Great World Beer Festival attendees receive a souvenir glass that they present to the 100+ brewers booths to receive a 2 oz sample. Many of the booths are manned by the brewers themselves and they are more than happy to share their knowledge and passion with you.

FAQs

Q: Where can I buy tickets?
A: Tickets are on sale now!  Click the ETIX logo on the front page and buy now!  Tickets can also be purchased at these four Manhattan retail locations:

• Stout NYC 133 West 33rd Street
• Hop Devil Grill 129 St. Marks Place @ Avenue A
• The Half Pint 76 West 3rd Street
• David Copperfield's 1394 York Avenue @ 74th Street

Q: What if the weather is rainy on the day of the Festival?
A: No problem! The GWBF is indoors!  The Park Avenue Armory is also air conditioned.

Q: Am I allowed to bring a cooler or backpack into the Festival?
A: No. For safety reasons, the GWBF cannot allow backpacks or coolers into the Festival

Q: Is there going to be a coat check area?
A:Yes. There is going to be a coat check area

Q: I've been to beer festivals before, and there are only porto-potties with long lines. Is there enough bathrooms at GWBF?
A: There are ample restrooms for guests to relieve themselves.

Q: What is it I actually get with my ticket?
A: When you get to the event, get on line and have your ID ready to be checked. Also, keep you ID out and your ticket to be scanned. Once you have been processed, you will receive your tasting glass, and entry to the festival. Different booths will have different beers to taste. Live bands will be entertaining you.

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: No, pets are not allowed

Q: Is there a designated driver ticket?
A: No, we have attempted this in the past and it is too hard to control. Additionally, the ticket price reflects a donation for the benefit of charities. There will be cab drivers outside the venue at all times during and after the festival. There are also hotels within walking distance that offer special rates for GWBF attendees.

Q: Will there be tickets for sale at the gate?
A: Tickets are expected to be sold out in advance, however if tickets are still available and not sold out by Friday night or Saturday morning they will be on sale at the gate. CASH ONLY. No exceptions

Q: What does the ticket price include?
A: Souvenir cup, beer samples, and entertainment. Food is an additional cost.

Q: How many beer samples are included in the ticket price?
A: Generally speaking, samples are unlimited. However, if our security determines that you are intoxicated, and that your behavior is deemed as dangerous to yourself or others, security will assist you out of the premises. Alcohol abuse is dangerous, so please think while you drink and sample intelligently.

Q: I'm concerned about overcrowding. Is there a limit to how many people will be at the festival?
A: Don't worry. The Great World Beer Festival organizers have considered this and are limiting ticket sales to ensure that overcrowded conditions are impossible.

Q: Is food included in the price of the ticket?
A: No. Food is extra

Q: Can I bring my own food or beverages into the festival?
A: No, and your personage will be checked for weapons upon entering. If food or beverages happen to be discovered, you will need to dispose of it prior to making entrance.

Q: Can I purchase additional beer at the festival or bring empty or full bottles home with me?
A: Absolutely NO beer can be removed from the festival site nor is it offered to be purchased. By law, all alcohol must be consumed in the festival site only. Taking empty bottles out of the festival is illegal. This is considered an open container. Open containers are not allowed on the streets of New York or in an automobile.

Q: Can I bring my 15 year old as my designated driver?
A: NO. No one except those who can prove they are at least 21 years of age are allowed in the festival. Don't forget to bring a valid ID with you.

Q: When is the cutoff for buying my tickets online?
A:You will be able to purchase tickets online up until 3 hours before the beginning of the session which you intend to purchase tickets for, assuming there are any tickets left, which is unlikely.

Q: If I go to one session can I stay for the 2nd session?
A: You must have separate tickets to go to both sessions. Each session is separately ticketed and at the end of the first session all attendees clear out in preparation for the next session.

Q: Do any of the proceeds of this event go to a charitable organization?
A: The GWBF supports One Brick, "making volunteering fun", with a very substantial gift upon completion of the festival. One Brick is based in San Fransisco, and has offices nationwide.  If you would like to help One Brick, visit them at their booth at the festival.