Prepare for a full day of sampling, live music, and interactive fun!
Know Before You Go
Beverages and Bites
Welcome to the Festival!
The annual Between the Bluffs Festival has evolved into the Beverages & Bites Festival, offering an expanded experience that celebrates the best of La Crosse Region and Midwest’s craft community. Hosted at the Oktoberfest grounds, the event now features an incredible variety of craft beer, wine, seltzers, THC beverages, non-alcoholic options, and gourmet bites from nearly 100 vendors. Now’s the time to make sure you’re ready for a festival of fun!
Entry Times
VIP & VIP Designated Driver Access: 12:00 PM
General Admission & Designated Driver: 2:00 PM
Festival Close: 5:30 PM
Festival Layout & Activities
We’ve organized the fest grounds to maximize sampling, shopping, and fun!
- The GA Tent: The primary sampling area featuring 50+ beverage and bite vendors.
- The VIP Tent: An exclusive, cozy, and laid-back space featuring special beverage and bites vendors, exclusive meal, comfy seating, and private raffles.
- Artisan Market: The Makers/Artisan Market is set up in the Holding Area at the front entrance, allowing guests to mingle and shop before the official sampling gates open.
- Activities Area: Look for our dedicated area featuring axe throwing, bingo with the local Rotary Club, yard games like cornhole, pretzel necklace making (pretzels and ribbon provided!), plus photo ops and live music throughout the grounds.
Essential Tips
Make your entry smooth and quick by planning ahead for these essentials.
| Tickets | Bring your official ticket (digital or printed). Tickets often sell out. Secure yours early! |
| ID | Valid Photo ID is Required (21+). All attendees will be ID’d and wristbanded upon entry. No exceptions for sampling. |
| Cash / Card | Bring cash for games, the Artisan Market, and food trucks. Many retail vendors may accept card, but cash is always fastest. ATM will be available on site. |
| Eat Up | Be sure to eat before you come! While there are plenty of bites to sample, starting your day with a meal is highly recommended. |
| Dress for the Weather | Dress in layers. April in Wisconsin can be unpredictable. Be prepared for temperature swings by wearing or bringing a jacket. |
Sampling & Safety Guidelines
Your health and safety are our top priority. Please review these rules before sampling:
| Sampling Glasses | All ticket holders receive a sustainable, durable souvenir tasting glass. VIP and GA glasses differ in design. DDs receive a separate glass for non-alcoholic options only. |
| Pour Sizes | Expect pours to be 2 ounces or less for beer and 1 ounce or less for wine. Unlimited sampling is available until 5:15 PM. |
| Responsible Sampling | While sampling is unlimited, overly intoxicated attendees may be asked to leave. Please utilize water stations and the food trucks/bites throughout the event. |
| THC Beverages | Specific booths will have additional signage for THC seltzers and sodas. |
| Free Water | Free canned water is available throughout the grounds via rolling coolers for all guests. Remember to hydrate! |
| Designated Driver (DD) Tickets | Designated Driver (DD) tickets are available. DDs receive a different colored wristband and tasting glass, unlimited sampling of non-alcoholic beverages and bites, access to the Artisan Market, and free water/soda. |
Parking, Shuttles & Lodging
Parking
VIP Parking and Handicap Parking are available in designated areas. The main fest grounds lot is reserved for vendors and volunteers. Please plan to park in public areas or utilize the shuttle service.
Hotel Shuttle Bus Route
We offer hotel shuttles via the Explore La Crosse Trolley, running to and from the fest starting at 11:00 AM and concluding at 5:30 PM. The shuttle route services local host hotels and may include additional public stops (Mall, Southside) this year.
Lodging Info
The fest grounds are conveniently located close to downtown La Crosse. We strongly encourage booking a room at one of the six outstanding hotels within walking distance to ensure safe, responsible transportation after the event.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are vital to the success of the festival! If you wish to donate your time:
- Compensation: Volunteers are paid $12 per hour to an organization or fundraiser of their choice.
- Incentives: Volunteers receive a T-shirt, a meal in the VIP Tent, an official General Admission Wristband and Tasting Glass (to participate in the fest before or after the shift â must be 21+), free water and soda, and preferred parking/entrance.
Digital Program
The Digital Program is your comprehensive guide to the festival! It is free to download to your phone, tablet, or desktop and includes an interactive map of the festival grounds, detailed information on all vendors and sponsors, and event history.
Check back closer to the event date for the live link!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the official name of the event?
Now called the Between the Bluffs Beverages & Bites Festival, the event was previously known as the Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine & Cheese Festival.
What types of products can I sample?
Craft Beer, National Beer & Seltzers, Wine, THC Seltzers & Sodas, Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Cheese, Meats (sausages, jerky), Breads, Dips, and Crackers.
Are tickets refundable?
Please refer to the official ticket providerâs policy via the ticket purchase link.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes! All tickets are available online until the end of the fest. VIP Tickets typically sell out very quickly!
Are there any other ticketed events?
Possible add-on events, such as a Friday Evening Tasting Event or a Saturday/Sunday Morning Brunch, are currently being developed. Check the main website for final details and ticket sales.
What is the VIP Gift?
The VIP Gift is a special surprise item provided exclusively to all VIP ticket holders!
