Attention all beer enthusiasts! Cheers to Chicago’s booming craft beer scene at the city’s packed calendar of beer fests. Sample craft beers — from IPAs to hard ciders and beyond — made by local, national, and international breweries at Chicago beer festivals and events scheduled all year long.
Explore Chicago’s beer festival calendar and start planning your year of beer.
Spring and summer beer festivals in Chicago
Chicago Mayfest
Raise your glass under the big top tent! Right at the start of the season, this celebration kicks off Chicago’s summer festivals. The local-favorite fest takes place in the Lakeview neighborhood with live music, German food and drink, and an outdoor beer garden.
Illinois Craft Beer Week
Join the annual celebration of Illinois craft beer with tap takeovers, tastings of rare beers, food, and beer pairings, and loads of other special events. The main event is Beer Under Glass, a tasting fest at a unique Chicago location.
Maifest Chicago
The Lincoln Square neighborhood has been hosting this four-day festival for more than 20 years, with a hearty dose of German beer, food, live bands, a traditional maypole — and a lot of lederhosen.
Craft Brews at the Zoo
Savor specialty brews from local and regional breweries at this one-of-a-kind event. Beer-tasting stations will be set up throughout the Lincoln Park Zoo‘s beautiful grounds during this after-hours experience just for adults. Plus, enjoy food for purchase, DJs spinning, lawn games, and unique after-dark zoo viewing.
Chicago Friday Night Flights
Chicago Friday Night Flights is back with a dynamic series of summer tastings, highlighting the city’s vibrant array of neighborhood taprooms and brewpubs. Plus, enjoy live music and food from local vendors throughout the evening.
Craft Beer Festival at The Morton Arboretum
Drink craft beers among the trees at The Morton Arboretum’s outdoor festival, which pairs live music and serene surroundings with beer tastings from dozens of local producers. Located in nearby Lisle, this nature haven is a living plant museum. Bring a chair or blanket to kick back on the grass while enjoying local brews from your souvenir tasting glass.
Ravenswood on Tap
Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood is one of the hottest craft brewing communities in the country. Sample the best of this beer-centric neighborhood during Ravenswood on Tap, a two-day tasting that includes food trucks, a killer lineup of live music, and handmade goods from local artisans.
Horner Brew Fest
Fill up on hours of craft beer and live music on a warm summer night in Chicago’s beautiful riverfront Horner Park. Local food trucks will line the park, and live music will play throughout the evening.
Square Roots Festival
The Square Roots Festival is a popular craft beer and music experience in Chicago’s historic Lincoln Square neighborhood. Enjoy 50 local craft brews (including special batch and limited release taps), stellar local cuisine, and the diverse genres of entertainment that only the Old Town School of Folk Music can offer.
Looking for more? Explore beer tastings and festivals in Chicago this month.