Satursday Event Schedule

Happy Hour Session:
1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
- Doors open at 1:00pm
- Food & store sales start at 1:00pm
- Taps open at 1:30pm

Evening Session:
6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
- Doors open at 6:00 pm
- Food & store sales start at 6:00pm
- Taps open at 6:30 pm

Taps close 15 minutes prior to the designated end of the session, allowing you time to enjoy your final brew.

Evening with the Brewers VIP Session - Nov. 4
Maine Festival

PLEASE NOTE

Any tickets purchased from Oct. 31 onward will be available at will call on Nov. 5.

You can also swing by the Expo on Nov. 4 during set up to pick up your tickets early. Ask for Madeline, Jay or Thomson.

 

 Where can I find the most updated information regarding ticket availability?

Tickets are now available for sale online. As a rule, one of the sessions will sell out in mid-to-late-October, with the other session a week later. Be sure to buy your tickets early!

Can I buy tickets the day of the event?

The event usually sells out at some point. It's difficult to say if that will be the day of the event or earlier. If you really want to go we suggest ordering your tickets online.

Must I be 21 with valid photo ID?

Yes

Are kids allowed?

No.

How many tasting tickets will I receive upon entry?

12 tickets good for 4 oz pours. You'll receive a 6-ounce tasting glass allowing for a generous pour.

Will additional tasting tickets over the initial 12 be available at the event?

No, but we rarely hear of someone going home thirsty.

Parking

Parking is limited and scarce for the event. Please allow extra time. There is limited parking behind the Expo. There is a parking lot between the Portland Expo and the Portland Ice Arena, with another lot at the rear of that lot, towards Fitzpatrick Stadium. Parking for the event fills up fast and there is usually an event at the Stadium the day of the beer festival.

Carpooling - Interested in ride sharing to the Maine Brewers Fest?

Sign up here for an account and become a member of a growing and dynamic community. It is free to join and to use. PickupPal members can track the number of rides they have given or taken and the number of miles they have traveled via ride sharing and the Maine Brewers Festival can keep track of the amount of carbon emissions we have collectively reduced as a result! Help us help the planet!

Is the band line up the same at both sessions?

Yes. All bands listed play at each session. In essence, each session is exactly the same with the exception of start times.

What does it mean to have the doors open 1/2 hour prior to each session?

The doors will open and people will begin entering the event 1/2 hour prior (1:00 & 6:00, respectively.) The taps will open at 1:30 & 6:30 respectively. Restaurants will be serving food, and the welcoming band will be playing, when the doors open and prior to taps opening. We suggest getting in line no later than 12:30 & 5:30. (ID checking can be time consuming.)

Hotels:

We will announce partnerships with several area hotels that will have several blocks of discounted rooms available for attendees.

If you need additional hotel and tourism options please contact the Portland Convention and Visitors Bureau at
207-772-4994.

Designated Drivers:

Anyone interested in being a designated driver should follow this procedure:

Purchase tickets as a regular attendee. Email us at Madeline@LearnYourBeer.com with your name(s) of designated drivers prior to October 20, 2011. On event day, use your ticket to gain entrance to the event. After entering the Expo, head straight for the information booth. Ask for Madeline or Jay. We'll ask you to exchange your 12 tasting tickets for $10 in food coupons and water coupons. Your souvenir drinking glass is yours to keep. We appreciate our designated drivers!

Things You Should Know:

Please allow extra time for the ID process to gain admission. You must be 21 to attend the Brewers Festival!

No backpacks or large bags are allowed per security measures. Coat check available inside.

Weather Considerations - If it's an unusually warm fall day we suggest bringing a pair of shorts along. This is an indoor event and the Expo does not have air conditioning capabilities. Add a little dancing to your experience (which we find often happens) and voila! heat is generated. We want you to be comfortable and hope this advice is helpful!

Contact Info:

If you have any questions, please contact us at Madeline@LearnYourBeer.com