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 napping 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, we have award-winning spirits!!

Q:  Where is the parking?
A:  Parking is available throughout Central City off on the streets and free lots.  Free parking is available at garages around town, in the surface free parking lots, 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.

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. You can even pick up a load of gravel from the new pit along the way (perfect for your planned cement pond in the backyard).

Q:  What time does it start?
A:  We try to open at Noon for VIP (bourgeoisie) guests and 1 pm for general admission (those of us who rely on our TABOR refunds—pat yourself on the back for fighting for that check—there’s always a sneaky legislative grab). 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 search).  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.

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.

Q:  Will there be food and other things to do?
A:  Yes!  We'll have some food vendors serving up fantastic dishes.  We think the WH Meat folks will be on-site along with the guy who ruins diets selling his roasted (not shweaty) nuts. 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. Don’t forget about our 18th US President look-alike contest too.

Q:  Will alcohol be served or available?
A:  Is the sky blue? Our distilleries will be serving up their proud concoctions. Liquor, beer, and wine are available inside any casino bar.  Guests CAN bring purchased liquor into the street in the official Central City plastic to-go cup (but not inside the designated Sills 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).

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!