OPEN GATE BREWERY
Gate Brewery, has a problem. Despite being a classic place to spend St. Patricks Day in the city, the Brewery is 1.5 miles from the nearest downtown festivities. So how do we get people to make the trek in the cold air?
We make the one and a half mile worth THE EFFORT
We start months before—with Guinness petitioning to add a fifth star to Chicago’s beloved 4 star flag.
After we drum up a bit of attention (and debate!) We’ll announce our 5th Star Festival.
THE GUINNESS FIFTH STAR FESTIVAL
The Guinness Fifth Star Festival will celebrate the Irish heritage that’s been part of our city for nearly 200 years. Our stages will showcase homegrown musical legends and comedy icons. Raise a pint to the Irish grit that built Chicago and the cultural mosaic that propels its future.
Fifth Star Stage
Enjoy sets from Chicago's top musicians, each incorporating one powerful Irish folk song into their performance and sharing its personal significance.
SPOT THE STARS
A star will be placed in Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, with scannable QR codes that lead to festival ticket reservations.
Landing page will also include a link to the petition to add the fifth star.
Guinness 0.0 Recharge Station
Escape the festival frenzy at our Guinness 0.0 Recharge Station, where you can savor a perfect NA pour while powering up your devices and catching your breath.
Second City Stage
With Ireland as their muse, Chicago's hometown comedy heroes will perform stand-up and improv sets that hilariously explore this legendary cultural blend.
STAR PATH TO THE BREWERY
On the route from the river to the festival will be a path of 77 stars, representing the 77 communities that make up Chicago. Stars will be geotagged so that as festival-goers approach a star, they receive a push notification with an exciting way to engage with it.
flag-raising ceremony
At the end of the festival, Open Gate will raise the proper flag with five stars to commemorate the first annual Fifth Star Festival coming to a close.
