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 the Microfest includes a tasting glass - which allows you to visit brewery tents and sample dozens of beers -international beers on Friday night, craft and microbrews on Saturday - and listen to music by popular groups. On Saturday, you can also see cooking demonstrations and brewing discussions in our Brewers' Area. There will be a craft soda tent 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.

On both days, for an extra $10 in advance, or $12 at the door, you can purchase a VIP admission, which gives you access to our VIP area.

Q. What's in the VIP area?
A. Specialty beers not found in the rest of the Microfest, free snacks, tables and seating under a large tent. There will also be raffles and fun giveaways.

Q. I see that I can attend the St. Louis Microfest on Friday night OR Saturday. Will there be different offerings for each?
A. The St. Louis Microfest is a two-day event. Friday evening, we will feature international beers; on Saturday we'll have beer from American microbreweries. Food from area restaurants is available for purchase on both Friday and Saturday.

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 dozens of North American brewers. 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. 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, visit www.liftforlife.org.

Q. I've registered online for the St. Louis Microfest. Will you send me tickets?
A. Instead of mailing tickets, we put your name on a roster. Come to the upper Muny parking lot in Forest Park during Microfest hours and sign in at our Welcome Center, located at the Microfest entrance. You'll be asked to show identification, then you'll go to the "pre-paid" table at the welcome center 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. Area restaurants will have food for sale, mostly priced between
$3-$6. 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've got a great line-up this year. Friday night we're featuring the Melissa Neels Band and Farshid etniko. On Saturday, we have Hudson and the HooDoo Cats and Earl, plus a rising star from New Orleans, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Go to our Music page for details.

Q. Where is the Upper Muny Lot located?
A. The lot is located south of the Muny. It is most easily accessed from the south entrance to Forest Park, at the Highway 40 exit. Enter the park and make a right turn at the stoplight (a left turn will take you to the Zoo south entrance). 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. 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. This year, you and your dog can stop by our "Yappy Hour Lounge" provided by Kennelwood Pet Resorts. There, your pooch can get some shade and water and you can talk to Kennelwood's pet experts, who will be there with giveaways and information.

Still have questions? E-mail us at microfest@liftforlife.org.