Summer is one of the best times of the year with the warm weather approaching and the sunshine radiating until 9 p.m. Perfect beer drinking weather. The only potential downside to this is that there’s a beer event/festival almost every single weekend. It is a good problem to have, but how do you pick one over another? Here are some of the factors to consider when picking from the festival lineup:
1. Price Point
How much is the event going to set you back? Is it unlimited samples or tickets? How many hours is it? Is the VIP price worth it?
2. Beer Available
Is your favorite brewery running it? What breweries are going to be there? Most events have the brewery lineup posted in advance. For some of the bigger events, breweries will post their specific draft list weeks in advance. If you know there’s a specialty brew being released that happens to be your favorite beer ever then the VIP ticket might be worth it. On the other hand, if you’ve already tried the majority of the breweries/brews that are there, it might be wise to venture out to a different event that day.
3. Location
Outdoor vs Indoor could be a deal breaker depending on what Mother Nature is feeling that day. Transportation is a crucial factor since Uber and Lyft fares can add up quick. Additionally, some events are only a few hours so proximity to other events/activities may be important. People often look forward to the after parties just as much as the actual event.
4. Timing
Is it an afternoon or evening event? How many hours are you going to be spend there? Can you do other things before or after?
5. Other Stuff
What food vendors will be there? Is food included in the price of the ticket? Can you bring in your beloved pretzel necklaces or a CamelBak? Is their live music / entertainment? What about local artists or vendors? Things like these contribute to the overall vibe of the event and may dictate your feelings towards it after.
These are just a few things I consider when trying to pick and choose what I end up doing that particular weekend. There are so many things going on this summer that you could probably attend something every day of the week. Be sure to check out your favorite brewery’s Facebook page as well as the Indiana On Tap calendar to see what’s coming up. Hope to see some fellow Indiana beer fans there.
