Ready to sample some seasonal and specialty brews?
The Lake County Craft Beer Festival will be in full swing from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center in Grayslake.
From Black & Gray Brewing Co. to Woodchuck Hard Cider, the event will feature more than 36 local, regional and national breweries, distilleries and wineries throughout the 65,000-square-foot expo hall.
“It’s unique because not only is it held indoors during the winter, but because it is the first in our area to kick off a season of wonderful craft beer events,” said Shannon Dunn, general manager of the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center.
This marks the festival’s seventh year.
“It continues to celebrate the wonderful craft brew businesses throughout Lake County, and it gives them an opportunity to showcase their signature brands as well as new and seasonal releases,” Dunn said.
Attendees will receive souvenir glasses to sample up to 25 craft beers.
“The festival offers the opportunity to try something new — something that you may not necessarily order when you’re out with friends or to dinner,” Dunn said. “It’s an opportunity to select a new favorite.”
In addition to beverage tasting, the event offers live music, vendors, and games including axe throwing and an escape room. Plus, feel to dress the part and have fun with this year’s 1990s theme.
“We’ll have the Walkman blasting some fly tunes while we’re encouraging attendees to wear their mood rings, neon windbreakers and frosted tips,” Dunn said. “And, of course, now that they’re back in style, mom jeans are acceptable attire.”
It’s highly likely all this nostalgia and sampling will give you the munchies.
“The Craft Beer Festival also celebrates Lake County’s wonderful food destinations because, honestly, craft brews and good food go together like PB&J,” Dunn said.
Food includes Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, cheese curds, deep-fried pickle chips, waffle fries and chicken tenders from Brothers’ BBQ Food Truck; brisket, mac and cheese, beans, coleslaw and cobbler from Little Rock Stock Cafe; pupusas, empanadas, tamales, platanos, tacos, nachos and tortilla soup from Pupusita Express; and a variety of beef hot dogs from Smilin Dawgs.
All attendees, including designated drivers, must be 21 or older. No infants or babies are allowed. Masks must be worn indoors, per the current State of Illinois mandate.
Tickets are available at lcfairgrounds.com/craft-beer-festival. General admission is $50 in advance and $60 at the door (until Feb. 23). VIP admission is $80 in advance only, limited to 100 tickets, and includes an added hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with specialty beer poured during that time. Designated driver admission is $10 at the door only. Nonalcoholic beverages can be purchased on-site.
“Bring a designated driver,” Dunn said. “Have fun while drinking responsibly.”
Lake County Craft Beer Festival
When: 5-9 p.m. Feb. 26
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake
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Tickets: $10 for designated driver; $50-$80 general admission
Information: lcfairgrounds.com/craft-beer-festival
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.