EVENTS & CALENDAR
Experience Barnstormer Beyond the Tasting Room
From intimate dinners to live music nights, our aircraft hangar hosts unforgettable events that blend craft spirits, exceptional food, and unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
View Full Calendar | Gift Cards Available | (815) 269-4069
FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS
New Year’s Eve at Barnstormer: A Global Toast to 2026
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Ring in the New Year in signature Barnstormer style with an extraordinary evening featuring a meticulously crafted 5-course dinner paired with handcrafted cocktails showcasing our award-winning spirits.
A Unique Tradition
Begin your celebration at 6:00 PM as the clock strikes midnight in Greenwich Mean Time (UTC). Led by Master Distiller & Chef Tim Ford and the Barnstormer crew, each course tells a story through both plate and glass.
Your Evening Includes:
✓ Welcome toast at 6:00 PM (GMT Midnight)
✓ Five expertly crafted courses with paired cocktails
✓ Each cocktail featuring Barnstormer’s farm-to-glass spirits
✓ Your own Passport Booklet guiding you through the evening’s journey
✓ An intimate, curated dining experience
The Menu:
First Course — Mini Charcuterie Board | Lemon Lavender Martini
Second Course — Butternut Squash Bisque | Maple Old Fashioned
Third Course — Poached Pear & Goat Cheese Salad | The Holiday Martini with Smoked Rosemary
Fourth Course (select one):
- 8 oz Filet Mignon | The Smoked Old Fashioned
- Stuffed Chicken Crème Brie with Apples & Cranberries | Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned
Both served with Pommes Purée with Fresh Chives & Tender Green Beans Amandine
Fifth Course:
- Vanilla Crème Brûlée (with Filet) | Spitfire
- Lemon Crème Brûlée (with Chicken) | Spitfire
Event Details:
$140 per person
Price includes all food, paired cocktails, tax, and gratuity
Limited seating available – Reservations required
All sales are final
Please contact us directly regarding dietary restrictions or allergies. We will accommodate requests made with advance notice to the best of our ability.
WELCOME TO THE SECRET SPEAKEASY
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
Saturday, January 17th, 2026
There’s a hidden speakeasy 60 miles outside Chicago where bootleggers, mobsters, and Hollywood’s elite gather when the heat is on. Tucked inside Barnstormer Airfield’s Hangar, this is where deals are made, secrets are kept, and on Saturday, January 17th… where murder happens.
Password Required to Enter
Once purchased, you’ll receive your character profile, costume suggestions, and the secret password.
What Awaits You:
✓ Step into our 1920s speakeasy hidden in the Hangar
✓ Interactive murder mystery – YOU are a character
✓ Character assignment with backstory & costume suggestions
✓ Bathtub gin cocktails & period-inspired drinks
✓ Grazing table upon arrival
✓ Authentic 1920s sit-down dinner & dessert
✓ Two cocktails from the featured menu included
Come dressed in prohibition-era attire or not – everyone’s welcome at our speakeasy. No experience necessary!
Tickets:
General Admission: $99/person
Current Aviator Members: $89/person
Price includes all food, two speakeasy cocktails, tax, and gratuity
Limited seating available – Reservations required
All sales are final
AVIATOR MEMBERS SAVE $10!
Perfect time to renew for 2026 or join our exclusive club for year-round perks, early event access, and special tastings.
Please contact us directly regarding dietary restrictions or allergies. We will accommodate requests made with advance notice to the best of our ability.
GIFT CARDS
Give the Gift of Barnstormer Experiences
Perfect for spirit lovers, foodies, and anyone seeking unique Illinois adventures. Barnstormer gift cards can be used for:
✓ Tasting room cocktails & flights
✓ Bottle purchases
✓ Special event tickets
✓ Private tastings
✓ Custom barrel programs
✓ Food from The Brasserie
Available in any amount – delivered instantly via email
Gift cards never expire and make perfect gifts for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration!
FULL EVENT CALENDAR
Live Music Nights
Join us for live music in our aircraft hangar during summer months! Check our Facebook and Instagram for weekly lineups and featured artists.
Follow us for announcements: @barnstormerdistillery
Weekend Food Service
The Brasserie at Barnstormer serves farm-fresh dishes every weekend that pair perfectly with our craft spirits.
Friday: 4-7 PM
Saturday: 12-7 PM
Sunday: 11-4:30 PM
Private Events & Venue Rental
Host Your Event at Barnstormer
Our unique aircraft hangar setting is perfect for:
✓ Corporate events & team building
✓ Wedding receptions & rehearsal dinners
✓ Birthday parties & milestone celebrations
✓ Private tastings & spirit education sessions
✓ Holiday parties & special occasions
Available Spaces:
The Hangar – Main tasting room with authentic aviation atmosphere
Tented Area – Accommodates up to 50 people under cover (summer/music nights)
VIP Gazebo with Fire Pit – Intimate setting for up to 15 people
Contact us to discuss your private event:
(815) 269-4069 | marketing@barnstormerdistillery.com
Stay Connected
Never miss an event!
Follow us on Facebook for event announcements
Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and updates
Join our email list – Contact us to be added
Questions about events? Call (815) 269-4069
Event Policies
Age Requirement: 21+ for all events (valid ID required)
Reservations: Required for all special events. Walk-ins welcome for regular tasting room hours.
Cancellations: Event tickets are non-refundable. All sales final.
Dietary Restrictions: Contact us in advance and we’ll accommodate to the best of our ability.
Dress Code: Casual for regular visits. Themed attire encouraged (but not required) for special events.
Group Size: Larger groups should call ahead for seating arrangements.
The Choice Is Yours
You can visit another distillery that follows the rules, uses automation, and plays it safe with predictable flavors.
Or you can experience what happens when innovation meets Illinois tradition in an actual aircraft hangar.
Come taste the difference. Come be part of the revival.
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