Frequently Asked Questions
Tahoe Brewfest
GENERAL FAQ
Everything you need to know for a smooth festival experience. Don't see your question here? Shoot us an email.
TICKETS & ENTRY
CAN I BUY TICKETS AT THE GATE?
We strongly recommend buying in advance to secure the best price and guarantee entry. If the festival does not sell out, day-of tickets will be available at the gate for $85 (General Admission) via QR code. VIP Upgrades are subject to availability.
Note: We are a cashless gate. All day-of ticket sales must be made via credit card through Eventbrite.
ARE KIDS/UNDER 21 ALLOWED?
Yes! Tahoe Brewfest is a family-friendly event. Attendees under 21 enter for free (no ticket required). However, please note: Minors are not allowed in VIP areas. While entry is free, we always welcome donations to the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe at the gate or online by purchasing a non-drinking ticket.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Tahoe Brewfest is a rain or shine event.
Summer storms in the Sierras are not uncommon, but they are usually brief! The festival will continue as planned if it rains, so we recommend checking the forecast and packing a rain jacket or poncho just in case.
IS RE-ENTRY ALLOWED?
Yes. As long as you keep your wristband on and intact, you may leave and re-enter the event grounds on Ski Run Blvd.
THE EXPERIENCE
HOW MANY BREWERIES WILL BE POURING?
For the 9th Annual Tahoe Brewfest, we will have 40+ partners pouring. This includes craft breweries, cideries, kombucha makers, distilleries, and meaderies. Having this many partners helps keep the lines short and your glass full.
WILL THERE BE DRINKS OTHER THAN BEER?
Absolutely! In addition to beer, we feature cider, kombuchas, spirits, and mead. Non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased at our various food vendor booths and trucks. We will have free water stations throughout the event courtesy of Tahoe Tap.
CAN NON-DRINKERS ENTER THE VIP AREA?
No. Everyone entering the VIP areas, regardless of whether they are drinking alcohol, must have a valid VIP ticket. The VIP experience includes upgraded food, exclusive beer tastings, private restrooms, and exclusive shaded access, which requires a ticket to access.
DO VENDORS TAKE CASH OR CARD?
We recommend bringing both.
Tahoe Brewfest is a cashless event, so the Entrance and Merch Tent will only accept Card/Digital payment ONLY.
Our Food & Artisan vendors may accept both cash and card, but some may be card only.
Note: There are no sales of alcohol at Tahoe Brewfest, all tastings are included in your ticket and must be poured in the official Tahoe Brewfest tasting cups.
LOGISTICS & LOCATION
WHERE DO I PARK?
First and foremost: Do not drink and drive. We take safety seriously and want everyone to get home safe, so please plan your transportation ahead of time.
Ski Run Boulevard is a busy area with very limited parking, so we strongly encourage you to leave the car at home. Below you can find the best alternatives to get to Tahoe Brewfest.
Ride: Use the free Lake Link shuttle app or ride-share services like Uber and Lyft.
Bike: Use our FREE Bike Valet provided by the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition.
Walk: Staying nearby? Enjoy the stroll!
Designated Drivers: If you must drive, please ensure you have a designated sober driver.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED?
We love our furry friends, but we discourage bringing dogs to Tahoe Brewfest.
The event takes place on asphalt in August. The pavement gets extremely hot and can burn paws. Combined with large crowds, it is often a stressful environment for pets.
If you bring your dog they must be on a leash at all times and you must be mindful of their comfort and safety.
IS THE EVENT ACCESSIBLE?
Ski Run Boulevard is a paved street. However, please be aware that the road is on a slope (it is a ski run, after all!), which can make pushing manual wheelchairs more difficult in certain directions.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Since Tahoe Brewfest is a rain or shine event, to have the best day possible we recommend packing:
A Valid ID (Required for 21+ wristbands, no exceptions)
Sun protection (Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Comfortable Shoes (You'll be walking/standing)
Reusable water bottle (Empty upon entry)
Layers (Tahoe weather changes fast!)
A tote bag (For all the cool merch you buy)
Rain Gear (In case a summer storm passes through)
IS SMOKING ALLOWED?
Tahoe Brewfest is a non-smoking and non-vaping event to protect our beautiful environment and fresh mountain air.
VENDOR FAQ
Ready to secure your spot? Here is everything you need to know.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Mark your calendars! Vendor applications go live at tahoebrewfest.com on Monday, February 2, 2026.
To apply, please fill out the 2026 Vendor Application. All 2026 applications must be received by March 30.
WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT?
We offer two booth sizes to fit your needs:
10'x10' Space - $300
10'x20' Space - $550
Food Trucks - $550
All Vendor Fees are non-refundable and considered a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. All or part of your donation may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney. EIN: 68-0241891
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FEE?
Beyond the physical space on Ski Run Blvd, you will receive a listing on the Tahoe Brewfest website, a spot in the digital event program, a digital media kit to help you promote your presence, and a vendor packet with full logistical support.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
To ensure a safe and legal event for everyone, we require the following:
All Vendors:
A current City of South Lake Tahoe business license and a California sellers permit.
Food Vendors:
An El Dorado County Health Department permit.
Operations:
You are responsible for your own sales transactions and tax reporting.
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE?
You must be open and operating from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026. No early breakdown is permitted.
Accepted vendors will receive a digital packet in early August containing maps, parking details, and load-in/load-out times.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I'M ACCEPTED?
Keep an eye on your inbox! We will notify you via email with an acceptance confirmation and payment instructions.
*Application opens
02/01/2026
BREWERY FAQ
Ready to pour at the 2026 Tahoe Brewfest? Here is everything you need to know.
WHY SHOULD I POUR AT TAHOE BREWFEST?
Aside from the killer views? You get direct access to 2,500+ thirsty attendees in a high-energy environment. We are a 501(c)(3) fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, so the value of your donated product is fully tax-deductible.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM DONATION REQUIREMENT?
To participate, we require a minimum donation of product.
We encourage you to bring more, as many partners run dry due to high demand!
Beer/Cider/Kombucha: 46.5 gallons (approx. 3 half-barrel kegs, 500 12oz cans, or 375 16oz cans).
Spirits: Enough for 700 pours (0.5oz spirit + 2oz mixer).
Water Sponsors: 3,000 individual non-glass units.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
We provide the space, the ice, and the crowd. You provide everything else to run our booth.
Required: 10'x10' Tent (CA Fire Marshal approved) & Tent Weights.
Required: Tables, Chairs, Jockey Box, CO2, Tools, Dump Bucket
Staffing: You must provide your own trained, 21+ staff to pour.
Note: No power is provided on site.
WHAT PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED?
To keep us legal and safe, participants are required to provide Tahoe Brewfest with a valid Certificate of Insurance (COI) and an ABC Craven Form. You will be provided detailed instructions upon confirmation of registration.
WHAT ARE THE POURING RULES?
To comply with our ABC license, pouring hous run strictly from 11:00AM to 5:00PM. No early breakdown is permitted. You may only serve attendees wearing an official 21+ Tahoe Brewfest wristband, and all samples must be poured directly into the provided stainless steel tasting cup. Pour sizes are limited to 5oz for beer, cider, and kombucha, and 0.5oz for spirits.
CAN I SELL TO-GO CANS OR FULL POURS?
No. Due to our licensing, this is a tasting-only event. No "Cash & Carry" sales of alcohol are permitted. However, you are welcome to hand out promo materials to drive traffic to your taproom or online store!
CAN I SELL OUR BREWERY MERCH?
Yes! You are welcome to sell branded gear like hats and tees, provided you have a valid California Sales Permit and City of South Lake Tahoe Business License on file. Detailed instructions about selling merchandise will be included in the registration form.