5 Things You Need to Know Before Going to the Wheaton Brew Fest

Whether your a beer snob or someone whose only criteria for a good brew is that it’s cold, the fifth annual Wheaton Brew Fest is probably where you’ll want to be this weekend.

The outdoor event, which runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Memorial Park, will feature a variety beers, as well as a live 1980s band.

But what should you do if you want to go to the festival? Here five things you need to know before heading out and enjoying a cold one Saturday.

1. How Much Does It Cost?

How much you pay for a ticket depends on when you buy them. General admission is $45 in advance and $60 at the gate. This includes a commemorative pint glass, a lanyard with two 16 tastes passes and an event program.

However, VIP admission gets you the same things as general admission. plus the following:

• early entrance to the fest at noon
• access to the VIP area with restroomspay
• chance to try four limited edition craft beers
• a food buffet
• festival T-shirt

For those extras, though, you’ll have to pony up $75 in advance or $90 at the gate.

And for those people who want to go but don’t want to imbibe, there are special designated driver tickets, too, that run from $20 to $35.

Advance tickets can be purchased online.

2. What Breweries Will be on Tap?

There will be more than 80 different beers served from a variety of breweries around the area and the country. The following is a sample of the beer makers who are scheduled to participate:

• Two Brothers Brewing Co.
• Samuel Adams
• Revolution Brewing
• Lakefront Brewery
• North Coast Brewing Co.
• New Holland Brewing Co.
• Blue Moon Brewing Company

A list of other breweries can be found at the festival’s website.

3. Can Kids Come?

Nope. In fact, no one younger than 21 is allowed to attend the event.

Also, keep your dogs and other pets at home. There’s nothing worse than a pomeranian that can’t hold its liquor.

4. What If I Drink Too Much to Drive Home?

If you don’t come with a designated driver, you still have options of getting home safely after an afternoon of enjoying fine beers. These are the options available:

• the Metra Union Pacific/West Line is two blocks south of the festival
• download the Uber app, use the code WBF2015, and you’ll get up to $20 off your ride
• cab companies serving the festival include 303 Taxi Wheaton, Citizen’s Taxi and Wheaton Taxi

5. Where Does the Money Go?

A portion of the festival’s profits go to CASA of DuPage and the DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation. Which means all that beer your drinking is going to two good causes.

Fifth Annual Wheaton Brew Fest

When: 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1
Where: Memorial Park, 208 Union Ave.
More Info: Go online to the festival’s website or Facebook page. You also can call 630-510-5064 or the ticket hotline at 888-695-0888. Finally, you can check out the event’s frequently asked questions page, too.