LINCOLN SQUARE — When it comes to craft beer, Chicago's keg runneth over.
Not one but two brew fests are scheduled for Aug. 5: the Welles Park Craft Beer Fest and the Old Irving Park Beer & BBQ Challenge.
If double-fest-fisting isn't an option, here's a breakdown of the events to help you weigh your options.
The Beer
The Welles Park fest has 80 breweries lined up, from Alarmist to White Oak; the Beer & BBQ Challenge has 20 participating breweries.
Here's the catch: A ticket to the Welles fest is only good for 20 tastings. Beer & BBQ tickets buy 40 tastings — two from each brewery.
Double-fist: While there's a certain amount of brewery overlap between the two events, with a little bit of planning it's possible to go to both fests and enjoy samples of 60 totally different beers.
The Food
The main difference between the two events is right there in the name: The Old Irving Park fest is as much about the barbecue as the beer.
Each participating brewery has been teamed with a pit master, and admission to the event includes samplings of each team's beer-and-barbecue pairing.
At Welles Park, Taco In A Bag and Fountainhead will be supplying food, sold separately from the event ticket.
The Cost
A ticket to the Welles Park fest will set you back $50 (click here to buy online). Designated drivers and non-beer drinkers can attend without a ticket.
General admission tickets (click here) to Beer & BBQ cost $60, including food. VIP admission (click here) is $90, and is worth an extra hour of early entry to the event.
The Setting
The Welles Park Craft Beer Fest will take place 1-4 p.m. at Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave. Last pour is 3:45 p.m.
The Old Irving Park Beer & BBQ Challenge is set for 1-5 p.m. (VIP ticket holders can enter at noon) at St. Viator School, 3644 N. Kedvale Ave.
