Your Destination for Unique Craft Spirit Experiences in Rockford
Experience Rockford distillery events – 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
Valentine’s Day Dinner
Mardi Gras Dinner
Cinco De Marcho Event
Corporate Murder Mystery Events
VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER
Saturday, February 14, 2026
An Evening of Romance Takes Flight
Step into our transformed aircraft hangar where industrial elegance meets intimate romance. This Valentine’s Day, we’re creating an unforgettable couples-only experience beneath our soaring ceilings—trading our usual bustling energy for candlelit tables, soft ambiance, and an evening designed exclusively for two.
Your Evening
Two carefully timed seating’s ensure an unhurried, intimate experience:
- First Seating: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Second Seating: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Each seating welcomes just 18 couples—creating an exclusive atmosphere where every detail is designed for romance. Your evening unfolds across three thoughtfully crafted courses, each prepared with care by our farm-to-table kitchen.
The Menu – $120 Per Couple
Estate Honey Whiskey Liqueur bottles available for separate purchase
Course One
Mini Shareable Charcuterie Board
Perfect for sharing while you settle into the evening
Course Two (Choose Your Entrée)
Stuffed Pork Loin
Savory bacon, mushroom & onion stuffing
Finished with our signature bourbon reduction
Accompanied by baked potato and fresh asparagus
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Tender broccoli and cheese stuffing
Draped in velvety hollandaise
Accompanied by baked potato and fresh asparagus
Course Three
Brownie à la Mode Duo
Designed for sharing—warm brownie triangles embracing vanilla ice cream, cascading chocolate sauce, dusted with powdered sugar and fresh mint
Libations
Our full bar remains at your service throughout the evening. Craft cocktails, and premium spirits available—charged separately to keep your options open.
Estate Honey Whiskey Liqueur Launch
Toast the evening with our newest liqueur—100% estate-produced using honey from the property and Barnstormer whiskey. Dinner guests get first access.
Secure Your Table
$120 per couple | Limited to 36 couples for the entire evening
A $10 non-refundable deposit secures your reservation (applied to your final bill on the evening of the event).
We’ll reach out before February 14th to confirm your entrée selections—ensuring your evening flows seamlessly from arrival to dessert.
Reserve Your Spot
This is an intimate, limited-capacity evening. Book early to guarantee your preferred seating time.
Questions? Reach us at (815) 269 4069
Aviator Member discounts do not apply to this special event
MARDI GRAS DINNER AT BARNSTORMER DISTILLERY
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | Fat Tuesday Celebration
Doors Open: 5:30 PM | Dinner Service: 6:00 PM
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Join us for an unforgettable Fat Tuesday celebration featuring authentic New Orleans cuisine and the exclusive access to our Estate Honey Whiskey Liqueur, crafted with honey harvested right here at Grant View Heights Farm.
LIMITED TO 50 GUESTS – ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
PRICING:
- $50 per person – Aviators (email list members)
- $55 per person – General Public
Estate Honey Whiskey Liqueur bottles available for separate purchase
THE EXPERIENCE:
COCKTAIL HOUR (5:30 – 6:00 PM)
- First taste of our new Honey Whiskey Liqueur in signature cocktails
- Passed Deviled Eggs
- Mardi Gras beads for all guests
- Costume contest – dress in your purple, green & gold finest!
THREE-COURSE SEATED DINNER
FIRST COURSE
Crab Cakes with Creole Remoulade
MAIN COURSE
Chicken, Sausage & Shrimp Gumbo over Rice
Served with French Bread & Hushpuppies
DESSERT
King Cake Truffles
Some truffles contain hidden babies – find one and win a prize!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
This is a true New Orleans celebration in our historic aircraft hangar. Come dressed in Mardi Gras colors, enjoy authentic Louisiana cuisine prepared by Chef Tim, and be among the first to taste our newest limited-release spirit made with estate honey.
This event WILL sell out. Our previous Mardi Gras dinners reached capacity, and with only 50 seats available, early reservations are strongly encouraged.
RESERVE YOUR SEATS
Ticket Sales Open February 1, 2026
Questions? Contact us at (815) 269-4069 or marketing@barnstormerdistillery.com
Must be 21+ to attend. Price includes dinner and cocktail hour. Honey Whiskey Liqueur bottles sold separately.
CINCO DE MARCHO FUSION DINNER
Wednesday, March 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Official Kickoff to Liver Training Season
Get ready for the most unexpected fusion dinner of the year. Our unique twist on cultural celebration! Cinco de Marcho kicks off the “liver training season” just 12 days before St. Patrick’s Day. Experience our creative fusion of Mexican and Irish traditions, featuring a menu that playfully bridges both cultures. Irish meets Mexican in a spirit-forward party that launches our newest whiskey and trains you for the drinking marathon ahead.
This isn’t your typical plated dinner. This is a three-hour party featuring stations, buffets, and enough cocktails to make both cultures proud.
INTRODUCING: P-51 90 PROOF AMERICAN SINGLE MALT WHISKEY
We launched the Barrel Proof P-51 on New Year’s. Now we’re releasing the 90 Proof version – smooth, approachable, and built for cocktails. Cinco de Marcho guests get first taste and exclusive pre-order pricing.
Your ticket includes a welcome cocktail featuring the P-51 PLUS a complimentary neat pour. You’ll taste it in a cocktail, then taste it straight.
THE EXPERIENCE
HOUR 1: ARRIVAL + APPETIZER STATION (5:30-6:30 PM)
Welcome cocktail in hand (P-51 featured – our Master Mixologist Addie’s creation)
- Jalapeño-Cheddar Irish Soda Bread Bites with Whiskey Butter
- Corned Beef Empanadas
- Queso Fundido (Irish Cheddar + Chorizo)
HOUR 2: MAIN BUFFET OPENS (6:30-7:30 PM)
Two Proteins:
- Corned Beef Carnitas (crispy, Mexican-technique meets Irish staple)
- P-51 Whiskey & Irish Bacon Chicken Tinga
Three Sides:
- Poblano Colcannon (Irish mashed potatoes meet roasted poblanos)
- Irish Cheddar & Bacon Elote (Mexican street corn, Irish twist)
- Black Beans with Irish Bacon & Chorizo
Build Your Own:
Warm flour tortillas, toppings bar (cilantro, limes, pickled jalapeños, salsas, crema, cabbage)
HOUR 3: DESSERT STATION (7:30-8:30 PM)
- Irish Coffee Bar (multiple whiskeys including P-51)
- Churros with Irish Cream Dipping Sauce
- Guinness Brownies
- Complimentary P-51 neat pour available
Cash bar open throughout the evening.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Barnstormer Distillery, 6969 S Main St, Rockford. IL 61102
Capacity: Limited to 50 guests
Price: $55 per person
Ticket includes welcome cocktail, all food, complimentary P-51 neat pour, and exclusive bottle pre-order access.
Tickets go on sale Feb 01, 2025
P-51 90 PROOF BOTTLE PRE-ORDERS
Dinner guests: save $8 off March 14 retail price
Reserve your bottle when purchasing tickets – payment and pickup at the event or during the following week.
Questions? Contact us at (815) 269-4069 or Marketing@barnstormerdistillery.com
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
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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