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Make sure you have the safest, most fun day possible at Winterfest by reviewing the info below before you go. And remember, “Quality, not quantity”: Drink responsibly and don’t drive after imbibing.

 

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. Rest assured that we’re focused on getting everyone in to enjoy our festivals as quickly as possible and have found that scanning from phones significantly delays this. However, we’re always looking at ways to improve the festival experience, including using technology to scan phones without having to increase ticket prices or delay entry.

 

How can I get in faster? Can I get my wristband before the event?

PLEASE HAVE YOUR VALID 21+ ID AND PRINTED TICKET READY. Get your wristband before Winterfest 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 may not 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. Want a chance to win tickets? Check out the #IndyWinterfest hashtag online, and follow your favorite Indiana breweries on social media for chances to win.

 

Where does the festival take place?

The West Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205

 

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.

 

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 Designated Drivers drink alcohol?

To ensure everyone’s safety, DDs may not consume alcohol. Those who do will be asked to leave the premises. Designated drivers will receive free soft drinks, water, and coffee and will have access to Non Alcohol beverage samples.

 

What can I bring into the festival?

What you CAN bring:

 

What you CAN’T bring:

 

Where should Lyft/Uber/the taxi/my friend drop me off at the event?

To ensure the safety of everyone as well as smooth traffic flow, all designated drivers should drop off/pick up at the designated areas.

  1. All ride services, including DDs dropping off guests, will either enter Gate 6 off of Fall Creek Parkway or Gate 1 off of 38th Street.
  2. Turn flashers on once on the Fairgrounds and you will be identified and directed to the West Pavilion to drop off or pick up customers on the south west side of the building.
  3. Please do not stop in middle of street to unload.
  4. Follow all directions from parking attendants.
  5. No drop offs are allowed on 38thStreet or Fall Creek Parkway outside the Fairgrounds.  This creates a safety issue. Please pull into the Fairgrounds and a parking attendant will direct you to the appropriate location.

 

Do I have to purchase samples of beer?

Nope! All non-DD ticket holders receive a tasting glass good for as many 3 oz. pours as you can responsibly drink. Brewers of Indiana Guild festivals are opportunities to sample local beer and meet local brewers: They are not races to drink as much as you can. Anyone who appears to be intoxicated will be denied additional samples and may be deemed to be in violation of local public intoxication statutes.

 

Will drinking water be available at the festival?

Bottled water will be available for purchase and at water stations throughout the event, and water stations will be available for refills. You may bring in sealed, clear bottles of water, but no filled CamelBaks (empty are fine) or other unsealed containers containing liquid. See the full list of permitted/prohibited items above. Designated drivers will receive free soft drinks and water at the DD stands, as well as free coffee. DDs are not permitted to drink alcohol.

 

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, and check out #IndyWinterfest online to see what your favorite breweries are bringing.

 

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 will be available at the Fairgrounds for $10.

 

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

Save money by purchasing in advance but as long as the event isn’t a sell-out, tickets will be available at an increased price onsite. Designated Driver tickets will only be available until GA sell out.

 

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 entrance/exit gate.

 

Where can I smoke?

Smoking is prohibited except for the designated smoking area shown on the event map.

 

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?

When almost everyone arrives and starts drinking at the same time at a beer fest, almost everyone seems to have to use the restroom at the same time. Which sometimes means lines. At each one of our annual festivals, we keep tabs on lines, and after the event, we work with the portable toilet companies to find out which placements received heavy traffic and which didn’t so we can improve the following year’s layout. And we add more portalets when necessary. We’ve found that guests gravitate to the toilets with the longest lines, likely because they’re the most visible. So based on years of experience, we recommend that you carefully review the map and brewery booth locations. We may move portable toilets based on the prior year’s usage, so take note of where the restrooms are, just as you would an emergency exit.

 

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.

 

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 complimentary coffee, soft drinks, 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, visit Lost & Found at the Drink Indiana Beer merchandise booth or contact us after the festival.

 

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.