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, from noon to 3:00 p.m., on the Arboretum’s East Side. Tasting tables will be stationed near Tram Road and Frost Hill.
Highlights
Blues musicians from around the region will perform throughout the event.
Sample from a diverse selection of craft beers, ciders, and meads from local Illinois and Midwest breweries.
BBQ and additional beverages will be available to purchase from concession tents in Arbor Court and on Tram Road.
VIP tickets include 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.
Blues, Brews, and BBQ event tickets include 20 3-ounce samples and admission to the Arboretum on Saturday, June 20.
VIP tickets include 20 3-ounce samples, a commemorative pint-sized tasting glass, one serving of BBQ, and early entry to the tasting starting at 11:00 a.m., one hour before all other event ticket holders.
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 20.
Your ticket purchase helps support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
