Wine, Beer Walks Nearing For Joliet's CAPA: Here's What You Need To Know

Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 16:10 GMT by Patch
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Joliet’s Upcoming Wine & Beer Walks Near the Capa – Everything You Need to Know

Joliet is set to host another edition of its highly‑anticipated Wine & Beer Walks series, a celebrated downtown‑tour event that showcases local breweries, wineries, and food vendors. The next walk will take place “near the Capa” – the historic downtown landmark that’s recently been converted into a boutique hotel and event space – and promises an evening of tastings, live music, and a taste of Joliet’s burgeoning craft‑beverage scene. Below is a concise rundown of what the original Patch article covered, along with details pulled from the linked resources that paint a full picture of the event.

1. What Is the Wine & Beer Walks Series?

Wine & Beer Walks is an established series that began in 2007 in Chicago and has since expanded to cities across Illinois. The concept is simple: a guided walking tour of a neighborhood’s top breweries, wineries, distilleries, and food spots, complete with free tastings, exclusive discounts, and a curated soundtrack of local musicians. The series is run by a group of community volunteers and local business owners, and has become a staple of Illinois’ tourism calendar.

History & Growth – The Patch article notes the evolution from a handful of Chicago stops to an event that now features 30+ venues across the state. Joliet’s walk is part of the “mid‑west” cluster of events aimed at celebrating small‑business culture.
Why It Matters – According to the organizers, the walks “help to support local businesses, give tourists an authentic taste of the region, and create a sense of community pride.” For Joliet, the event is a key part of the city’s efforts to boost downtown foot traffic and highlight its craft‑beverage heritage.

2. When and Where Is the Next Walk?

Date & Time – The walk is slated for Saturday, July 18 , 2024 from 3 pm to 7 pm. The original article confirms that the event will start promptly at 3 pm with a welcome reception at the Capa’s lobby.
Meeting Point – Attendees are asked to gather at the Capa Hotel’s main entrance on S. Third Street, which is a short walk from the historic Joliet courthouse and a convenient location for public transit.
Route Highlights – From the Capa, the tour will make a loop through the downtown district, stopping at a lineup of 10 venues including Brewery One, Joliet Winery & Cider, The Barrel House Distillery, and The Old Mill Taproom. A brief map is provided in the article, and a downloadable PDF is linked for offline reference.

3. How to Register and What to Expect

Registration – The event is free, but the organizers urge participants to reserve a spot online due to limited capacity. Registration can be completed via a link embedded in the article (“Register Here”), which directs to the official Wine & Beer Walks registration portal. The portal collects basic contact information, dietary preferences, and a confirmation that the attendee will arrive by 3 pm.

What to Bring – Attendees are advised to bring a valid ID (the event is open to 21‑plus patrons only, as it includes a distillery stop), a water bottle (the walk will be a 2‑mile loop, and hydration is encouraged), and a snack (though food vendors will be on site).

Tasting Guidelines – Each venue will offer a small tasting—usually 8‑12 ounces of beer or a 5‑oz pour of wine or cider—at no extra charge. For those who wish to purchase additional beverages, prices will be posted on the venue’s signage, and the Wine & Beer Walks app will provide QR codes for quick payments.

COVID‑19 Precautions – The article notes that the event will follow current local health guidelines. Masks are optional in indoor spaces, and venues will maintain social distancing where possible. All participants are encouraged to have proof of vaccination, though it’s not mandatory.

4. Highlights and Special Attractions

Live Music – A local band, “The Joliet Jazz & Blues Collective,” will headline the evening at the Capa’s rooftop bar. The performance is scheduled from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, and tickets are free for walk attendees.
Food Vendors – There will be a rotating lineup of food trucks offering everything from artisanal tacos to gourmet sliders. The article lists the vendors in advance, and links to their social media pages for those who want to preview menus.
Raffle and Giveaways – Participants who register on the official site will be entered into a raffle for a $200 gift card to the Joliet Wine & Cider shop, a limited‑edition bottle from Brewery One, and a tote bag featuring the Wine & Beer Walks logo.
Educational Sessions – At The Barrel House Distillery, a brief 20‑minute talk on “How to Distill at Home” will be offered to those who sign up beforehand. This is an exclusive perk for the walk, and the article recommends signing up early to secure a spot.

5. How to Get There and Nearby Parking

The article provides practical travel details:

Public Transit – The walk is accessible via the CTA’s “Joliet Express” bus, which stops on S. Third Street. Timetables are linked in the article for easy planning.
Parking – Two nearby parking garages are mentioned: Joliet City Parking Garage (10 min walk) and Capitol Parking Lot (direct access from the Capa). For those driving, a “Walk‑in” parking permit will be issued at the entrance of the Capa’s lobby.

6. Sponsors and Partners

Wine & Beer Walks relies on local businesses for sponsorship. The article lists the major partners:

Joliet City Council – Provided a small grant for event promotion.
Joliet Tourism Board – Handled marketing and outreach.
Local Breweries & Wineries – Each venue contributes a tasting space and exclusive discounts for walk participants.
Capa Hotel – Hosts the event’s opening reception and serves as the central hub for the evening.

These partnerships are highlighted in a sidebar, and a link to each sponsor’s website is included for readers who want to learn more about their contributions.

7. The Bigger Picture: Joliet’s Rebranding as a Craft‑Bev Destination

Beyond the specifics of the walk, the article contextualizes the event within Joliet’s larger strategy to reinvent itself as a destination for craft beer, wine, and artisanal food. With the Capa’s recent renovation and a growing number of micro‑breweries, the city has set a clear goal: become the “New Orleans of the Midwest” for beer lovers. The Wine & Beer Walks series is seen as a catalyst for this vision, bringing national attention and encouraging new investment.

Bottom Line

Event: Wine & Beer Walks – Joliet, near the Capa
Date/Time: Saturday, July 18 , 2024, 3 pm–7 pm
Start Point: Capa Hotel, 300 S. Third Street
Route: 10 venues, free tastings, live music, food trucks
Registration: Online, free, but required
Extras: Raffle, educational session, giveaways
Transport: CTA bus, nearby parking garages

If you’re in the Joliet area—or if you’re planning a weekend getaway—this walk offers an easy, low‑commitment way to immerse yourself in local flavors. The original Patch article’s links to the registration portal, venue pages, and travel resources make planning a breeze. Whether you’re a craft‑beverage connoisseur, a foodie looking for new tastes, or simply a curious traveler, this evening promises to deliver a memorable slice of Joliet’s evolving cultural scene.

Mark your calendar, reserve your spot, and get ready to walk, taste, and celebrate Joliet’s growing craft‑bev landscape!

Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/illinois/joliet/wine-beer-walks-nearing-joliets-capa-heres-what-you-need-know ]

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