Chicago craft beer events, May 31-June 2

Goose Island tasting and dinners, Half Acre, Abita, and Chicago's German Maifest.

Chicago craft beer calendar, Memorial Day weekend - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Delilah's Lambic Fest, Kohler Festival of Beer & more!

Closing events for Chicago Craft Beer Week, Friday, May 27 - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Beer Fistival @ Revolution is Sold Out, but there's still other stuff going on. And a weekend beer fest in Kohler, WI.

Chicago Craft Beer Week calendar, Thursday, May 26

More chances to meet new brewer 5 Rabbit, and new-to-Chicago Boulevard! And Bowling with the Brewers.

Chicago Craft Beer Week calendar, Wednesday, May 25

30 more events today!

Chicago Craft Beer Week events, Tuesday, May 24

The most listings of anyone in Chicago!

Chicago Craft Beer Week events, Monday, May 23

Chicago Craft Beer Week events, Monday, May 23 - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Craft beer review: Unibroue La Fin du Monde

It looks like that so-called Rapture never happened. But hey, to paraphrase Alan Jackson, it's always "six o'clock somewhere." And here's a taste of an appropriate beer for the occasion.

Chicago Craft Beer Week events, Sunday, May 22

An IPA boat tour, New Belgium's Urban Assault bike hunt, Michigan Craft Beer at Haymarket Pub.

Chicago-American Craft Beer Week events - Saturday, May 21

Remember, if you're going to be Raptured Saturday, it looks like a lot of time drifting through the sky with no clothes. You'll want to keep a good beer in your hand at all times to take along.

Chicago-American Craft Beer Week events - Friday, May 20

17+ events just this Friday for Chicago Craft Beer Week! Come get some!

Chicago Craft Beer Week opening events, Thursday, May 19

Events, sales, pairings, tastings and beer dinners galore for the start of Chicago Craft Beer Week.

American Craft Beer Week events for Wednesday, May 18

Sake, Goose Island, Allagash, Revolution/Firestone Walker collaboration

American Craft Beer Week events for Tuesday, May 17 in Chicago

Founders, Flying Dog, Lucky Monk, Goose Island, and, yes BrewDog’s Penguin and Bismarck!

American Craft Beer Week starts Monday, May 16

First of a LOT of posts about daily beer activity.

Dark Lord Day report 2011

Dark Lord Day report 2011 - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Chicago craft beer calendar, May 9-12

Watch for a flood of events coming up soon: American Craft Beer Week is May 16-22. Oddly, Chicago Craft Beer Week will be May 19-27.

Monday, May 9

3:00 p.m. 300+ Beer List Launches
Beckett's Gourmet Burgers & Craft Beers, 3210 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago (773) 880-9620
Beckett's Gourmet Burgers & Craft Beers launches their new 300+ beer list on Monday. It will feature 28 draft choices and over 275 bottles. Attention to glassware, beer flights, and 5oz/10oz/16oz draft pours are all on the menu. In addition, in May Beckett's will debut technology that will allow them to reseal beers with an equalizing dose of C02, allowing them to serve samples from a special selection of rare & luxury bottles.

5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Craft Beer Tasting at Finnegan's
Finnegan's Craft Beer & Gastro Pub, 24102 W Lockport St, Plainfield, IL (815) 733-5177
Head out to Finnegans for a complimentary craft beer tasting every Monday. One of our Cicerones will pull new beers recently added to the list and provide some background on each style and samples for you to taste. All beer being sampled with be on special so if you find a favorite, you can enjoy it with out damaging the wallet!

Tuesday, May 10

5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Great Divide Barrel Aged Chocolate Yeti Tapping
Finnegan's Craft Beer & Gastro Pub, 24102 W Lockport St, Plainfield, IL (815) 733-5177
Stop by and check out this years Great Divide Barrel Aged Chocolate Yeti on draught. We will be tapping this tasty treat right at 5:00 p.m. and it's only a 1/6th barrel so it won't last long! Call for reservations

6:30 p.m. Emmett's Brewmaster Dinner

Emmett's Tavern & Brewing Co., 128 W. Main St., West Dundee, IL (847) 428-4500

Join us for one of our widely popular Brewmaster Dinners. The event starts at 6:30 with a beer reception where attendees can sample their choice of any of our handcrafted beers. During the reception hour Brewmaster Ryan Clooney and Head Brewer Rob Hunter, will conduct tours of our brewery and explain the beer making process. During dinner our chef and Ryan will passionately explain their handiwork and how it applies to each of the five delicious courses. The price for this unique culinary experience is $59.95 per person, plus tax. Brewmaster Dinners are held quarterly.

7:00 p.m. Map Room Tuesday Night Pairing: Kapittel/Van Eecke with Greek Islands
The Map Room, 1949 N. Hoyne, Chicago (773) 252-7636

You may not have heard of the family-owned Brouwerij Van Eecke, but you're probably familiar with a number of their brands (Kapittel abbey beers, Poperings Hommelbier, Watou's Wit). If you're from Chicago, you're certainly familiar with Greek Islands on Halsted Street in Greektown. Chances are you've probably dined there. Ever thought of teaming up some of Greek Island's signature food items with some tasty Belgian beer? We have! Come find a pairing that works best for you.

8:30 p.m. Movie Night
Cigars & Stripes, 6715 W. Ogden Ave., Berwyn, IL (708) 484-1043
Featuring B-HORROR Flicks on on the Big screen: "Doghouse" and "Friday the 13th the Final Chapter." Hot Wings and an American Craft Pint $10.00. Shows Start at 8:30 SHARP!

Wednesday, May 11

6:00 p.m. Goose Island Beer Dinner at the Signature Room
Signature Room at the 95th, 875 N. Michigan Ave. #1525, Chicago (312) 787-9596
Executive Chef Patrick Sheerin and Goose Island Brewery are teaming up to present a Spring Beer Dinner at The Signature Room at the 95th. Craft beer lovers will be treated to a delicious 5 course meal paired with a selection of Goose Island's finest brews. Chef Sheerin is well known for his use of local and seasonal ingredients. Call the Signature Room to book your ticket.

6:30 p.m. Wildfire-Schaumburg Great Lakes Beer Dinner
Wildfire Schaumburg, 1250 E. Higgins Rd., Schaumburg, IL (847) 995-0100
$45.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity) RSVP to: Brad Wermager, Wildfire Wine & Spirits Director at (773) 398-6960

• Reception: Homemade Bratwurst Kolache, rich European pastry, mustard poppy seed aioli. Eliot Ness
• First Course: Blue Crab Ceviche, salt chips, Spanish marcona almonds. Holy Moses White Ale
• Second Course: Cocoa Rubbed Rack of Lamb, Italian sweet pepper risotto, broiled asparagus. Edmund Fitzgerald
• Third Course: Herb Crusted Bacon Steak, crispy pork belly, sweet potato hash. Burning River
• Dessert: French Chocolate Cheesecake, espresso mousse. Commodore Perry

Paul Guerrero, Chef & Luis Trujillo, Executive Chef. Kevin Hack, Guest Speaker. For reservations call Brad Wermager at (773) 398-6960.

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Stone and Duke's Farm to Table Beer Dinner
Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, IL (815) 356-9980
Guests are invited to enjoy a four-course dinner featuring local farmer's produce, meats, poultry, cheeses, and sustainable fish. Each course will be paired with Stone Brewery's Beers. In addition to learning about the Stone Brewery and Beers. We will be introducing Duke's Garden for the first time this season. Meet our head farmer Emily as we discuss our new culinary adventure. This will sell out fast so buy your tickets NOW!

• Dinner: Welcome Beer: Levitation paired with Lake Superior Whitefish Fish Fry and House Gribiche
• 1st Course: Cali-Belgique paired with Field Green Salad with Farmer's Cheese and White Strawberry Vinaigrette
• 2nd Course: Sublimely Self Righteous paired with Grilled Duck Breast with Mole Rojo and Dirty Rice
• 3rd Course: Ruination paired with Carrot Cake

$55 per person, $5 discount for card-carrying members of the American Homebrewer's Association. Reservations required by calling (815) 356-9980. Stay after event for a special tapping of Stone's Russian Imperial Stout (@8:30) and first dibs on a specialty archived beer. Guests receive complimentary Stone tasting glass.

Thursday, May 12

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. "Brew with a View" at Cityscape
Cityscape Bar at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, 350 W. Mart Center Dr., 15th Fl., Chicago (312) 836-5000

Join Cityscape Bar for their monthly "Brew with a View" beer sampling event. Guests are invited to sample an array of beers while enjoying stunning panoramic views of downtown's River North. All attendees of "Brew with a View" will receive a 20% discount off dinner in ItaliAsia Restaurant after the event. In addition, they can enter to win an ItaliAsia "Tasting Room with a View Party" for 8 people which includes a five-course tasting menu paired with specialty wines. Hosted by The Boston Beer Company, the event will highlight several beers from the Imperial Series Samuel Adams line including: Wee Heavy, Imperial Stout, Imperial White and Double Bock. Patrons can indulge in an assortment of small bites including Hot Wings and Grilled Fresh Veggies with Aged Balsamic. COST: COMPLIMENTARY Reservations Required: cityscape@martplaza.com

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Goose Island Clybourn tapping
Goose Island Brewpub, 1800 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago (312) 915-0071
Every Thursday, a new beer brewed at the Clybourn brewpub is tapped.

6:00 - 11:00 p.m. Three Floyds Tasting
The University of Chicago Pub, 1212 E. 59th St., Chicago (773) 702-9737

The University of Chicago Pub will be hosting a Three Floyds tasting. There will be around seven Three Floyds beers on tap, including Zombie Dust, Cortez, Behemoth, and others. $2 at the door or $10 for a year long membership. Come enjoy great beer in an under-the-radar pub.

Follow me on Twitter, Google Buzz or Facebook. For future events in first draft, check my Google calendar.

Chicago craft beer weekend, May 6-8

Friday, May 6

4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Lucky Monk First Friday Social
The Lucky Monk Burger, Pizza & Beer, 105 Hollywood Blvd., South Barrington, IL (847) 898-0500
The Lucky Monk's First Friday Happy Hour event features live entertainment and cocktail specials including $5 Grey Goose, $4 House Micro Brews, $3 Miller Lite and a complimentary appetizer buffet that changes monthly and includes spice wings, flatbreads, pretzels and much more.

6:00 - 8:30 p.m. New Release beer tasting
Binny's Beverage Depot, 790 Royal St. George, Cress Creek Square Shopping Ctr, Naperville, IL (630) 717-0100
Taste many of the best newly released beers. $10 with Binny's Card / $15 nonmembers. Appetizers by Braconi's of Naperville. Call, or email naperville@binnys.com for more information.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Belgian Bottle Shock
Binny's Beverage Depot, 1919 Skokie Valley Hwy., Highland Park, IL (847) 831-5400
In this seminar, America's best will square off against Belgian classics in this blind beer tasting. Vote for your favorites and discover hidden gems. Space is extremely limited and reservations are required. $10 W/Binny's Card / $15 non-members. Call, or email highlandpark@binnys.com for more information.

Saturday, May 7

9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Big Brew Day 2011
The Livery, 190 5th Street, Benton Harbor, MI (269) 925-8760
Like beer? Like making beer? Like drinking beer? Big Brew Day is your event! Ever wanted to learn how to brew your own beer? We'll have homebrewing demonstrations from 9:00 - 4:00 plus our own 40 by 80 ft. tent (i.e. 'Rain or Shine'). Are you a home brewer? Come brew with us! Be apart of the camaraderie, bring your best brew. Home brew competition: BJCP styles: 8B, 12B, 16A. Best of show will get the chance to brew their winning beer on the Livery's brew system! Do you enjoy craft beer? Come sample many different beer styles by home brewers! We'll also have live entertainment from noon 'til 8:00 & food will be available.

Big Brew Day is sponsored by the American Homebrewers Association. AHA members around the country will be invited friends and the brew-curious to witness and take part in brewing sessions. For a complete list of other Big Brew Day events in this area, check the Big Brew Day home page.

11:30 a.m. Durty Nellie's Beer Fest
Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine, IL (847) 358-9150
Over 90 hand crafted brews! Souvenir pint glass! Live entertainment featuring Jim and Justin from Modern Day Romeos! $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Right next to the Palatine Train Station.

12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m. The Drinking & Writing Festival: Haymarket
Drinking & Writing Theater at Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL
Tickets on sale now at www.brownpapertickets.com. First 100 ticket buyers get a rare taste of Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout)!
The 7th Annual Drinking & Writing Festival celebrates the Haymarket Riot's 125th Anniversary. How fitting since the new Drinking & Writing Theater is situated in the new Haymarket Pub & Brewery right near the location of the Haymarket Riot.
Here is a rundown on the day:
12:00 p.m. Doors Open
1:00 p.m. "The Haymarket Riot" Bill Savage
2:00 p.m. "Save Illinois Beer" Pete Crowley, Haymarket Co-Founder and Brewmaster
3:00 p.m. The Western Avenue Project (a 25 documentary on Western Avenue and its bars made by Drinking & Writing)
4:00 The Drinking & Writing Award for Outstanding Achievement in Drinking & Writing presented posthumously to Studs Terkel
5:00 The 2 Drink Minimum Writing Contest
6:00 p.m. The End...but stay and drink if you dare
And then there is the BEER... Amazing homebrewed beer by HOPS! (Homebrewers' Pride of the Southside Homebrew Club).
AND... Haymarket Pub & Brewery, Three Floyds and Founders Tasting featuring over 20 beers:
10 of Haymarket Pub & Brewery's beers including but not limited to:
Mother Jones Dubbel, Mathias Imperial I.P.A., Comeback & Guzzle Spiced Belgian Dark Strong Ale
Founders:
Nemesis 2010, Double Trouble, Imperial Stout, Curmudgeon, KBS (first 100 ticket buyers) and more!
Three Floyds:
Dreadnaught, Black Sun Stout, Rabid Rabbit, Arctic Panzer Wolf and Topless Whytch Baltic Porter

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1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Going Against the Grain: New Belgium Sponsored DIY Fair
ReBuilding Exchange, 2160 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago
"Going Against the Grain: A DIY Fair for Enthusiasts" will bring together Chicagoland's homebrewing, beekeeping, chicken-keeping, weatherization, gardening, composting, bicycling and other enthusiasts to share their knowledge with others at this family-friendly fair benefiting the non-profit ReBuilding Exchange. This event is hosted by the Delta Emerging Leaders, an auxiliary board of Delta Institute and ReBuilding Exchange that engages young professionals interested in sustainability issues. Enter through the parking lot entrance on Webster Avenue. Attendance is free, but a donation of $5 is suggested. Beverages from New Belgium Brewery will be available for $3.
WHY: Many Chicagoans "go against the grain" with non-traditional ways of creating their own foods, drinks, fertilizers, and transportation sources. Many more Chicagoans want to learn how.This fair connects experienced DIYers willing to share their knowledge with those thirsty for it - all to benefit a new sustainable business in the Bucktown / Wicker Park neighborhood.

Coming Next Week: Chicago Craft Beer Week, and Tribes Ultimate Beer Bout IV.

Former Walter Payton’s Roundhouse sold to Two Brothers Brewing - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Two Brothers Brewing Company of Warrenville has agreed to acquire America's Historic Roundhouse, a 70,000 square foot entertainment complex in Aurora. The Roundhouse complex, which includes a restaurant, brewery, music venue, banquet facilities and outdoor courtyard, has been operating under Chapter 11 reorganization since this February.