Wheaton Brew Fest to feature more than 100 beers
Whether you're a craft beer snob or just starting to learn about the hop-filled world that lies outside the king of beer's castle, there's likely to be a brew just for you at the third annual Wheaton Brew Fest.
The fest, which will feature more than 100 beers from 32 breweries, begins at noon Saturday and runs through 4 p.m. at Memorial Park, 208 W. Union St.
“Our brewery list is a good marriage of brews this year,” said Arrowhead Golf Club beverage manager and Wheaton Brew Fest committee member Brian Whitkanack. “We want the staples, the trendy and the newbies.”
Some of the brewers in attendance will include Argus, Dogfish Head, Firestone Walker, Emmett's Tavern and Brewing Company, Magic Hat, Lake Front Brewing Company, Two Brothers Brewing Company, Abita Beer and Revolution Brewing.
“Everyone who sees the list is excited about a different brewery,” said parks marketing and special events superintendent Kristina Nemetz. “It's been fun to watch this beer list get built and the excitement it causes.”
This year's format will feature VIP, general admission and designated driver ticket options. As of Wednesday, the VIP tickets already were sold out.
The VIP tent will be sponsored by Whole Foods of Wheaton and will feature a food buffet from noon to 1:30 p.m., four select brewer samples from the grocer as well as five additional unique one-off varieties available only to VIP ticket holders.
“These are beers that have either not yet hit the market or were brewed in small batches for brewery or taphouse consumption,” Nemetz said. “If you're in VIP, you'll definitely be trying something new.”
New to the fest this year is a VIP designated driver pass for those non-drinkers looking to participate in the additional activities.
Also new this year is a $5 food voucher included with every general admission ticket. Local restaurants will be serving beer-inspired dishes.
“I don't want to give it all away, but I've seen some awesome beer nachos and stout brownies on the menu,” Nemetz said.
Live entertainment includes performances by the Fresh Hops, the Four Star Brass Band, and music provided by 95.9-FM “The River.”
General admission tickets are $35, which includes a commemorative pint glass, a lanyard with a punch pass for 20 2-ounce samples, an event program and the food voucher. Designated driver tickets are $15 and the beer lanyard is replaced with three nonalcoholic drink tickets.
Proceeds from the fest will support CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of DuPage, the DuPage Historical Museum Foundation and the Cosley Zoo Foundation.
If you go
If you go
What: Wheaton Brew Fest
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: Memorial Park, 208 W. Union St., Wheaton
Cost: General admission is $35; designated driver tickets are $15
Info: wheatonbrewfest.com