The actual address for the Brew Fest is , Barrington IL 60010
The VIP section opens at 2:15 pm and general admission opens at 3:00 pm.
By Car
Parking is available in a number of lots in downtown Barrington (Map).
Andremember: Brew Fest also offers a designated-driver admission. See our Tickets page. Your enjoyment of Brew Fest and your comfort and safety–and the safety of others, is our focus. Please don’t drink & drive.
By Train
The Union Pacific/Northwest Line takes you to Brew Fest’s front door. Here’s a timetable to help you plan your trip; be sure to use the Saturday schedule.Once you get off the train, look for the large festival tent and the fenced off area, just outside of the station. Follow the signs to the entrance.
By Taxi
American Taxi is Brew Fest’s preferred taxi service. You can reach them at or order online at www.americantaxi.com. You can prearrange your round-trip so that you can fully enjoy your time at the Brew Fest.
Don’t Drive! Stay at the Holiday Inn.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Lake Zurich is offering a Brew Fest special rate of $115.00 for a room with a standard king or two queens. Tell them you are coming to the Barrington Brew Fest and use rate code “BBF.”
The hotel will also provide shuttle service to and from downtown Barrington at 2:30, 7, 9 and 11 p.m. For details, call the hotel at or book online now.
Barrington Brew Fest is a afternoon of craft beer tasting under a large tent beside the Union Pacific Metra station. Once you pass through the fenced entrance, you receive a tasting glass, and you can sample small pours from the many breweries pouring that day. Pours are intentionally modest, so you can try a wide range of styles without losing track of your afternoon. Expect everything from crisp lagers and golden ales to hoppy IPAs, malty ambers, stouts, porters and seasonal specialties.
Brewery representatives are on hand at their tables, and many are happy to talk about their ingredients, brewing methods and the stories behind their labels. This is a good chance to ask questions and to discover small regional brewers you may not find in a store. Many guests bring a friend or two and compare notes as they move from table to table.
VIP ticket holders enter earlier, at 2:15 pm, and enjoy extra time before general admission opens at 3:00 pm. That head start means shorter lines and more time to chat with brewers while the tent is still quiet.
Food, Water and Pacing Yourself
Good tasting is about pacing, and the best way to enjoy the day is to eat before you arrive and to keep eating while you are there. Downtown Barrington has a number of restaurants and cafés within a short walk of the station, so a meal before the doors open is easy to arrange. Food is typically available at the festival as well, so you can pair a bite with your favorite pours.
Drink water between samples. Water stations help you rinse your palate, which lets you taste each beer more clearly, and they keep you comfortable through the afternoon. A few simple habits make a real difference:
Eat a solid meal before you taste.
Alternate samples with water.
Take your time; you do not need to try everything in the first hour.
Make your transportation plan before the first pour.
Tickets, Entry and Designated Drivers
Tickets are offered at several levels, including general admission, VIP and a lower-priced designated-driver admission. Designated drivers still get to enjoy the atmosphere, the music and the food, while keeping everyone in their group safe. Details and current prices are listed on the Tickets page, and it is wise to buy early because popular events can sell out.
Plan to bring a valid photo ID, since everyone who wants to taste must be of legal drinking age. Organizers ask guests to drink responsibly, and staff may decline to serve anyone who has had too much. Check the event notes ahead of time for rules about what you may bring through the gate.
Supporting the Community
Brew Fest is more than a tasting event. It is a community gathering in the heart of downtown Barrington, and the proceeds help support local causes. Many neighbors, volunteers and local businesses lend a hand each year to make the day run smoothly, from checking tickets to pouring water and helping guests find their way.
Because the festival is held right at the train station, it also brings visitors into the village's shops and restaurants. Arrive a little early or stay a little after the event ends to explore downtown, grab dinner and enjoy the setting. Spending the day this way turns a single tasting into a full weekend outing for you and your friends.
