Two Brothers’ annual Hop Juice Festival returns — but this year, it’s in Aurora

Longtime Chicago area craft brewers Two Brothers Brewing Co. celebrate the release of their most popular artisan beers — Hop Juice Double IPA and the sought-after Hop Juice Black — at the fourth annual Hop Juice Festival from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 1, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 2, at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora.

The two-day, zero-landfill event features Two Brothers Brewing Co. craft beers as well as other craft beers made by guest brewers from around the country, sustainable and organic foods, music and more. Proceeds from the family-friendly beer and music festival benefit a growing list of charities such as Make a Wish, Day One Foundation and several local nonprofits.

Two Brothers Brewing Co. is proud to have granted several wishes and helped a number of local and children’s charities in its 15-year history. The success of Hop Juice Festival has allowed the brothers to start their own nonprofit organization, the Two Brothers Brewing Foundation, which will increase its focus on charity at both the local and national levels with this major fundraising event.

As part of WXRT’s 93 Days of Summer celebration, six bands will play at this year’s Hop Juice Festival. Friday features performances by local favorites Hoss and The Freddy Jones Band. There also will be beer from several local breweries and many locally sourced food items.

Saturday’s events include the ArtBar, featuring works by local artists from noon to 4 p.m.; a home-brew competition; guest craft brewers from around the country, and four bands. Michael Heaton Band starts the music at 1 p.m., followed by Hurricane Reggae Band, The Right Now and The Jayhawks.

Admission is $5 per day. For details, visit hopjuicefestival.com.

The Two Brothers Brewery is owned by brothers Jim and Jason Ebel, who developed a passion for flavorful specialty beers while living in France. After returning to the states, they had trouble finding craft beers in Chicago so they opened Two Brothers Brewing Company in 1996. The brewery is a 40,000-square-foot facility in Warrenville. After 15 years of providing great craft beer to the Chicago area, Two Brothers continues to expand; their newest venture was the 2011 opening of the Two Brothers Roundhouse Restaurant and Brewery in Aurora. Visit twobrosbrew.com.