New craft beer festival with over 30 brews coming to Peoria Heights. Here's what to know

It has been five years since the Peoria Jaycees hosted their last International Beer Festival in 2019.

Bre Henderson, taproom manager at Bust’d Brewing, said customers have often shared their desire for a craft beer festival to return to central Illinois.

“So, now, we're trying to get something restarted and hopefully grow it into something larger to bring people from all over Illinois back into Peoria to celebrate craft beer,” she said.

Soon, over a dozen brewers will set up in the establishment’s parking lot for the Bust’d Beer Bash. Henderson said Bust’d Brewing has “heard an overwhelming response” from the community since announcing the event.

When is the Bust'd Beer Bash?

Bust'd Brewing will host its Bust'd Beer Bash on Sept. 7 from noon until 4 p.m.

Inside, Henderson said Bust’d Brewing will operate as normal for those not attending the event.

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Tickets for the event

Bust’d Brewing is offering a total of 250 tickets for the event, and Henderson said there are still plenty left.

“We're really anticipating the majority of people to start buying once, you know, the weather forecast comes out – which should be any day now,” Henderson said.

General admission is $45. Henderson said attendees will receive a 5-ounce glass and will be able to sample beers from over a dozen brewers. Eventbrite also lists designated driver tickets for $10.

Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite or in person at the business. Henderson said tickets will also be available the day of the event but recommends purchasing them in advance.

How many breweries will be at the event?

Including Bust’d Brewing, Henderson said a total of 13 brewers will set up in the parking lot for the Bust’d Beer Bash. She expects there will be more than 30 beers which visitors can sample.

Henderson said she is excited to offer visitors the opportunity to try beers they might not typically drink.

“You're not having to exchange a ticket or buy a glass of beer that you might not like,” she said. “If you don't like it, that's OK. You got to try something different.”

Henderson said attendees will find a variety of brewers from across the state – from Treehive Meadery to the south all the way up to Almond Ridge Brewery in the Chicago suburbs.

“We've got some people traveling from all over Illinois to come share their beer with us here in central Illinois,” she said.

Brewers attending the event include:

• Almond Ridge Brewery
• Analytical Brewing
• Bald Buddha Brewing
• Bust’d Brewing
• Destihl
• Homebrewers of Peoria
• Industry Brewing
• Keg Grove Brewing Company
• Obscurity Brewing and Mead Hall
• Reserve Artisan Ales
• Treehive Meadery
• Wake Brewing
• White Oak Brewing

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Will food be available?

Yes, Henderson said two Peoria Heights establishments − Clink Bar and Events and Slow Hand Craft BBQ − will serve food at the event. Food is not included in the cost of admission.

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Parking and seating for the event

Attendees may park in public lots or street parking. Much like when Cousins Maine Lobster came to visit, Henderson asked visitors to be respectful of neighboring businesses which are open by not using their lots.

Bust’d Brewing will set up extra picnic tables and standing cocktail tables for guests to relax and converse, Henderson said.

Friday night at the Fox Pub

On Friday, Sept. 6, Bust’d Brewing will visit The Fox Pub and Cafe for its Summer Patio Party – which takes place from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Henderson said during the event, Bust’d Brewing will release a new coffee IPA which incorporates coffee from Intuition Coffee Company.

The event description on Facebook says cocktails which incorporate spirits from BLACK BAND Distillery will also be available and noted:

“Our patio party will start your weekend off right, as it gears up for the Inaugural Bust'd Beer Bash on Saturday the 7th.”

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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: New craft beer festival with over 30 brews coming to Peoria Heights. Here's what to know