WE ANSWER SOME OF YOUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can attend the festival?

Anyone who is 21 years of age or older with a valid ID can attend the Great Lakes Beer Festival.

Can I bring a child with me?

No children or anyone under the age of 21 with a valid ID will be permitted to enter the Great Lakes Beer Festival.

How much do tickets cost?

If you buy your GA tickets in advance, they are $49 per ticket.  Tickets are $59 each if you choose to purchase the day of the event.   Other fees may apply.   Each regular ticket comes with 10 tasting tickets;  VIP tickets come with 15 tasting tickets and access to the suite level with a food buffet, exclusive restrooms and air conditioning.   We will also have live music throughout the day.

Where can I park?

Free parking at Dow Diamond. VIP ticket holders taking advantage of early entry are asked to park in Dow Diamond's reserved "East End" parking at Buttles & State Street intersection.

Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?

Yes, you can!  The person you transfer the ticket to must be at least 21 years old with a valid ID.   They can present the ticket at registration on your behalf.

Do I have to bring printed tickets?

Yes.  Please bring printed tickets with you.

Can I get a refund for my tickets?

No refunds. All sales are final, but your ticket is transferrable.

What is included in the festival ticket?

A regular ticket includes admission into Dow Diamond, 10 tasting tickets, and live music.

A VIP ticket includes 15 tasting tickets, access to Dow Diamond Suite Level with food buffet, Souvenir Glass, A/C, exclusive restrooms, and early entry to the event (1:00 p.m.).

Each tasting ticket = one 3oz beer pour.

Additional tasting tickets are available for purchase at the event.

Our guests are expected to willingly provide the required number of tasting tickets for each tasting.  Any pour of wine, spirits, mead, or 9% ABV (alcohol by volume) and above beer will require 2 tasting tickets. In order to comply with Michigan Liquor Control Commission standards, we use tasting tickets and marked cups to have a controlled means of serving beer. Every guest must be 21 years of age or older with a valid ID to enter.

Is the cornhole tournament included with my General Admission ticket?

Yes!

How do we get the tasting tickets?

Guests can pick up their tasting tickets inside the festival after they have their registration tickets scanned at the entrance and are permitted to enter. Each tasting ticket = one 3oz beer pour. Additional tickets will be available for purchase.

When does the Great Lakes Beer Festival start and end?

The festival hours are 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025. You can get early entry with a VIP ticket that allows you in at 1:00 p.m.

Do you sell designated driver tickets?

Yes!  If you are the designated driver of your group, you can purchase a designated driver ticket for $20.  Each DD (designated driver) ticket includes all the music and festivities.  There is no DD discount available for the VIP area.

Where is the list of beers that will be available?

A full list of breweries will be posted on our website one week before the Great Lakes Beer Festival. 

Will there be food?

Yes!  A variety of food will be available for purchase.

Where can I reprint my ticket if I lose my confirmation email?

Please contact  mibrewtrail@hearst.com  for any issues regarding tickets.

Can I bring food?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted at Dow Diamond, other than the food/pretzel necklaces typically seen at beer festivals.

What am I not permitted to bring to the Great Lakes Beer Festival?

You are not allowed to bring any children, dogs, or anyone under the age of 21.   Absolutely no outside alcohol, glass containers, folding/camping chairs, hydration backpacks, water, empty plastic or metal beverage receptacles, or weapons or firearms are allowed.

What do I have to bring to be allowed inside?

Every guest must bring their driver’s license or a valid state ID and present it at the gate.

Can I enter the festival if I am under 21 years old?

No. There are no circumstances that will permit anyone under the age of 21 to enter the festival.

Is the Great Lakes Beer Festival an outdoor event?

Yes! Rain or shine, the festival will proceed.   The brewery vendors will be positioned inside Dow Diamond along the concourses under cover. If rain is in the forecast, consider bringing a poncho or an umbrella with you.

Will there be indoor restrooms?

Also yes!  The indoor restrooms will be inside the stadium.

Is tailgating or pre-partying in the parking lot before the festival permitted?

Please don’t party or tailgate in the parking lot prior to the festival. We want to be able to put on the festival while respecting our neighbors in downtown Midland.

Can I volunteer?

Yes, of course!  We can’t have the festival without a strong group of volunteers willing to give their time.   We recommend that you fill out the volunteer contact form, or send an email to mibrewtrail@hearst.com to let us know you’re interested.   We will be in touch with the shifts that are still available.   Every volunteer will receive 1 ticket and all of the items that are included, as well as a volunteer T-shirt.

Can I get a souvenir?

Absolutely!   Great Lakes Beer Festival souvenirs, such as apparel will be available for purchase at the event.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please email mibrewtrail@hearst.com  with any questions you may have.