Big Timber Pumpkin Fest to host fifth annual Barrels & Bones & Brews

Posted September 11, 2024 11:22 pm

By Rachael Ruiz, Three Fires Council

Guests wait for a plate full of mouthwatering BBQ made by the Barrels & Bones & Brews culinary team. Courtesy of Big Timber Pumpkin Fest

Big Timber Pumpkin Fest is hard at work preparing for its fifth “Barrels & Bones & Brews” event, formerly known as “Barrels & Bones.” This event takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the spacious Camp Big Timber in Elgin.

It will feature a private bourbon tasting, barbecue, and samples of local brews from breweries and meaderies around the area.

“Barrels & Bones & Brews” has been an autumn staple in the Elgin area as it the premier bourbon tasting event in Northern Illinois.

A Barrels & Bones & Brews guest says “cheers” before sampling some bourbon. Courtesy of Big Timber Pumpkin Fest

This year, the event has added craft brew samplings and soda tastings for those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks and/or designated drivers who don’t want to miss out on the fun.

Another exciting addition to this year’s event is the creation of Big Timber Pumpkin Fest’s custom brew in collaboration with Riverlands Brewing Company.

The brew is called the Big Timber Brew-Three Fires Festbier and is a light Oktoberfest brew that will be sure to satisfy the taste buds. This brew will debut at Barrels & Bones & Brews.

“We are excited to have our guests try our new brew and experience this engaging event,” said Katie Clark, Big Timber Pumpkin fest director. “We really try to bring a fun new element each year and I think guests will be pleasantly surprised by what they will get to enjoy from the bourbon to the BBQ and craft brews as well as the overall atmosphere.”

Attendees can also purchase VIP tickets to start their tasting experience an hour earlier with an exclusive sampling as well as a gift to take home. All attendees must be 21 or older to attend.

VIP and general admission tickets include 12 bourbon or beer tastings, one specialty craft cocktail, and tasty meats and treats (ribs, brisket, pulled pork, mac & cheese, and other sides, and desserts). The VIP tickets with 5 p.m. entry are $125 and also include four premium specialty tastings. General admission at 6 p.m. is $100.

Guests wait in line for custom handcrafted cocktails during a previous Barrels & Bones & Brews event. Courtesy of Big Timber Pumpkin Fest

Tickets for designated drivers are $50 and includes specialty craft soda bar and the tasty meats and treats.

For more information, visit www.BigTimberPumpkinFest.org.

A guest is all smiles as she enjoys the flavor notes portion of the tasting at a previous Barrels & Bones & Brews. Courtesy of Big Timber Pumpkin Fest

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