Chicago folks normally don't take too kindly to New Yorkers, but I think we can make an exception when tasty beverages are involved. The Brooklyn Brewery Mash Tour is a traveling beer, food, and arts festival featuring local chefs, artisans, craftsmen, and musicians. Citywide events include a rare-beer tasting with brew master Garrett Oliver and Michael Kiser of the blog Good Beer Hunting, a found-footage film festival, and an appearance by the alt-rock band Surfer Blood, who'll be performing at Thalia Hall.

Price: prices vary