When and where is this year's Festival?

We will celebrate the 13th Annual Oktoberfest Beer Festival on October 8, 2011 from 2pm - 7pm at the Metrolina Tradeshow Expo.

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The event is always rain-or-shine and cannot be rescheduled.

What should I expect at the Festival?

We expect more than 100 breweries from across the Southeast and around the world to participate and serve over 350 beers right here in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina.

It's important to note that we will be limiting attendance at this year's festival to 5250, a reasonable attendance number that should help ensure that you aren't waiting in line all day for beer. We want to ensure that each patron has the opportunity to actually talk to the brewers who craft these awesome beers. After all, it's the brewers who make this wonderful festival happen each year.

350 beers! That's a huge number - how much does it cost, and how many can I try?

Yes, it is a tremendous selection of beer, and we wouldn't suggest you attempt to sample all of them. Instead, we hope that you will enjoy the opportunity to be selective and try some beers you have never tasted before. Take your time and savor the diverse flavors of craft-brewed beer, including some locally made homebrewed beers! Your admission price covers all sampling, in a 5 ounce glass at a time. There's no pay-per-drink tickets to discourage you from trying unfamiliar styles. Instead we will arm you with a collectible Charlotte Oktoberfest tasting glass and an informative program to guide you. Enjoy!

Speaking of homebrewed beer, will you have homebrews for sampling at the festival?

Of course! In fact, the Carolina BrewMasters enjoy inviting our good friends from all the homebrew clubs in North and South Carolina to join us for the festival, so we should have an ample collection of homebrewed beers on hand. We think you'll be quite impressed at the quality of the beer that our local and regional brewers have crafted in their own homes. In fact, you might be convinced to try making one yourself! Just be sure to get by the homebrew booths early in the day, as these beers are often the first beers to run out!

What must I bring to the Festival?

A valid picture ID
Your printed ticket from Etix

What can I bring to the Festival?

Lawn chair
Lawn blanket
Camera
Umbrella
Bottled water

The following are NOT allowed at the Festival.

Dogs or any other pets
Firearms or other weapons
Coolers
Mugs or other drinking vessels
Food or beverage of any kind, except bottled water
Anyone under the age of 21

Will there be food at the festival?

Of course! Plenty of food from a variety of vendors will be available for purchase, from snacks to full meals, for both carnivores and vegetarians. Stop by the food area near the entrance to sample from a wide range of Charlotte's finest tasty treats. And if you need directions, please don't hesitate to ask one of our friendly volunteers, who will point you the way!

Where can I park my car?

Parking at The Metrolina Expo is ample and this year parking is FREE!

What charitable organizations have been selected for 2011?

The charities chosen for 2011 are The Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, The Humane Society of Charlotte, and The Carolina Raptor Center.

Where did the charity proceeds go in 2010?

Thanks to the generous participation of our sponsors, brewers and patrons, the Carolina BrewMasters were able to donate $55,000 to two local charities in 2010: the Mid Atlantic chapter of The National Kidney Foundation of North Carolina and The Autism Society of North Carolina. With your continued support, we hope to be able to give an even larger donation in 2011!

How can I reprint my tickets?

If you still have your username and password, you can reprint them here: http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/onlinereprint.jsp

You should be able to find that information on your confirmation email. If you don't have that information, email eTix support at http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/help2.jsp and they will help you.