Craft & Cork Festival/Plan your visit
Everything you need before you arrive.
Clear details first. Date and venue will be confirmed here, along with exactly what each ticket includes.
When
2027 · date to be announced
One four-hour afternoon session, with early access up to an hour before general admission.
Where
An indoor venue in Chicago
Climate-controlled, with seating areas and step-free circulation. Venue and transit guidance will be published with the date.
Who
Guests 21 and over
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Designated drivers and non-drinking options will be confirmed with ticketing.
What to bring
Your ID and your curiosity
No tasting vocabulary required. Start with what you enjoy and ask the makers a question.
Getting home
Plan your ride
We will share public transit and rideshare guidance for the venue. Please do not drive after tasting.
Keep exploring
The Guide in your pocket
Scan the code at any station to open that product’s profile and save it for later. How it works
Tickets
What each ticket includes.
The same makers and the same pours for everyone. Higher options add time and comfort.
| Included | General $75* | Early access $95* | VIP $125* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four-hour tasting session | |||
| Tasting glass and station map | |||
| Tasting pours from participating makers | |||
| Crown selections, while supply lasts | |||
| Entry up to 60 minutes early | — | ||
| Reserved seating area | — | — |
*Proposed prices. Sample sizes, tasting allowance, service limits and taxes will be listed before sales open.
Floor plan concept
Find your way around the room.
A concept layout: breweries and wineries share the room, with the stage, seating, water and food in easy reach.
Food, water and comfort
Taste at your own pace.
This is a tasting, not a race. Pours are sample sized, water is everywhere, and there are places to sit, eat and talk.
Water
Stations throughout
Rinse, refill and pace yourself.
Food
To be confirmed
We will list food vendors and what is included before tickets go on sale.
Seating
Places to pause
Open seating for everyone, plus a reserved area for VIP guests.
Access
Step-free routes
Accessibility details will be published with the venue. Ask us anything in advance.
Questions
Good questions, plain answers.
Do I need to know a lot about beer or wine?
No. Start with what you enjoy, ask questions and follow your curiosity. Product descriptions and maker conversations help you explore.
Is this mainly beer or mainly wine?
The experience is designed for both. Explore the lineup to see who is pouring in each category.
What does my ticket include?
See the table above. Exact inclusions, exclusions and entry conditions will be listed in full before tickets go on sale.
What is Crown Recognition?
An independent recognition of specific beers and wines, selected through blind evaluation. The first Crowns will be revealed at the 2027 Festival. It applies to a product, not a whole maker. Read more
Can I find a product again after the Festival?
Yes. Every product has a profile in the Craft & Cork Guide, with where to find it and when that was last checked.
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