Spend an afternoon outdoors this June listening to live performances by Chicago-area blues bands while you taste beers from local craft breweries and savor the smoky flavors of BBQ.
Blues, Brews, and BBQ will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from noon to 3:00 p.m. on the Arboretum’s East Side. Tasting booths will be stationed along Meadow Lake Trail, the Conifer Walk, and throughout The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden.
Event Highlights
Blues musicians Marty “Big Dog” Mercer, Brother John, and Windy City Rev Ups will perform from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Sample from a diverse selection of craft beers, ciders, and meads from local Illinois and Midwest breweries.
BBQ and beverages will be available to purchase from concession tents in Arbor Court and on Tram Road.
All event ticket holders receive a commemorative pint-sized tasting glass.
Your ticket purchase helps support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Event Highlights
Live Blues Music
Chicago-area blues bands Marty “Big Dog” Mercer, Brother John, and Windy City Rev Ups will perform from noon to 3:00 p.m. at Frost Hill. See the full performance schedule.
Craft Breweries
Enjoy 20 3-ounce samples of craft beers, ciders, and meads from local Illinois and Midwest breweries while listening to live music from Chicago-area blues bands.
During the event, BBQ and beverages will be available to purchase from concession tents in Arbor Court and on Tram Road.
Arboretum Admission
Blues, Brews, and BBQ event tickets include admission to the Arboretum on Saturday, June 7, to spend the day exploring tree-filled landscapes, flower-filled gardens, and extensive walking trails.
Tasting Glass
All event ticket holders receive a commemorative pint-sized tasting glass.
Ticket Details
Event Ticket
Cost: $68
Member cost: $58
Early Entry Ticket
Cost: $83
Member cost: $73
A limited number of early-entry tickets offer a chance to enjoy the tasting starting at 11:00 a.m., one hour before all other event ticket holders.
All Blues, Brews, and BBQ tickets include 20 3-ounce beer samples and admission to the Arboretum on Saturday, June 7.
Food and beverages from concession tents must be purchased separately and are not included in the cost of the event ticket.
Food Options
During the event, BBQ and nonalcoholic beverages will be available to purchase from concession tents in Arbor Court and on Tram Road. Food and beverages from the concession tents are not included in the cost of the event ticket.
Food and beverages are also available to purchase at the Ginkgo Restaurant and the Ginkgo Café, both located in the Visitor Center.
The Ginkgo Restaurant will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
From 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Ginkgo Café offers prepackaged salads and sandwiches, bakery items, espresso beverages, hot tea, and drip coffee.
Breweries and Map
Booths will be stationed along Meadow Lake Trail, the Conifer Walk, and throughout The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden on the Arboretum’s East Side.
Details about participating vendors will be available closer to the event date.
