Chicago Craft Beer Week

not to mention that i can't filter out the 'daily events' that i largely do not remotely give a crap about

 

no idea the GI Beer in Film was cancelled. That can't be a good sign. I wanted to head to that but left that day open on the chance I got tickets to the Penrose/Off Color event at Beer Temple.

Not sure if it's a GI backlash or just people getting tired of the ticketed events, but the 25th Anniversary block party with GI on Sunday the 19th has only sold 25% of their tickets (it's still 500 tickets) and they are releasing a handful of brand new BCBS variants at the party.

Also the finale party also screams excess - 32 breweries at the largest outdoor street fest? Like we don't have enough of those in Chicago during the summer? I understand Rev not wanting to host again, but I don't even really care about attending that party.

Also they should have had an exclusive VIP tent for anyone with more than 15 points at this final fest with rare one-offs. Right now the West Loop Craft Beer Fest just sounds like BUG without the unique venue.

I know permitting is probably the main reason, but a finale party on Randolph & Halsted outside of Haymarket with an exclusive VIP party for the point system people in the party room of Haymarket would entice people a little more. Last year it was the grand opening of the Revolution Production Brewery, this year why does a HUGE (i.e. LINES) block party sound cool? It doesn't.

 

Sad to be missing the Goose Block Party and the Lost Abbey/Solemn Oath event, but I am spending enough for Goose 25th the week before and for the Half Acre Party.

 

I can attest that I am doing my event at cost. I don't plan to be making a dime. Most likely losing money...

 

Second this.

 

I wish there were more events like Haymarket had in 2011 when they had the Pizza Port tap takeover. I would much rather get to try beers I most likely won't be able to, then the usual suspects I can get almost anytime. Bring more out of distro breweries!!!

 

Your event looks so cool. Was going to try to get tix, but was in New Orleans for a wedding last weekend during the sale. J. Laffler is...what's the right word. I'm actually not sure, but what a trip it'd be to get some of his and Tom's perspectives.

 

The wife and I cant wait for the event. So happy we got tickets. Thanks again for the awesome shop, and your generosity.

 

None of us will leave empty handed - you'll do okay

 

You're talking the Perennial meet and greet? It's on there.

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=390

 

Kinda skimmed through the thread so if I missed it I apologize, but is anything going on on Sat the 25th besides the West Loop beer fest?

 

http://chibeerweek.com/schedule/?day=25

 

I am going to Beer Under Glass for the first time this year. I hear it is a great event, and I am really looking forward to it- but don't know much about the food situation. (I am not too worried about the beer...) For anyone who has gone in the past, is the food at the event sufficient, or should we plan on getting dinner ahead of time? Thanks.

 

Last year they had appetizers at various booths. At least one brewery (Haymarket) brought food, maybe GI too. I felt like I had enough to eat. There were a couple food trucks outside after the event was over as well. I would say get food afterwards if you're still hungry.

 

a few tables have really small plates. just eat 4-5 of those prior to drinking 5 beers and you should be fine. i wouldn't show up starving or anything though. there were a few food trucks outside the main entrance after as well. lines.

here's the places that will have food. i would recommend finding fountainhead and eating whatever cleetus makes.

Fountainhead
Gotta B Crepes
Inspiration Kitchens
Marcellos
Marion Street Cheese Market

 

I missed getting tickets this year, but went last year. There was a fair amount of food booths, but I found that they sold out pretty quickly. My advice is that if you see something you want to eat, grab it.

 

Ok, thanks! Considering it starts kind of early I just wasn't sure if I needed to plan a meal in there between work and the event. Sounds like I will be fine.