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

Tickets are now available for sale online. Closer to the festival, you can purchase tickets at RSVP Discount Beverages and Sebago. 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 online or, if you're in Southern Maine stop by RSVP Discount Beverage Center in Portland or any of Sebago Brewing's three locations and buy your tickets.

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:

The Embassy Suites Hotel and La Quinta Inn & Suites Portland and the Clarion Hotel Portland have several blocks of discounted rooms available for attendees. These sell out fast so we suggest booking early.

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

For Directions Please Click Here

Designated Drivers:

Anyone interested in being a designated driver should follow this procedure:
Purchase tickets as a regular attendee. Email us at info@LearnYourBeer.com with your name(s) of designated drivers prior to October 20, 2010. On event day, use your ticket to gain entrance to the event. After entering the Expo, head straight for the information booth. Ask for Alyssa or Jay. We'll ask you to exchange your 12 tasting tickets for: $10 in food coupons & 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!