Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest 2015

Damn! $200 is steep for the VIP.

 

The event is amazing, not sure if i'll do the VIP but last year sold out within minutes

 

IMO the early entry isn't worth it. From what I heard, many of the breweries weren't even set up yet.

There was plenty of time to get around to everything last year, and while the line to get in was really long, it moved VERY well.

I will get the regular ticket again this year.

 

Oh yes.

 

I would do unspeakable things to go

 

Haven't been but I am assuming the name you purchase the ticket under must match the id. For instance all BPT sales you have to bring your id and it must match the name in the confirmation page. You don't write the name in like with a pen or pencil. You can't buy a ticket under your name then change the name to joe beer geek and get your ticket.

 

Trust me, in the past 2 years there have been way too many people for them to care enough to match the names.

 

Ps for those who did not book rooms early...my procrastinating friend is now having to pay $240 a night at Bets Western.

 

I emailed Firestone about the ticket situation because they have never checked your ID to the name on the ticket. This year they said will be strictly enforced though. We shall see.

 

Past two years the most they've done is scanned the ticket and let the herd move through the gates as quickly as they could. Can't see them doing more than that, otherwise people at the back of the line wouldn't make it in til 2pm.

 

I booked a room about a month ago and everything was pushing $250+per night

 

There are blocks of rooms that FW has set aside. They list the release dates for those on the website.

 

Yeah, this has been the case since the first festival. Even though they told me they would be checking this year, I doubt they will not allow a person in if their name doesn't match up on the ticket.

 

Ah. I see.

I'll just keep the other room booked in case I can't get a room on the drop date.

Any idea how much rooms normally cost for the event?

Also, what's a good time to line up for the event?

Thanks.

 

I booked a room as I checked out last year. Adelaide FTW

 

The ticket limit is 2 per person. In addition, the ticket sales are being done via Eventbrite with the ability to change the name on each ticket after you complete the purchase (I.e. if you or your friend/spouse/lover can't make it between now and the festival, you can reassign it).

I'm surprised they haven't explicitly listed these points in the announcement, but I pulled them straight from a FWIBF email that presumably went to a) newsletter peeps or b) prior year's fest goers.

Also, as a festgoer last year, I remember Security checking everyone's ID to be sure you're of legal drinking age while you were in line. I can't remember if I had to show it again once I walked in the gate to receive my booklet of breweries and beers, map of the event, and commemorative glass. I went the GA route since they were very few VIP tickets last year - also, all proceeds from the VIP ticket price went to a worthy charity last year plus guaranteed you eary admission (the same holds true this year). I didn't miss out on any beer I was looking forward to and was also treated with lots of "off menu" bottle pours by a lot of breweries. Oh yeah...the food was absolutely bonkers.

I still say it's the best food/drink festival I've ever been to.

 

I'm hoping to come out for this, but I suck at these ticket websites. Ive been shutout of Dark Lord Day two years in a row. Hopefully my luck changes this year.