Phase Three expanding into former Metropolitan venue on the Chicago River

We’re not going to lie. We were as excited as anyone when he heard the news in August that Phase Three Brewing — already with two successful locations in Lake Zurich and Elmhurst and especially known for their array of IPAs and extensive barrel-aging program — would be moving into the former Metropolitan Brewing space at Rockwell on the River (3057 N. Rockwell Ave.) in Chicago later this year.

Mounting financial difficulties forced Metropolitan from the taproom back in 2023, and the beautiful taproom and riverfront deck — with views of kayakers below and the Chicago skyline in the distance — has remained vacant since.

Phase Three’s addition to an Avondale/Logan Square neighborhood is quite the score for an area that already boasts the likes of Maplewood, Revolution, Hopewell, Pilot Project and the Beer Temple.

Phase Three’s addition to an Avondale/Logan Square neighborhood is quite the score for an area that already boasts the likes of Maplewood, Revolution, Hopewell, Pilot Project and the Beer Temple.

Renovations are ongoing, and the reported plan is a November opening, with a kitchen in the works a bit further down the road.

Pollyanna adding a fifth location with purchase of Alarmist’s old space in NW Chicago

Pollyanna Brewing Company announced the acquisition of the former Alarmist Brewing taproom and facility in Chicago’s Sauganash neighborhood (4055 W. Peterson Ave.) earlier this summer. After nearly a decade in business, the award-winning Alarmist closed this past February.

Pollyanna, already with locations in Lemont, St. Charles and Roselle, purchased the 11,000-square-foot space along with Alarmist’s brand recipes and intellectual property, and they’ve already begun the relaunch of some of Alarmist’s flagship brands like Le Jus, Crispy Boy and Pantsless.

“Gary Gulley built an outstanding brand with a loyal following, and the values, culture, and approach to the craft beer market that he established at Alarmist align closely with how Pollyanna operates today,” Pollyanna co-founder Ryan Weidner tells us. “Preserving and building upon that legacy while expanding our presence in Chicago made this an exciting opportunity for us.”

Read our fall issue Q&A with Weidner about his plans for the expansion right here.

Gary Gulley built an outstanding brand with a loyal following, and the values, culture, and approach to the craft beer market that he established at Alarmist align closely with how Pollyanna operates today.” — Pollyanna’s Ryan Weidner

Ninth annual Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer Fest — Oct. 3

The Gurnee American Legion Post 771 and the Friends of the Gurnee American Legion are hosting the ninth annual Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, Oct. 3 from noon-4 p.m. With plenty of live music and food options to go with more than 35 local breweries participating, 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 fest is held at 749 Milwaukee Ave. in north suburban Gurnee. Tickets and more info are available at GurneeLegionsOfBeer.com

Will Run for Beer 5K returns to Chicago’s lakefront Oct. 24

Some 5K races end at the finish line. This one is just getting started. Will Run For Beer Chicago returns October 24 to Lincoln Park, serving up a scenic 5K with Chicago skyline and lakefront views before turning race day into a full-on celebration. Post-run, head to the Lager Than Life Brewfest for craft beer samples, food, live music and Oktoberfest energy. Plus, every registration includes race swag, a bottle-opener medal and tasting glass. Run the 5K. Earn the beer. Make a day of it. Register now.

For registration and more information, visit WillRunForBeerChicago.com

Streetz Artz Alliance upcoming fall shows

For more information, visit StreetzArtzAlliance.com

Sunday 9/27 from 12-5 p.m. — Summer Send Off Artisan Market at More Brewing in Villa Park
Saturday 10/3 from 12-5 p.m. — Dark Arts & Oddities Market at Soundgrowler Brewing in Tinley Park
​Sunday 10/4 from 12-5 p.m. — Haunted Halls of Hopvine Market at Hopvine Brewing Company in Aurora
Sunday 10/11 from 12-5 p.m. – Merchants of the Macabre Market at Wolfden Brewing in Bloomingdale
Saturday 10/17 from 5-9 p.m. — The Sweetest Night Prism Market at Maplewood Public House in Glen Ellyn
Sunday 10/18 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. — State Street Artisan Market at Art History Brewing in Geneva
Saturday 10/24 from 12-5 p.m. — The annual Autumn Artisan Market at Church Street Brewing in Itasca
Sunday 10/25 from 12-5 p.m. — Ghoulish Makers Market at More Brewing in Villa Park
Saturday 11/7 from 12-5 p.m. — Vinyl & Music Market at Soundgrowler Brewing in Tinley Park
Sunday 11/8 from 12-4 p.m. — Horizon Handmade Market at Black Horizon Brewing in Willowbrook
Saturday 11/14 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Kris Kringle Market at Imperial Oak Brewing in Brookfield
Saturday 11/21 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Kris Kringle Market at Imperial Oak Brewing in Willow Springs
Sunday 11/22 from 12-5 p.m. — Tighthead Holiday Bazaar at Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein

The 24th annual FoBAB returns to Chicago’s Credit Union 1 Arena Nov. 13-14

North America’s largest and most prestigious wood and barrel-aged beer festival is back for an impressive 24th year, consisting of two different in-person tasting sessions — Friday, Nov. 13 (6-10 p.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 14 (1-5 p.m.) — at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago (525 S. Racine).

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to sample hundreds of barrel-aged beers, ciders, meads and perries across some 13 style categories, including strong porters and stouts, lagers, fruit beers, other dark beers and ciders/perrys/meads.

FoBAB attendees will have the opportunity to sample hundreds of barrel-aged beers, ciders, meads and perries across some 13 style categories.

Brewers will be pouring throughout the main floor, around the concourse and outdoors, and food will be available for purchase throughout the arena. IMBIBE members with the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild will be allowed to enter one hour earlier than the general admission audience.

A panel of expert judges will evaluate FoBAB entries, awarding gold, silver and bronze medals across each category, as well as “Best in Show” honors.

Tickets are available now at FOBAB.com

Geneva Lights and Flights Craft Beer Festival Dec. 12

The second annual Lights and Flights Craft Beer Festival, where the magic of the season meets the bold flavors of craft brewing, is happening Saturday, Dec. 12 from 4-7 p.m. This unique winter celebration will light up your December with dazzling holiday lights, craft beer tastings and delicious food. Each guest will receive 15 sample pours along with a commemorative glass to take home. VIP tickets gain access to the event one hour early and receive access to special brews. This festival is part of Winter Wonder Lights, a monthlong celebration at Peck Farm Park.

Date: Saturday, Dec. 12
Time: 4-7 p.m. (VIP entry at 3 p.m.)
Location: Peck Farm Park (4038 Kaneville Road in Geneva)
General admission $55 | VIP $70 | Designated Driver $15
GenevaParks.org

Mickey Finn’s in Libertyville

Brewery deals not to be missed

Kids eat free on Tuesdays at Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville, and you can get $2 off 4-pack cans while you’re there. Happy hour runs 2:30-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday too.

The specials at Wolfden Brewing in Bloomingdale includes buy one, get one half-off appetizers on Tuesdays, as well as $5 beers on Wednesdays and half-price burgers Thursdays.

Happy hour at Eris Brewery & Cider House on Chicago’s NW side is Monday-Thursday from 4-6 p.m. And for trivia night on Tuesdays, you can snag yourself $6 draft ciders and beers and $7 select appetizers. On Wednesdays, they offer a choice of burger, side of fries and any cider or beer for just $20.

In Chicago’s hopping West Town neighborhood, Forbidden Root offers happy hour Monday-Thursday from 3-6 p.m. and Friday 3-5 p.m. that includes 50% off bar snacks, $10 house flights, $5 house drafts, $8 glasses of wine, 50% off bottled wine and $8 featured cocktails.

Every Thursday, you’ll find a fantastic happy hour at Brother Chimp Brewing in St. Charles with $2 off select pints, cider, wine and cocktails from 5-9 p.m.