Chicago Craft Beer Week Events Come to the Suburbs

Craft beer brewing is an industry on the rise, and whether you're a veteran beer snob or looking to try something new, there's plenty of local events to celebrate Chicago Craft Beer Week. 

From May 16-26, bars, restaurants, breweries and more spots in the Chicago area will offer special tastings, tappings, deals, meet-and-greets with brewers and lots more. 

In the Oak Park and Forest Park area, we've highlighted a few local options. You can find more Craft Beer Week events in the western suburbs, or see a map with all events in the Chicago area. 

Amelia's Good Food & Drink, 7330 Harrison St. in Forest Park

Wednesday, May 22: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Church Street Brewery beer dinner. Go here for menu and ticketing information.  

Poor Phil's Shell Bar, 139 S Marion St. in Oak Park

• Thursday, May 16: 8 p.m. Meet the brewers from Flesk in Lombard. They'll have their Occam's Razor on tap and pouring their Front Towards Enemy IPA, Gnomon Saison and more. 
• Tuesday, May 21: Noon tapping of Firestone Walker's Barrel-aged Imperial Stout, the Parabola. They will also have their new pilsner, the Pivo Pils on draft, as well as their new spring/summer seasonal, Solace, an unfiltered wheat beer.
• Wednesday, May 22: Noon tapping of Green Flash's Anniversary Strong Ale, as well as their Imperial IPA, West Coast IPA and East Village Pils.
• Thursday, May 23: Noon tapping of Dogfish Head Brewing's 120 Minute Ale, as well as Aprihop and My Antonia. Meet the Dogfish Head brewers as well.
• Friday, May 24: Noon meet-and-greet with the brewers from Chicago's Revolution Brewring. They will be tapping one of their beers on their hand-pump beer engine and have their Gravedigger and Rosa on draft.

Cardinal Wine and Spirits, 7533 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Forest Park

• Saturday, May 18: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. tasting of Chicago's 5 Rabbits brewing.

Marion Street Cheese Market, 100 S. Marion St. in Oak Park

• Thursday, May 16: 11 a.m. "Super Secret Squirrel Stash" release. Marion has been stashing away very rare beers throughout the year and will feature bottles, bombers and drafts in both the retail and restaurant areas throughout the week. The specialty beers will be paired with artisan cheese selections and daily food specials.  They will also offer $4 drafts throughout the week. 
• Monday, May 20: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Boulevard Brewing meet the brewer and try Tank 7 and Boss Tom's Golden Bock paired with artisan cheeses. 
• Wednesday, May 22: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. tasting of  Hinterland Whitecap WIPA on draft for $4, with a cheese pairing.
• Friday, May 24: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. tasting of four Oskar Blues craft brews: Mama's Yella Pils, Dale's Pale Ale, G'Knight, Ten Fidy, paired with artisan cheese.