craft Beer & Bourbon Fest, Streetz Artz Alliance artisan markets, Keg Grove’s BBQ Smoke Show and more

Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the Will County Craft Beer & Bourbon Fest, Streetz Artz Alliance artisan markets, Keg Grove’s BBQ Smoke Show and more

By Trent Modglin
May 16, 2025
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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

Tags93 Octane BreweryAlter Brewing + KitchenBegyle BrewingBroken Brix Fermentation EmporiumDovetail BreweryHabitat for HumanityHollywood CasinoIllinois BrewingKeg Grove BrewingPollyanna Brewing & DistillingRiverlands BrewingStreetz Artz AllianceTighthead BrewingWill County Craft Beer and Bourbon Fest
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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
Trent@IllinoisBrewing.com

Art director: Brian Hertel
Brian@IllinoisBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing's magazine, website and email newsletter are property of Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

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

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Nov 11

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Replenishing our fall issue through the north burbs and a downpour "forced" us to stop in to @macushlabeer in Glenview for a Cowboy Shoes hazy IPA and Broken Shovel schwarzbier ... and continue working on our new events/promotions calendar app that's launching in a few days. Get ready, beer fans.

Replenishing our fall issue through the north burbs and a downpour "forced" us to stop in to @macushlabeer in Glenview for a Cowboy Shoes hazy IPA and Broken Shovel schwarzbier ... and continue working on our new events/promotions calendar app that`s launching in a few days. Get ready, beer fans.

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Nov 9

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It’s @fobab time this weekend, and the brewery list put together by the @ilcraftbeer looks better than ever. A few tickets remain to one of our favorite events anywhere. Get yours today at FoBAB.com

It’s @fobab time this weekend, and the brewery list put together by the @ilcraftbeer looks better than ever. A few tickets remain to one of our favorite events anywhere. Get yours today at FoBAB.com

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Nov 7

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From our current fall issue...

Brewer’s Choice: Larry Bolton from @blindpigbrewery on developing a California connection, settling in for a @cruzblancachi farmhouse corn-brewed ale after @fobab and the release of four unique holiday beers at his @blindpigbrewpub 

Read the spotlight here: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our current fall issue...

Brewer’s Choice: Larry Bolton from @blindpigbrewery on developing a California connection, settling in for a @cruzblancachi farmhouse corn-brewed ale after @fobab and the release of four unique holiday beers at his @blindpigbrewpub

Read the spotlight here: IllinoisBrewing.com

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Nov 6

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When you’re at a midday business networking event and you run into an old friend from @halfacrebeer

When you’re at a midday business networking event and you run into an old friend from @halfacrebeer

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Nov 5

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From the Illinois Brewing Insider archives...

Favorite breweries: "Breweries don’t become my favorites simply because they make good beer in a variety of styles (although those are two of the most important criteria), but because the people are fun and they make me feel welcome and comfortable there. My “home base” is @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park, but other favorites in the general vicinity are @flipsidebrewing @imperialoakbrewing and @pollyannabrewingcompany 

Farther afield, I’m a big fan of @dovetailbrewery (because I’m a big fan of smoked beers), and you just can’t go wrong with @revbrewchicago 

I’m also unceasingly impressed by the @goldfingerbeer dedication to brewing world-class lager beer styles. And I wish @hopdistrictbrewing was closer to home." 

— @martynachel the founder and president of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame

Read more insight from Marty here: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2026/08/22/illinois-brewing-insider-marty-nachel-founder-of-the-american-craft-beer-hall-of-fame/

From the Illinois Brewing Insider archives...

Favorite breweries: "Breweries don’t become my favorites simply because they make good beer in a variety of styles (although those are two of the most important criteria), but because the people are fun and they make me feel welcome and comfortable there. My “home base” is @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park, but other favorites in the general vicinity are @flipsidebrewing @imperialoakbrewing and @pollyannabrewingcompany

Farther afield, I’m a big fan of @dovetailbrewery (because I’m a big fan of smoked beers), and you just can’t go wrong with @revbrewchicago

I’m also unceasingly impressed by the @goldfingerbeer dedication to brewing world-class lager beer styles. And I wish @hopdistrictbrewing was closer to home."

— @martynachel the founder and president of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame

Read more insight from Marty here: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2026/08/22/illinois-brewing-insider-marty-nachel-founder-of-the-american-craft-beer-hall-of-fame/

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Replenishing our fall issue through the north side of Chicago and couldn’t be happier to see patrons at @hopbutcher and @burningbushbrewery enjoying the fresh air (and fresh craft beer) on Nov. 1

Replenishing our fall issue through the north side of Chicago and couldn’t be happier to see patrons at @hopbutcher and @burningbushbrewery enjoying the fresh air (and fresh craft beer) on Nov. 1

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Soaking up the last of this near-summer weather with a @dovetailbrewery kolsch at @tinytappandcafe on the Chicago Riverwalk

Soaking up the last of this near-summer weather with a @dovetailbrewery kolsch at @tinytappandcafe on the Chicago Riverwalk

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From our big fall issue that’s out now...

Spotlight on @streetzartzalliance — It turns out creative, well-curated markets and Chicagoland breweries make for a great combination

“Today, almost 15 years in, our goal remains pretty simple: find new talent, give artists opportunities to grow and succeed, support the breweries we work with, and build a real sense of community among our artists, vendors and patrons.” — Founder John Streetz 

Read the Q&A now at IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big fall issue that’s out now...

Spotlight on @streetzartzalliance — It turns out creative, well-curated markets and Chicagoland breweries make for a great combination

“Today, almost 15 years in, our goal remains pretty simple: find new talent, give artists opportunities to grow and succeed, support the breweries we work with, and build a real sense of community among our artists, vendors and patrons.” — Founder John Streetz

Read the Q&A now at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Did you know that @kaisertigerchicago in Chicago’s West Loop has a free shuttle to all Blackhawks and Bulls games (and a lot of concerts)? We did. We also know they have great food, a huge patio and a stellar beer list with local Illinois brews from the likes of @arthistorybrewing @oldirvingbrewing @goldfingerbeer @midwestcoastbrewing @hopewellbrewing and more.

Did you know that @kaisertigerchicago in Chicago’s West Loop has a free shuttle to all Blackhawks and Bulls games (and a lot of concerts)? We did. We also know they have great food, a huge patio and a stellar beer list with local Illinois brews from the likes of @arthistorybrewing @oldirvingbrewing @goldfingerbeer @midwestcoastbrewing @hopewellbrewing and more.

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Oct 22

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Illinois Brewing Insider Hannah Gilmore — the assistant taproom manager at @begylebrewing — on great recent beers from @halfacrebeer @hopbutcher and @firestonewalker as well as her affection for the vibes at @longroomchicago and @thehopleaf … and family escapes to enjoy Maine’s impressive beer scene (we’re looking at you @mainebeerco @fogtownbrewing and @oronobrewingcompany 

Read the spotlight now at illinoisbrewing.com

Illinois Brewing Insider Hannah Gilmore — the assistant taproom manager at @begylebrewing — on great recent beers from @halfacrebeer @hopbutcher and @firestonewalker as well as her affection for the vibes at @longroomchicago and @thehopleaf … and family escapes to enjoy Maine’s impressive beer scene (we’re looking at you @mainebeerco @fogtownbrewing and @oronobrewingcompany

Read the spotlight now at illinoisbrewing.com

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Oct 20

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One of the most anticipated beer events in the country, @fobab (aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers) is where brewers show off their most ambitious, most imaginative creations and where drinkers get to explore the absolute edge of craft beer.

Tickets for Nov. 13-14 are on sale now at FOBAB.com. Read more about this event in our Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

One of the most anticipated beer events in the country, @fobab (aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers) is where brewers show off their most ambitious, most imaginative creations and where drinkers get to explore the absolute edge of craft beer.

Tickets for Nov. 13-14 are on sale now at FOBAB.com. Read more about this event in our Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Oct 19

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Catching the Bears game at the versatile @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston prior to the kid’s playoff baseball game down the street = a quality decision. Smoked turkey BLT, nice variety of brews, classic cars and three different rooms to enjoy.

Catching the Bears game at the versatile @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston prior to the kid’s playoff baseball game down the street = a quality decision. Smoked turkey BLT, nice variety of brews, classic cars and three different rooms to enjoy.

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Now this is a trend we can get behind — an imperial Oktoberfest. Nice little mid-October treat from Colorado’s @averybrewingcompany during a lunch meeting in Chicago today

Now this is a trend we can get behind — an imperial Oktoberfest. Nice little mid-October treat from Colorado’s @averybrewingcompany during a lunch meeting in Chicago today

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