drawing of a bus on the highway driving away from the city of Chicago with the skyline in the background with a text overlay saying "GET ON THE BUS"

2023 Bus Trip to Great Taste of the Midwest

Join Chicago Beer Society for a fun-filled day at the Great Taste of the Midwest beer festival in Madison, WI!

On Saturday August 12th we’ll be riding in style on a comfortable luxury coach bus. Departing at 9:30 am from our starting point, the Goose Island Clybourn Brewhouse (1800 N Clybourn Ave), our bus will safely deliver you to & from the festival at Olin Park in Madison, WI.

Each package includes a seat on the bus and your festival ticket ($70 value) so you won’t have to worry about purchasing one separately. This offer is open to CBS Members, guests, and friends! All are welcome, but space is limited so purchase a ticket now to secure your spot!

Once we arrive at the festival, you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the best beers, meads, and ciders from hundreds of producers in every corner of the Midwest. There will also be delicious food vendors and live music to enjoy throughout the day.

Don’t miss out on this amazing event! Book your spot on the bus today!


  • Bus will depart at 9:30AM exactly and will return around 9PM.
  • The bus waits for NO ONE. Wheels up at 9:30am, those not on board will be left behind.
  • No refunds.
  • Attendees must be 21 years or older.
  • Price includes festival ticket ($70) plus cost of the coach, tolls, and tip for the driver.
  • Tickets will be distributed on the bus just prior to arrival at the fest.
  • No smoking, no kegs, and no glass containers allowed on the bus.
  • Any carry-ons must fit below the seat.
  • Larger items will be stowed in the cargo hold and will only be accessible upon arrival.
  • Adult beverages and snacks will be permitted on the bus. Riders are responsible to clean up after themselves.
  • Please see the Great Taste website for list of permissible items.
  • This is a rain or shine event. Riders to the fest are encouraged to dress appropriately. There will be no access to the bus during the event.

2019 Great Taste of the Midwest

The Great Taste of the Midwest at Olin-Turville Park in Madison, WI is always one of the country’s best beer festivals. It’s become so popular that the limited (now 6000) tickets sell out WAY in advance. This year is no exception!!  As it has been the case for many years, Chicago Beer Society offers its members first dibs from our already-purchased block ‘o tickets. In fact, we’ll even bus you there and back, whether you live in Chicago or the suburbs.

CBS has booked two luxury coaches that will comfortably transport folks to and from Madison. The bus for City folk will depart from Goose Island Clybourn while the Country bus leaves from Rock Bottom WarrenvilleBoth buses will start boarding at 9:00 am and return around 9 pm the same evening. Doors shut and buses depart at 9:30 AM SHARP. The bus waits for no one!

Members were emailed an official flyer early July with their unique password to access tickets at the membership price, and a limited number of remaining tickets are available to non-members through the links below:

For those lucky enough to score tickets, here’s some important information:

  • No smoking; no kegs or glass containers on the bus
  • Cans and small lunchbox coolers OK.  Collapsible camp chairs OK. Large items will need to be stowed.
  • You must be at least 21 years old to attend
  • Festival tickets will be distributed on the bus, no exceptions. No refunds. YOU MUST RIDE THE BUS SPECIFIED ON YOUR TICKET TO GET YOUR TICKET TO THE FEST!