Elmhurst Craft Beer Festival opens history of beer exhibit

The Elmhurst Craft Beer Festival will help open a new exhibit about Chicago's beer history at the Elmhurst Historical Museum.

The festival runs 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, on the museum grounds, 120 E. Park, Elmhurst. The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the support organization for the Elmhurst Historical Museum, and the Rotary Club of Elmhurst host the festival.

Attendees will be able to enjoy tastings of more than 50 unique beers from 29 craft and microbreweries in the greater Chicago area, as well as around the country.

Participants will receive a souvenir sample-size glass, 18 beer sample tickets, complimentary light snacks and door prizes, including special limited-edition beers. Attendees must be at least 21 years old.

Tickets, $45, may be purchased at elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com or at the door. Admission to the "Beer Chicago: The Refreshing History" exhibit is free. The first 200 attendees will receive a $5 coupon good toward food or drink purchases at participating Elmhurst City Centre restaurants for the day of the fest.

"Beer Chicago: The Refreshing History" opens Friday, Sept. 18, and runs through Feb. 14. The new, original exhibit taps into the history of Chicago and its beer, breweries and taverns.

Exhibit highlights include an interactive "bar" featuring a bartender who will share knowledge about Chicago's beer history and a science of beer making hands-on activity station. The exhibit is scheduled to travel throughout the region in the coming years as part of the museum's touring exhibit program.

Elmhurst Historical Museum hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Sunday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 8 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Admission is free. For information, call (630) 833-1457 or visit elmhursthistory.org.

If you go

What: Elmhurst Craft Beer Festival

When: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19

Where: Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park, Elmhurst

Cost: $45

Info: elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com