Barb City Brewfest Tickets

The Barb City Brewfest is a highly-anticipated event that has been taking place in DeKalb, Illinois for the past ten years. Thousands of people gather annually to sample over 120 different craft beers from vendors all across the Midwest. But believe it or not, this beer festival has a strong connection to the world of theater.

In 2014, local theater group Stage Coach Players saw an opportunity to participate in the brewfest and raise funds for their organization at the same time. They set up a booth and began serving beer alongside other vendors. The community response was overwhelming and soon after, the group created their own theater-themed beer, appropriately called "Stage Coach Ale".

Over the years, Stage Coach Players has continued to participate in the Barb City Brewfest, with their beer becoming a crowd favorite. But it's more than just a fundraising opportunity for the group - it's also a chance for them to connect with their audience outside of the theater.

"Being a part of the brewfest allows us to engage with our community in a fun, laid-back atmosphere," says Keri Mohr, Vice President of Stage Coach Players. "We get to meet new people and promote our organization in a unique way."

And the connection between beer and theater goes beyond just serving drinks at a festival. Many theaters across the country have started incorporating beer into their regular programming. From hosting beer tastings during intermission to partnering with local breweries, theaters are finding ways to bring these two cultures together.

In Chicago, the Steppenwolf Theater Company has its own on-site bar, aptly named "Front Bar". It serves craft beers, specialty cocktails, and small bites before and after shows. The bar also hosts live music and events, making it a popular spot for theater-goers and non-theater-goers alike.

Similarly, the Public Theater in New York City hosts an annual fundraiser called "Public Works", where local breweries create custom beers inspired by the theater's productions. It's a unique way to bring together two seemingly different communities and celebrate the arts in all forms.

So the next time you're sipping on a cold beer at a local brewfest, remember that there might be a connection to the world of theater. And if you happen to come across "Stage Coach Ale", give it a try - not only is it delicious, but your purchase supports a great cause.