Festival FAQs

Q:  Can I bring my dog?
A:  We love animals and dogs are great.  We certainly know dogs love a little adventure (and beer) but we'll have to ask that you keep your furry friends at home.  Just think of how much loving you'll get when you get home (you will smell like barley, hops, and malt—all things dogs enjoy).

Q: I'm not a big drinker, why would I want to come?
A: Well, the event is free without the tastings and there will be lots of great vendors present and fantastic music to enjoy.  But be warned, if you come, you may be persuaded.  Come to the dark side, we have award-winning brews!

Q:  Where is parking?
A:  Parking is available throughout Central City off of adjacent streets and lots.  Free parking is available at garages around town, in surface parking lots and as always, throughout Central City on side streets in the residential areas (even in front of the Mayor’s house).  Please note and respect any restricted areas, ie. fire hydrants, etc.  Parking is also available in Black Hawk with the free, every 30-minute Central City shuttle to get to the festival from anywhere in Black Hawk. 

Q:  Where exactly is the event?
A:  It is about a 40-minute drive from the greater Denver metro area.  Take I-70 Westbound to Exit 243, the Central City Parkway, and in about 8.5 miles on the four-lane highway, you'll be in Central City.  The event is on historic Main Street just at the bottom of Central City Parkway.  Main Street will be closed to traffic—that’s where the party is.

Summer 2024 advice: I-70 will be under construction around Floyd Hill. And, typical Saturday volumes are high. We’d recommend checking on your apps to see which route is best to get to Central City. Old coot advice: drive N on Hwy 93 through beautiful Golden (home of five of our breweries) and take a left at Golden Gate Canyon Rd, drive up to Hwy 119, and take another left. Slip quietly through Black Hawk and don’t stop, take another right and in one mile, you are there (or here).

Q:  What time does it start?
A:  Event time and "gates" open at noon for VIP guests and at 1 pm for general admissions’.  Music and vendors will be available for your enjoyment all day through the last call at 5:30 pm. We kick you out at 6 pm (or until Jewel and the Rough stop the dance party that usually happens at 6:30 pm)!

Q:  Is this a family-friendly event?
A: You bet!  Bring all family units.  Reconnect with your third cousins!  They'll love you for it. Warning: some casinos are 21+ and do not allow kids. Some do though and they love when you dump them in the snack bar for hours (kidding, they don’t).

Q:  Will there be food and other things to do?
A:  Yes!  We'll have food vendors serving up fantastic dishes. Full-service sit-down restaurants are available inside any casino on Main Street with no admission charge. In addition, many of the Main Street shops will be open during the festival. All street vendors will be accepting cash.  ATMs are available in the casinos.  And, of course, our fantastic featured music groups will be playing throughout the day!

Q:  I’m into adventure, anything else to do nearby?
A:  Well, besides climbing the incredibly steep hundred or so steps into the cool haven of the Elks Lodge (non-members are welcome) where you can meet former Mayor Don Mattivi and enljoy one of his famous Mattiviritas or Mattivimary’s, tell him hi. There’s also thrilling Maryland Mountain which you can hike but note it is a serious mountain bike downhill. Easily accessible from Central City. If you are lucky, you may meet the Mayor of Black Hawk along the trails and be sure to kiss his ring for spending millions on the system!

Q:  Will alcohol be served or available?
A:  Liquor, beer and wine are available inside at any casino bar.  Guests CAN bring purchased liquor from the casinos into the street in the official Central City plastic cup.  No package alcohol allowed. No coolers. While it is an all-ages show, any alcohol consumption requires an ID and all patrons must be 21+.  Bring your ID for drinking and gambling.

Q:  Is there seating available to view the bands?
A: There is very little shade but chairs will be available, first-come, first-served. And dancing is encouraged. Show us your moves!