Every spring, The Waterloo Optimist Club and The Ferm Homebrew Club join forces to host one of the most anticipated events in Monroe County: Beer-B-Que — a beer and BBQ tasting experience like no other!
Set against the backdrop of historic Main Street in downtown Waterloo, this lively outdoor event brings together passionate BBQers, skilled homebrewers, and community members for an unforgettable afternoon of sampling, socializing, and supporting a great cause.
Date Change From Previous Years!
While we've previously held this in May, we've had some not-so-great weather, so we're pushing it back to June to hopefully luck into better weather. This beer and BBQ tasting event and competition will be held in Waterloo on Main Street at the Monroe County Courthouse on Saturday, June 6 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets required for entry and sampling.
Also, we're making a weekend out of it and on Sunday, June 7th will be our annual Optimist Club Car Show in downtown Waterloo, the same place that Beer-B-Que is! It will be a fun filled weekend, hope you join us!
What to Expect at Beer-B-Que
BBQ samples from talented local pitmasters
Craft beer tastings from members of The Ferm Homebrew Club and regional brewers
A fun, relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful downtown setting
People's Choice voting to crown the best homebrew
A chance to support youth-focused projects across Monroe County
Ticket Info
Paper tickets (cash only, no service fees!) are available at Stubborn German Brewing Company, 119 South Main Street, Waterloo, Illinois.
Ticket prices are as follows:
$35 Combination Homebrew & BBQ tasting (price goes to $45 on June 1)
$20 BBQ only tasting, Designated Driver option (no beer), (price goes to $25 on June 1)
$10 Junior Pitmaster: Children under 12 BBQ only tasting (price goes to $12.50 on June 1)
No tickets required for age 5 and under.
BBQ tasting 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Each BBQ or combination wristband includes samples of BBQ while available. The Waterloo Optimist Club is committed to having plenty of great BBQ on site to sample. You won’t leave hungry!
Homebrew tasting 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Must be 21 to participate and drink samples. Each paid entry includes a commemorative glass with the Beer-B-Que logo. It also includes samples of homebrewed beer hand-crafted by members of The Ferm Homebrew Club of Monroe County as well as other brewers representing other clubs in the St. Louis area. Each paid entry will help decide the best beer at the event with the winning beer to be brewed at Stubborn German Brewing Company in Waterloo. The Ferm members are super excited to show off their creations and there will be a huge selection of beer styles to sample from!
Brewers and BBQers will be set up next to one another to allow patrons that purchase the combination wristband to sample both beer and food as they walk through the event grounds.
All for a Great Cause
Funds raised from Beer-B-Que go right back into the community. Through sponsorships and ticket sales, this event helps fund the Waterloo Optimist Club’s mission to uplift youth by supporting programs, building community spaces like parks and skate rinks, and providing financial assistance to local kids and organizations.
Good to Know
You must be 21+ to sample beer or purchase a combination wristband
Kids are welcome, but tasting requires a wristband and valid photo ID
This event is rain or shine — come hungry, thirsty, and ready for fun!
No dogs are allowed at the event
This beer and BBQ tasting event and competition will be held in Waterloo on Main Street at the Monroe County Courthouse
Tickets required for entry and sampling
Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast, a craft beer fan, or simply love supporting local causes, Beer-B-Que is the perfect way to kick off spring in Waterloo.
Want to Share Your BBQ?
We're doing the BBQ portion differently this year and there will only be a people's choice competition to see who has the best BBQ at Beer B Que. There will be some guidelines that need to be followed like having your food handler certification, but in most cases, we can provide the meat for you to cook. You can also use any meat this year, it isn't limited to chicken and ribs. Please contact Quinn Rodenberg at qrodenberg@yahoo.com if you're interested in cooking.
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