Windy City Smokeout tickets
Remember just about this time last year when festivals were falling left and right to the pandemic? Fest organizers seem to be breathing a sigh of relief (into their masks) as more music fans are getting vaccinated and the warmer weather is offering access to the great (and safer) outdoors. One such festival the Windy City Smokeout announced the country music, craft beer and barbecue celebration is back on for this year. The four-day fest (yep, an extra day of fun!) will feature rescheduled headliners Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi along with Brett Eldredge for the newly added kickoff party Thursday and a full roster of acts featuring Cody Johnson, Morgan Evans, Hailey Whitters, Cody Canada and the Departed, Randy Rogers Band, Lainey Wilson and many more. Organizers say the festival will take up an expanded footprint so as to spread out crowds, and virus safety protocols will be in place; the detailed COVID-19 safety plan can be found
Long Grove, IL – Despite the pandemic, Buffalo Creek Brewing in historic downtown Long Grove experienced a stunning growth surge over the last year and has signed with Louis Glunz Beer Inc. to expand it distribution into Chicago and beyond in 2021.
Since opening three years ago, the Bavarian-themed brewery and taproom helmed by owner/brew master Mike Marr has become a Lake County destination, renowned for its authentic German-style beer and atmosphere. During COVID-19, while others shuttered or scaled-back operations, Buffalo Creek Brewery invested mightily in its signature biergarten, implemented curbside pickup, and broke sales records.
“Over the last year we’ve had to ramp up operations efforts to meet the unprecedented demand,” said Mike, who produced 20% more beer in 2020 than 2019 despite being shutdown for three months because of COVID. “With our scaled-up production system in place, we’re ready to expand and become a big brewery. I’m excited to have a partner