Featuring craft beer, cider, mead, and seltzers from over 50 brewers, the 11th annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest will make its return this Saturday, Sept. 19 from 2-6 p.m. on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 East Park Ave.
The fest is hosted by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm for the Elmhurst History Museum and proceeds benefit the educational programs and exhibits for the museum and the Churchville School House.
Beer novices and aficionados will be able to enjoy a variety of brews from renowned brewers, including Elmhurst’s own 93Octane, Phase Three Brewing and Bottle Theory, as well as a mix of brewers ranging from Chicago’s Begyle, to suburban breweries such as Art History and new entries, among them Springfield Brewery, St Louis brewer 4 Hands Brewing, Millpond from Millstadt, Illinois.
Returning People’s Choice Award Winners 93 Octane and Standard Meadery will attend featuring their thirst-quenching brews. With a mix of returning brewers and new brewers, donating brewers will satisfy the palettes of the thirsty crowd. Fest attendees get a chance to relax while sampling their favorite beverage while Petty Cash and The Song Mates perform on the museum’s music stage throughout the afternoon. Roost Chicken & Biscuits, owned by Elmhurst resident Joe Scroggs, will serve their signature southern-style fried chicken to attendees for purchase.
Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest tickets may be purchased at www.elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com. General admission tickets for entry anytime between 2-6 p.m. are $55.
Tickets include a 3-ounce commemorative tasting glass, 18 drink tickets, live music and light snacks. Designated driver tickets are $20. The first 200 attendees to arrive will also receive a $5 City Centre gift card that may be used after the fest in Elmhurst City Center restaurants.
Since the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest began 11 years ago, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised to support the exhibits, educational programs and exhibits at the museum. Pints, owned by Kristi Blessing, 112 S. York Road, has supported the work of the Foundation for years and has been a part of the event since its inception. They are co-sponsoring the Fest again this year.
This year’s five top-level, Platinum Sponsors, include familiar names such as Lakeside Bank, Compass Kelly Stetler Real Estate, Elmhurst Bank, McGrath Elmhurst Toyota and First Trust Portfolios. Rose Gold Sponsors include local names, Michael V. LoCicero – Attorney at Law, Slone Commercial LLC, Elmhurst Living Magazine, Kats Heating and Special T Unlimited.
Museum Executive Dave Oberg says, “the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest raises significant funds, helping the museum stage 33 exhibitions and more than 225 programs since its inception, including our latest show, Bear Down: Football in the Windy City, which explores the history of the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cardinals, Elmhurst Travelers semi-pro team and more. The Fest has also helped major upgrades to museum amenities, including a new version of our award-winning interactive map table and new outreach programs for students and seniors.”
For additional information on the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest, visit elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com or follow us on social media at @ElmhurstCraftBeerFest on Facebook, @elmhurstcraftbeerfest on Instagram or at @BeerElmhurst on Twitter.
