The 2025 beer drinkin’ season will once again kick off in Rockford, with the return of 815 Ale Fest on Saturday, February 1st at the Tebala Event Center in Rockford -presented by Anderson Toyota with Lonnie’s Carpet MaxLonnie’s Stonecrafters, and 100 FM, Rockford’s Greatest Hits! VIP and General Admission tickets are now available HERE! This event sells out annually!

Jim Torrisi of Generations Brewing Co. in Freeport hands a drink to Steve Summers at 815 Ale Fest 2024. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

The 815 Ale Fest in Rockford, is a highly anticipated annual winter event that celebrates the rich and diverse world of craft beer with an impressive lineup of local, regional, and select national breweries, offering the chance to sample a wide variety of unique and innovative brews – along with live music, delicious eats from local vendors, and more! Whether you’re a dedicated beer aficionado or just looking for a fun day out, the 815 Ale Fest provides a perfect opportunity to explore new flavors, meet fellow local beer lovers, and shake off Stateline winter cabin fever!

Emilia Hickey dances in the photo booth during 815 Ale Fest 2024 at Tebala Event Center in Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

Last year’s event featured over 20 breweries including: Lena Brewing, Firestone Walker, Urban Forest, MORE Brewing, Hairy Cow Brewing, Prairie Street, Hop District, Revolution Brewing, Maplewood, Pig Minds, New Belgium, Bells, Galena Brewing Co., Mud Run Brewing, Church Street, Marz, Destihl, Scorched Earth, Pecatonica, and more