How to Beer Fest
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When and where is the Utah Beer Festival?
A: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18 at The Gateway located at 18 Rio Grande St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Q: Where is the entrance?
A: There will be multiple entrances to enter the Utah Beer Festival, including the north and south sides of Rio Grande St.
Q: How do I buy beer?
A: The Utah Beer Festival utilizes beer passports for a Utah-friendly “pay as you go” system.
The passports can be purchased in advance on the official Utah Beer Festival website or at the event. Each starting passport includes 10 punches. “Refill” passports come in increments of 5 and can be purchased on site.
All alcoholic beverages must be purchased through a passport.
Q: How much does each beer cost? So I know how many passports to buy.
A: All breweries will have 5 ounces sample pours available regardless of ABV.
Most 5 ounce samples start at 1 punch, higher ABV items may run 2-4 punches per 5 ounce sample. 12/16 ounce pours are only available for draft beer and those will generally start at 3 punches.
Every brewery has a menu with punch prices for 5 ounce sample pours or, if available, 12/16 ounce full pours for each brand.
Q: So, wait, why the passports at all? I went to a beer festival in my home state and it was all you can drink.
A: Yes, we know other states are able to do all you can drink. Utah is not one of those states. In fact, you can blame the Utah Beer Festival for that. In 2010, at our inaugural event, we held it as all you can drink. The state legislature didn’t like that we were having all the fun and changed the laws for everybody. Complain to them, not us, please!
Q: Why do some beers cost more than others?
A: Beer prices are based on the price we pay for each beer to be featured. Some beers offered at the festival are as high as 10% ABV. High-gravity beers will only be available in sample size, poured into your 5 ounce sample mug.
Q: What am I getting for the cost of each starting passport?
A: Starting passport prices range from $30-$40 for General Admission for advanced to day-of pricing. These starting passports include a souvenir sampler mug and entrance into the festival.
Each punch on a 10-punch passport is valued at $2.00. Sampler mugs that come with the initial passport are available at $5 each at our merchandise tent.
Q: Any Special Deals?
A: BUY IN ADVANCE it saves money and time!
Q: Can I just pay the brewery directly for a beer?
A: No. The participating breweries cannot take a payment directly and all beer must be purchased through the passport system.
Q: Can we share passport punches?
A: Yes! However, sample mugs are only given to purchased passports. If you feel like you’ll need more than one passport per person, we suggest buying in advance to save on day-of prices. And we are bringing back our “refill” passports at lower quantities than the 10-punch.
Q: How many beers will be available?
A: This year we have over 200 different beers, ciders, hard seltzers and kombuchas available to sample as well as several draft varieties that can be purchased in a 12 oz size. Make notes on your pocket guide so you remember which ones you liked.
Q: Where can I find parking?
A: We encourage people to find alternative modes of transport to driving… unless you have your Designated Driver! Though, the Gateway has plenty of ample parking. Saturday there is a fee to park; Sunday is free. Also, just take Trax, it’s easier!
Q: Can I bring my child and/or pet?
A: The Utah Beer Festival is a 21+ only event. And, as much as we all love our fur babies, please leave them at home for this one.
Q: What is the appropriate ID to get into the event?
A: Driver’s license, state issued ID, Passport or military ID with photo. All ID’s must be current and not expired. Same rules that apply to any bar.
Q: Do I need to purchase DD wristband this year?
A. We have Designated Driver tickets available. Any DD wristband wearer caught holding a beer will be either asked to leave or purchase a full Utah Beer Festival ticket.
Q: When do taps close?
A: Beer token sales close at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All taps close at 7:45 pm. SHARP to give you time to enjoy your beverage before the festival closes at 8 p.m.
Q: Is there any food on site?
A: YES! We will have delicious local food trucks available to choose from as well as any number of great food places surrounding the event space in The Gateway. A variety of options will be available.
Bring cash or a credit card to purchase directly from the food trucks as the official Utah Beer Festival passports will not allow you to purchase anything from any other vendor onsite.
Q: What can I bring?
A: You’re welcome to bring lawn chairs, umbrellas and blankets to spread-out and enjoy the live music. No coolers or large bags are permitted on the festival grounds. All bags are subject to search at the entrances by our security personnel.
All water bottles must be emptied as attendees enter and exit the premises.
Q: Does UBF accept credit cards or checks?
A: No checks. But YES we accept credit cards and cash at our general passport stations.
Q: Who do I contact if I have further questions?
A: Contact the Festival Director, Pete Saltas info@utahbeerfestival.com for any and all questions.
Code of Conduct
Compliance With the Law
The sale and distribution of beer and liquor is heavily regulated. Under no circumstance will minors be permitted to drink alcohol at the Utah Beer Festival. Participating alcoholic vendors must make reasonable efforts to understand and comply with all applicable requirements on their booths.
Attendees under the age of 21 will not be permitted to obtain drinking wristbands. If problem persists with an underage individual attempting to obtain a 21+ wristband, Utah Beer Festival will coordinate with local law enforcement.
Respect for the Individual and Groups
Everyone deserves to operate and co-exist in an environment where each individual is treated with dignity and respect.
Utah Beer Festival is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination and from abusive, offensive or harassing behavior.
Therefore, all vendors and attendees must treat all individuals and groups respectfully, recognizing their human dignity, regardless of their diverse human characteristics: race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental disability, size or appearance, genetic pre-disposition, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status.
All vendors and attendees will contribute to a positive environment that is free of hostile and offensive behaviors and harassment. Harassment means any unwelcome and inappropriate verbal or physical conduct, or coercive behavior, where the behavior is known or reasonably ought to be recognized as unwanted or unwelcome.
Responsible Alcohol Consumption
Brewers and members of the community of beer enthusiasts may enjoy alcoholic beverages at Utah Beer Festival.
In consuming alcoholic beverages, vendors and attendees must adhere to principles of reasonable consumption.
Should individuals consume more than a reasonable amount of alcohol and either are or appear to be incapable of functioning, either legally or appropriately, the responsibility of impairment falls upon the individual.