Festival Survival Tips

A bit of festival homework will pay off, especially if you're a first-timer. To help you get organized, I've contacted beer writers, festival insiders, and attendees who've learned a lesson or two the hard way, and asked them for their advice. Here's what they told me:

• Do your site-seeing. Most festivals have websites, and you should visit them as soon as you decide to attend. Bob Paolino of Great Lakes Brewing News warns that The Great Taste of the Midwest, always one of the year's best festivals, sells out weeks in advance and doesn't sell tickets at the gate. In addition to ticket information, a good website will list the participating breweries, tell you who's performing and what's on the menu, and let you know whether it's a good idea to bring the kids.

• Last things first. The most important question to ask yourself is "how am I getting home?" In many cities, you can book a hotel within walking distance--often at a special festival rate. If you live away from downtown or you're staying out in the suburbs, find out whether bus or rail transportation is available (good festival sites have this information). Also, most festivals reward designated drivers with free nonalcoholic drinks and a break on admission.

• Feed your head. A full meal before the festival is the best way to avoid getting blindsided by strong ale and even stronger sunshine. Food also minimizes alcohol's tendency to drain nutrients out of your system. It's also smart to visit the food stands at the festival, or, if you can, bring in your own.

• Water, water... Festival veterans agree: drink lots of water. Alcohol dehydrates you, even on a cool day. "The more water you drink, the better you'll feel at festival close...and 6 am the next morning," Bob Paolino advises. As a hedge against too few fountains at the site, carry a big bottle of water; you can use it to clear your palate and rinse out your mug between tastings.

• Take the road less traveled. Try to be at the festival when the crowds aren't. Portland beer writer Lisa Morrison hits the Oregon Brewers Festival on Friday, explaining "The beer hasn't run out and a lot of people have to work (or didn't have the foresight like me to take off that day)." By arriving early, you can put in a full day of sampling and still beat the homeward crush of humanity.
  The copyright of the article Festival Survival Tips in International Beers is owned by Paul Ruschmann. Permission to republish Festival Survival Tips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

  Go To Page: 1 2 3

  Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic