Naperville Ale Fest to feature 220 beers

The Naperville Ale Fest returns next weekend with more than 220 beers from craft breweries around the country.

The festival runs 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, and pairs beer tasting with live music and cuisine from some of the area's favorite restaurants and food trucks. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Naperville Heritage Society and Naper Settlement.

"This is the perfect opportunity for craft beer aficionados and those new to craft beer to discover a new favorite," said Josh Seago, who organizes the festival through Lou Dog Events. "There will be plenty of new brews, rare and hard-to-find brews and hard ciders. The fest is one of the largest beer festivals in Illinois, so there really is something for everyone."

New this year is the House of Funk Sours tent featuring at least half a dozen sour beers for tasting, as well as Dinky Donuts to compliment the popular Cider Ally introduced last year. Presenting sponsor Solemn Oath will offer the Solemn Oath Lounge, featuring seven different ales for tasting.

Food offerings have been chosen to pair well with craft brews, including nine popular food trucks and restaurants serving burgers, pizza, kebabs, sausages, lobster rolls and more. Visitors will be treated to music by the Gregory Hyde Band, which has opened recently for Pat Benetar and REO Speedwagon.

"This is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon with family and friends," Seago said. "The unique parklike setting and proximity to all the amenities of downtown Naperville make this an ideal location to experience craft beer. Bring a lawn chair or enjoy a picnic table on the grounds of Naper Settlement."

General admission tickets of $45 include admission at 1 p.m., 18 sample tickets, commemorative glass and program guide. Designated drivers pay $15 and will receive complimentary soda and water. VIP tickets allowing admission at noon are $80, or $30 for designated drivers. No one under 21 will be admitted.

Parking is available at the Naperville Municipal Center and downtown parking facilities. New this year is the Naperville Ale Fest app, where you can download your program guide directly to your iPhone or Android smartphone.

For tickets and information, visit napervillealefest.com.

If you go

What: Naperville Ale Fest

When: 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 18

Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville

Cost: $45, $15 designated driver general admission; $80/$30 VIP tickets with admission at noon

Info: napervillealefest.com