Craft beer celebration on June 1 at Naper Settlement

Get a “hop” on summer during the third annual Celebration of Craft Beer from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.

During this event, beer lovers can stroll the museum grounds, enjoy a picnic-style dinner and stop in the historic buildings to sample craft beers from 14 breweries. In response to popular demand, new this year are a gluten-free beer and organic beers.

“What makes our craft beer celebration special is that our guests visit the historic buildings, sample the beers and learn about the featured brewery in a relaxed, intimate setting,” said Debbie Grinnell, vice president, museum services. “From its start three years ago, it’s become a favorite annual tradition at Naper Settlement.”

Participants will enjoy up to 12 tastings from 25 featured beers, food, live music, a raffle of beer-related items and more. In each historic building, brewery representatives will talk about their specialty beers and the history of the breweries. Learn about the history of Naperville’s very own Stenger Brewery, which was in its heyday from 1849 to the 1890s.

John Schamberger, vice president of marketing for Schamberger Brothers Inc., is the third generation to run one of the oldest family-owned beverage distributorships in the country. This year, the company is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

A Naperville resident for more than 20 years, Schamberger helped launch the first Celebration of Craft Beer in 2011. Proceeds from the event help support Naper Settlement.

“The history of Naperville is here and there is nothing else like it,” he said. “I’m proud to partner with Naper Settlement to help them raise money for the organization.”

In Century Memorial Chapel, the Church Street Brewing Company, whose motto is “Righteously Good Beer,” will be offering samples of Brimstone IPA and Heavenly Helles. Church Street is a newcomer to the craft beer scene but has made a huge splash since its founding in 2011 by Joe and Lisa Gregor in Itasca.

Chet Brett, brand manager for the Church Street Brewing Company, said its beers are brewed in a traditional style, so if it’s a German-style beer, the hops and barley will come from Germany. That attention to detail and authenticity is what brings beer enthusiasts to their brewery in Itasca and what beer lovers at Naper Settlement will enjoy when they stop in the chapel for the aromatic, tangerine-hued Brimstone IPA and the gentle, straw-colored Heavenly Helles.

“When we partner with civic organizations, we can help tell their story to our customers through our social media postings and our event schedule,” Brett said. “These organizations do great work and by helping share their stories, the community benefits.”

Limited tickets will be available at the gate for $50 per person and $25 for a designated driver.