Saturday, August 22, 2026
3pm to 7pm
Get ready for the 3rd Annual Midwest Hops & Hot Sauce Festival, the ultimate summer event in Chicagoland for craft beer lovers and heat seekers alike.
This one-of-a-kind festival brings together the best Midwest craft breweries, cideries, and ready-to-drink cocktails with a bold lineup of artisanal hot sauce makers and spicy food vendors. Discover new flavors, meet the makers, and experience the perfect pairing of hops and heat.
Enjoy a full day of entertainment including:
Hot sauce tastings
Craft beer + canned cocktail tastings
Food trucks
Live music
Cigar bar experience
Games, contests, and giveaways
📍 Location: Wilder Park, Aurora, Illinois — a scenic outdoor venue overlooking the Fox River in the heart of downtown Aurora.
Bring a blanket, grab a drink, and relax on the lawn—or explore the festival grounds and dive into everything from bold brews to blazing sauces.
Whether you're a hardcore chili-head, craft beer enthusiast, or just looking for a fun summer festival near Chicago, the Midwest Hops & Hot Sauce Festival delivers an unforgettable experience for every taste.
🔥 TICKETS COMING SOON
CRAFT BEER TASTINGS
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HOT SAUCE TASTINGS
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LIVE MUSIC
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FOOD TRUCKS
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CIGAR LOUNGE
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AURORA, IL
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CRAFT BEER TASTINGS • HOT SAUCE TASTINGS • LIVE MUSIC • FOOD TRUCKS • CIGAR LOUNGE • AURORA, IL •
💥 2026 VENDORS COMING SOON
2025 Brewers
2025 Hot Sauce Companies
2025 Artisanal Vendors
2025 Food Trucks
Live Music
Jake Mack
Jake Mack is an Aurora, IL singer/songwriter who has been performing professionally in the area since 2013. His set covers a diverse mix of songs that plays at the heart of tube-driven Rock, gritty Americana, and soulful Blues, and features originals crafted in these styles as well. You can find Jake playing locally almost every week/weekend, and you can listen and learn more at www.jakemack.com
Magnificent Villains
Magnificent Villains, being the greatest garage rock band there ever was or ever will be, brings eclectic rock selections, presented in the kick-ass style of yore!