The 2013 Chicago Craft Beer Week kicks off on Thursday, May 16th and is actually a 1 1/2 week-long celebration of Chicagoland craft breweries and brewers. If you’re unfamiliar with what the week entails, fear not! The 4th annual celebration is sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers’ Guild and is entirely planned and staffed by volunteers in the local craft beer community. From May 16-26, more than 250 local breweries, brewpubs, and bars will be offering special events, tastings, beer dinners, tap takeovers and more! In fact, this year there are more than 20 new participants offering a little taste of beer heaven.

If you’re curious what events are taking place, check out  the Chicago Craft Beer Week schedule for a full day-by-day lineup of events by neighborhood, as well as a list of venues and the beers they are featuring. Most locations will be featuring $4 craft beer offerings throughout the week.

One of the events we’re most looking forward to includes the kickoff event, Beer Under Glass. The May 16th event taking place at the Garfield Park Conservatory will feature more than 40 local breweries and restaurants serving up brews and small plates. Although the popular event is already sold out, luckily there are several other great events to attend.

The West Loop Craft Beer Festival on May 25th will feature an outdoor block party in the West Loop with more than 30 craft beer vendors and food from the Chicago French Market.

Other events to note include a Founders and Capital takeover at Roots Handmade Pizza, The Great Firkin Brunch at Old Town Pour House featuring brunch items paired with Metropolitan and Two Brother’s beers, and a Local Cask Day at Fountainhead which will be pouring cask ales from local and regional breweries. Whichever way you decide to support your local Illinois brewers, you’re bound to find a new favorite Chicagoland beer or bar.

You can also download the official Chicago Craft Beer Week app for iOS and Android which provides you the entire schedule of events at your fingertips and also allows you to earn points for attending events and win prizes.

Which event or beer are you most excited to try this year?