Founders Brewing Co. is pleased to present

Founders Fest 2014

Founders Fest is our biggest party of the year, a street-side celebration of everything we love and all that makes Founders what it is today: some of the world’s greatest beer, incredible live music, killer grub from local favorites, and wearables and shareables from some of the area’s finest artisans. Founders Fest is an ages 21+, all-day, outdoor event and takes place on the streets surrounding the brewery, under the sun and the beautiful blue hue of the June sky.

Early bird tickets go on sale Friday, April 18, 2014 at Noon EST. Tickets will be available online via Eventbrite. To purchase tickets or view full event details, visit Founders Fest 2014 at Eventbrite.

Tickets for 2014 Mug Club Members will be available at the taproom company store during regular business hours.

This year’s lineup features:

Lettuce (Modern Day Funk from Brooklyn, NY)

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires (R & B, Soul from Brooklyn, NY)

Break Science (Live Electronics from Brooklyn, NY)

The Budos Band (Funk, Jazz, Afrobeat from Brooklyn, NY)

The Giving Tree Band (Folk Rock, Americana from Yorkville, IL)

Fauxgrass (Progressive Bluegrass from Grand Rapids, MI)

Valentiger (Indie Rock, Power Pop from Grand Rapids, MI)

and

The FBC All-Stars (Our Employee Supergroup)

Listen to selections from the Founders Fest 2014 lineup on Spotify, and scroll down for videos from all of the artists!

Here’s some frequently asked questions:

Where can I get tickets?

Founders Fest tickets are available now for purchase online via Eventbrite and in person in our Company Store. If not sold out, tickets may be available at the gates on the day of the festival.

Can I bring my kids?

Founders Fest is strictly an ages 21 and up event.

Will the Taproom be open?

The Taproom, Deli, Company Store & Administrative Offices will be closed to the public. Founders Fest is an outdoor event.

Where is Founders Fest?

Founders Fest takes place on the streets surrounding the brewery, with most of the festival grounds being on Grandville Avenue. The festival entrance is at the intersection of Cherry and Grandville. Map

How much does it cost to get in?

There are 3 ticket tiers: Early Bird $20 (4/18-5/31), Advance $25 (6/1-6/20) and Day-Of-Show $30 (6/21, if not sold-out). *2014 Mug Club Members receive an extra discount, but must purchase their tickets on-site in the Company Store.

Does my ticket include anything?

Tickets are for entry to the festival only. (This includes access to all of the on-stage & in-crowd performances.) Separate ‘beverage tickets’ will be for sale at various spots, and will be required for beer & n/a beverage purchase. (Cash is preferred, but Visa, MC, American Express & Discover will be accepted as well.) Food, art & merchandise purchases are separate as well.

When is each band playing?

The schedule is as follows: Valentiger (3:10-3:45), Fauxgrass (3:45-4:20), The Giving Tree Band (4:25-5:10), FBC All-Stars (5:10-5:55), The Budos Band (6:05-7:05), Break Science (7:10-8:10), Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires (8:20-9:20), Lettuce (9:30-11:00).

How do I get a beer?

There will be two separate beer tents. One will feature Class 1s & 2s (beers like All Day IPA, Founders Fest Wheat & Rubaeus), while the 2nd will feature some year-rounds, one-offs, firkins & other Class 3s & rarities. Simply order from one of our friendly staffers, and provide the number of beverage tickets requested.

I had great service. Can I tip?

You sure can! Tipping is not only allowed, but encouraged!

Do you do samples?

Unfortunately, because of the nature of the event, we will not be doing samples. If you have questions about a particular beer, just ask one of our staffers.

Can I redeem my unused beverage tickets in the Taproom?

Unfortunately no. Unused beverage tickets are non-refundable, have no cash value, and are only good on 6/21/14. *Beverage tickets can also not be used to purchase merchandise, food, or anything other than beverages.

Can I bring my own water?

We will permit sealed, unopened water bottles, and will be providing complimentary water-filling stations. Empty nalgene (and similar) bottles will be permitted.

Can I mix beers?

Often, mixing beers is common practice in the Taproom. There’s a mystique to it, and many flavor combinations can be explored. Unfortunately, because of the nature & sheer volume of the event, we will not be mixing beers.

Can I bring beer to trade?

We’re aware that large-scale beer events such as this are huge for bottle trade. All we’ll say is: bottle-trading is not permitted on the festival grounds.

Will you be doing brewery tours during the festival?

We will not. The entire brewing facility, including the Taproom, Deli, Company Store, Centennial Room & Administrative offices will be closed to the public on 6/21/14, including before, during & after the festival. However, the Education Department will have a booth set-up where festivalgoers can get an insight into Founders’ history, ask questions & interact with our Education Ambassador.

I just want to use the bathroom. Can I run into the Taproom?

Unfortunately, no, as the Taproom is closed to the public all day. There will be adequate portable restrooms for public use.

We just want to sit in the beer garden. Can we?

Unfortunately, no. The Beer Garden will be closed to the public all day.

I’ve already purchased my ticket. Do I need to bring my ID?

YES. A valid, government-issued photo ID is required at entry. No exceptions.

Can I get my growler filled?

We will not be filling growlers during the festival OR at any point in the day.

Can I take pictures?

Photos will be permitted, as long as a) no flash is used and b) it is not professional photography equipment. All media & photo passes will be issued prior to the festival by top festival brass. To inquire about providing media coverage or documenting the event, please contact foundersfest[at]foundersbrewing.com.

Will the festival sell-out?

We hope so! If this is something that concerns you, purchase your ticket in advance!

I’m a Mug Club Member. Can I use my mug? Do I get an additional discount on beverage tickets?

We will not be allowing glass inside the festival grounds, so no, Mug Club Members will not be able to use their mugs during Founders Fest. The applicable Mug Club Benefits for the day are discounted entry fees.

I bought a ticket, but now I can’t attend. Can I get a refund?

Unfortunately, festival passes are not refundable.

Is there re-entry?

Re-entry will be permitted as capacity allows, and at the discretion of our staff & festival security.

What if it rains?

Founders Fest is a rain-or-shine event. Being outdoors, rain is always a possibility, but we hope for the best!

Is there anywhere to park my bicycle?

We will have bicycle parking at the festival gates.

I’m in a wheelchair. Is the event handicap accessible?

Yup! All areas of the festival grounds are handicap accessible.

I’m driving in with a few buddies. Where can I park?

Our parking lot (on the west side of the facility) will be closed to the public all day. However, there are city parking meters and a wide variety of privately-owned and city-owned lots within just blocks of the festival grounds. As always, we recommend using public transportation, as The Rapid is across the street from the brewery. Carpooling is always a good idea, you can bike, walk, or take a cab as well.