The Beyond Beer & Bourbon Fest returns for its fifth year on May 29 and 30, 2026, at the new Hollywood Casino Joliet, supporting Will-Grundy Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran Build programs. This year’s theme, Mix of ’26, features a Friday night concert and a Saturday festival with expanded beverage sampling and live music. The event unites over 2,000 attendees in a community tradition.
The Beyond Beer & Bourbon Fest, Will County Habitat for Humanity’s signature summer kick-off event, marks its 5th anniversary with the theme Mix of ’26. Scheduled for May 29 and 30, 2026, the festival takes place outdoors on the grounds of the new Hollywood Casino Joliet, located at the intersection of I-55 and I-80. Presented by Blue Ribbon Products, it aims to unite over 2,000 participants in support of the organization’s Veteran Build programs.
The festivities begin on Friday, May 29, from 7 to 11:30 p.m., with a high-energy outdoor concert featuring crowd-favorites 7th Heaven and Hillbilly Rockstarz. Limited to 1,000 tickets, the evening includes food trucks, festival-style food options, and beverages for purchase, though no alcohol tastings occur. Attendees have easy access to the casino’s amenities.
Saturday, May 30, hosts the main event from noon to 5 p.m., with VIP early access at 11 a.m. The festival expands beyond beers and bourbons to include sampling of wines, tequilas, rums, vodkas, hard seltzers, ready-to-drink cocktails, and more. Live local music performs on two stages, complemented by food trucks outdoors and elevated dining options inside the casino, such as Sorellina by Giada and the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall featuring concepts from chefs like Stephanie Izard. Additional attractions include raffles, games, giveaways, vendors, and outdoor activities.
“We knew this year was special with it being our 5th year and moving over to the new Hollywood Casino, and we wanted to thank the community who has been growing with us along the way,” said Nicole Murray, CEO of Will-Grundy Habitat for Humanity. “What better way to celebrate than with a party Friday night to kick off Saturday’s Beyond Beer & Bourbon Fest.”
Amanda Smith, Marketing & Occupational Health of Emediate Cure, added, “The community has been feeling the loss of (two longtime summer events), so stepping in with the Mix of ’26 feels like exactly what everyone needs. A kickoff to summer party? Say less. We’re in! Can’t wait to party with purpose.”
General admission tickets for the Friday concert are $25 each. Saturday general admission is $65 during early bird pricing until March 31, increasing to $75 thereafter. VIP tickets for Saturday cost $125 and include early access, specialty beverages, small bites, main stage proximity, and access to the VIP Lounge sponsored by Elevate Private Wealth Management. For details on participating breweries, beverages, music lineup, and ticket purchases, visit habitatwill.org/events/mix-of-26-beyond-beer-bourbon-fest.
