Seattle International Beerfest worth going?

The only real answer for this is to look at the beer list and decide for yourself. The PIB (organized by the same folks) is almost always worth hitting, so I imagine the SIB would be as well. At the very least, there will be a selection of local stuff you won't find in WI. Best case scenario, you'll find expensive beers that you've hesitated to buy bottles of, and instead of dropping $30 on a bottle of something like Bruery Bois you can spend $4-5 for a 4oz sample. Last year I used it as an excuse to sample various things I had in my cellar to see how they were developing rather than crack bottles of stuff that would be difficult to replace like Papier.

 

The SIB is one of the few festivals I bother to attend anymore. Best bargain is the $45 for 40 tokens since some of the better beers require several tokens.
Easy access from downtown by taking the monorail if that's a factor. Works for wife who goes shopping then joins me later.

 

I've never been either, is the Sunday session worth hitting, or are "the walez bro" gone? Seattle Center ain't that far from Grayhound, I might could make it.

 

Again, this coming from my experience with the PIB, but they seem to do a good job of saving a certain number of bottles/kegs for each day. They might run out of stuff later in the afternoon, but if you get there early on Sunday they should have most of the beer list available.

 

Like maltmaster, I can only speak of my experiences at Portland International Beerfest (same organizers, just held a couple weekends after Seattle...). Last year, I believe they had 150 beers+/- (bottles + draft) in the program... and of those, somewhere around 130-135 were still available at opening on Sunday. So, yes, they do a good job of stretching kegs and bottle allotments to span all 3 days.

 

I've been at PIB every year since 2005 (all 3 days the last 2 years). Assuming nice/sunny weather, I expect people will be lining up an hour before gates open at 4pm. As I recall last year, it wasn't until 5:30 or 6pm that it became what I'd call "crowded"... before then, the first couple hours were short lines and enough tables/chairs. With admission and (some) beer prices being higher (relative to some other fests), PIB never gets as packed as OBF!

Sorry, OP... we side-tracked your post re: SIB! Not sure how crowded it gets day-to-day in Seattle, although I do know it's a considerably bigger venue at Seattle Center vs. Portland's North Park Blocks.

 

I've only been to SIB once, but had a lot of fun that time and plan to go again this year if I can. Check the beer list to see if you find things that appeal to you: http://seattlebeerfest.com/beers.php

 

I've been the last 5-7 years, and have always had a great time. I try to get there early each day to beat the crowds, and the lines. It's a relaxed time with some interesting beers and you won't be disappointed.

 

Looks like I will be able to go to this event on Friday. What beers are you guys looking at trying while there? I usually hit up the ones on tap before bottles.

 

Boneyard's Notorious is worth checking out, and there's quite a few that look intriguing. Always a good time.

 

Thanks...yep Notorious is one of my TOP favorite IPAs of all time! Anybody else have recommendations from the line up this year?

 

I despise this event.

 

Hmmm...again, I haven't been to the Seattle one, but Portland has been among my favorite beer fests for nearly a decade.
Just curious what it is about SIB that makes you despise it...

 

Maybe he's afraid of dogs.

 

Perhaps despise is a little strong. It's just the crowds and lines for me. Plus I had few drunken bafoons spill beer on me several years ago so I am a little over it.

 

I'm a lover. My pooch is awesome. It's those who act like dogs after a few beers that I am afraid of..

 

I know what you mean. My wife had beer spilled on her at a Sonics game several years ago and I could never get her to go to another one. How long ago? They were chanting "Hondo" "Hondo" "Hondo". Nothing worse than a fucking drunken Boston Celtics fan