Summerfest FAQs
Make sure you have the safest and most fun day possible at Summerfest by reviewing the info below before you go. And remember: “Quality, not quantity.” Drink responsibly and don’t drive after imbibing.
Entering Victory Field
The entrance to the event is at the corner of West and Maryland streets.
Do I need to print my ticket, or can I show it on my phone?
Because technology-related issues such as glare on phones and internet connectivity can dramatically slow down entrance for all attendees, it’s always best to bring a printed copy if you can. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
How can I get in faster? Can I get my wristband before the event?
PLEASE HAVE YOUR VALID 21+ ID AND PRINTED TICKET READY. You can also get your wristband before the event by stopping by one of our prebanding locations which will allow you to get into the event more quickly by using designated pre-banded entry lanes. All attendees must bring their 21+ IDs and tickets to pre-band. Everyone in your party who would like to be pre-banded must be present. Wristbands cannot be picked up for those who are not present. A lot of people may show up for pre-banding, so grab a beer, chat with your fellow fest-goers while you wait, and grab a bite to eat.
How can I get a ticket?
Tickets are available online, and at the gate while they last.
Where does the festival take place?
Victory Field, 510 W Maryland Street, Indianapolis, IN
Do I have to be 21 to attend? Can I bring my kid?
All attendees – even designated drivers – must be 21+ with valid ID. No infants, children, or anyone else under 21 years of age are permitted.
I bought tickets but now I can’t go/I’d like to upgrade or downgrade my tickets. Can I get a refund/tickets to another event/will you help me sell them?
All ticket sales are final, and we can’t assist in reselling tickets. Tickets can be purchased for others, but all attendees must be 21+ with ID. If you haven’t received your receipt with a link to print your tickets, please check your spam folder before contacting us. You can upgrade your tickets through your email confirmation to a higher level, assuming that there’s availability.
What if the weather is bad?
As with most large events, Guild festivals are held rain, snow, or shine and no refunds will be given, so please dress and prepare accordingly.
Can Zero Proof ticketholders drink alcohol?
To ensure everyone’s safety, Zero Proof customers may not consume alcohol. Those who do will be asked to leave the premises. Zero Proof customers will receive free soft drinks, water at the concession stand and will have access to non-alcoholic beverage samples. The map shows which vendors have alcohol-free samples available
What can I bring into the festival?
What you CAN bring:
- Your ID (REQUIRED even for designated drivers. All attendees must be 21+.)
- Your printed ticket
- Cash/card for food and vendors: some may not accept credit cards
- (1) sealed water bottle
- Pretzel/bagel/jerky/snack necklaces
- Service animals
- Small bags (subject to search)
- Jackets
What you CAN’T bring:
- Pets
- Babies/children (this event is strictly 21+, even for designated drivers)
- Weapons of any kind, including but not limited to firearms and knives
- Selfie sticks
- Sealed bottles or cans of anything besides water
- Open bottles containing liquid of any kind
- Alcohol
- Coolers
- CamelBaks and Backpacks
- Glassware or cups of any kind
- Drugs or paraphernalia
Will drinking water be available at the festival?
Bottled water will be available for purchase at the concession stands, there are water fountains throughout the event, and you may bring in sealed, clear bottles of water, but no other unsealed containers containing liquid. See the full list of permitted/prohibited items above.
Will there be an ATM on site?
Though most vendors will accept cards, we encourage you to stop at an ATM beforehand to get cash for food and merchandise.
Where can I find a beer list?
See the list of breweries and beer the week leading up to the event here.
How do I get tickets that I won?
If you won tickets on social media from the Brewers Guild, email info@drinkIN.beer for details on claiming them. If you won tickets from another organization, please contact them for details on claiming.
Where can I park?
As always, we encourage you to cycle, walk, carpool, or take Lyft, Uber, or a taxi. Parking is not available onsite at Victory Field.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Tickets are available throughout the entirety of the event online. Day of pricing is:
$115 – MVP Suite (2-6p) if available
$90 – Early Entry (2-6p) if available
$60 – General Admission (3-6p)
$20 – Zero Proof (2-6p)
Where is the first aid station?
If you or a member of your party have an emergency, seek out the nearest police or security officer, volunteer captain, or staff person for immediate help. Help will also be available at the administrative entrance on the west side of the field on off the concourse.
Who can I ask if I have a question about the event?
If you have questions about the locations of breweries, first aid, or anything else, the Volunteer Captains in brightly colored shirts will be able to guide you.
Can I leave the event and re-enter?
No. Tickets will be scanned upon initial entry and can’t be scanned again.
Will there be enough restrooms?
Victory Field has restrooms all along the concourse!
Can I buy pints of beer?
No. Beer will only be dispensed into the tasting glass you receive at the door. Breweries will not dispense beer into anything other than the official taster glass.
What will I drink out of?
Non-DD ticket holders will receive a commemorative tasting glass good for as many 3 oz. pours as you can responsibly drink. DD ticket holders will get a plastic cup for non-alcoholic beverages.
When does the event end?
The event ends promptly at 6 p.m. on Saturday. All attendees will be asked to exit the grounds at that time.
How can I get home safely?
As always, we encourage you to drink responsibly and drive only when sober. DD ticket holders receive a complimentary coffee, soft drink, or mocktail, and water. DDs may not consume alcohol. Volunteers will direct designated drivers not attending the event to the designated pickup locations.
I lost something. Where is Lost & Found?
If you lost an item at the festival, please reach out to info@drinkin.beer to inquire or visit the Guild tent at exit/entry.
What does this beer festival support?
Your ticket price directly supports the Indiana Brewers Guild, the nonprofit trade association that represents Indiana’s craft breweries. Ticket sales also make the fest possible for you to enjoy, and a portion of every ticket sold benefits our charity partners.
- Unlike many for-profit festivals, breweries are given stipends for attending Guild fests, helping to offset their staffing, travel, and production expenses.
- Indiana Brewers Guild is supported almost entirely by festival proceeds.
- The Guild donates $ from every ticket sold to charity partners
- Indiana Brewers Guild lobbies for brewery-friendly laws in the legislature, promotes the craft beer industry to the public and business communities and serves our member brewers by facilitating communication and continuing education programs like the Indiana Craft Brewers Conference.
- Festivals are expensive to produce, and only a fraction of gross ticket sales are profit.
- Indiana Brewers Guild produces annual events, and a variety of other initiatives geared toward connecting craft beer consumers with producers and affiliated businesses that make Indiana beer possible.