The Beeronaut
Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, March 26-28


Ballast Point Brewing Co. has announced it is closing its Kitchen and Taproom in the West Loop of Chicago. The move came as the San Diego-based brewer consolidates its footprint in California by opening a new brewpub in San Francisco. Ballast Point is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. They are owned by the investment group behind Kings and Convicts.
Friday, March 26
6:00 – 9:00 pm • Trivia Night: Lightspeed Games
The Church Street Brewing Co., 1480 Industrial Dr. Ste. C, Itasca, IL (630) 438-5725 Map
Trivia is back to the taproom on Thursday nights all month long in March. Put your thinking caps on and get ready to play from 6-9pm. Bring your team or create your own then but whatever you do, make sure you get your perfect spot and a Righteously Good Beer in hand.
Buffalo Creek Release
Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove, IL 847-821-6140 Map
Buffalo Kriek A Kriek-inspired sweet-tart sour ale bursting with fresh cherries.
Burning Bush Anniversary Weekend
Burning Bush Brewery, 4014 N. Rockwell St., Chicago (773) 681-0215 Map
Getting ready for the anniversary celebration with 6 new wines on tap. This weekend we will have 3 new beer releases, food trucks, a band on Friday night and a DJ on Saturday. Festivities will be socially distanced outside on the patio and we will have tents. Saturday 2:30-4:30 time slot is already sold out and the others are going quick. Reserve your spot on Friday 7:00-9:00 or Saturday 12:00-2:00 or 5:00-7:00. See event page on our website for full details or go to burningbushorders.com
12:00 pm • Bohemian Pilsner Release
Goldfinger Brewing Co., 513 Rogers St., Downers Grove, IL (630) 541-9728 Map
Pilsner fans, rejoice! We’ll be tapping our Bohemian Pilsner this Friday at the brewery. This beer was brewed using Plzn inspired soft water, Bohemian floor malted Pilsner malt, 100% Czech Saaz hops, was TRIPLE decocted and will be served in our .5L and .3L mugs (which also happen to be Czech).
More details on the beer to come. This will be a taproom only release (no 16oz cans). Come “Czech” out the major differences between our normal (German Style) Pils and our Bohemian style Pilsner. PS: it will not be slow poured.
4:00 – 9:00 pm • Friday Night with Chuck’s Pizza and Matt Keen
D and G Brewing, 303 N. 4th St., Suite A, Saint Charles, IL (773) 203-2325 Map
Friday Night, so Chuck and Matt are here.
Chuck’s Wood Fired Pizza will have the oven up and running. Food at 4pm.
Later in the evening, Matt Keen continues his residency at 6pm.
Two beers are coming out for your enjoyment. Sellout Saison is back! This time with Blackberries. Funky, fruity, and refreshing. Plus, our favorite summer IPA – Imperial West Coast comes back.
Indoor and Outdoor seating. Tent or deck. Fires and heaters as needed.
And, as always, a pint for $5.
4:00 – 7:00 pm • Pop Up with Stadium Street Eats
Penrose Brewing Co., 509 Stevens St., Geneva, IL 630-232-2115 Map
Help us kick off our Anniversary weekend early as we debut a brand new pop up! Stadium Street Eats will be on the patio grilling up some of their tasty ruebens, brats and more. Grab a pint, grab some grub, and come party with us.
4:30 – 7:30 pm • Friday Eats: Burger Buzz (New Food Truck!)
Sew Hop’d Brewery & Taproom, One Union Special Plaza, Ste. 113, Huntley, IL (815) 701-8819 Map
Y’all already know we love a good burger and beer combo! Help us give a big Huntley welcome to our new friends at Burger Buzz. They’ll be flipping tasty burgers for y’all Friday 3/26 from 4:30-7:30p. We’ll also have a few new beers on tap for you (woo!) so stay tuned for details on those coming soon!
4:30 – 7:30 pm • Stix and Noodles in the beer garden!
McHenry Brewing Co., 3425 Pearl St., McHenry, IL (815) 403-2212 Map
Join us as we welcome back Stix and Noodles!
4:30 pm • Mamma Mia wood fired pizza
ZümBier, 3232 Monroe St., Waukegan, IL (847) 420-7313 Map
Alessandro is bringing the heat! Come get a wood fire pizza 4:30 until they are all gone. A true artisanal pie. We have lot’s of heated space and great biers to enjoy with your meal!
7:30 – 10:30 pm • Drive In, Dinner, and Drinks
Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Our dear neighbors, Blue Island Beer Company will join us for tonight’s screening of True Stories. David Byrne directed this film about a small but growing Texas town, filled with strange and musical characters, celebrates its sesquicentennial and converge on a local parade and talent show.
Saturday, March 27
Buffalo Creek Release
Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove, IL 847-821-6140 Map
Obligatory: IPA made with Azacca hops with notes of mango, grapefruit, orange, lemon, pine, spice and dried pineapple.
7th Anniversary Beer Release
Penrose Brewing Co., 509 Stevens St., Geneva, IL 630-232-2115 Map
In lieu of a big party this year, we’re taking a scaled down approach to our anniversary while still celebrating with you.
THREE NEW BEERS WILL DROP AT THE PARTY INCLUDING:
- Gummy Boots, a Midwest IPA brewed in collaboration with Noon Whistle
- Wild 29, a Barrel aged Sour blonde with Nelson Sauvin hops
- Grado, a Mixed House Culture Stainless Fermented Grisette
It’ll be a smaller, seated tapping of at least 8 different tappings throughout the day so we can still see all of our friends that have supported us through the years while maintaining social distancing and safety.
9:00 am – 4:00 pm • New Bistro Smoothie, Raspberry Velvet & More!
Energy City Brewing, 917 First St., Batavia, IL (630) 597-5581 Map
The Bistros are back in full force with Bistro Smoothie – Pink Guava & Banana and Bistro Raspberry Velvet! See our full lineup below:
Available:
- Bistro Smoothie – Pink Guava & Banana, fruited Berliner Weisse (8% ABV)
- Bistro Raspberry Velvet – Raspberry, White Chocolate & Vanilla, fruited Berliner Weisse (8% ABV)
- Bâtisserie Peanut Butter Cup Classic, Imperial Milk Stout (10% ABV)
- Guava Sway Turbine – Pink Guava & Coconut, fruited American Sour Ale (7.5% ABV)
- Pineapple & Habanero Heat Wave Turbine, fruited American Sour Ale w/ Sabro hops & medium spiciness (7.5% ABV).
- Bâtisserie Chocolate & Coconut Macaroon, Imperial Milk Stout (10% ABV)
- WOO HOO! Turbine – Peach, Cranberry & Citra Hops, fruited American Sour Ale (7.5% ABV).
New beers will be available for online pre-order Wednesday, March 24th at noon via shop.energycitybrewing.com
RSVP to this event for shopping convenience and reminders!
Drive-thru beer pickup time: Saturday, March 27th from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
All beer is pre-sold online and delivered to your vehicle with proof of purchase and valid ID. PROXIES ALLOWED with copy of email receipt & 21+
10:00 am – 9:00 pm • Shops & Hops
Rt 66 Old School Brewing, 110 Bridge St., Wilmington, IL (815) 476-2220 Map
Join us for a day full of fun activities.
Easter Bunny Photo Op: 11:00-1:00 Downtown Wilmington
Auntie Annie’s Pretzel Truck: 12:00-7:00 at OSB
Easter Sidewalk Parade: 1:00-2:00 Downtown Wilmington. Easter attire gets you candy
Easter Egg Hunt: 2:00 SHARP on the North Island
Shops & Hops (ticketed event)
Beer tasting & appetizers at 9 downtown locations. $20 ticket must be purchased in advance at OSB.
Jib Brothers LIVE at OSB: 7:00-10:00
11:00 am – 6:00 pm • T-Mobile Truck at River Hawk Brewing
River Hawk Brewing, 24735 W. Eames St., Channahon, IL (815) 255-2202 Map
Come check out the T-Mobile Truck at River Hawk Brewing. Grab a beer/wine and lunch/dinner at Country Grill Chicken too!!
The T-Mobile Truck team will have games, giveaways (while supplies last), all the latest mobile phones and devices, and a chance to win a set Powerbeats Bluetooth headphones.
PLUS – River Hawk customers who purchase a pint of beer or glass of wine will receive a River Hawk Brewing T-Shirt! While supplies last so come early. One T-shirt per customer must be 21 years or older.
12:00 pm • Hornswoggler Release with Donut Den
Mad Hatchet Brewing, 913 Brookforest Ave., Shorewood, IL (815) 733-5380 Map
We will be releasing Hornswoggler, our milk stout with peanut butter complimented with chocolate cake donuts from Donut Den of Joliet. Come out & grab a free donut with your 1st draught purchase!
12:00 – 8:00 pm • Argonaut @ D & G
D and G Brewing, 303 N. 4th St., Suite A, Saint Charles, IL (773) 203-2325 Map
Our friends from the Argonaut are back to fulfill all your Seafood Sandwich needs. If you’re like me and think sandwiches are the greatest – this is your day.
Menu:
- Lobster Rolls $22
- Shrimp Rolls $16
- Fried Oyster Po’boys $16
*all sandwiches come with Coleslaw
PRE-ORDERING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Food from 12-6 PM
PRE-ORDER HERE
At 6pm, Steve Boras is here for all your classic rock needs. Music 6 to 9.
Finally, we have new beers. Blackberry Saison and Imperial West Coast IPA will be here for the weekend!
12:00 pm • Small Victories Bottle Release!
Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL (708) 954-8085 Map
We made it to 2021, so let’s celebrate as we bring back a favorite, Small Victories!
Last available in 2016, Small Victories is our collaboration with the Rock Island Public House. As we approach the 1 year anniversary of the pandemic lockdown, we felt this was an appropriate way to celebrate. 2020 definitely taught us to appreciate every “small victory”. This Belgian Ale begins with a touch of sweetness from the rose hips, is slightly tart from the hibiscus, and blends in some saison yeast characteristics to round it all out.
12:00 pm • Gummiskey and Cubbie Gummy Release
Noon Whistle Brewing, 800 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, IL (630) 376-6895 Map
& 1748 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 331-431-4882 Map
In honor of our Chicago White Sox, we triple dry hopped this brew with Idaho 7, Azacca and El Dorado. This Hazy IPA boasts tropical orchard flavors with a sweet orange malt hue and a citrus finish.
For out Boys in Blue we made this Hazy IPA loaded with Falconers Flight, Citra & Simcoe hops. Full bodied and the juicy mouthfeel will give you a burst of sunshine on cloudy and hazy game days.
Both Cubbie Gummy and Gummiskey will be on tap and to go at both locations.
1:00 – 4:00 pm • Saturday Eats: Pierogi Jo’s Pop-Up
Sew Hop’d Brewery & Taproom, One Union Special Plaza, Ste. 113, Huntley, IL (815) 701-8819 Map
Come get down on the always delicious pierogis from Pierogi Jo’s starting at 1p. We hear they’re bringing a special pulled pork pierogi, along with a full menu of other goodies.
1:00 – 6:00 pm • Chuck’s Wood Fired Pizza – Food Pop Up
Oswego Brewing Co., 61 S. Main St., Oswego, IL (331) 999-1991 Map
Chuck’s Wood Fired Pizza is back in the OBC parking lot serving up the ‘za!
If you’ve never experienced wood fired pizzas before here’s your chance.
2:00 – 5:00 pm • Del Toro Tacos
McCarty Mills Taproom, 140 S. River St., Aurora, IL (630) 229-0451 Map
Making Our First Appearance here at McCarty
Beef Barbacoa: Angus beef brisket braised fork tender with guajillo, ancho, and smoked paprika peppers, fresh herbs with hints cumin and clove
Chipotle Chicken: Roasted chicken tinga simmered in tomato, tomatillo, chipotle, smoked paprika, and thyme
Pork Cochinita: Pork butt braised fork tender with fresh lime and orange juice, chipotle and ancho chile pepper
Guacamole: Fresh avocado, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and lime juice
Queso Cheese: 3 cheese queso sauce, Monterey jack, cheddar, and cotija cheese
Elote – Mexican Street Corn: Roasted corn with Jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, garlic, mayo, cotija cheese, and lime juice
Roasted Tomato Salsa
2:00 – 7:00 pm • Savory Crust at Dry City Brew Works
Dry City Brew Works, 120B N. Main St., Wheaton, IL (630) 456-4787 Map
We are so excited to have our friends at Savory Crust out to Dry City for a fun pop-up! We discovered Savory Crust empanadas when they opened last year up in Carol Stream, and were instantly obsessed. Warm and flaky, they have a variety of savory and sweet empanada offerings that will go perfectly with a pint of our cold Dry City brew!
We will have an on-line pre-order available the week prior, so if you want to buy a bunch, and come grab your order with a few growlers for a group at home, or come as you are and order at the brewery to enjoy your empanadas hot with a cold Dry City beer straight from the tap!
Cheers to this fun event, with one of our local favorites!
2:00 – 7:00 pm • Food Truck Saturday w/ Serna’s Grill
Werk Force Brewing, 14903 S. Center St., Plainfield, IL 815-531-5557 Map
Serna’s Grill will be here this Saturday!
Gyros, steak sandwiches, burgers and many more of your favorites will be served up! We’ll keep the beer flowing!
3:00 – 6:00 pm • Mac & More at Roaring Table
Roaring Table Brewery, 739 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, IL 224-662-4562 Map
Really excited to welcome Mac & More back to Roaring Table! All American Mac and Cheese, Soups and More! Can’t wait!
4:00 pm • Obligatory IPA: Small Batch Beer Release
Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Lane, Long Grove, IL 847-821-6140 Map
Our small batch IPA, Obligatory, is made with Azacca hops with notes of mango, grapefruit, orange, lemon, pine, spice, and dried pineapple. Limited quantities!
7:00 – 9:00 pm • Keep The Pint Night
Beerhead Bar & Eatery, 100 N. York St., Elmhurst, IL 630-433-2337 Map
Swing through Beerhead in Elmhurst and grab yourself a pint of Maplewood’s finest and take the glass home!
Drafts:
- Pulaski Pils is a crisp, light-bodied lager brewed with Pilsner and Vienna malt, then dry-hopped with Santiam hops for a hint of floral notes. Together these ingredients create an exceedingly drinkable Pilsner, properly lagered for beer drinkers everywhere.
- Juice Pants is a heavily hopped hazy IPA showcasing both Citra hops and Cryo, as well as Mosaic hops and Cryo. This juice bomb is exploding with stone fruit and tropical flavors. Stay woke to the Pants!
- Son of Juice is bursting with notes of tropical fruit, featuring loads of Mosaic, Simcoe and Nugget hops. Pilsner malt and oats lend to a soft body and touch of haze, making for a juicy, low-bitter IPA.
7:30 – 10:30 pm • Drive In, Dinner, and Drinks
Rock Island Public House, 13328 S. Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Saturday rolls in with Fear of Black Hat, a mockumentary chronicling the rise and fall of NWH, a not particularly talented–or particularly bright but always controversial–hip-hop group.
Sunday, March 21
8:00 am – 2:00 pm • Chicagoland Breweriana Society Show
Elk Grove Village VFW Hall, 400 E. Devon Ave., Elk Grove Village, IL Map
The show will feature all types of breweriana such as Beer Cans, Signs, Trays, and Microbrewery items.
General admission is free. Bring your brewery items in for a FREE appraisal!
Don Hardy (630) 222-3341 or dhardy@comcast.net
3:00 – 6:00 pm • Mac & More at Roaring Table
Roaring Table Brewery, 739 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, IL 224-662-4562 Map
Really excited to welcome Mac & More back to Roaring Table! All American Mac and Cheese, Soups and More! Can’t wait!
11:00 am – 1:00 pm • Free Donuts & Drafts at the WCBC!
Will County Brewing Co., 1142 W. Jefferson St., Shorewood, IL (815) 582-4157 Map
Join us at 11 AM the last Sunday of every month for a pairing of delicious Orland Park Bakery Donuts and refreshing Will County Brewing Craft Beer. Who’s ready for Anniversary Three Carmel Apple Tripel infused Donuts? Donuts are FREE at the brewery with any craft beer purchase and also available for sale at the bakery while supplies last!
12:00 pm • Mikes Magic Menu at McCarty Mills Taproom
McCarty Mills Taproom, 140 S. River St., Aurora, IL (630) 229-0451 Map
Birria Tacos 3 for $12
Add Rice and Beans for $3
1:00 – 4:00 pm • Stan’s Donuts Van Head to Blue Island!
Blue Island Beer Co., 13357 Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL (708) 954-8085 Map
The Stan’s Van is headed to Blue Island Beer Company! Visit us on from 1:00-4:00pm. Try out our very special Stan’s Donuts variants of Double Jerk Store while you’re here!
We strongly encourage you to pre-order which will guarantee your donuts.
Place your pre-orders here!
Pre-orders cut off 48 hours before the event, and the options include Stan’s Van Dozen, Premium Dozen, Assorted Half Dozen, Glutenless Half Dozen, and Vegan Half Dozen.
Any pre-orders that are not picked up will be left with the organizer. All pre-order sales after the cut-off time are final.
A limited amount of donuts will be available for onsite purchase.
2:00 – 4:00 pm • Food at Flight – Foxy’s Ice Cream
Flight Tasting Room & Bottle Shoppe, 508 Center Pkwy., Suite C, Yorkville, IL (630) 686-2337 Map
Bring the family out to Flight on Sunday and enjoy some delicious Foxy’s ice cream on the Flight Deck!
5:00 – 10:30 pm • Red’s The People’s Pie, plus Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks
Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Red’s will be taking over the kitchen with their Detroit style pizza! This event normally sells out, so plan on getting here early!
Then at 7:30 pm, join us for That Thing You Do!
Filed under:
Beer Calendar
Tags:
Ballast Point, Breweriana, Burning Bush Brewery, Maplewood Brewing
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Writer, trivia maven, fan of many things. I thought to learn all there is to know about beer as a way to stay interested in learning. It is my pleasure to bring Chicago’s craft beer scene to you.
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