LINCOLN SQUARE — North Side brewers and bars will be a hub of activity during the sixth annual Chicago Craft Beer Week, Thursday to May 24.
Among the festivities scheduled across the city, taprooms, pubs and breweries from North Park to Roscoe Village will play host to some of the week's premier events. Here's a taste of what to expect:
Friday:
Half Acre, 4257 N. Lincoln Ave., is releasing its Galactic Double Daisy Cutter at noon. It will be available in 22-ounce bottles, growlers, howlers and individual pours.
The Grafton, 4530 N. Lincoln Ave., will be tapping the best of Founders' beers from 7-11:45 p.m., including the brewery's Kentucky Bourbon Stout.
Sunday:
BreakRoom Brewery, 2925 W. Montrose Ave., will host a viewing party for the latest episode of "Epic Bar Builds," which just happens to star BreakRoom owner Aaron Heineman. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the show airs at 2 p.m.
The Grafton, 4530 N. Lincoln Ave., hosts North Center's Begyle Brewing from 5-8 p.m., including the nitro release of Begyle's Neighborly Stout. Meet the brewers and enter a raffle to win prizes and Begyle swag.
May 19:
Wanna find some of the best breweries in Chicago? Follow the Brown Line. The Long Room, 1612 W. Irving Park Road, is gathering the breweries and brewers who call the Ravenswood area home from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy tastings from Alarmist, Aquanaut, Begyle, Empirical, Half Acre, Metropolitan and Spiteful.
May 21:
There are nearly 3,000 craft breweries in the United States. How do brewers stand out from the crowd? Label art. Meet the artists behind some of the industry's most distinctive designs at "The Art of Craft Beer," hosted by The Village Tap, 2055 W. Roscoe St., 5-10 p.m.
The Northwest Side Craft Beer Ride pairs up breweries with neighborhood bars and provides transportation between participating locations. Hop on or off the shuttle bus at any point on the route. Tickets are $20, which covers rides for the evening; beer is sold separately at each bar.
Look for Pipeworks beer at Fischman Liquors and Tavern; Brickstone at Hops and Barley's; Alarmist at Rabbits Bar and Grill; Lake Effect at Phoenix Bar, plus brewery tour; Rude Hippo and Middle Brow breweries at Templestowe Pub, with food truck on site; Pollyanna beer at Side Kicks, with bonus karaoke; BreakRoom beers at BreakRoom Brewery; Bucket List and Blue Nose at Montrose Saloon; Finch's Beer Company at Christina's Place; and Ale Syndicate at Community Tavern, featuring a special menu and beer pairings.
Women don't just drink beer, they brew it too. Riverview Tavern, 1958 W. Roscoe St., will host the 3rd Annual Women of Craft Beer from 7-10 p.m. Enjoy special tappings, including exclusive all-female-brewed collaborations with the brewers themselves on hand.
May 23:
Craft Beer Week's official closing event is the Welles Park Craft Beer Festival, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave. from noon-5 p.m. More than 40 breweries are on board for the day-long celebration, which also includes food and entertainment. General admission tickets are $55; VIP tickets are $75, including $10 in food tickets and early entrance at noon instead of 1 p.m. Tickets aren't required for designated drivers and non-beer-drinking guests.
Still thirsty? The Grafton and Mash, 4535 N. Lincoln Ave., are hosting an after-party from 5-11:45 p.m. Pollyanna Brewing and Illuminated Brew Works will have two tap handles at each bar, hand-picked for the festivities.
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