Summer may be Chicago's peak season, but fall is where we get to drive just outside the city in our green barn jackets and Hunter boots, sip on a PSL and tell spooky stories in between screaming at our children that we've only been in the car for five minutes. A little over an hour later and you're in pumpkin-loving paradise in Valparaiso, Indiana, and Three Oaks, Michigan, encountering local spirits of the beverage variety and putt-putting your way to memories. This fall Journeyman Distillery located in both Valparaiso and Three Oaks is hosting fall-focused events to help us all enjoy the best month of the year.
OKTOBERFEST
DATE: Saturday, October 5
WHERE: The American Factory 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso IN 46385
TIME: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm (CST)
TICKETS: $40/person, tickets here
DETAILS: It’s officially Oktoberfest season and Journeyman Distillery is celebrating accordingly with an all-day, beer-filled party. On Saturday, October 5, head over to the American Factory for a German-inspired all-you-can-eat affair. Enjoy classic Oktoberfest classic dishes such as pretzels, potatoes and schnitzels along with five craft beer tickets for brews from Journeyman's new Sea of Monsters brewery located at the campus. Plus, guests can head out to the courtyard for games, live music, and more beer to keep the party going all day long.
WORLD’S BEST PUTTER COMPETITION
DATE: Sunday, October 6
WHERE: The Featherbone Factory 109 Generations Dr, Three Oaks MI 49128
TIME: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (CST)
TICKETS: $22/person, tickets here
DETAILS: Grab your golf clubs, and head over to Journeyman’s putting green, Welter’s Folly, for the World’s Best Putter Competition on Sunday, October 6. The first place winner will take home the title of "World's Best Putter" along with 60% of the total amount of money made from the entry fees, with the following five best scorers also receiving a cut of the money. This contest will take place from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm on Three Oaks' charming outdoor course, rain or shine.
7TH ANNUAL BARREL-AGED BREWFEST
DATE: Saturday, October 12
WHERE: The Featherbone Factory 109 Generations Dr, Three Oaks MI 49128
TIME: GA 11:00 am - 4:00 pm | VIP 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (CST)
TICKETS: $0-$75/person, tickets here
DETAILS: The Featherbone Factory is hosting its seventh annual Barrel-Aged Brewfest, benefitting Islay’s Barrel, a nonprofit created by Bill and Johanna Welter to help send children to enriching summer camps. Guests can enjoy beers from local participating breweries including Flossmoor Station Brewing Co. and River Saint Joe Brewery, as well as live music, games, and food. For $75, VIP tickets can get guests early access to the event at 10am, nine beer tickets, a Barrel-Aged Brewfest tasting glass and commemorative merchandise. General admission tickets are $55 and provide guests with six beer tickets and a Barrel-Aged Brewfest tasting glass. More information on ticket tiers and pricing here.
MEET THE MAKERS | CRAFT BREWING
DATE: Sunday, October 20
WHERE: The American Factory 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso IN 46385
TIME: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm (CST)
TICKETS: Free reservations here
DETAILS: Join the talented head Journeyman brewer Greg Winget and owners Bill and Johanna Welter for a FREE craft brewing education class! Complete with complimentary food and beverage tastings, guests can get an inside look on the award-winning distillery’s heritage and how it operates its brand new craft brewery operation, Sea of Monsters. Free reservations can be made here.
HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY
DATE: Saturday, October 26
WHERE: The American Factory 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso IN 46385 AND The Featherbone Factory 109 Generations Dr, Three Oaks MI 49128
TIME: 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm (CST — Valparaiso) AND 8:00 pm — 11:00 pm (EST — Three Oaks)
TICKETS: $18/person, Valparaiso tickets here, Three Oaks tickets here
DETAILS: Calling all ghouls, ghosts and goblins: Ring in the spookiest time of the year at Journeyman’s Halloween Dance Party. Taking place at both locations in Three Oaks and Valparaiso, guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best costumes for an evening of dancing and delicious cocktails. Both parties will have a DJ playing both popular and scary tunes all night long. Tickets are $18/person, which includes a free welcome cocktail, and extra drink tickets can be purchased for $10.