One of the Biggest in Midwest, Naperville Ale Fest Set to Entertain with More Brews, Food and Music
Naper Settlement in Downtown Naperville will be teeming with excitement Saturday, July 18 when some 5,000 folks stop by to sample some of the 220 different American Craft Beers on tap at the third annual Naperville Ale Fest. The tree-shaded grounds will host over 100 brewers from Chicagoland and across the country, as well as a handful of hard cider brewers and a new array of food trucks, all accompanied by a nationally recognized band. "Whether you've been before, are new to craft beer or are an aficionado, there will be plenty of new things for you to discover this year," says organizer Josh Seago of Lou Dog Events, producer of the event. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Naperville Heritage Society and Naper Settlement.
Presenting Sponsor Solemn Oath will offer the Solemn Oath Lounge, where visitors can relax while sampling six brews by Naperville's first and only brewery. "Solemn Oath has established themselves as great craft brewers and great community supporters," says Seago. "Their brewery and tasting room is just up the street from here. You can't get any more local than that."
In addition, new to the fest this year are several rare and hard to find beers which will be tasted throughout the day. The "House of Funk" tent will offer at least half a dozen sour beers for tasting. "These are tough to produce and often hard to find," says Seago. " Our selections represent really sought after sours, and will provide a really unique experience to fest-goers." If hard cider is more up your alley, Cider Alley will return by popular demand this year, with a variety of hard cider offerings, complimented by a Dinky Donuts booth, selling their renowned sweet treats warm freshly made on site.
From burgers and pizza to sausages and lobster rolls, foods have been elevated to pair well with ales and cider. Ten food trucks and restaurants will have hearty sustenance for sale, including Aurelio's Pizza, Chicago Dawg's, Dark Horse Pastries, Happy Lobster, Hopvine Brewing Company, O'Mango, Pinstripes, Toasty Cheese and Windy City Patty Wagon.
Visitors will be treated to music by the Gregory Hyde Band, Chicago recording artists who have opened recently for Toad the Wet Sprocket, 10,000 Maniacs, Pat Benetar and REO Speedwagon. "Hyde performs a great mix of original music as well as covers you'll recognize," says Seago. "They have received comparisons to a broad array of artists such as Neon Trees, The Black Keys, Foo Fighters, Jeff Buckley, The Eagles, and Weezer, and we see them as a great addition to the fest."
General admission tickets include admission, beer sampling, 18 sample tickets, commemorative glass and program guide. General Designated Drivers will receive a commemorative tasting glass as well as complimentary soda and water. VIP tickets are sold out. Tickets to Naperville Ale Fest are available on line at www.napervillealefest.com. Any tickets remaining on Saturday may be purchased at the gate for $50 per person. Only guests 21 and over may enter the Fest. A photo id must be presented with your ticket.
Entrance to the Festival is through the Mitchell Mansion Gate at Naper Settlement on Aurora Avenue immediately east of Naperville Central High School. VIP ticket holders will be admitted at noon. General admission to the event is from 1-5 pm. The event will be held rain or shine, and no outside food or drink is allowed. Picnic tables are available on site.
Parking is available at the High School, Municipal Center and Downtown Parking Facilities. Handicapped parking is at the Municipal Lot, directly across the street from Naper Settlment. New this year is the Naperville Ale Fest App, where you can download your program guide directly to your I-phone or android smart phone. Look for plenty of additional information on facebook and twitter. For tickets and further information, visit www.napervillealefest.com.