Survival Guide: Columbus Summer Beerfest

Every year, beer enthusiasts flock to Express LIVE! to sip, sample, and savor brews from 90+ of the best breweries this country has to offer. That’s right, lushes, Columbus Summer Beerfest is back this weekend with food, entertainment, and, of course, lots of great craft beer.

Some of you may be first-timers, others have had their pretzel + string cheese + beef jerky necklaces on lock for years. No matter, there are always ways to improve the way you experience this celebration of beer.

Welcome to the 614NOW Summer Beerfest Surivival Guide. As always, drink responsibly.

It is not a race, seriously

Sometimes, kegs do kick, but it’s not going to happen within the first hour of doors opening. Relax, there is more than enough beer to go around. I’m talking to you, Kevin, who feels the need to elbow throw the queue and sprint inside the venue every year.

There’s truly no need to pregame

The Beerfest-issued plastic mugs may be small, but those samples add up fast. You’re gonna wish you hadn’t shotgunned that mango White Claw before you left your apartment, we promise.

Hydrate

You’re not going to miss anything if you take a five minute hydration hiatus. It’ll most likely be hot and the only thing that will quench your thirst from all those salty pretzels is a cup of cold agua. Do yourself a favorite and spend some time near the water stations throughout the night.

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Don’t wait to use the restroom

The lines are going to be long—real long—all night long. Rather than waiting until the absolute last minute to visit the restroom, grab a sample and head that way before your bladder deems necessary. That way, when the agony sets in, you’ll already be next up for a stall.

No really, it’s not a race

Slow. Down. This is your chance to try tons of new exciting brews and decide which ones you’d like to add to your normal drinking roster. Brewers from all over the U.S. worked tirelessly to perfect their beers—don’t disrespect them by chugging.

Feed your face

Don’t let the excitement of the festival distract you from your growling stomach. There will be plenty of food trucks present to tide over even the most specific craving, though everyone knows the best options are always deep friend and covered in cheese.

Walk, bike, rideshare

Most people exiting the Express LIVE! gate at the end of the night are in no shape to drive and neither should you. Not only would you have to deal with parking if you drove yourself, but walking, biking, or ridesharing to and from the festival is the only way to ensure safety.

Tickets to the Columbus Summer Beerfest are still available. Visit columbusbeerfest.com for more information.

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