Tinley Park's popular Brew & Vine Festival is set to make its return this spring, promising an expanded experience for craft beer lovers, wine enthusiasts, and local foodies. The annual event, organized by the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 4:00 PM at The Odyssey Venue.
For years, the festival has been a staple in the community, bringing together residents and visitors for an afternoon of tasting and entertainment. This year, organizers are boasting an even larger lineup of beer, wine, and food vendors, providing attendees with a broad array of samples from local and regional producers. The event serves as a significant platform for these businesses, offering them direct access to an engaged audience of connoisseurs.
Adding to the atmosphere will be a live performance from Afternoon Delight, a high-energy Yacht Rock band. The group is known for its faithful renditions of smooth-sailing hits from the late 1970s and early 1980s, offering a nostalgic and dance-friendly soundtrack for the evening. Tickets for the festival are on sale now and can be purchased online.
A celebrated return after postponements
The festival's return to a full-scale celebration is particularly meaningful given its recent history. After more than a decade of success, the event faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, citing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Health, the Chamber's Board of Directors made the difficult decision to postpone the 11th annual event, which had been scheduled for April 4 of that year.
In a statement at the time, the board expressed that the safety of patrons, volunteers, and vendors was their primary concern. The event was subsequently canceled in 2021 due to the ongoing public health situation, with a smaller, more intimate wine tasting event held instead at The Whistle Sports Bar and Grill. The return of the full Brew & Vine festival marks a significant step toward normalcy and a revival of one of the village's signature events.
A hub for beverages and community
The Brew & Vine Festival is a cornerstone of a thriving local beverage and dining scene. The culinary landscape of Tinley Park has grown increasingly diverse, with establishments catering to a wide range of tastes. This tradition of local enterprise dates back to the village's earliest days, from its first factory, the Diamond Spiral Washing Machine Company, to an enterprising soda pop bottling plant that operated for decades. The region boasts a vibrant array of local events, including the New festival food tour of Far North Queensland.
This legacy continues with modern entrepreneurs. The award-winning Banging Gavel Brews, for instance, revitalized the historic Karl Vogt Building, turning the National Register-listed property into a bustling brewery and restaurant. The project, which received a 2025 Landmarks Illinois award for adaptive reuse, preserved a piece of local history while creating a popular new gathering spot. On the quicker-service side, the village is also seeing new arrivals like 7 Brew Coffee, which is constructing a new double-lane drive-thru location on 159th Street, reflecting a growing demand for high-energy, convenient beverage options.
Event details and what to expect
The 2026 Brew & Vine festival will be held at The Odyssey Venue, located at 19110 S. Ridgeland Ave. The spacious location provides an ideal backdrop for guests to stroll through the various tasting stations, sample gourmet food, and enjoy the live music. The festival has consistently been praised for its lively and well-organized atmosphere, creating a perfect Saturday outing.
Attendees must be 21 years of age or older to enter, and no exceptions will be made. This policy ensures a safe and adult-focused environment for the tasting experience. The variety of over 150 tastings ensures that both seasoned beer and wine aficionados and curious newcomers will find something to enjoy. The event not only celebrates food and drink but also the spirit of a community that has long valued commerce and social connection, a tradition that began when the village was first incorporated in 1892.
As spring approaches, the return of the Brew & Vine Festival signals a revival of large-scale community events in Tinley Park, promising to once again be a highlight of the local social calendar. For more information and to purchase tickets, attendees are encouraged to visit the official event website.
