Top 5 Things to Do at Chicago Craft Beer Week

With all of the news recently that more breweries are on their way to Chicago – some homegrown, others, like Lagunitas, will be moving operations here – the annual Craft Beer Week couldn’t have come at a better time. The schedule is pretty extensive, and begins on May 17, running for 11 days. Plenty of people have weighed in with their recommendations already; we’ve picked five that we think are definitely worth your time.

1. Beer Under Glass
Taste local craft brews and food at the Garfield Park Conservatory. The event is held in partnership with the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild.
300 N. Central Park Ave.
May 17 , 5:30-8:30 p.m.

2. Beerfly Alleyfight
The Haymarket Pub & Brewery is hosting a competition where a local beer and food pairing will be matched with a Chicago artist who will interpret the pairing in an artistic way. Attendees vote to determine the winner.
737 W. Randolph St.
May 19, 12:00-5:00 p.m.

3. Mash Tun Festival
A craft beer festival featuring rare and speciality brews as well as unlimited flagship beers from Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar. Food trucks will also be vending.
960 W. 31st St.
May 19, 11:00-4:30 p.m.

4. Local Cask Night
Fountainhead will be hosting a beer dinner in celebration of Chicago Craft Beer Week. Casks from favorite local breweries will be lined up across the bar, and drink orders are poured directly out of the casks.
1970 Montrose Ave.
May 22, 4:00 p.m.

5. Pint & the Past Trolley Tours

River North and the Chicago History Museum will be offering trolley tours to some of Chicago’s best craft beer bars. At each stop, riders will be able to sample specialty craft beers and meet the brewmasters and founders of the establishments. There will also be a guide talking about Chicago beer and tavern history aboard the trolley.
3244 N. Lincoln Ave.
May 23, 6:00-11:00 p.m.