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 20, 2026, on the Arboretum’s East Side. Tasting tables will be stationed along Meadow Lake Trail, the Conifer Walk, and throughout The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden.
Event Highlights
Sample from a diverse selection of craft beers, ciders, and meads from local Illinois and Midwest breweries.
Blues musicians from around the region will perform throughout the event.
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.
Tickets
Event tickets will be available to Arboretum members on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Tickets will be available to all on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
All Blues, Brews, and BBQ tickets include 20 3-ounce beer samples and admission to the Arboretum on Saturday, June 20.
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
Blues musicians from around the region will perform throughout the event. A lineup of performers will be available closer to the event date.
Craft Breweries
Enjoy 20 3-ounce samples of beers, ciders, and meads from local Illinois and Midwest craft breweries while listening to live music from Chicago-area blues bands.
During the event, BBQ and nonalcoholic 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 20, 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-size tasting glass.
Tickets
Event tickets will be available to Arboretum members on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Tickets will be available to all on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
All Blues, Brews, and BBQ tickets include 20 3-ounce beer samples and admission to the Arboretum on Saturday, June 20.
Food and beverages from concession tents must be purchased separately and are not included in the cost of the event ticket.
Performance Schedule
Blues musicians from around the region will perform throughout the event. A lineup of performers will be available closer to the event date.
Breweries
A list of participating breweries and vendors will be available closer to the event date.
Tasting tables will be stationed along Meadow Lake Trail, the Conifer Walk, and throughout The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden on the Arboretum’s East Side.
Food Options
During the event, BBQ and nonalcoholic beverages will be available to purchase from concession stations in Arbor Court and on Tram Road. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased from brewery tasting tables. Concessions are not included in the cost of the event ticket.
A list of participating vendors and food trucks will be available closer to the event date.
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.
