Phoenix Strong Beer Fest?

I haven't totally decided yet. Tickets are still available, but a little pricey. I haven't been in years past, but other beer fests I've been to in the past haven't been that great: People pouring the beer weren't knowledgeable, they had the same beers I can get off the shelf locally, long lines and delays getting in, running out of beer early... I'm kind of feeling like I'd rather take my beer money and just go to a place with a nice taplist or maybe just brew up a batch myself on Saturday. There are lots of events this week, and I've got to ration my time/money.

Anyone who has been to AZ Strong specifically want to try to convince me one way or the other? Can I afford to miss this?

 

I'm going. I go every year. It's fun and the weather is going to be perfect this year.

 

Missed it for the first time in several years due to being out of town...bummed because the weather seemed wonderful (it's been pretty warm the past couple of years). If I had logged on a few days earlier, I would have replied to the poster above who needed convincing...the problems you mention with other beer fests are definitely not the case with Strong Beer. It's a premier event, with a lot of beers you don't see just anywhere, and usually brewers and/or their reps are working the booths. It's a good 'un. Having said that, keep your eyes out for Real Wild and Woody which will take place in July (I think)....it's a great festival that has started to rival Strong Beer as the festival of the year.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I decided not to go this year mostly for monetary reasons. I'll have to give it a shot next year.

 

Great weather thanks to some cloud cover this year but long lines even at booths that normally don't have a line at all. Someone said that there were 10000 people there. If that's the case time to break it up into two sessions. I know it would suck for those working the fest but it would make it more enjoyable for those that are paying. Stone did this years ago and it has worked out well for them. Also heard some complaints about cigar smoke although I wasn't bothered by it myself. It was nice trying different AZ beers from places I had never heard of. Most weren't that good but it was a nice change from the old standbys.

 

This is post fest but I can say it is a great time. I was at the 1st strong beer in AZ and have been at most since. I agree lines suck and it can be a mess but as a whole it is pretty fun. Usually a ton of cool people and loads of beer, yes some people are not great working at booths but most are pretty nice. A lot depends on weather and if music is good, but I can say I never am let down, always get my fill and talk with a lot of local folk.