Bringing area brewers to the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum, the Fest will feature top area brews, live music, and more.
Featuring craft beer, cider, mead, and seltzers from nearly 50 brewers, the 9th Annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest will make its return Saturday, September 14 from 2 – 6 p.m. on the stunning grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 East Park Ave. The fest is hosted by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm for the Elmhurst History Museum and proceeds benefit the educational programs and exhibits for the museum and the Churchville School House.
Beer novices and aficionados alike will be able to enjoy a variety of brews from renowned brewers, many of which are from Elmhurst, including Elmhurst Brewing, Phase Three Brewing and Bottle Theory, and others, such as Pipeworks Brewing Co., Goldfinger, Tighthead and One Lake Brewing. Brewer 93 Octane will bring its “93 Draft Truck” sharing thirst quenching brews from a restored 1941 pickup truck. There are 11 new breweries participating, each bringing two or three of their finest products to share with the thirsty crowd. Fest attendees get a chance to relax while sampling their favorite beverage while Lake Effect and newcomer Live Stream will perform on the music stage throughout the afternoon. Golden Boy Barbeque a new business in Elmhurst, is the exclusive Fest food vendor. They provide mouthwatering Texas barbeque for fest attendees to purchase.
Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest tickets may be purchased at www.elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com. Discounted tickets are available through September 6th, featuring $45 general admission tickets. VIP, early entry tickets, which allows entry an hour earlier at 1PM, for $55. After September 6th, admission tickets will be $55 and $70 for VIP entry. Tickets include a 3 oz. commemorative tasting glass, 18 drink tickets, live music, and light snacks. Designated driver tickets are $20. The first 200 attendees to arrive will also receive a $5 City Centre gift card that may be used after the fest in Elmhurst City Center restaurants.
Since the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest began in 2015, over $300,000 has been raised as a result of the annual event. Those funds have been used to provide grants to the Elmhurst History Museum. Pints, owned by Kristi Blessing, 112 S. York Road, has supported the work of the Foundation for years and serves as the event sponsor for 2024.
Cathy Jordan, Chair of the Beer Fest Committee (for the ninth year), shares the secret to why Elmhurst’s fest continues to grow, “we try to make sure all attendees have a good experience. The attendees then share their good experiences with their friends, who attend with them the following year. Over the years the fest has grown into an amazing community event, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to enjoy an afternoon supporting the beautiful Elmhurst History Museum.”
This year’s six top-level, Platinum Sponsors, include familiar names such as Lakeside Bank, Kelly Stetler – Compass Realty, Elmhurst Bank, McGrath Elmhurst Toyota and new sponsors, Affetto & Co, certified public accountants and First Trust Portfolios. Over 68 organizations sponsored at different levels last year.
Jordan adds, “Next year we will be celebrating our 10th Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest and we will be planning lots of special surprises for the attendees—Stay tuned!
For additional information on the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest, please visit elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com or follow us on social media at @ElmhurstCraftBeerFest on Facebook, @elmhurstcraftbeerfest on Instagram, @BeerElmhurst on Twitter or on the Untappd app.
