A festival at the intersection of coffee, beer, cocktails and so much more
So much of what excites us about the world of food and beverage happens at the intersection of craft cultures. Beer, coffee, cocktails, chocolate — the list goes on.
Uppers & Downers started as an experiment between GBH’s Michael Kiser and Stephen Morrissey (now brand strategy director of the SCA) bringing together craft beer and coffee culture, exploring the process, technique, and even origin of these ingredients. Since then it’s gone on to include cross-overs from a variety of other craft cultures.
This year we’re expanding on Uppers & Downers in a big way — think lactic fermentation sensory, surprising cocktails, culinary experiments and more.
Join us, and celebrate the things that make our food and beverage world go up and down.
Make sure you follow us on Vero - it's an ad-free social network that protects your data and your privacy - to access all areas of the festival, discover exclusive recipes, tips and recommendations and to connect with fellow Uppers & Downers enthusiasts.
MAKE NO SMALL PLANS
COCKTAIL COMPETITION
In partnership with Pernod Ricard, our 4th annual coffee cocktail competition at Saint Lou’s Back Patio, featuring the city’s most fascinating bartenders and mixologists. The winner serves their cocktail at the festival.
Tues, Mar 26th, 6:30-9:30p
RSVP to attend.
Donations accepted at event for Planned Parenthood
UPPERS SESSIONS
In partnership with our friends at Oatly, join us for a walking tour of Chicago’s best roasting and training facilities with stops at Metric, Passion House, Intelligentsia and Counter Culture Coffee. Learn first hand why Chicago’s coffee scene is considered among the best in the world.
Wed, Mar 27th, 10a-2p
$20 ticket
DECAF PREVIEW PARTY
A curated group of brewers who are participating in Uppers & Downers are taking over the guest taps at Middle Brow’s Bungalow for the night. Come join us for some house-made pizza and a variety of specialty beers from our friends.
Thurs, Mar 28th, 6-9p
Free and open to the public
CHARITY DINNER
An unreal experience presented with Vero with some of Chicago’s most progressive and inventive chefs, benefiting Green City Market hosted at The Tack Room, including Chef Andres from Frontera Group, Noah Sandoval of Oriole, Michael Galen of Dusek’s Board & Beer, Mike Simmons of Cafe Marie Jeanne, and Mindy Segal.
Fri, Mar 29th 7-10p
$99
THE FESTIVAL
Hosted at Thalia hall in collaboration with Vero, The Chicago Reader, Guinness, Cruz Blanca, Counter Culture Coffee and many others, the festival is two sessions of wild experimentation with coffee, beer, cocktails, food, and more.
Saturday, Mar 30th, 11-3p, 4-8p
All-inclusive
HANGOVER PARTY
We’ll regroup at Cruz Blanca for some sustenance, coffee, and record a podcast with participants to discuss the standout element of the festival. A perfect event for out-of-towners whop aren’t quite ready to leave town just yet.
Sun, Mar 31st, 10a-12:30p
$15 ticket covers breakfast snack and coffee, cash bar and lunch extra
PRESENTED BY
THE FESTIVAL
Breweries
Go ahead, take a look at these descriptions
Roasters
SESSION 1
SESSION 2
THE VIBE
