Northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin beer festivals happening in February

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 festivals aren’t solely designated to the warmer months. Despite the frigid temperatures, these popular festivals are popping up across the region this winter.

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.

815 Ale Fest – Feb. 1, Rockford

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, Westmont

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, Naperville

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

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, Middleton

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/