April 26, 2025 | 12PM – 6PM
General
When was the first BTB Fest?
City Brewery started the BTB Festival in 2003 to celebrate great beer. Along the way we’ve added wine, cheese, meat, and more as we celebrated our 20th year in 2024! *2020 & 2021 canceled due to COVID
Does BTB pay for the beer?
Yes! We pay for the product from each vendor: beer, wine, cheese, and meat. There are no booth fees for products being sampled and we purchase their product for you to enjoy; so enjoy!
Can I bring my dog (or any other pet)?
No. Absolutely no dogs or other pets are allowed on the grounds. This is for the safety of everyone but especially for your pet.
Can I wear a pretzel necklace to the Fest?
You may wear your own – but you cannot sell.
Tickets
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Yes, either printed or scannable QR code on phone.
Can I get a refund?
No. Sales are final!
Can I transfer/switch my ticket to another person, session or event?
No.
The name on my ticket doesn’t match the actual attendee. Is that okay?
Yes, as long as the ticket is valid when scanned at the fest and you are of age with valid ID.
What if I bought my ticket from a reseller and need ticket help?
We can’t help you, or guarantee entry, if you buy from a reseller. You’ve been warned.
What’s included with the ticket price?
Please see the specific event/ticket page.
Do you offer discounted/bulk ticket pricing?
Nope.
What if I was on the VIP Ticket list before COVID?
We will be honoring the 2019 VIP First Opportunity to purchase ticket buyers only for the early VIP flash sale. We will NOT honor 2020 VIP First Opportunity to purchase ticket buyers because they were all 100% refunded.
Event Times
What are the fest times?
See the appropriate page regarding your ticket.
Note: Your ticket doesn’t guarantee entry exactly when doors open, but we’ll do our best to get attendees in the venue as quickly as possible. We have a holding area that works extremely well and we get people in the gates within minutes of doors opening.
When is the last beer poured?
Last call is at 5:45 pm for beer and the wine tent closes at 5:00 pm.
Identification: Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
21+ with valid ID for all ticket holders including Designated Drivers. No minors. No exceptions.
Is a passport acceptable?
Yes.
Is a temporary license/ID acceptable?
Yes. However, security will review and have the final say.
Designated Drivers: Do you offer a Designated Driver ticket/program?
Yes we do, $20 designated driver tickets are only available at the door (doesn’t include tasting glass)
Children: Are Children Allowed?
No. All attendees must be 21+ with a valid ID. No exceptions.
Directions, Transportation, Parking, & Accessibility
IS PARKING AVAILABLE?
Parking is available on the streets of downtown and in the many ramps. Check for overnight as some spots do not allow overnight. Otherwise, take one of the shuttles!
Is the venue handicapped accessible?
Yes.
Hotel Accommodations: Do you have any hotel discounts or codes?
Yes. Please check back for a listing. See Lodging Info Here >
Can you recommend a hotel?
Best Western Plus in La Crescent, MN, Candlewood Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Econo Lodge, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Gundersen hotel & Suites, Hampton Inn La Crosse, Radisson Hotel, Home 2 Suites by Hilton, Super 8 Motel
Is there a hotel bus shuttle from the Oktoberfest Grounds to my hotel?
Yes. Please see the hotel bus shuttle map for participating venues and route, they will be running from 11am-7pm. See Hotel Bus Shuttle Map Here >
Entrance: Where’s the line start? How does it work?
Enter at the front or back gates. See map.
Coat & Bag Check: Will there be a coat or bag check?
No. Please plan accordingly.
Brewers, Wineries, Creameries, and Products: When will the products be listed?
The site is continuously updated with vendors as they register. They are also listed in the BTB program which is available at the event and at multiple establishments leading up to the event.
Do vendors run out of samples?
Sometimes. It depends on the popoularity and the quantity of the product the vendor brought. But the good news is that there are plenty of other products to try.
Why don’t vendors bring enough for everyone?
That would be impossible and result in too much and wasted products..
Do you have a floor plan listing where the brewers will be?
Our official BTB fest program will have a map with a list of brewers and their booth numbers. The guide will be available at the fest and at multiple establishments in the weeks leading up to the event, for free and while supplies last.
One and Two Ounce Pours?!
Yes. As dictated by Wisconsin State Law for events of this nature. Beer may only be sampled in 2 oz pours and wine in 1 oz pours. Please sample responsibly by respecting this law.
Food Vendors & Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Will there be food at the fest?
Yes, there will be food available for purchase.
Will there be non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes, soda and water is available for purchase.
Do vendors accept cash or cards?
Plan ahead, bring cash.
Can I bring in outside food/drinks?
No.
Restrooms: Where are the restrooms?
Everywhere! We have portable bathrooms all over the grounds as well as permanent bathrooms on site.
Smoking: Is smoking allowed?
No. It’s illegal to smoke in the venue. Offenders may be asked to leave.
Is vaping allowed?
No.
INTOXICATION
Any guest who is intoxicated prior to the fest will be denied entry without a refund.
Any guest found to be intoxicated and causing issues during the fest may be asked to leave, or escorted from the fest without a refund. Additional consequences may also occur.
Any guest who witnesses intoxicated behavior should report the incident to security or fest staff.
Prohibited Items: The following items may not be brought into the venue or fest line:
Outside alcohol
Outside food/beverage
Weapons
Illegal drugs
Chemicals
Fireworks
Backpacks, suitcases, or other large bags
Any other items as determined by event management
All items are subject to search upon entering the venue.
Event management reserves the right to handle each occurrence on a case by case basis. Depending on the item, a guest may be asked to remove or dispose of the item, ejected from the venue, or subjected to questioning by law enforcement.
Industry & Trade
Do you offer trade passes for the industry?
No.
Marketing, Soliciting & Sponsorship: Can I distribute info or products at your fest?
No.
Can I sponsor your fest?
Possibly. We have sponsorship opportunities available if it is the right fit for your business and our event. Please contact us to inquire.
Can I purchase a booth/become a vendor at your fest?
Yes. We do have non-product based vendors that can purchase booth space. Limited space available. Contact us to inquire.
Media
Can I get a media/press pass?
Contact us before the event to discuss.
Volunteering
Where can I volunteer or find more information on volunteering?
We love volunteers! All volunteers raise money for their respective groups or charities as a major fundraiser.
Disclaimers
All booths will be manned by brewery staff.
Beer pours are 2 ounces (or less). Wine pours are 1 ounce (or less). Please consume with respect.
Please be advised that some of the beers may contain allergens. Ask before you drink.
Glass samplers.
Our sampling glasses are just that: glass. So, be careful not to drop it as it will break. We want you to have a great product to take home and enjoy several more delicious liquids from so we choose high quality glass samplers. If you do break a glass, you will have the opportunity to purchase another for a nominal fee. No exceptions.