9 festivals where you can wet your whistle
Most suburban festivals pitch themselves as family-friendly events with something for almost every age group.
But a growing number of events cater to a distinctly older crowd and center on beer, wine and other adult beverages.
If you're looking for a place to wet your whistle in the coming weeks, here are nine places you may want to visit - always in the company of a designated driver.
• More than 200 American craft beers will be featured at Naperville's Ale Fest from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. The sixth annual bash also includes live music, food from area restaurants and food trucks. Tickets are $49; $19 for designated drivers. VIP tickets are $99 and allow entry at noon. Info: napervillealefest.com.
• The Fox Lake Bloody Mary Fest runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 15, on Grand Avenue between Nippersink and Rollins, in Fox Lake. Participants can sample a variety of Bloody Marys plus live music, food and drinks from local taverns and bars. Tickets are $25. Info: eventbrite.com.
• Visitors to the Elgin Craft Beer Fest can choose from among 60 craft beers, ciders and specialty drinks from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, on the Riverside Promenade, 100 S. Riverside Drive. Food, music and games also are on the menu. Advance tickets are $40 for general admission or $60 for VIP entry at noon; prices increase by $5 at the gate. Info: elgincraftbeerfest.com.
• You can sip on Cocktails in the Park from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 21, in Appleton Park near the Batavia Riverwalk, 100 N. Island Ave. Batavia MainStreet's seventh annual outdoor fundraiser features live music, drinks, small plates, collectible whiskey glasses and more. Participants can win an entire tent full of cocktail mixers, spirits, barware and more in "Win the Bar" raffle for $20. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. Info: downtownbatavia.com.
• More than 15 breweries will offer more than 50 beers and ciders, as well as food, at the Graue Mill Craft Beer Tasting from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 20, at Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 S. York Road, Oak Brook. Advance tickets are recommended by mailing a check for $50 to Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523; include your email address. Info: grauemill.org.
• Geneva's Festival of the Vine features wines from around the world Sept. 7 through 9 in downtown. The celebration also features a flower market, arts and crafts show, live music and treats from area restaurants. Some details still are being finalized. Info: genevachamber.com or (630) 232-6060.
• The Two Brothers For the Love of Hops Festival is from noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28, in the parking lot of Two Brothers Tap House, 30W315 Calumet Ave., Warrenville. It features Two Brothers' favorites, guest beers from craft breweries across the country and new beers exclusive to the event. There's also food and live music, including headliner local rock cover band Red Woody. A portion of the proceeds benefit Giant Steps in Lisle. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the gate; VIP tickets are $60. Info: twobrothersbrewing.com.
• Once upon a time, Wheaton was a "dry" town. No longer. The city's Brew Fest is from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., featuring craft brews, entertainment and food. A portion of proceeds benefits CASA. General admission is $45 in advance and $60 the day of the event. Designated drivers pay $20 in advance or $30 on the day. VIP tickets available. Info: wheatonparkdistrict.com.
• Did we say Wheaton is no longer dry? It's Wine Walk is from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, at Martin Memorial Plaza, Front and Main streets. Participants can pick up a wineglass, swag bag and walking map for those 21 or older. Includes 12 one-ounce tastings, souvenir wineglass and coupons from merchants. Complimentary trolley rides to select locations. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 day of. Info: downtownwheaton.com.