For its first official St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, Guinness Open Gate Brewery is kicking off the holiday with a bang. With nearly a week long of Irish-themed festivities, Guinness is hoping to integrate itself into Chicago's beloved traditions, including the iconic Chicago River dyeing.
From March 13-17, visitors and beer fanatics are invited to participate in “VIP at OGB'' sessions that give access to a special tap list featuring in-house brews and Dublin-made classics, live entertainment and merchandise. Tickets for tables and general brewery admission are available here.
The week of festivities will also include a full block party on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17 on Peoria and Hubbard Streets from 11am to 10pm. The block party will be open to the public, with a suggested donation of $10 per person to benefit the Chicago Beer Culture Center, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the craft of brewing, the brewers behind it and the communities that are impacted by it.
Open Gate Brewery has also committed to donating $30,000 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Event highlights include "Personalize Your Pint," which lets visitors print their own selfies on a pint of Guinness, and "Perfect Pint Academy," an interactive lesson that teaches the six-step process of pouring the perfect Guinness pint.
For more activities, check out our guide to the St. Patrick's Day in Chicago.