FAQ

If you can’t find the answer below, please reach out to us at info@illinoisbeer.com.

What is FoBAB?

The Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer is the most distinguished barrel-aged craft beer festival and competition on the continent. Hosted by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, FoBAB convenes the nation’s top barrel-aged brewing programs—brewers who have perfected the balance of art and science, of wood and bourbon, of timing and technique—for the most distinguished craft beer festival and competition of its kind. Featuring samples from hundreds of 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 22 + 23, 2024. This year, tickets are available for two tasting sessions: Session #1: Friday Nov. 22, 6:00 – 10:00 PM (ImBIBE and VIP entry at 5:00) Session #2: Saturday Nov. 23, 1:00 – 5:00 PM (ImBIBE and VIP entry at noon)
Where is FoBAB hosted?

FoBAB is hosted at the UIC Credit Union 1 Arena on Chicago’s west side (525 S. Racine Ave., Chicago). The venue is spacious, includes stadium-style seating, and features a variety of food options for purchase. Breweries will be stationed throughout the main floor, concourse, and outdoors.
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 13 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. 23. The ceremony will be streamed live on FoBAB’s Facebook page and ICBG’s YouTube channel, with results published on www.fobab.com.
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.
Where can I find the FoBAB brewery lineup?

Each year, hundreds of breweries from coast to coast pour nearly 400 barrel-aged beers, ciders, meads, and perries at FoBAB. The full list of participating breweries will be available at www.fobab.com in the fall.
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, #OnlyAtFoBAB, and #BetterInBarrels.
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.
Where can I buy tickets?

General admission tickets are available at www.fobab.com beginning Friday, September 13, 2024.
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 FoBAB glass. Food is not included in the price of the ticket.
Is there a VIP ticket option?

Presale tickets will be available exclusively to members of ImBIBE, the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s enthusiast program. ImBIBE (I’m a Big Illinois Beer Enthusiast) members who purchased presale tickets are granted one-hour early entry into the festival. Food is not included in the ImBIBE presale ticket.
How do I sign up for ImBIBE next year?

ImBIBE (I’m a Big Illinois Beer Enthusiast) is the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s enthusiast program that rewards members for supporting Illinois craft breweries. Membership benefits include discounts, access to VIP festival tickets (including FoBAB), at-home delivery of the Guild’s quarterly magazine, Illinois Brewing, and more. Membership enrollment occurs on a rolling basis at www.illinoisbeer.org/imbibe.
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 presale 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. ImBIBE pre-sale tickets are nontransferable.
Are FoBAB tickets transferable?

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 purchase a designated driver (DD) ticket?

No, all tickets include access to barrel-age beer samples as well as the Lager Lounge and Revolution Super-Zero Hop Water Lounge. 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 located 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 located closest to the building, and two for general admission ticketholders, located closer to the street. 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.
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.
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.
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 Credit Union 1 Arena?

The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Items remaining at UIC 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?

Any service animal must be wearing an identification vest and service animal registration ID must be provided. More information about the venue policy can be found here: https://policies.uic.edu/uic-policy-library/access-and-equity/service-and-assistance-animal-policy/
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 tee shirts and other merchandise will be available for purchase at one of the concession stands on the mezzanine level of the venue.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild is committed to making the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer a safe, respectful, and inclusive event for all. The following FoBAB Code of Conduct clarifies expectations for all organizers, brewers, volunteers, staff, sponsors, and attendees. Thank you for your support in building a festival environment of which we can all be proud.

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.

If anyone makes you feel unsafe or unwelcome or if you observe someone else in a situation of discomfort, please report it to a volunteer or organizer on site or through our anonymous Google Form found here.

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