Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Hoptacular Craft Beer Fest Comes to Pilsen This Weekend

By Chloe Riley | November 8, 2013 6:29am
 This is Hoptacular craft beer fest's first year in the Pilsen neighborhood
This is Hoptacular craft beer fest's first year in the Pilsen neighborhood
View Full Caption
Beer Hoptacular

PILSEN — Beer Hoptacular is headed south this year to hold its fourth annual tribute to all things craft beer at Lacuna Artist Lofts in Pilsen.

In the past, the fest has been held in Edgewater and River North, but this year, Hoptacular co-founder Jim Powers said he wanted to tap into Pilsen’s artist scene.

“We were looking for a place that had a cool vibe and that took us down to Pilsen,” Powers said. “We just thought it would be a great place for people to drink beer and be able to walk around and check it out.”

Nearly 6,000 attendees showed up for last year’s Beer Hoptacular, which featured more than 150 craft beers from 62 breweries across the country.

This year’s fest promises even more craft beer from local breweries like 5 Rabbit, Half Acre and Revolution Brewing, along with craft beer makers like Bell’s, Goose Island, Great Lakes Brewing Company, New Belgium and Dogfish Head, among others.

Breweries new to this year’s fest include Little Village’s recently opened Slapshot Brewery, the Indiana-based 18th Street Brewery, and DryHop Brewers in Lakeview.

Those looking for grub at the fest will find chow from Pilsen’s own Honky Tonk BBQ and Dia De Los Tamales, as well as Chicago classics like Stanley’s and Chubby Weiners and Colorado-based Duke’s Small Batch jerky.

Hoptacular also is offering VIP tickets that include early admission to the session, exclusive food and beer pairings and Beer Hoptacular swag. Trolley service from the CTA Roosevelt “L” station to and from the Lacuna Artist Lofts at 2150 S. Canalport is free.

There are three sessions: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday; 12:30-4 p.m. and 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets, good for 30 tastings, cost $45 in advance and $55 at the door. VIP tickets run $85 in advance and $95 at the door.