Beer Festival Beverage Inclusions: Free Or Fee?

Beer festivals are events where people can purchase a ticket to drink a variety of beers. They can range in price from $75 to $500, depending on when you buy and how much you drink. However, there is a way to get free drinks at a beer festival: volunteering. Volunteers are treated to free admission, beer, swag, food, and other goodies. For example, at the Omaha Beer Festival, volunteers get a free t-shirt and a free ticket for another shift, and the festival even serves beer at volunteer orientation. At the Great American Beer Festival, volunteers are given a complimentary ticket for the next year's festival and the opportunity to mingle with craft brewers and fellow beer enthusiasts. So, if you're looking to enjoy some free drinks at a beer festival, consider signing up to volunteer!

Volunteers at beer festivals

Volunteers are an integral part of any beer festival, and their contributions are highly valued by organisers and attendees alike. They are often the first point of contact for patrons, offering assistance, information, and a friendly welcome. The volunteer roles at beer festivals are diverse and cater to a range of interests and skill sets.

One of the most visible roles is that of greeters, who are responsible for making a great first impression. They warmly welcome patrons, answer initial queries, and direct people to the correct locations. Greeters may also be called upon to fill in gaps for other teams, such as wristbanding, line organisation, and distributing tasting glasses. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to help are essential to setting the tone for the festival.

Volunteers are also heavily involved in the operational aspects of the festival. This includes volunteer coordination, where they manage check-ins, check-outs, and the distribution of volunteers throughout the venue. They ensure that all volunteers are where they need to be and provide support to their fellow team members.

Another operational role is that of the designated driver or information booth volunteer. These individuals pour non-alcoholic beverages for patrons and answer any questions that may arise. They play a crucial role in promoting a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees.

For those interested in a more active role, the keg and ice runner team is responsible for the physical task of moving kegs and ice to and from the loading dock. This role requires volunteers to be on their feet and able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.

Volunteers are also needed for set-up and tear-down, which involves production and merchandise assistance. This role welcomes all skill levels and is perfect for those who want to be a part of the festival's transformation.

In addition to the sense of community and contribution, volunteers at beer festivals often receive perks such as complimentary tickets, festival merchandise, and the opportunity to mingle with craft brewers and fellow enthusiasts. It's a chance to indulge in a passion for beer while also gaining behind-the-scenes insights into the festival's operations.

Planning for a beer festival

Planning a beer festival is no small feat. It requires a lot of preparation and attention to detail to make the event a success. Here are some key considerations for planning a beer festival:

Choose the Right Date and Location

The date and location of your beer festival are crucial. Give yourself ample time to plan, ideally 8-12 weeks as a minimum. Avoid clashing with other events or holidays that may interest your target audience. For an outdoor venue, consider the weather – a festival in November might not be the best idea unless it's a festival featuring stouts or winter brews. Look for interesting partnerships, such as historic sites or local farmers, to set your festival apart. Ensure the venue is accessible with parking and public transit options and can accommodate your expected crowd, vendors, and their vehicles.

Permits and Legalities

Each state and municipality has specific laws regarding the distribution of alcohol. Contact your state's Alcohol Beverage Control to learn about the required licenses and permits for selling liquor and food. Acquire general liability and liquor liability insurance to protect yourself in case of injuries or drunk driving incidents. Consider other types of insurance, such as coverage for rented properties, medical expenses, auto insurance, and umbrella insurance.

Food and Drinks

While beer is the star of the show, don't forget about food! Offer a variety of food options beyond pretzels and snacks. Food trucks and local restaurants are a great way to provide substantial meals and engage with the community. Ensure there is plenty of water available, especially at summer festivals. Set up water distribution tents or stations to encourage hydration and provide rinsing options for tasting glasses.

Ticket Sales and Pricing

Stay in frequent communication with the brewers to discuss ticket sales, expected attendance, and the amount of beer needed. Overestimate the amount of beer to avoid running out. Consider a voucher or token system for samples, especially if you plan to charge per drink. Flat fees upfront are usually best to simplify payments and speed up service.

Festival Layout and Branding

Create a clear and easy-to-follow floor plan for brewers, food vendors, first aid, and restrooms. Ensure essentials like water stations, trash bins, and directional signage are spread throughout the festival grounds. Assemble a large volunteer team to assist with various tasks, such as ticket sales, ice levels, and crowd control. Develop eye-catching branding and advertising to attract your target audience. Utilize social media, local media outlets, and word-of-mouth promotion to generate excitement and increase ticket sales.

What to wear to a beer festival

When deciding what to wear to a beer festival, it's important to keep in mind that the dress code is generally casual. The key is to wear something comfortable and fuss-free that will allow you to enjoy the event to the fullest. Here are some tips to help you decide what to wear:

• Go for a casual and unpretentious look: Jeans paired with a T-shirt or a short-sleeved button-down shirt are always a good option. If it's going to be hot, you can swap the jeans for denim or chino shorts.
• Choose comfortable footwear: You'll likely be on your feet all day, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Trainers or plimsolls are a great option, but if you want something slightly smarter, you can go for desert boots, boat shoes, or loafers.
• Accessorise with sunglasses and a cap: Not only will these accessories elevate your look, but they will also provide extra sun protection.
• Dress for the weather: Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. If it's going to be hot, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics.
• Avoid layering: Since beer festivals tend to be held during the summer, temperatures can get quite high. Avoid layering your clothes to prevent overheating.
• Smart-casual options: If you want to smarten up your look a bit, you can opt for light-coloured chinos and a lightweight Oxford shirt. This will give you a put-together look without being too stuffy.

Overall, the most important thing is to wear something comfortable that reflects your personal style. Enjoy the beer festival and remember to drink responsibly!

How to pace yourself

Beer festivals are ticketed events where you can drink a variety of beers. While some festivals offer unlimited samples and tastings, others give you a set amount.

Eat a full meal beforehand

Make sure to eat a full and hearty meal before the beer festival. It's also a good idea to eat again during the festival, opting for real food rather than just snacks. Eating will help to slow down your drinking and line your stomach.

Drink water

It's important to stay hydrated, especially if you're drinking in the sun. Drink a glass of water between each beer, and set reminders on your phone to remind yourself to hydrate.

Don't drink the full pour

You don't have to drink a full pour, which is usually 3-4 ounces. It all adds up! If you don't like the beer, it's ok to pour it out, just not in front of the brewery.

Plan your drinking

Research the breweries and beers that will be at the festival in advance, and make a list of the ones you want to try. That way, you can focus on trying new and interesting beers, rather than ones you can get at your local bar or store. If you're not sure about a beer, or want to slow down, ask for a half pour.

Take breaks

If you start to feel drunk, take a break. Chat to the brewers about their craft, or join a long line for a beer you're particularly interested in – it will give your body some time to catch up.

The cost of beer festivals

The cost of drinks at beer festivals varies depending on the event and the type of beer. Typically, beer festivals are ticketed events where the price of admission includes unlimited samples and tastings of beer. However, there are some festivals where you are given a set amount of drinks with the option to purchase more. The cost of an average half barrel of beer at a summer festival is around $100 for domestic beer and $150 for craft beer. Distributors can inflate these costs by 20% to 50% due to their sponsorship and the services they provide to the festival.

At some festivals, like Glastonbury, attendees are allowed to bring their own alcohol, but amounts considered beyond reasonable personal use will be confiscated at the gate, and all glass bottles must be decanted into alternative containers.

For those who want to attend a beer festival but don't want to drink, designated drivers are often given discounted or free tickets, as well as free drinks and food.

In addition to the cost of drinks, there are other expenses to consider when attending a beer festival. These can include food, accommodation, and transportation to and from the festival grounds. It's also common to tip servers at beer festivals, and these tips can add up over the course of the event.

Overall, the cost of attending a beer festival can vary significantly depending on the event and the individual's drinking and spending habits. It's always a good idea to research the festival in advance to understand the costs involved and plan accordingly.

Frequently asked questions