Chicago Beer Society

Our annual picnic is always one of our most anticipated events, and with good reason: Every year we supply an extraordinary beer selection backed up by a seemingly endless feast of ribs, chili, salsa, and desserts that are whipped up by our amazing members who compete for trophies in hotly contested competitions (view results).

Last year we bribed Tom Skilling and every other local meteorologist to predict bright sunshine and warm temperatures, and sure enough, we had perfect weather and a record crowd. Not only that, we had 15 superb craft beers and a cider, 8 rib entrants, 20 chilis, 24 salsas, countless desserts, and possibly our greatest picnic ever!

So, plan on bringing the family and your craft beer lovin’ friends – all are welcome and nobody ever goes home hungry or thirsty. The food is amazing – better than you’ll get in any restaurant. And the price? FREE to all CBS members and family who bring a food item to share, or $5 (fidollars) if you come empty handed. Nonmembers bringing foodstuffs pay $5; empty-handed nonmembers must pay $10, but what a deal!

Grab your folding chairs, horseshoes, lawn darts, croquet sets, wiffle balls and bats, etc. and enjoy a great afternoon of phenomenal food, beer, and fun. If you’re interested in participating in the rib competition, contact Randy Mosher. If you want to compete for the other meats (new for 2010 – see flyer below) chili, salsa, or dessert trophies, just bring along your entry and sign up on-site.

Location: LaBagh Woods, Grove 1 in the Cook County Forest Preserve just off the Edens Expressway on Chicago’s North Side (auto entrance on east side of Cicero Avenue, north of Foster). We’re about 1.5 miles from the Jefferson Park stop on the CTA Blue Line, where you can hop a 92 Foster Avenue bus. It’s also not far to the Forest Glen stop on the Metra Milwaukee District North line.

To view the official Picnic Flyer mailed to everybody on our mailing list, click here (PDF).

CBS is pleased to announce its latest Summer event, Deutschland uber Ales und Lagers: A Celebration of Germany.

Join us on Saturday, July 31, at the DANK-HAUS German American Cultural Center, for a great afternoon of German and German-style beers from Europe and the US, plus hearty German food from local merchants (including Laschet’s Inn). You’ll also be able to tour the Lost German Chicago exhibit, featuring art, artifacts, and memorabilia from Chicago’s German-American community.

The price is $35 for CBS members, $45 for nonmembers. As always, anyone who signs up for CBS membership while ordering tickets gets to pay the member price. Everyone on our mailing list will receive this order form soon. This will be the only way to order tickets for everyone eligible for the member discount. Nonmembers can purchase tickets online at Brown Paper Tickets. Admission includes a tasting glass, beer samples and food items. You must be 21 or older to attend. No refunds.

The event will run from 1-5 pm at DANK-HAUS, 4740 N Western Ave, Chicago. We look forward to seeing you there – Prost!