Lake Zurich beer fest returns for second year

Lake Zurich will celebrate autumn, as well specialty microbrews, when its craft beer festival returns for a second year.

It'll be at Paulus Park on Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3. The bash will feature beer tastings, food music, arts and crafts.

Hours for the festival will be 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 2, and 2 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3. The fest's showcase event will be specialty beer tastings from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Cost for a single-day craft beer tasting pass is $40 in advance and $50 at the gate. Tasting pass holders will receive a souvenir tasting glass and the opportunity to sample up to 20 three-ounce beers offered by acclaimed local and regional breweries.

More than 60 craft beers from 30-plus breweries will be available.

For adults not purchasing a tasting pass, general fest admission is $7. No one younger than 21 years of age will be allowed on the festival grounds.

To purchase a craft beer tasting pass, and updates on featured breweries, visit lzcraftbeerfest.com.

Creation of the beer festival is part of an effort by village officials to provide more adult-focused community events for residents and to attract visitors to the village. Other efforts include the Rock the Block street party in downtown Lake Zurich, which was held Sept. 12.

Officials said they expect more local food vendors at this year's event. There also will be live music Friday and Saturday, disc jockeys playing tunes between sets and wine for patrons who don't drink beer.