Stews & Brews

Saturday, October 10 | 4 PM - 9 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.

Midwestern fan-favorite festival, Stews & Brews, returns to Downtown Highland Park for a fifth year on October 10 at Port Clinton Square (600 Central Ave.). Cool weather means hearty comfort foods and hot beverages; Stews & Brews is the perfect event to warm your body and soul! Wrap up the City’s 2026 event season with savory stews and delicious brews, live music, and a cozy atmosphere.

Stews & Brews is not your ordinary chili cook-off or craft beer fest. This free, all-ages event offers attendees an array of cold weather comfort foods like chili, pozole, lamb stew, beef stroganoff, Hungarian goulash, potpies, and a variety of soups. Attendees can pair their dish of choice with dozens of unique brews including craft beers, spiced wine, hot toddies, mulled ciders and more!

Be sure to vote for your favorite stew and your favorite brew! Winners will be announced at 8:30 PM.

Get ready for more food, more music, and even more fun for 2026!

New for 2026: Ramp up the cozy with even more fire pits and heat towers! Plus, enjoy extended event hours with special children-focused programming from 4 PM - 6 PM

Entertainment

Food & Beverage Options

Getting Here & Parking

2026 Entertainment Lineup

Check back soon for the 2026 entertainment lineup. If you would like to participate as a performer, please contact the City’s contracted event management team, Ripple Public Relations, at info@ripplepublicrelations.com or 847.432.6000

2026 Food & Beverage Options

Check back soon for a list of 2026 food & beverage vendors. If you would like to participate as a restaurant, please contact the City’s contracted event management team, Ripple Public Relations, at info@ripplepublicrelations.com or 847.432.6000

Getting to Stews & Brews and Parking

Stews & Brews will take place at Port Clinton Square (600 Central Ave.) as well as along Central Ave. between First St. and Second St.

Ample parking can be found throughout downtown Highland Park, including a parking garage underneath Port Clinton Square, nearby surface lots, a two-level parking deck south of Central on First St. and St. Johns, and a large lot located at 525 Central Ave. The City encourages guests to use non-motorized transportation where available. Bike racks are available at The Lot and in the immediate vicinity, and the Metra is a viable option, too. Information about parking in the City of Highland Park is available here.

Downtown Highland Park is also easily accessible via public and non-motorized transport.

Metra - take UP-N to the Highland Park station, located a 4 minute walk from The Lot.

Pace Bus - take Highland Park/Highwood Route 472 to the St. Johns/Central stop, across the street from The Lot.

Bike/Walk - from the north, take the Robert McClory Bike Trail south to Vine Ave. Head east on Vine, turning south onto St. Johns Ave. From the south, take the Robert McClory Bike Trail north along St. Johns Ave. Bike racks are available at The Lot and in the immediate vicinity.