FAQ
What is the date of Cincy Winter Beerfest?
Cincy Winter Beerfest will take place on Friday, February 2nd and Saturday, February 3rd, 2024!
Where is the Cincy Winter Beerfest being held?
Cincy Winter Beerfest will take place in downtown Cincinnati at Duke Energy Center (525 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202).
Is there a bag policy?
No, but please note that per the Convention Center’s website, “Carry-in items for all Guests are subject to inspection by DECC personnel prior to entrance into the facility or at any time while inside the convention center.” More information about Duke Energy Center’s policies can be found HERE.
Where should I park?
Parking is plentiful near the Convention Center! However, for specific examples, Duke Energy Center’s website has a great map/diagram of parking options nearby. View that HERE.
Why is there a line to get in?
You will see a line at the event entrance. Don’t let it scare you. It moves quickly. Why a line at all? It is our policy to check the identification of all who enter the festival to ensure they are of proper drinking age. To help the line move quickly, please have your ID ready- either a state-issued ID or a passport.
What is the appropriate ID to get in?
No matter what your age, please be prepared to show proper identification as proof of age in order to gain access to the festival. Valid ID includes a valid state driver license with a photo; a valid ID card issued by a state with photo, name, date of birth and physical description; a valid passport; or a valid United States military identification card. We are unable to accept any foreign driver’s license (with the exception of Canada). Note that the identification cannot be expired at the time of the festival.
Can I bring my child with me?
Minors are not allowed at this event, even small children. Every person inside the venue must be 21 or older, due to the nature of the event and our licensing.
Can I bring someone under the age of 21 as my Designated Driver?
No, our license does not permit anyone under the age of 21 to be inside the event grounds.
Can I bring my pet?
Animals are not allowed on the festival site except for ADA recognized service animals while performing their qualifying services. Service animals are working animals, NOT pets. Emotional Support Animals or Companion Animals are not considered service animals under the ADA. We reserve the right to ask you to confirm that your animal is a service animal and ask what specific duties it performs. If you refuse to respond or choose not to communicate that information, we reserve the right to deny entry to your service animal.
What does it cost to enter the festival?
Ticket pricing can be found on the ticketing page: It is a one-time fee that includes admission, your drinking mug, and 25 drink sampling tickets. Admission tickets are only valid for the session listed on the ticket itself and are non-refundable.
When do ticket sales cease?
Ticket sales stop precisely one hour before the last call. Be aware of this when scheduling your visit to the festival.
When do taps close?
Last call will be 30 minutes before the ending time of the ticketed session. Last pour will be 15 minutes before the ending time of the ticketed session. That means absolutely no beer is poured after last pour. Security will do a sweep at the ending time of the ticketed session, asking you to leave.
Why aren't the mugs made of glass?
We use plastic for safety reasons.
How can I find the beer I want?
You are more likely to find beers by distributor rather than by style or alphabetical order. The best way to locate the beer you want is to check the map- available at no cost through our website or find a printed version near the main entrance.
Will any of the beers run out?
Yes. Be prepared for beers to run out toward the end of the each session Why? For a variety of reasons: some beers appeal to the sampling appetites of many, and therefore sell faster – so there is a good chance that the beer “everyone is talking about” will probably run out earlier in the session. However, it will be pouring again when we open for the next session. If you are coming to taste specific beers, we recommend you come earlier in the session. The beer is ordered and provided so that the most number of people can try them.
Is there any food on site?
There will be a few food booth on-site offering a variety of great food and non-alcoholic beverages. These vendors usually accept both cash and credit.
Can I bring outside food and beverage into the venue?
The only outside food and beverage permitted into the event are sealed bottles of water and pretzel necklaces.
Is smoking allowed?
Yes, smoking is permitted outside, in designated areas only.
Can I volunteer to pour beer?
We love our volunteers! Please refer to the volunteer tab on the website to see if there are still spots available.
Is there any alcohol besides beer on the premises?
Craft beer, Ciders, Seltzers, and Liquor will be at the event.
Are there any gluten-free beers this year?
Yes, we have several ciders available and try to get one or two other options as well… please refer to the beer list on the website.
I bought a ticket, but now I can't find it or print it. What do I do?
FOR TICKET HOLDERS ONLY: If you purchased your tickets on the event website and are in need of customer service regarding your ticket purchase, please email support@beerfesttickets.com for assistance.
Is this event indoors or outdoors?
Cincy Winter Beerfest is completely indoors. The event will take place rain or shine. All ticket sales are final. No refunds will be given due to weather.
What is the admission charge for Designated Drivers?
Designated Driver ticket info can be found on our Ticket page and must be purchased in advance. The DD ticket includes admission, water and soda at the designated driver booth and a five dollar voucher to use at any of the food trucks (voucher is a pull-tab attached to your wristband). Designated Driver tickets do not include access to any beer and any designated driver who is seen drinking will be escorted out immediately.
I can no longer attend. Now what?
We’re bummed you can no longer join us! While tickets are not refundable, ticket holders may give their ticket to someone else to use- similar to a concert or other ticketed event.
May I attend multiple sessions?
You sure can! Keep in mind that you must purchase a ticket for each session. The venue will be cleared prior to the second session, and each person will need a ticket to get into another session.
Are we allowed to leave and re-enter the festival site?
Yes, once you have had your ticket processed and received your wristband and cup, you may come and go as you please. But do not lose your cup–you only get one!
What do we do in case of inclement weather?
Cincy Winter Beerfest is “rain or shine,” but please listen to Festival Staff for instructions. In case of severe weather, the venue may request you to take shelter in-place or nearby. Your wristband will allow you re-entry once the threat has passed.
What items are prohibited inside the fest?
– No outside food or drink, with the exception of sealed bottles of water and pretzel necklaces
– No weapons or firearms of any kind (regardless of concealed carry permit)
– No drones (remote controlled or unmanned aircraft systems)
– No umbrellas, no hula hoops
– No drugs and/or drug paraphernalia
– No pets with the exception of service animals
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
This section is an acknowledgement and express assumption of risk and release of liability in any way related to Participant being exposed to or contracting COVID-19 (as defined by the World Health Organization) and any strains, variants, or mutations thereof, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and/or any other communicable and/or infectious diseases, viruses, bacteria or illnesses or the causes thereof (collectively, “Communicable Disease”), during or in connection with Participant/ participation in the Activity and/or Participant presence at Smale Park or wherever the Activity is held (the “Facility”). By participating in the Activity and/or being present at the Facility, Participant acknowledges and expressly assumes the risk that Participant may be exposed to Communicable Disease. Participant expressly understand that the risks of exposure to Communicable Disease include contracting Communicable Disease and the associated dangers, medical complications (including death) and physical and mental injuries, both foreseen and unforeseen, that may result from contracting Communicable Disease. Participant further acknowledges and understands that Participant interaction with Activity staff, participants and any other individuals present at the Facility poses an elevated, inherent risk of being exposed to and contracting Communicable Disease, that it cannot be guaranteed that Participant will not be exposed to Communicable Disease, and that potential exposure to or contraction of Communicable Disease while participating in the Activity and/or being present at the Facility are risks that cannot be eliminated. If infected with Communicable Disease, Participant acknowledges and understands that Participant/Participant’s child may subsequently infect others, even if Participant/Participant’s child don’t experience or display any symptoms.
In connection with the foregoing, Participant agrees that Participant will not participate in the Activity or be present at the Facility if, within fourteen (14) days preceding the Activity, Participant (i) tested positive or presumptively positive for Communicable Disease or was identified as a potential carrier of Communicable Disease, (ii) experienced any symptoms commonly associated with Communicable Disease, including, without limitation, fever, cough, loss of sense of taste or smell, or shortness of breath; (iii) traveled to a country that is subject to a U.S. State Department Level 4 “Do Not Travel” Advisory or a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice (each, a “Prohibited Country”) and/or (iv) was in direct contact with or the immediate vicinity of any person who is either confirmed or suspected of being infected with Communicable Disease or who has travelled to a Prohibited Country within fourteen (14) days preceding Participant/Participant’s child’s encounter with such person. Participant further agrees that Participant will submit to any health screening and/or Communicable Disease testing that may be required as a condition of Participant participation in the Activity and/or presence at the Facility.
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, I HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE, FOREVER DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE THE RELEASEES FOR, AND THE RELEASEES SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR, ANY CLAIM, LIABILITY OR DEMAND OF WHATEVER KIND OR NATURE, EITHER IN LAW OR IN EQUITY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, FOR PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE) THAT MAY ARISE IN CONNECTION WITH, OR RELATE IN ANY WAY TO, EXPOSURE TO OR CONTRACTION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE BY ME/MY CHILD OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL INFECTED BY ME/MY CHILD, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION CLAIMS RESULTING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES AND/OR THE INHERENT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITY AND/OR BEING PRESENT AT THE FACILITY DURING A COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PANDEMIC.
I have read this Agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by purchasing tickets to the event and did so, freely and voluntarily without any inducement.
Other Terms and Conditions
By accessing our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions of Use, all applicable laws and regulations, and you agree that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable local laws. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing this site. The materials contained in this website are protected by applicable copyright and trademark law.
Entry to the Cincy Beerfest is solely at the discretion of security and/or the Festival Organizers at the time of the event. No persons under the age of 21 will be permitted entry to the festival. We may conduct security searches upon entry at our discretion to ensure the safety of all festival goers.
Cincy Beerfest and Festivals Unlimited, LLC, cannot accept responsibility or liability for any personal property or belongings that is lost, stolen or damaged, and cannot accept responsibility or liability for any personal injury, accident or illness.
Ticket holders or attendees of the event consent to being filmed, photographed, and recorded as members of the audience. The resulting film footage, images and recordings may be used to promote the Cincy Beerfest in print, various forms of media, and on websites. You consent that the footage remains our property and we may use it in conjunction with promotion of our event however we choose.
The ticket holder must comply with all relevant statutes, laws, safety announcements, and regulations while attending the event. Breach of any of these conditions or any unacceptable behavior likely to cause damage, nuisance or injury shall enable Cincy Beerfest, its security personnel, volunteers, staff, or festival organizers to eject the ticket holder from the festival site without a refund.
These Terms and Conditions are subject to change without notice and were last updated March 13, 2020.