Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I’ve never been to the St. Louis Microfest before. What do I get for my admission?
A. Your admission to a session of the Microfest includes a tasting glass – which allows you to visit brewery booths and sample dozens of beers –international beers on Friday night, craft beers on Saturday afternoon, and a selection of international and domestic beers on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon – and listen to music by popular groups. You can also see cooking demonstrations and brewing discussions in our Demo Tent. There will be a craft soda booth with specialty root beers, ginger ales and birch beers for you to sample.
For non-drinkers, we’re offering a special “Designated Driver” admission that includes a commemorative mug with which to sample the craft sodas only.
At each session, for an extra $15, you can purchase a VIP admission, which gives you access to our VIP Biergarten. And you can upgrade your small tasting glass for a commemorative pilsner glass for $10.
Q. What’s in the VIP area?
A., Our VIP Biergarten offers specialty beers not found in the rest of the Microfest, free snacks, tables and seating. There will also be raffles and fun giveaways throughout each session. On Friday evening, the VIP Biergarten will feature Belgian beers.
Q. I see that there are four different Microfest sessions. Will there be different offerings for each?
A. The St. Louis Microfest is a three-day event. Friday evening (Session I), we will feature international beers; on Saturday afternoon (Session II) we’ll have beer from American microbreweries. Saturday evening (Session III) and Sunday afternoon (Session IV) offers a selection of international and domestic beers.
Q. The Microfest is billed as a “tasting” event. What does that mean?
A. The St. Louis Microfest is an opportunity for you to taste samples of beers from international breweries on Friday evening, and dozens of North American craft brewers on Saturday and Sunday. As part of your admission, you’ll receive small glass in which brewers will give you a two-ounce “pour” of the beers you choose – enough to give you a taste of the product. Even if you upgrade to a large commemorative glass at the Microfest, you’ll still receive a two-ounce sample to taste.
Q. What else is going on at the Microfest?
A. During Session II on Saturday afternoon, we’ll have activities that are sure to make the Microfest even more fun: a Brewers Olympics and Homebrew Competition Awards. The TAN Company will also be holding an event” at 2 pm on Saturday in conjunction with the Microfest, attempting to beat the Guinness record for the “world’s longest tan line.
Brewers Olympics is an opportunity for our visiting brewers to compete in such “Olympic” competitions as the Keg Toss, Hose Linking and Coiling, and Malt Bag Stacking. It promises to be a hilarious show from 3-4 pm.
Finally, we will once again announce the winners of the annual Homebrew Competition at 4 pm, right after the Brewers Olympics. Local homebrewers are working feverishly, even while you’re reading this, to win a coveted award at the competition. If you’re a homebrewer and are interested in competing, you can download competition information by clicking on the “Homebrew Contest” bar to the left.
Q. I noticed you’re offering a special discounted subscription to All About Beer Magazine. Who is the magazine for?
A. All About Beer Magazine is one of the country’s first and foremost publications for brewers and beer aficionados. In it, you’ll find beer reviews, articles about brewing and tasting, tours of craft breweries and great recipes. You can purchase a specially-priced six-month subscription online when you purchase a VIP admission to the Microfest, or at the Microfest. All About Beer Magazine and Mutineer Magazine are our national media sponsors for 2010.
Q. I notice that the St. Louis Microfest is listed as “benefiting Lift for Life Gym.” Is this a fund-raising event?
A. Yes, most definitely. The Microfest is an annual fund-raising event that helps keep Lift For Life Gym operating throughout the year. Lift For Life Gym is a non-profit organization that runs year-round after-school programs for inner-city kids ages 8 to 18. The Gym provides nutritious meals, homework help, health and fitness programs, and a safe, fun place for kids. If you’d like to learn more about Lift For Life Gym, visit www.liftforlife.org.
Q. I’ve registered online for the St. Louis Microfest. Will you send me tickets?
A. If you purchase tickets more than one week before the Microfest, you will receive them in the mail; after that time, we will hold your tickets in “will call.” Come to the upper Muny parking lot in Forest Park during Microfest hours and sign in at our Welcome Center, located at the stone building near the back of the Muny amphitheater. You’ll be asked to show identification to pick up your tickets, then you’ll go to the Microfest entrance to receive your tasting glass and a wristband.
Q. Do I need to bring ID to the event?
A. Definitely (see the answer above). If you’ve registered online, be sure to also bring your order confirmation sheet, in case there are any discrepancies.
Q. Is there an extra charge for food?
A. There will be food for sale in the food tents, mostly priced between $3-$6. Food will be offered by Chuy Arzola’s restaurant, L’École Culinaire and Fandango’s Wings. Food tickets can be purchased at Lift For Life ticket booths.
Q. What kind of music will be at the St. Louis Microfest?
A. We’re working on a great line-up this year. Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon’s music is still to be announced. Saturday evening features Spontaneous Nugent. Check back soon on our Music page for details.
Q. Where is the Upper Muny Lot located?
A. The lot is located south of the Muny. Take the forest Park/Hampton exit from Hwy 40/I64, turn right into the park, then right at the stoplight. Keep to the right and you will come to a roundabout; stay on it until you pass the Jewel Box and come to McKinley Dr. Turn right on McKinley and go to Union Dr., where you make another right turn. The entrance to the Upper Muny lot will be on your left (It's really not as complicated as it sounds). If you’re coming from the Lindell side of the park, turn onto one of the streets on either side of the Muny main entrance, and follow them up the hill to the Upper Muny Lot.
Q. Where can I park?
A. About half of the upper Muny lot is available for parking (the other half is where we set up the tents for the St. Louis Microfest) and there is ample street parking around the lot. You can also take Metrolink to the park and use a Metro bus that goes through the park to get to the Microfest.
Q. What kind of items are offered in the silent auction? What is the general price range?
A. A variety, ranging from gift certificates, B&B stays, neon beer signs and other beer items such as mugs and t-shirts, sports collectibles, bicycles and outdoor recreation items. Items are put in “packages” so, for example, you may bid on the “Soulard Package” which may include restaurant and specialty store gift certificates, and t-shirts. Auction items range in price from $25 to $700 – we have something for everyone!
Q. Do you take credit cards?
A. We will take credit cards for admission and Silent Auction purchases. We can only accept cash for food ticket purchases. There is an ATM located near the Muny outdoor concession stand, not far from the Upper Muny lot.
Q. Can I bring my kids?
A. Kids are welcome at the Microfest if they’re accompanied by a parent. They can enjoy craft soda, food and music.
Q. Are dogs allowed at the Microfest?
A. Leashed dogs are allowed, as long as they are socialized and remain with their owners at all times. We’re planning on providing a “doggie rest stop;” check back for updates.
Still have questions? E-mail us at microfest@liftforlife.org.