The Beeronaut

Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, May 31 - June 2

I am caught in a very busy time: on top of my regular 40-hour work week, I'm working nearly 40 hours more on a seasonal job from home, as in four-hour shifts during the week and 24 hours during the weekend. So I'm punching this through now and adding more stuff as it comes in. And there is another new beer maker having a "soft opening" this weekend. One Lake Brewing has opened its doors to shake down its recipes and staff. They're at 1 Lake St. in Oak Park, just of the Lake St. Green Line station...

By Mark McDermott,
May 30, 2019 at 10:08 pm

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Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, February 1-3

This weekend we see a major break from the chill, just in time for… the Chicago Ale Festival. Oh, yes, there's also a football game on Sunday. I have a lot of places with Super Bowl specials. Some are places known for having good beer, though they may not mention it in the listing. Just as long as they can offer something beyond a "Bucket of Bud". Then the following weekend is the Chicago Cider Summit, and then there's Valentine's Day. We also have another new brewing opening this weekend: Black & Gray in Manteno...

By Mark McDermott,
January 30, 2019 at 3:11 pm

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Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, January 19-21

While Hopslam season continues, we are firing up the calendar of beer fests in and near Chicago...

By Mark McDermott,
January 18, 2018 at 1:58 pm

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Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, June 23-25

We are less than two months away from the total solar eclipse, coming Monday, August 21 through southern Illinois. I'm working on a sort of travel guide to craft beer brewpubs and tasting rooms in that area. Only trouble is, most are regularly closed on Mondays. So I'll have emails out to learn about any special events between St. Louis and Paducah...

By Mark McDermott,
June 21, 2017 at 11:46 pm

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Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, June 17-19

Friday-Saturday Local Flavor: barrel + rye and The Burger Local Penrose Brewing, 509 Stevens St., Geneva, IL Join us on Friday, June 17th from 5 – 8pm and Saturday, June 18th from 11am – 2pm as the fine folks from barrel + rye and The Burger Local swing through for another edition of Local Flavor... Read more »

By Mark McDermott,
June 17, 2016 at 12:23 am

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CANCELLED: Chicago Ale Fest at Grant Park

I had thought I could dash this off this afternoon from my new Samsung Galaxy Tab Nook toy, but the login dialog was being fussy. So now here’s the story. Those of you who have bought tickets for the Chicago Ale Fest, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 & 20, should by now have... Read more »

By Mark McDermott,
September 15, 2014 at 9:47 pm

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