Chicago has become a hub for great beer in the past few years. It’s easier to find drafts by Two Brothers, Lagunitas, Three FLoyd’s, and many other great craft brewers than it is Bud or Miller in Chicago bars. Because of Chicago’s love for great beer, there are events all summer long dedicated to showcasing local craft beers. Continuing our 2015 Chicago Summer Events – Drinking Edition, part 2 will focus on all beer related events.

[schema type=”event” evtype=”Festival” url=”http://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicago-craft-beer-festival-tickets-14715637869?aff=es2″ name=”Chicago Craft Beer Festival” sdate=”2015-07-18″ edate=”2015-07-19″ street=”2245 N. Sheffield Ave” city=”Chicago” state=”IL” postalcode=”60614″ ] Hosted at DePaul University this year, Chicago Craft Beer Festival will showcase craft beers from all over the United States. This year will host more than 75 different brews. This festival coincides with the famous Sheffield garden walk, so it’s like a double event.

[schema type=”event” evtype=”Festival” url=”http://www.lpzoo.org/events/calendar/brew-be-wild” name=”Brew To Be Wild” sdate=”2015-06-13″ street=”2200 N Cannon ” city=”Chicago” state=”IL” postalcode=”60614″ ] Brew to be Wild takes place at Lincoln Park Zoo. Drink some craft beers while looking at wild animals, what could go wrong? Beer stations from the 35 different brewers will be set up all around the zoo. Have an IPA with the tigers than switch over to a stout when you see the monkeys.

[schema type=”event” evtype=”Festival” url=”http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-neighbors-of-west-loop-craft-beer-festival-tickets-16734191417?aff=es2″ name=”West Loop Craft Beer Festival” sdate=”2015-06-13″ street=”131 N Clinton St ” city=”Chicago” state=”IL” postalcode=”60661″ country=”US” ] This festival takes place the same day as Brew to Be Wild, but it’s from 12 – 5 pm and the Brew to be Wild starts at 6 so if you’re so inclined, you can make both. Beers all day! The West Loop in Chicago has turned into one of the more popular areas in Chicago. Before it was all meat packing, now it’s meat packing and host to some of the best restaurants in the country.

[schema type=”event” evtype=”Festival” url=”http://chicagoalefest.com/” name=”Chicago Ale Fest” sdate=”2015-06-19″ edate=”2015-06-20″ street=”301 S Columbus Dr” city=”Chicago” state=”IL” postalcode=”60605″ country=”US” ] You can visit a popular tourist spot with this festival. Drink some ales at Buckingham Fountain and take a walk around Grant Park.

You don’t have to go to events to taste some of the best beers Chicago has to offer. Just head to any local bar and chances are they have some great local selections.