Chicago to Host 2025 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer on November 7–8

The nation’s most celebrated showcase of barrel-aged brewing is set to return to Chicago this fall with more flavor, creativity, and competition than ever. Featuring hundreds of rare pours and the country’s most inventive brewers, the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer (FoBAB) continues its reign as the ultimate destination for craft enthusiasts. Beyond the tasting floor, attendees can expect fierce national judging, exclusive releases, and a vibrant celebration of craftsmanship that defines the heart of the Guild’s mission.

A press release from the organizers of the festival (The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild) revealed that this year, FoBAB takes flight November 7-8 on Chicago’s west side, promising attendees two dynamic tasting sessions, a renowned national competition, and a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sample more than 300 unique beers, ciders, meads, and perrys—many of which are brewed exclusively for (and available only at) the festival.

Established in Chicago in 2002, FoBAB convenes the nation’s top brewing innovators and risk-takers— brewers who have perfected the complex, time-intensive process of ageing craft beer in barrels formerly housing bourbon, whiskey, wine, and other unique ingredients. The result is a showcase of hundreds of craft beer’s most complex pours from breweries across the country.

“FoBAB is more than a beer festival—it’s a showcase of craftsmanship and creativity. Each year, we see brewers pushing the boundaries of what barrel-aged beer can be, and 2025 will be no exception,” said Katie Carrier, associate director for the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. “From bold stouts to complex wild ales, the lineup reflects the innovation, precision and complexity that defines barrel-aged beer and makes this one of the anticipated events in the country.”

The Festival

Experience FoBAB in two tasting sessions on Friday, November 7 (6:00 – 10:00 p.m.) and Saturday, November 8 (1:00 – 5:00 p.m.) at Credit Union 1 Arena (525 S. Racine Ave., Chicago, IL 60607). More than 150 renowned breweries from across the nation will pour 300+ barrel-aged beer, cider, mead, perry from 13 style categories— all of which have been strategically aged in contact with wood, creating depth, flavor, and texture that is impossible to achieve otherwise.

Tickets include access to the second-floor Lager Lounge stocked with lighter pours from dozens of local breweries. Sip on the latest pours and trending brews from across Illinois while enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the festival floor and a reprieve from the traditional higher ABV samples poured at FoBAB. Concession-style food is available for purchase throughout the festival floor.

The Competition

Before the first beer is poured at the festival, a panel of expert judges and industry stewards evaluate all FoBAB entries, awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals as well as ‘Best in Show’ honors across 13 style categories. Attendees from across the country will descend upon Chicago to cheer on their local breweries as they compete for hardware and bragging rights in what is considered the most prestigious barrel-aged beer competition of its kind.

The FoBAB award ceremony will be hosted during Session #2 on Saturday and will be livestreamed on the FoBAB Facebook Page and Illinois Craft Brewers Guild YouTube channel. The full list of competition categories can be found at www.fobab.com.

This year, attendees are invited to step into the judging seat by voting for their favorite FoBAB entry. Ballot boxes will be positioned throughout the venue, so once you’ve identified your favorite pour, submit your written nomination to the ballot box. The ‘Fan Favorite’ award will be announced at each session.

Ticketing + Raffle Experiences

General admission tickets to FoBAB are $85 plus processing and go on sale Friday, September 19 at 10:00

a.m. CT at www.fobab.com. Every attendee who purchases their ticket by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 19 will be entered to win a special FoBAB drawstring bag filled with items for FoBAB lovers, including glassware, t-shirts, and more. Five winners will be randomly selected and announced on-stage each session.

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase rafle tickets to customize their festival experience. Five winners each session (plus a friend) will win a SKIP THE LINE badge with privileges to skip any line throughout the festival (just can’t hit the same line back-to-back). Three winners (plus a friend) each session will be named ULTIMATE FOBAB VIPs, unlocking one-hour early entry to the festival, a skip-the-line badge, and access to our Brewers and Sponsors Lounges, which are stocked with beer and catered food!

Skip-the-line rafle tickets are $5 each, and Ultimate FoBAB VIP rafle tickets are $10 each. Rafle tickets can be purchased with tickets through November 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be randomly selected and notified on Wednesday, November 5.

When you purchase a ticket to FoBAB, you are supporting the single largest annual fundraiser for the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, the nonprofit trade association that supports and defends Illinois craft breweries. For more information, please visit www.fobab.com, or follow FoBAB on Facebook (@FoBABOfficial), X (@FoBABOfficial) and Instagram (@fobab) for real-time updates.

As FoBAB 2025 prepares to take over Chicago this November, anticipation is already brewing among craft lovers and connoisseurs eager to explore the country’s most inventive barrel-aged creations. More than a festival, it’s a celebration of artistry, community, and the spirit of independent brewing that continues to shape the industry. Tickets go on sale September 19—secure yours early at FoBAB.com and be part of the experience that every serious beer fan waits for all year.

2025 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer

WHEN            Friday Nov. 7 | 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday Nov. 8 | 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE           UIC Credit Union 1 Arena

525 S. Racine Ave.

Chicago, IL 60607

TICKETS          General Admission: $85 plus processing – on sale September 19, 2025 at www.fobab.com

About the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild (ICBG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the development and expansion of the craft beer industry in Illinois. Founded in 1997, ICBG focuses its efforts on member and consumer education, legislative and regulatory advocacy, and the promotion of its member craft breweries. Learn more at www.illinoisbeer.org and follow along on Facebook (Illinois Craft Brewers Guild), X (@IllinoisBeer), and Instagram (ILCraftBeer).