The 23rd annual Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer (FoBAB) will feature 150 breweries, two sessions, a national competition, and rare beers brewed exclusively for the event
The Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer is headed back to Chicago for its 23rd round—and once again, it’s set to be the largest and most prestigious barrel-aged beer festival in North America. Hosted by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, FoBAB 2025 lands November 7–8 at the Credit Union 1 Arena on Chicago’s west side, bringing with it 150+ breweries, over 300 rare and experimental pours, and the country’s most revered competition for wood- and barrel-aged styles.
Founded in 2002 and long considered a proving ground for brewing ambition, FoBAB showcases the full spectrum of barrel-aged flavor—from bold stouts and barleywines to delicate wild ales, meads, ciders, and perrys. Many of the beers are one-offs brewed specifically for this event.
“FoBAB is more than a beer festival—it’s a showcase of craftsmanship and creativity,” said Katie Carrier, associate director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. “Each year, we see brewers pushing the boundaries of what barrel-aged beer can be, and 2025 will be no exception.”
Festival details: Two sessions, one massive lineup
Attendees can choose from two sessions:
- Friday, Nov. 7, from 6 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 8, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Held at the Credit Union 1 Arena (525 S. Racine Ave.), FoBAB includes 13 competition style categories and pours from top producers across the country. Beers must have been aged in contact with wood to be eligible—barrels once used for bourbon, whiskey, wine, or even more exotic contents.
Returning this year is the Lager Lounge, an upstairs retreat pouring lower-ABV options from Illinois breweries. Concession-style food is available throughout the venue, and all beers are sampled in small pours to encourage exploration over quantity.
Tickets are $85 plus fees and go on sale Friday, September 19 at 10 a.m. CT via www.fobab.com
Competition: Best in show, plus fan favorite votes
Before the first beer is poured, a panel of expert judges will evaluate all entries in a blind tasting competition, awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals as well as a coveted Best in Show. The awards ceremony will be livestreamed during Session 2 on Saturday via FoBAB’s Facebook page and the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild YouTube channel.
New this year: Fans get to vote. Attendees can drop ballots at the festival to help crown a Fan Favorite, with winners announced at each session.
Raffles, VIP access, and supporting the Guild
Ticket holders who buy early—by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 19—are automatically entered to win one of five on-stage FoBAB swag bags. Additional festival experience upgrades are available via raffle, including:
- Skip the Line Badges: $5/entry, five winners per session (+ guest)
- Ultimate FoBAB VIPs: $10/entry, three winners per session (+ guest), includes early entry, skip-the-line badge, and exclusive access to Brewers & Sponsors Lounges
All proceeds benefit the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, which advocates for the state’s independent brewers and builds visibility for local beer. FoBAB is the Guild’s single largest annual fundraiser.
