EVANSTON — On July 27, Evanston’s Historic Depot Square transformed into a beer lover’s paradise as the Evanston Chamber of Commerce hosted the highly-anticipated 2024 Evanston Brew Fest. With a lively crowd of more than 550 attendees, the event proved to be a smashing success, raising approximately $14,500 for the chamber.

The festival, renowned for its wide array of craft brews, offered ticket holders unlimited sampling from a diverse selection of regional breweries. Alongside the beer tasting, visitors enjoyed an eclectic mix of live music, tantalizing bites from food trucks, and unique finds from merchant vendors, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day.

Evanston Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tammy Staley expressed her enthusiasm about the event’s success.

“Organizing such a successful event was both exhilarating and challenging,” Staley told the Herald. “We are incredibly grateful for the expertise and support from key individuals and the hard work of past Brew Fest organizers who laid a strong foundation for this year’s achievement.”

Funds raised from the Brew Fest are directed toward various community programs and initiatives. The money supports the Evanston Brew Fest itself, the Water Lantern Festival, monthly chamber Lunch & Learns, chamber mixers, candidate forums in election years, tourism initiatives, and even staff salaries. This financial boost is instrumental in sustaining the chamber’s commitment to enhancing community engagement and support, Staley said.

Staley also extended a special thank you to Julie O’Connell and the Urban Renewal Agency for their invaluable support.

“Their guidance and the ‘Brew Fest Bible’ they generously passed on were crucial to the event’s success,” Staley said.

The 2024 Evanston Brew Fest not only attracted local beer enthusiasts but also drew dedicated fans from out of state, such as Utah residents Andrew and Blanca Chavez. The couple has been making the drive to the festival since its inaugural year and have only missed a couple of events.

Andrew Chavez praised the Brew Fest for its unique format.

“It’s one of the few festivals where you pay a single fee and can enjoy unlimited beer sampling,” he said with a grin.

For $40, attendees can indulge in as much beer as they like, making it a standout event in his experience. Chavez noted that the Brew Fest also positively impacts the local economy, as visitors often book hotel rooms and dine at local restaurants.

Despite some disappointments with beer events in Utah, the Chavezes thoroughly enjoy the Evanston Brew Fest and appreciate the opportunity to explore the town afterward. The Snake River Brewery, one of Wyoming’s oldest, is a particular favorite of Andrew’s.

Another enthusiastic attendee, Maggie Ramsay, shared her appreciation for the Brew Fest.

“I loved the variety of beers available and had the chance to try some that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for those beers in stores,” she said.

The Brew Fest continues to be a cherished event for both locals and visitors, offering a unique and enjoyable experience that leaves attendees eager for future festivals.

The event concluded with attendees casting their voting tokens for their favorite brews, adding an interactive element to the festival. Staley expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved, from contributors to attendees, acknowledging that their combined efforts made the Evanston Brew Fest a memorable and fantastic occasion.

With the success of this year’s Brew Fest, Staley said the chamber looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to foster community spirit through future events.