Winter beer festivals in northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin in 2025

Beer enthusiasts might think their favorite pastime is relegated to the confines of cozy bars or their couch during the winter, waiting for spring and summer when their favorite beer festivals return.

However, brew fests aren’t solely designated to the warmer months. Despite the frigid temperatures, these popular festivals are popping up across the region in January and February.

From local breweries to expansive convention centers, these events offer a warm welcome to beer lovers, showcasing the best brews the area has to offer.

Mackey’s Hideout – Jan. 11

Mackey’s Hideout in McHenry will host its annual Winter Brew Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. More than 10 breweries are expected to be sampling more than 25 different beers. Tickets are $45 in advance and $60 the day of the event. This event is for adults ages 21 and over. Mackey’s Hideout is located at 2601 S. River Road, McHenry. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit mackeyshideout.com.

Beer, Cheese & Beyond Fest – Jan. 18

Head north of the border to the Alliant Energy Center in Wisconsin’s capital city of Madison for an afternoon of two of the state’s signature products – beer and cheese! General admission tickets are $65 and include unlimited beer and cheese sampling and a collector’s tasting glass from 2-6 p.m. The VID (Very Important Drinker) tickets are $95 and include early access to the event and pizza at noon, exclusive swag from the event, and unlimited sampling in a collector’s tasting glass. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit beerandcheesefest.com.

815 Ale Fest – Feb. 1

The annual 815 Ale Fest takes place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Tebala Events Center in Rockford. The event features more than 20 local, regional, and national breweries. Guests can sample a wide variety of unique brews while enjoying food from local vendors and live music. The $60 VIP tickets offer early access from noon to 1 p.m., and general admission tickets are $40 with a 1 p.m. entry. Both tickets include a tasting glass and pretzel necklace. Designated Driver tickets are available for $10. Click here for information and to purchase tickets. The Tebala Events Center is located at 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford.

Westmont Winter Beer Fest – Feb. 15

The Westmont Park District’s Beer Festival will feature craft breweries from the Chicago area, downstate, and even a few from other states. A ticket gets participants 20 4-ounce pours. This event will be outdoors at Ty Warner Park, but will have heated, walled, and lighted tents, along with bonfires and outdoor seating. Food trucks will be present at the event, which is for adults 21 and over only. VIP tickets are $65 and general admission tickets are $50; they are available for purchase until Feb. 14. Tickets at the door are $70 and Designated Driver tickets are $10. westmontparks.org/event/winter-beer-festival-2025/

Naperville Winter Ale Fest – Feb.22

More than 150 craft beers will be available for sampling at the Naperville Ale Fest – Winter Edition, which is Illinois' largest outdoor beer festival. The event is from noon to 4 p.m. at Frontier Park, and will highlight beers that are only available in the winter. Varieties include stouts, porters, barrel-aged beers, winter warmers, and giant double IPAs. Tickets include 18 3-ounce samples. napervillealefest.com/

Flannelfest – Feb. 22

Janesville, Wisconsin’s annual Flannelfest includes more than 90 craft beer samples, games, chainsaw performers, food vendors, a home brew competition, and more - from noon to 5 p.m. in the city’s downtown area. VIP tickets are $100 and general admission tickets are $50. This event is for adults ages 21 and over. janesvilleflannelfest.com/

Bockfest – March 1

Capital Brewery’s 28th annual Bockfest celebrates the release of the brewery’s award-winning Blonde Doppelbock and Maibock beers, and will feature live music from the band Sixteen Candles, a fish toss, food available for purchase, and more. The event is held outdoors at the brewery’s location in Middleton, which is just west of Madison, Wisconsin, and will take place rain or shine. This event is for adults ages 21 and over. Early bird tickets are $15 and are available online through Dec. 31; general admission tickets are $25 from Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, and the at-the-door price is $35. VIP tickets, which include early entry and one free beer, are $30. capitalbrewery.com/events2/28th-annual-bockfest/