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.
Ticket Details
Event Ticket
Cost: $68
Member cost: $58
Early Entry Event 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.
Arboretum general admission is required for anyone aged 4 and older who is accompanying a Blues, Brews, and BBQ event ticket holder. Designated driver tickets are not available for this event. Nondrinking attendees should purchase Arboretum general admission for Saturday, June 7.
Your ticket purchase helps support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
