7 can’t-miss northern Illinois beer festivals in July, August

The summer is shaping up to be a celebration of craft brewing, with a diverse array of beer festivals on the horizon.

From local favorites to regional showcases, these events give folks an opportunity to sample a wide variety of brews, mingle with fellow enthusiasts and soak up the sun.

Here’s a look at some of the must-attend beer festivals coming to the northern Illinois area in July and August.

McHenry Fiesta Days Cask & Barrel Night – July 10

Cask & Barrel Night during McHenry Fiesta Days is from 6-10 p.m. Thursday, July 10 in Petersen Park. The $65 ticket gets you unlimited 3-ounce tastings of craft beer, craft spirit tastings, a tasting glass and appetizers. Only 350 tickets will be sold. The evening will also feature live music, a cigar lounge and more. mchenryfiestadays.com/cask-and-barrel-night/

Naperville Summer Ale Fest – July 12

The summer edition of Naperville Ale Fest is Saturday, July 12 in downtown Naperville, 523 S. Webster St. Early entry begins at noon, while general admission begins at 1 p.m. and goes until 5 p.m. More than 100 craft beers will be available for sampling, along with food trucks and a variety of vendors. Early entry tickets are $70 and general admission tickets are $60, and both include 18 3-ounce samples. napervillealefest.com

Lombard Brew Fest – July 19

The 3rd annual Lombard Brew Fest will feature dozens of breweries, cideries and meaderies, food trucks, games and live music from Run Forrest Run. The event is from 1-4 p.m. along Parkside Avenue between the Metra station and Lilacia Park. Tickets include 20 3-ounce samples and a tasting glass. General admission tickets (with fees) are $65.87 if purchased by May 31. VIP tickets are available. lombardbrewfest.com

Drinkin’ With Lincoln Ottawa – July 25 & 26

This popular event returns this summer in downtown Ottawa. Hours are Friday, July 25 from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, July 26 from noon-9 p.m. at Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St. in Ottawa. The event will feature Illinois breweries, wineries and distilleries. Enjoy live music from bands like 80’s Bush, David Hilliker Trio, Aaron Kelly and Rosie and the Rivets. Grab lunch or dinner from on-site food trucks. visitottawail.com/event/drinkin-with-lincoln-brewfest/2025-07-26/

Galena Brew Fest – July 26 (rescheduled from original date Aug. 2)

Beautiful Chestnut Mountain Resort will host the annual Galena Brew Fest from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 26. Enjoy stunning views of the Mississippi River while listening to live music from Sam Wooden. Dining options will be available. All proceeds from the event support the Galena Art & Recreation Center. Ticket prices are $35 if purchased in advance, $40 day of the event, and $5 for designated drivers. Tickets include an entry wristband, souvenir glass and 30 sampling tickets. galenaarc.org/galena-brew-fest

Oak Park Microbrew Review – Aug. 16

One of the longest-running beer festivals in the area, the Oak Park Microbrew Review will have more than 50 breweries with beers, ciders, spirits and seltzers available to sample in the city’s downtown. Food from a variety of vendors will be available for purchase. Visit the city’s quaint local businesses while the streets are closed to vehicles and open to pedestrians. Early bird general admission tickets, if purchased before June 1, are $63 and go up from there. VIP packages are available. VIP entry is at noon and general admission is at 2 p.m. The event ends at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit Seven Generations Ahead. sevengenerationsahead.org/opmbr

Ribs, Rhythms & Brews Sycamore – Aug. 23

This year’s Ribs, Rhythms & Brews event, which runs from 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 in downtown Sycamore, promises to be bigger and better than ever! The popular event brings award-winning rib vendors from across the region. The Ryan Craig Band will headline the event. discoversycamore.com/events/ribs-rhythm-brews-fest/