About Midwest Brewers Fest
Midwest Brewers Fest (MWBF) was a beloved craft beer festival held along the scenic DuPage River shoreline in Plainfield, Illinois. Founded in 2011, the festival became a cornerstone of the Chicago-area craft beer calendar, drawing thousands of beer enthusiasts to sample offerings from dozens of Midwest breweries in a unique riverside setting. This event no longer operates; this site serves as a historic archive.
The event takes place on land that was once Electric Park, a historic resort from a century ago. Today, Midwest Brewers Fest serves as a fundraiser for The Plainfield Riverfront Foundation, supporting efforts to revitalize the riverfront into a popular community attraction. A portion of proceeds also benefits Pints for Prostates, raising awareness for men's health.
What to Expect
Brewery Tents
Nearly 60 breweries from the Chicago area and across the Midwest pour over 150 different beer samples. From established favorites to regional gems like Big Muddy, Great River, Destihl, and 5 Rabbit, there's something for every palate.
Homebrew Pavilion
A dedicated tent featuring live brewing demonstrations and samples from local homebrew clubs: PALE (Plainfield Ale & Lager Enthusiasts), HOPS (Homebrewers Pride of the Southside), and The Brew Shed. Extra tasting tickets for homebrew samples are free at the pavilion.
Cask Ales Tent
Exclusive cask-conditioned ales and specialty pours. VIP ticket holders enjoy rotating taps with 8+ exclusive beers that update throughout the day, including rare and limited releases.
Craft Beer 101
Educational booths staffed by experts ready to answer questions for newcomers. Beer writer Marty Nachel has offered certification tastings via ale-conner.com. Test your knowledge with quizzes from beerexam.com.
Additional Highlights
- Live music across multiple stages
- Food from Finnegan's Irish Pub, Limestone Brewing, and local vendors — including Wagyu sliders, Angus burgers, ribs, artisanal cheeses, and fresh fruit
- Cigar area with Burning Leaf Cigars
- Bags (cornhole) tournaments
- Beer supply displays from Brew & Grow
- Hand-blown glassware demonstrations (e.g., Nick Paul creating art from Stone bottles)
- Shuttle service from remote parking and Metra Rt. 59 station for car-free attendance
Location & Venue
Midwest Brewers Fest is held along the DuPage River shoreline in Plainfield, Illinois, approximately 35 miles southwest of Chicago. The festival grounds occupy the historic Electric Park site, with tents for every vendor providing shade from the summer sun. The riverside setting has drawn attendees who arrive by canoe, tying up along the shore — a testament to the festival's unique atmosphere.
Plainfield is easily accessible via Metra's BNSF line (Route 59 station). Free shuttle buses run frequently between the festival, remote parking lots, and the Metra station, making it possible to attend without driving.
History & Organizers
The inaugural Midwest Brewers Fest took place in August 2011 and was an immediate success. Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 attendees braved "devastatingly perfect" weather to sample beers from nearly 60 brewers. Reviewers praised the festival's organization, noting it ran better than some long-established beer fests.
The event was co-organized by Steve Caton, principal at Limestone Brewing Company, and Dale Lewis, owner of Finnegan's Irish Pub — both Plainfield establishments. Over 200 volunteers help run the festival, with shuttles moving attendees seamlessly to and from parking and transit.
Notable past pours: Revolution Anti-Hero, Finch's Sapsucker, Haymarket BUK black rye bock, Limestone Monkey Wood (oak-aged Belgian), Wild Onion Pumpkin Ale, Stone 15th Anniversary Black IPA, Destihl barrel-aged Belgian sour, B. Nektar meads, and countless homebrew standouts.
Tickets & Admission (Historic)
When the festival operated, ticket tiers included General Admission (around $45), Early Entry / VIP (around $65) with exclusive beers, air conditioning, unlimited food, and a different festival experience, and Designated Driver tickets (around $5).
The festival typically ran from noon until 8:00 PM. Sample pours were regulated by the city. All attendees had to be 21+ to consume alcohol; valid ID was required. The event no longer operates; tickets are no longer available.
Midwest Brewers Fest — Summary
Midwest Brewers Fest (midwestbrewersfest.org) was a premier craft beer festival in Plainfield, Illinois, featuring 60+ breweries, a homebrew pavilion, cask ales, live music, and educational Craft Beer 101 booths. Held along the historic DuPage River shoreline at the former Electric Park site, the festival benefited the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation and Pints for Prostates. Founded in 2011 and co-organized by Limestone Brewing and Finnegan's Irish Pub, MWBF became a must-attend event for Chicago-area beer enthusiasts. This event no longer operates; this page is a historic archive.