GENERAL INFORMATION
What is FoBAB?
The Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer is North America’s largest and most distinguished barrel-aged beer festival and competition. Now in its 19th year, FoBAB features samples from more than 150 craft breweries and a fierce competition for hardware and bragging rights. FoBAB is a must-attend festival for anyone who appreciates the craftsmanship and complexity of wood-aged beer, cider, mead and perry.
When is FoBAB?
FoBAB takes place on Friday and Saturday, November 12-13. This year, tickets are available for two tasting sessions:
Session #1: Friday Nov. 12, 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Session #2: Saturday Nov. 13, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Is FoBAB in a new venue?
Yes! This year, in an effort to promote social distancing, FoBAB will be hosted at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago (525 S. Racine Ave., Chicago). Breweries will be stationed throughout the venue as well as outdoors.
Is FoBAB in person or virtual?
This year, we’re giving fans a chance to experience FoBAB their way: in-person AND at home. In addition to the in-person festival, a FoBAB To Go option will be available for fans who want to enjoy the taste of FoBAB from the comfort of their homes.
What is FoBAB To Go?
FoBAB To Go features assorted six-packs of FoBAB’s exclusive competition beers, available for purchase on a limited basis. FoBAB To Go beer spans all 14 style categories and are constructed and sold at random. FoBAB To Go six-packs are $60 and come in a FoBAB-branded tote bag. Six packs will be available for pick-up at Credit Union 1 Arena (Gate 2) November 12-14.
How do I pick up my FoBAB To Go Beer?
FoBAB To Go six-packs are only available for pickup at Credit Union 1 Arena (Gate 2) during the following dates and times:
Friday November 12: 10am-12pm; 10pm-11pm (following Session #1)
Saturday November 13: 9am-11am; 5pm-6pm (following Session #2)
Sunday November 14: 9am-1pm
What is the FoBAB competition?
Prior to the public tasting sessions, a panel of industry leaders and certified judges evaluate all beer, cider, mead, and perry featured at FoBAB, awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals in 14 style categories as well as ‘Best in Show’ honors.
When is the FoBAB award ceremony?
The award ceremony takes place during Session #2 on Saturday Nov. 13. The ceremony will be streamed live on FoBAB’s Facebook page and ICBG’s YouTube channel, with results published on www.fobab.com.
Where can I find the FoBAB brewery lineup?
More than 140 breweries and nearly 200 barrel-aged beers, ciders, meads, and perries will be featured at this year’s FoBAB. The full list of participating breweries is available at www.fobab.com/brewers.
How do I sign up to volunteer for FoBAB?
Anyone interested in information about volunteering for FoBAB should email volunteer@illinoisbeer.com. Volunteer positions are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Is FoBAB a fundraiser?
FoBAB is the largest annual fundraiser for the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild (ICBG). Proceeds from FoBAB support the ICBG’s mission to support the development and expansion of the craft beer industry in Illinois through education, advocacy, and promotion.
Is there a FoBAB hashtag for social media?
Yes, we encourage you to share all your FoBAB experiences and photos with #FOBAB.
What is the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild?
The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild (ICBG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the development and expansion of the craft beer industry in Illinois. Founded in 1997, ICBG focuses its efforts on member and consumer education, legislative and regulatory advocacy, and the promotion of its member craft breweries.
TICKETING + TRANSPORTATION
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available at www.fobab.com or on the Universe ticket website.
How much do tickets cost?
General Admission tickets are $85 plus processing fees. All ticketholders must be 21 years of age or older and present a valid photo ID. All tickets include entry to the venue, 20 sample pours, and a commemorative 2021 FoBAB glass. Food is not included in the price of the ticket.
Is there a VIP ticket option?
Pre-sale tickets were made available exclusively to members of ImBIBE, the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s enthusiast program. ImBIBE members who purchased pre-sale tickets are granted one-hour early entry into the festival.
If I’m an ImBIBE member but did not purchase pre-sale tickets, can I get in early?
No. Only active ImBIBE members who purchased pre-sale tickets are eligible for early entry into FoBAB.
Are FoBAB tickets refundable?
No, all ticket sales to FoBAB are final. If you are unable to make the event, we encourage you to share your ticket with someone who is 21 years of age or older. Unfortunately, ImBIBE pre-sale ticketholders are unable to transfer tickets.
Are FoBAB tickets transferrable?
General admission FoBAB tickets may be transferred; the name on the ticket does not need to match the name of the ticketholder for entry into the festival. All ticketholders must be 21 years of age or older and present a valid photo ID. ImBIBE pre-sale tickets may not be transferred. ImBIBE ticketholders will need to provide valid photo ID that matches the name on their ticket for early entry into FoBAB.
Can I have a friend pick up my FoBAB To Go six-pack?
Yes. Ticketholders may designate a proxy to pick up their FoBAB To Go six-packs, as long as they have notified the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild in advance. You can notify ICBG by emailing info@illinoisbeer.com with information for both the ticketholder and designated pickup person.
Can I purchase a designated driver (DD) ticket?
No, all tickets include access to barrel-age beer samples. As an alternative, attendees are encouraged to use public transportation or ride-sharing services to travel to and from FoBAB.
Can I bring an infant or child?
Only infants who can be worn or otherwise carried in an infant carrier are allowed on the festival floor. Absolutely no strollers are permitted inside the festival.
How do I get to FoBAB?
FoBAB is hosted at the Credit Union 1 Arena (525 S. Racine Ave., Chicago, IL 60607), with attendee entrance at Gate 3. Attendees are strongly encouraged to utilize public transportation or ride-sharing services to and from the venue. Credit Union 1 Arena is accessible by CTA (Blue Line UIC/Halsted Stop + #7 and #126 Bus Routes) as well as the Metra BNSF (Halsted stop). Additionally, there is parking in several nearby parking garages, including UIC Parking Lot 11 and the Harrison Street Parking Structure.
What entrance do I use to get into FoBAB?
All attendees will enter the festival through Gate 3. There will be four lines: two for ImBIBE and two for General Admission. Please make every effort to find your correct line.
Is there parking available at Credit Union 1 Arena?
While we encourage guests to utilize public transportation, there is on-site parking in several nearby parking garages, including UIC Parking Lot 11 and the Harrison Street Parking Structure.
SAFETY, SECURITY + VENUE POLICIES
What COVID-19 precautions will be in place at FoBAB?
The health and safety of our staff, brewers, volunteers, and attendees is our top priority, so we’re taking several precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These safety precautions include requiring proof of full vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours, upon entry. Masks will be required in all indoor spaces when attendees are not actively eating or drinking. There are no exceptions to these safety policies, and attendees may be denied entry if they do not have vaccination proof or a negative COVID-19 test.
What type of COVID-19 test is required?
Any negative COVID-19 test, including rapid tests, by an approved maker or provider will be accepted.
Do I need my physical vaccination card?
We encourage attendees to upload their vaccination cards to the State of Illinois’ new immunization portal, Vax Verify. But a hard copy or picture on a phone will also be accepted upon entry.
What is FoBAB doing to promote the safety and wellbeing of attendees, brewers, volunteers, and staff?
FoBAB organizers are committed to hosting a safe festival free from any type of harassment or inappropriate behavior, where all attendees, brewers, volunteers, and staff are treated with respect. All attendees, brewers, volunteers, and staff will be asked to abide by the FoBAB Code of Conduct; failure to do so will result in removal from the festival. Additionally, we will have an on-site reporting mechanism through the #NotMe platform for elevating and reporting instances of misconduct in real time. More information will be available on signage throughout the venue as well as in participant programs and online at www.fobab.com.
What is the FoBAB Code of Conduct?
Illinois Craft Brewers Guild (ICBG) is dedicated to providing a friendly, safe, supportive, and harassment-free event for all attendees and participants regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion or group identity.
The code of conduct outlines Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer expectations for all event attendees and participants, including all organizers, volunteers, brewers, sponsors, media representatives, and judges. Cooperation is expected from everyone, and organizers will actively enforce this code throughout this event.
We will not tolerate harassment in any form. Anyone violating these rules may be asked to leave the event at the sole discretion of ICBG. Thank you for helping make this a welcoming event for all.
What is #NotMe?
#NotMe is a free, open, resolution-seeking reporting platform for those who’ve experienced or witnessed racism, harassment or any type of discrimination or misconduct. Through the free #NotMe app, individuals can safely and e
asily report any instances of misconduct while at FoBAB -- anonymously if they prefer. Event-specific QR Codes will be available on signage throughout the venue as well as in participant programs and online at www.fobab.com.
Can I bring a backpack or other personal item to FoBAB?
In accordance with venue policy, backpacks, briefcases, and other large bags are not permitted inside the festival. Very small bags – no larger than 12”x6” clutch-size bags – will be permitted inside.
Can I check my bags or coat on-site?
NO. There is no on-site coat or bag check this year. Attendees will be able to set their belongings down in seats throughout the arena, but they will be solely responsible for all their belongings, and FoBAB organizers will not be responsible for any items lost or stolen.
Is there a metal detector at FoBAB?
Yes. In accordance with venue policy, metal detectors will be in operation at all festival entrances. Patrons will be asked to remove their phones, keys, coins, wallets, etc. from their pockets prior to entering the metal detector. Weapons of any kind – including pocketknives - are prohibited at FoBAB.
Is there a Lost & Found at UIC Forum?
The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Items remaining at Credit Union 1 Arena after the festival concludes will be handled by the venue’s Guest Services.
Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code for FoBAB, but we encourage you to wear comfortable shoes and dress warm so you can take full advantage of the new outdoor space at FoBAB!
Can I bring my pet to FoBAB?
Animals are NOT permitted at FoBAB. This includes service, emotional or therapy animals.
Can I smoke at FoBAB?
Smoking is NOT permitted inside the venue. This includes the use of vape pens and other electronic cigarettes. Smoking is permitted outside the facility.
Will there be food and non-alcoholic beverages available at FoBAB?
Yes, there will be an expanded variety of concession-style snack food available for purchase at the festival. Water is available on the festival floor, and other non-alcoholic beverages will be available. Guests are permitted to bring an empty water bottle to FoBAB and encouraged to drink plenty of water during the festival.
Can I bring my own food and beverages into FoBAB?
No outside food or beverages are allowed at FoBAB (small pretzel and cheese necklaces are acceptable). Guests are permitted to bring an empty water bottle to FoBAB and encouraged to drink plenty of water during the festival. Outside alcohol is NOT permitted at FoBAB.
Is merchandise available at FoBAB?
Yes. FoBAB 2021 t-shirts and other merchandise will be available for purchase at one of the concessions stands on the mezzanine level of the venue.
