More than 50 breweries, cideries, and meaderies will set up shop on the lawn of the Elmhurst History Museum on Saturday, September 19, for the 11th Annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest. General admission runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the museum grounds at 120 E. Park Ave., with a 3-ounce tasting glass and 18 drink sample tickets included in the price.
The festival is produced by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in 2007 when the city's historical commission merged with its museum foundation, according to the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation. The nonprofit supports both the Elmhurst History Museum and the Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse through advocacy, education, and fundraising. Dave Oberg, executive director of the Elmhurst History Museum, joined WGN-TV's Daytime Chicago program to preview the festival, which airs weekdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where the Beer Money Goes
Ticket proceeds help maintain more than one piece of local history. The festival grounds are at the Elmhurst History Museum. Proceeds also flow to the Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse.
This dual mission means every pour effectively funds two preservation projects at once. Explore Elmhurst notes that the event draws more than 1,000 attendees from Elmhurst and over 57 other communities across the Chicago area each year, with admission strictly limited to adults 21 and older.
Lineup and Ticket Tiers
The 2026 lineup includes craft beer, hard seltzers, ciders, and mead from more than 50 regional producers, according to the museum's event listing. General admission tickets cover the 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. window, while a limited run of VIP early entry tickets lets guests in at 1 p.m., per the event's FAQ page.
Those VIP passes ran $50 during summer pre-party promotions, compared to $40 for general admission, according to Explore Elmhurst. Attendees should review event information before arriving. The festival takes over the museum's outdoor space on Saturday, September 19.
Getting There Without a Car
Attendees should review travel information before arriving. It's a fall weekend draw in DuPage County.
A Growing State Industry
The festival's guest list reflects a much bigger shift in Illinois brewing. Illinois had 302 breweries and 336 brewing licenses in 2023, according to WGLT. The state's craft-brewing industry has grown, the station reported.
Behind the scenes, the museum hosts large outdoor gatherings. More information and tickets are available at elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com.
