Events - Details

our favorite event of the fall season is back! And this year it's extra special...

We can’t wait for you to join us at LaBagh Woods on Saturday, September 25, 1 - 6 p.m. for the best beer and nature festival in the Chicagoland area. Take a stroll through the woods on a guided bird walk, learn about snakes while one slithers up your arm, participate in a flash bioblitz (don’t worry – you’ll learn what that is!), and drink some of the region’s most delicious craft beer and cider. All this and much, much more!

Programming includes (timed):

• Yoga in the grass by Jenny Arrington of Rebel Human (1:30 & 3:00)

• Family wellness walks by Elizabeth (Betsy) Duke, Psy.D., Clinical Director & Licensed Clinical Psychologist at LifeWorks Psychotherapy Center (2:30 & 3:30)

• Bird walks by Jeff Skrentny, Friends member and LaBagh Woods volunteer (3:30 & 4:30)

• Lichen walks by Todd Widhelm, Collections Manager (Mycology and Lichenology) at the Field Museum (2:30 & 4:00)

• Flash bioblitz using iNaturalist by Derek Ziomber, North Branch Field Organizer at Friends (3:00 & 4:00)

•  BFF Bikes will have a bike clinic, including free assessments

• Crafts table with "design-your-own" tree cookies

• DJ CatieO, a.k.a. "Tree-J" will be spinning awesome tunes

• Frog Lady Presentations will feature her frogs and snakes and more

• Gnome Brew will show us how to brew at home

• Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education will display their stunning birds of prey

• RHINO Poetry Magazine will have a nature poetry table to help you pen your poems

This year we’ll also have a week-long virtual festival leading up to Saturday’s event! Starting Monday, September 20 through Friday, September 24, we’ll offer a virtual program each night from 6-7 p.m. Learn about the natural world, enjoy beer with a brewmaster, and even find some inner peace with a virtual yoga class. The virtual festival is perfect for folks who can’t make it to Saturday’s event and for diehards who can’t get enough Beer in the Woods!

• Monday, September 20: Virtual Tasting with Maplewood Brewery and Distillery

• Tuesday, September 21: Meet and Greet the Animals with Frog Lady Presentations

• Wednesday, September 22: Yoga with Rebel Human at Temperance Beer Co.

• Thursday, September 23: Virtual Tasting and Behind-the-Scenes Tour with Old Irving Brewing Co.

• Friday, September 24: Beer and Nature Trivia Night with Nick Tryling

And, there's more! We'll also have an online auction and an in-person raffle. Win beer, camping gear, a private bird walk for four, and more!

For the fastest updates on breweries, cideries, and activities, give us a "like" on our Facebook event page.

Purchasing tickets to either festival means:

• You’re helping to make the world a better place. All of the proceeds from this event will be used to ensure that land, water, and life will always thrive in the forest preserves.

• You’re supporting local businesses. The pandemic has hit small businesses and breweries especially hard. We’re proud to partner with amazing local businesses that help our neighborhoods thrive.

• You know how to have fun! Beer in the Woods isn’t just about sampling local craft beers and ciders, it’s about connecting with nature, friends, and your inner adventurer.