Winterfest: Brewers of Indiana Guild 2024, Indianapolis, IN

Each February, Indianapolis hosts the two-day Winterfest, gathering happy crowds in West Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The festival showcases a large variety of Indiana breweries, so you'll sample dozens of beers and talk to a bunch of new people. During your visit, you can instantly feel that Drink Indiana (Brewers of Indiana Guild), the organizers of this great event, really care about breweries and the fest's guests.

The tickets to Winterfest Indianapolis typically go on sale on Black Friday (late November). The VIP ticket goes on Friday, with the party hours running from 7 pm to 10 pm, and the general admission ticket goes on Saturday from 2 pm through 6 pm. For more information and the latest announcements, please check the event's official website, listed in the External Resources below.

There are also cute tasting glasses for early birds. The Early Entry ticket (hours run from 1 pm to pm) provides a limited edition cup to enjoy beer from more than 80 breweries. Plus, you don't have to stand in long lines or rub shoulders with dozens of other visitors. Generally admission tickets also have their perks in the form of an exclusive taster glass with 3 oz pours of cider, beer, and mead. But remember to drink responsibly!

When you're up for the Winterfest in Indianapolis, prepare to drink a lot. Hence, here are our two main pieces of advice: book your accommodations close by and in advance if possible (see the map below) and take a cab to get to your night stay safely.