Festival FAQs

Q:  Can I bring my dog?
A:  We love animals and dogs are great.  We certainly know they love a little adventure but we'll have to ask that you keep your furry friends at home.  Just know how much love you'll get when you get home—think; curled up next to your passed out body, full of smells, licking the drool off your face.

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 clear or brown boozy side, there be award winning spirits here.

Q:  Where is the parking?
A:  Parking is available throughout Central City off on the streets and free lots.  There’s some of those ceeement garages around town, some parking lots with no stairs, and, as always, throughout Central City on side streets in the residential areas.  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. And yes, you are welcome to park in front of Mayor Fey’s house too. And, we’re sure one of our enterprisin’ hill people will let you park in their yard for a buck or two.

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 the aforementioned best road in the world, the Central City Parkway. If you go up ole’ twisty (US6 from Golden) there’s a tiny event going on in Black Hawk on the same day. Don’t be fooled, that is not us. Even though we do appreciate Black Hawk and all those hotel rooms, the best thing about stopping at the Founder’s Day event are the bathrooms. Clean, non-smelly, fully furnished bathrooms. With lots of toilet paper. And mirrors. Some say the seats are even warmed by unseen hands. Taj Mahstalls indeed.

Q:  What time does it start?
A:  We try to open at Noon for VIP (bourgeoisie) guests and at 1 pm for those of us who rely on our TABOR refunds (pat yourself on the back for fighting for that check—there’s always some sneaky legislative grab going on). Music and vendors will be available for your enjoyment all day through 6 PM.

Q:  Is this a family-friendly event?
A: You bet!  Bring all family units.  Reconnect with those fifth cousins (from that DNA spit swab).  They'll love you for it, and we think you can love back fifth cousins (but not exactly sure). But remember, Central City is a casino town so there’s not much to do for kiddos. That said, one of the best mountain biking trail systems in Colorado can be reached right from downtown Central City. Ask a local how to get to the Maryland Mountain trail system (it’s up, up, up the street across from the Opera House, off of the old tramway and then down a dirt road to the Maryland connection). We give a nod to Black Hawk Mayor (and Grand Poobah) Spellman for investing millions of gambling money to develop a truly world-class MTB experience. Bring your helmet—we know you’ve got a helmet, George Hanson.

Q:  How can I get festival tickets?
A:  The event is free and open to the public but if you want to, and you'll want to, participate in the spirit tastings, you can buy tickets online at Universe events.  If you are not a planner or your Commodore 64 recently died, tickets will be on sale at our Admissions Tent for a few shekels more. Bring a valid ID that clearly shows you are at least 21. Non-tasters and those designated as official driver by the imbiber can get a DD band to follow around the debauchee. Official drivers must wear top hats and driving gloves and always respond to any question with a peppy, “at your service guv’nor.”

Q:  Will there be food and other things to do?
A:  Yes!  We'll have some food vendors serving up fantastic dishes.  The guy who ruins diets selling his roasted (not schweaty) nuts will be on-hand and so will the Mantell Mix sellers (of course they are from Ord Mantell). The casinos all have restaurants too if you need to sit down (no sleeping in the casinos—we got caught once catching a quick snooze in the Mandalay Bay and that did not end well). And of course, our fantastic featured music groups will be playing throughout the day!  Restrooms are located near the festival entrances too—those little tastes add up.

Q:  Will alcohol be served or available for purchase so I can watch the Rick Lewis project while enjoying a Michelob Ultra?
A:  Liquor, beer, and wine are available inside any casino bar.  Guests CAN bring casino-bar purchased liquor into the street in the official Central City plastic to-go cup (but not inside the designated Stills tasting area).  While it is an all-ages show, any alcohol consumption requires an ID and all patrons must be 21+.  We can’t say it enough, bring your ID for drinking and gambling. Zero tolerance for really drunken behavior (you will be escorted out with a ride in our Radio Flyer red wagon). New in 2025, we’re going to lock the mis-behaved up in a paddy wagon mere feet from the festival. That way, the rule-breakers will hear all the merriment and goings on and regret their bad decisions. Maybe even learn a lesson.

Q:  Is there seating available to view the bands?
A:  There is very little shade on the street (bring your own Bumbershoot), chairs will be available, first come, first served.  And dancing is encouraged.  Show us your moves!

Q: I’m tired honey, no, no I had nothing to drink, but where can we stay? A: Grand Z Hotel, Century Hotel, KOA Campground (preferred alternative because they have PIZZA and more booze if you really did not drink—plus campfire songs).