Lockport Brewery Turns Five with Beer, Music, and a Makers Market this Saturday
- John E. Streetz
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
From Stouts to Shadowboxes: Lockport’s Nik & Ivy Brewing Hosts Anniversary Fest
Nik & Ivy Brewing in Lockport is turning five this weekend, and the celebration includes more than just great beer. As part of the anniversary festivities, the brewery will host an outdoor artisan market curated by John Streetz of the Streetz Artz Alliance. The market will feature an expertly selected lineup of makers selling everything from freshly roasted coffee and handmade cookies to original artwork and witty vintage décor.
The market takes place in the back parking lot of the brewery at 1026 S State St. It runs Saturday, August 23, from 12 to 6 p.m., is free to attend, family friendly, and will go on rain or shine. Visitors can enter through the brewery or from E 10th and E 11th Streets, with plenty of on-site and nearby parking available for a stress-free visit.
Each year the brewery welcomes a fresh mix of artists, and this edition introduces several new names to Lockport’s creative crowd, including Crafty Creations, WhistleNotes Perfumery, Bosco’s All Natural, Adorable Oracle, Johnny’s Pickles, The Petry Homestead, Mpn3d, Gigawatt Coffee Roasters, and EverHad 23.
Shoppers can expect a vibrant marketplace filled with eclectic finds. Original art, prints, comics, stickers, and shadowboxes will line the stalls, along with mixed media collages and reimagined “disturbing dolls” turned into Halloween décor. Handmade treasures range from resin chess sets and spirit boards to crochet toys, scrubbies, and market bags. Jewelry lovers will discover leather, metal, and gemstone designs, while the mystical-minded can enjoy tarot readings, aura cleanses, ritual kits, and herbal remedies. Food enthusiasts won’t be left out either, with gourmet cookies, breads, cakes, seasoned nuts, pickles, giardiniera, BBQ rubs, and fresh coffee available. Add in dog treats, pottery, and quirky clay creatures, and the market promises a unique shopping experience full of surprises.
“This is our third year working with Nik & Ivy Brewing, and the alley behind the brewery is perfect for hosting twenty artists,” says Streetz. “With so many new faces joining the lineup, I know locals will love browsing this year’s market with a craft beer in hand.”
Among the featured artists is Raven Feathers and Bat Wings, a Lockport favorite known for layered mixed media collages. “My work is like an onion—or an ogre—it has layers,” says artist Silvia Haynes. “Some pieces are lighthearted, others have a darker tone, and I’ve recently begun weaving my photography into the collages.”
Also returning is Belonio Doodles, a Streetz Artz Alliance staple. Known for playful, pop-culture-inspired illustrations, Belonio creates everything from comics and cards to custom animal portraits. “My focus is to put a smile on your face when you take a look at any of my doodles,” says artist Jon Belonio, whose work has been featured in Chicago Magazine, Downers Grove Magazine, Fox News Chicago, and WGN Morning News.
The brewery’s 5th anniversary festivities kick off Friday, August 22, from 3 to 11 p.m., with the release of bourbon barrel-aged stouts, new merchandise, and live music by Dan Jeslis from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday’s schedule includes the Makers Market from noon to 6 p.m., a food pop-up from Mucha Salsa, and evening music by Willard Wilcox. Sunday begins with a Yoga & Brew session at 9:45 a.m. (advance registration required), followed by live music from AJ Skrabis in the afternoon.
New anniversary merchandise will be available all weekend, including pint glasses, t-shirts, and tanks with “Nik & Fivey” branding, in sizes small through 3XL. Special stout flavors like Peanut Butter Cup and S’mores will also be available for purchase.
For full details on Saturday’s Maker’s Market, visit the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/738352492177689
Charities supported by artists in the event:
St. Judes - https://www.stjude.org/
Special Olympics - https://www.specialolympics.org/
Luries Children’s Hospital - https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/ways-to-help/
Delta Gamma - https://www.deltagamma.org/foundation/ways-to-give/
CFVC for veterans. (It is our nonprofit where part of our sales goes to CFVC for veterans in need. Pays for food, treats, bedding, and wellness care products. Donations are accepted on our Facebook page and website. Stop by the store and make a donation. https://www.boscosallnatural.com/donate-to-cfvc)
Artists participating in the market include:
Crafty Creations
Disturbing Dolls/Slow Poke Sculpts
EverHad 23
Johnny’s Pickles
Magick Lotus Botanica
Masterclass Savory Sweet Foods
The Petry Homestead
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