Third Annual Great Rivers & Routes Craft Beverage Festival Is Sept. 12, 2026
The Sept. 12 event at Grafton Winery The Vineyards will feature more than 20 craft beverage producers, coffee roasters and restaurants, along with a new VIP experience.
ALTON - Tickets are on sale now for the third annual Great Rivers & Routes Craft Beverage Festival celebrating local beverage producers and restaurants Saturday, Sept. 12 from Noon to 5 p.m. at Grafton Winery The Vineyards, 21028 Eckert Orchard Rd., Grafton.
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New this year is a VIP Experience which provides VIP ticketholders with early access to the event and signature event swag including a wine tote filled with a bottle of wine from Grafton Winery, a small jar of Ecker’s apple butter jam, coupons from participating vendors, a Great Rivers & Routes bottle opener and an option walkthrough of the wine room and coffee tasting experience. VIP attendees also have early access to all food and drink samples starting at Noon. All other ticket holders can access the event from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A limited number of tickets are available for both VIP and General Admission which includes signature pours from craft beer, wine and spirit and coffee producers based in southwest Illinois. VIP tickets are $65 per person and can only be purchased online in advance. General Admission tickets are $45 in advance or $50 at the door. Designated Drive tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. All ticket holders will receive a tasting glass, menu, micro bouquet and a plate for food. Purchase tickets online at: https://www.riversandroutes.com/things-to-do/buy-tickets/
“This is a great opportunity for people to meet the makers behind some of the best craft beverages and food in southwest Illinois,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau noted. “We wanted a festival dedicated to showcasing the craftmanship of craft beverage makers and over the last three years this event has grown in popularity among the makers and attendees. The first two years sold out and we anticipate a packed house again this year.”
Craft beverage connoisseurs can enjoy drinks and food from more than 20 different producers this year including: Grafton Winery, Old Bakery Beer, Eckert’s Fam & Country Store, Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, Red Rooster Brew Werks, Duke Original Sodas, Black Bird Bakery, Bella Milano, Bluff City Grill, Byrdies Food Truck, Pink Elephant, Good News Brewing, Roasterz, Goshen Coffee, Edwardsville Philly Pretzel Co., Prairie Oak Craft Distillery, PressHouse and Delmar Public House.
In addition to the pours and food tastings, attendees can enjoy drink mixing demos, a coffee roasting session, a session on how to craft the ‘perfect espresso martini’ and a Beer Stein Holding competition for both men and women. There will be caricature artists on site, yard games and live music by the American Jackals.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/craft-beverage-festival/
(The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is a certified Destination Marketing Organization serving Madison, Jersey, Calhoun, Macoupin, Montgomery and Greene counties and East St. Louis in St. Clair County. The bureau is dedicated to educating visitors about the region by providing information regarding the area’s history, unique landmarks, recreational opportunities, leisure attractions, special events and scenic marvels.)
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