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First up is this weekend's Mayfestiversary at Begyle and Dovetail on Malt Row
Collaboration is Key at Unofficial Summer Kickoff
I had the pleasure of being one of the first people to write a story about Begyle Brewing back in August 2012, when it was a craft beer startup with one small tank. Dovetail Brewing, their nearly next door neighbor, came along four years later and has since paid homage to Chicago’s beer history with its excellent variety of German brewing styles.
Together these breweries, more collaborators than competitors, have helped establish what has become known as Malt Row in north-central Chicago. Symbolic of this is their co-branded, two-day Mayfestiversary event taking place in the space between Begyle, located at 1800 W. Cuyler Ave., and Dovetail at 1800 W. Belle Plaine Rd.
Having attended last year, I can highly recommend you go if you’re a craft beer fan or just want a fun day out over the Memorial Day three-day weekend.
Of course there will be lots and lots of beer, in a wide variety of styles and tastes. Both breweries will have their doors open should you want to get out of the sun and crowds. On the upper floor of Dovetail Brewery, you can commune with their barrels of aging European-style fruit beers, one of their specialties and a favorite of mine.
There are several food trucks and you’re bound to find something(s) to your taste.
And there is a music stage and I freely admit that one of my favorite moments last year was watching Alpine Thunder — these guys above in the traditional folk costumes— singing a pitch-perfect rendition of John Denver’s Country Roads, in both German and English. Alpine Thunder is scheduled to appear again at Mayfestiversary this Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation with proceeds going to The Friendship Center, the neighborhood food pantry serving Chicago’s Northwest Side since 1969.
For more information, here’s the official press release:
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Mayfestiversary Returns Memorial Day Weekend 2024
Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery present their annual spring street festival
Saturday, May 25 (11am-10pm) & Sunday, May 26 (11am-9pm)
What: Join Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery as they host their 8th annual spring celebration, heralding the return of Chicago's finest season and commemorating the 9th anniversary of Dovetail Brewery. Taking place on Memorial Day Weekend - Saturday, May 25th (11 am-10 pm) & Sunday, May 26th (11 am-9 pm) - the event invites the community to indulge in beer, food, music, and camaraderie.
All ages are invited to come together in support of The Friendship Center, the neighborhood food pantry serving the Northwest side since 1969. Expect special beer tappings alongside beloved favorites from both breweries throughout the weekend, complemented by entertainment from DJs and culinary delights from some of Chicago’s top food trucks. The event anticipates featuring over 60 beers, showcasing 15+ local bands, hosting eight food vendors, offering activities for all ages, and much more.
Food: All Belgium Belgian waffles; Barry Sweets Sweet treats; Beard & Belly Sausages; Bad Johnny’s Wood-fired pizza; Dönermen Turkish / German fusion; Happy Lobster Lobster rolls; El Zorro Tacos Mexican fare; Mac Dynamite Mac & cheese; Yum Dum Dumplings, Motor Shucker Oysters (Saturday Only).
Date: Saturday, May 25 (11am-10pm) & Sunday, May 26 (11am-9pm).
Location: 1800 W Cuyler Ave, Chicago, IL, United States, Illinois 60613. Between Begyle and Dovetail, At the corner of Ravenswood and Belle Plaine Ave in the Ravenswood Corridor.
Cost: The festival is free to attend with a $5 suggested donation benefits The Friendship Center, their local food pantry that’s been providing groceries and more for their Northside neighbors facing hunger for more than 50 years. Since partnering with The Friendship Center in 2018, the events’ gate donations have provided the equivalent of more than a million meals. This year’s goal is to reach 2 million total meals donated to the Friendship Center!
Misc: All ages welcome, dog-friendly.
Website:
Live Music Lineup
MAIN STAGE
Saturday, May 25: 11:30 am Wiggleworms with Maryanne Johnson, 12:30 pm Alpine Thunder, 2:00 pm Gussied, 3:00 pm Model Stranger, 4:30 pm Indigo Flood, 6:00 pm Punk'd, 8:00 pm The Jolly Ringwalds
Sunday, May 26: 11:30 am Wiggleworms with Joel Frankel, 12:30 pm Tuba Force, 2:00 pm The Box Band, 3:30 pm Wilde, 5:00 pm Fueled By Emo, 7:00 pm Yacht Rock-ettes
SECRET STAGE
Saturday, May 25: 12:00 pm Barrett Haselwood, 2:00 pm Tuba Force, 5:30 pm Ska Inc., 7:00 pm Thicc Lizzy
Sunday, May 26: 12:00 p.m. Barrett Haselwood, 3:00 pm MG Bailey, 5:00 Electric Villain
June 1 Organic Beer and Backyard Bash Relay
And on Saturday, June 1, there are these two events, both most worthy of your attention.
First, here’s an event that’s worth raising your glass to. My friends at Uncommon Ground in the Lakeview neighborhood (3810 N. Clark St.) are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Greenstar Brewing, the first organic brewery in Illinois and still one of only a few.
There are two sessions, one at 12 p.m. and the other at 3 p.m. It’s free to enter but you need to rsvp. Use the QR code in the graphic above or click the button below.
Whoa, did someone say pie? The amazing Sebastian White is holding a Backyard Bash fundraiser for his The Evolved Network non-profit at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, 2051 N. California Ave. in the Logan Square neighborhood. It will also take place on Saturday,
June 1, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
As The Evolved Network describes the event:
Join us on Saturday June 1st at Bang Bang Biscuits and Pie for an unforgettable evening of elevated BBQ fare and live music, all in support of The Evolved Network nonprofit! Hosted by chef friends, this casual, family-friendly event promises a festive kick-off to summer. Come hang out, enjoy delicious food, and groove to the tunes of the Marques Carroll Trio. Bring your friends & fam and yard games.Let's make memories while making a difference!
Click the button below to register.
You can choose between these two events… but why? The timing is right, so hit them both!
Bob’s World, and Welcome to It
Now here’s a rare photo opportunity. I was out for a walk on Sunday afternoon when I saw this cardinal on a lawn. It’s unusual for these birds to hang out outside of high tree branches. I grabbed for my phone to take a photo, the bird took off and I thought I missed my shot. But the cardinal lighted on the sidewalk for a few seconds, just long enough for me to take his photo.
Pretty bird.
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