Cecilia Chan of Volo enjoys a beer at the seventh annual Grayslake Craft Beer Festival in downtown Grayslake.
There’s not much better on a warm day than enjoying a cold beer.
Except maybe enjoying a whole event dedicated to beer.
And there are plenty of hoppy happenings coming soon to the suburbs this summer.
Here’s a look at a few to enjoy — before you start scoping out Oktoberfests:
Wheaton Brew Fest
When: 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7
Where: Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton
What you’ll find: Wheaton’s annual outdoor craft beer fest features more than 80 unique brews from local and national breweries plus food from local restaurants. General admission tickets cost $75 and include a commemorative pint glass and 32 two-ounce samples.
Website: wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/brewfest/
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Moosic & Brews
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13
Where: Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles
What you’ll find: Sponsored by Riverlands Brewing Company, the event features music by Terry Byrne and food from Legit Dog & Ice. While you’re there, tour the farmyard and say hello to the friendly animal residents. Admission is $6, plus $6 per beer ticket. Advance registration is required.
Website: primrosefarm.org/moosic-brews/
The Oak Park Micro Brew Review is scheduled for Aug. 21 in downtown Oak Park. – COURTESY OF OAK PARK MICRO BREW REVIEW Oak Park Micro Brew Review
When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21
Where: Downtown Oak Park
What you’ll find: The 14th annual event is the largest zero-waste craft brew fest in the Midwest with beers from more than 45 brewers. Tickets cost $50 in advance with a limited number of tickets available at the gate for $60. Admission includes up to 40 samples in a six-ounce tasting glass and an informative program to guide you toward the brewers on site.
Website: sevengenerationsahead.org/oak-park-micro-brew-review/
Naperville Ale Fest
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28
Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville
What you’ll find: The eighth annual Naperville Ale Fest will feature over 100 unique craft beers and food from some of the area’s favorite food trucks. General admission tickets cost $55 and include 18 drink tickets, each of which can be exchanged for a three-ounce sample.
Website: napervillealefest.com
ZooBrew
When: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28
Where: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield
What you’ll find: 3-ounce samples from a selection of more than 80 beers, lagers and ales at the 10th annual beer-tasting event. Prices range from $40-$95 for half-day, full-day or VIP sessions.
Website: CZS.org/ZooBrew2021
People sample brewers’ latest creations during the seventh annual Grayslake Craft Beer Festival in downtown Grayslake. – DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO, 2019 Grayslake Craft Beer Festival
When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18
Where: Downtown Grayslake
What you’ll find: Festival features over 40 different kinds of craft beers and specific food pairings from local restaurants. Tickets, which includes admission, unlimited samples and a commemorative glass, cost $35 in advance and $45 at the door.
Website: grayslakebeerfest.com
Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest
When: 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18
Where: Elmhurst History Museum Grounds, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
What you’ll find: The fest features beer, cider and seltzer from more than 50 craft and microbreweries, along with music by Moonshine Brothers and Petty Cash. General admission ticket prices range from $40-$50 depending on when you buy them and include a three-ounce commemorative tasting glass, snacks, a wrist band and 18 drink tickets.
Website: elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com
Craft Beer and Cocktail Experience
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18
Where: Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood
What you’ll find: This new event features local distilleries and craft breweries offering an educational experience as you sample products from about two dozen brands. Prices are to be determined for the ticketed event.
Website: celebratehighwood.org/craft-beer-and-signature-cocktail-fest/
The Great Outdoors Beer Trail is set for Sept. 25 in Cary. – Courtesy of McHenry County Conservation District The Great Outdoors Beer Trail
When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25
Where: Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, 1520 Crystal Lake Road, Cary
What you’ll find: Walk the one-mile partially wooded, paved trail while visiting various regional brewers along the way. Play a pickup game of bags, listen to music and enjoy some bites from local food trucks. Tickets range from $40-$45 depending on when you buy them and include three-ounce tastes from multiple brewers plus a souvenir tasting glass.
Website: visitmchenrycounty.com/Event?eventer=4437
Hoptoberfest
When: 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25
Where: Tighthead Brewing Company, 161 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein
What you’ll find: Food and beer outdoors at the brewery.
Website: tightheadbrewing.com/hoptoberfest
Arts & Drafts
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25
Where: Orland Park Crossing, located on the northeast corner of 143rd Street and LaGrange Road in Orland Park
What you’ll find: Craft beer from local breweries, unique art, live entertainment and plenty of eats. Admission is free; beer tasting tickets will be available for purchase.
Website: orlandparkchamber.org/arts-drafts/
Hop & Vine Fest
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2
Where: Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
What you’ll find: Enjoy a selection of wines, brews and food at the annual Schaumburg Park Foundation fundraiser. Tickets cost $60 and include 20 tasting tickets and a commemorative wine or beer glass.
Website: parkfun.com/event/hop-vine-fest-2021
