Maine Craft Beer Coaster - Leap Day 2020

LEAP DAY 2020!

Every four years that big, imperfect, revolving ball of chaos gives us an extra day. An extra day to spend with the people we love. An extra day to travel to new places and try new things. In short, an extra day that is perfect for the Maine Craft Beer Coaster!

Boston-area residents can now purchase an all-inclusive ticket to travel roundtrip from Boston to Portland, Maine to attend the Winter Session 2020: Maine Brewers' Guild Invitational Beer Festival. Experience the best craft beer Maine has to offer. No traffic, no winter driving conditions, no worries. Travel in comfort and arrive in Portland ready to celebrate an extra day of Maine craft beer.

More than 50+ Maine Brewers will be on-hand to pour for guests from near and far, along with food and music - all in the comfort of the spacious, indoor Brick South venue.

Board the iconic Amtrak Downeaster for a daytrip to the city Forbes called "America's craft beer capital."

TICKET PURCHASE INCLUDES:

• Roundtrip Coach travel from Boston's North Station (BON) and back

• General Admission to Winter Session 2020: Maine Brewers' Guild Invitational Beer Festival

• On-Board Amenities

• Maine craft beer will be available for sale on-board

BEER COASTER ITINERARY

9:00am...........Check-in Opens, Boston's North Station (BON)
9:55am...........Downeaster 691 departs North Station (BON)
12:25pm.........Downeaster 691 arrives in Portland (POR), 4 minute walk from station to festival
1:00pm...........General Admission Gates Open
5:00pm...........Last Call / Taps Close
6:00pm...........Festival Concludes
6:58pm...........Downeaster 698 departs Portland (POR)
9:25pm...........Downeaster 698 arrives at North Station (BON)

Attendees must be 21 & over. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted to the festival for any reason. Attendees are strongly encouraged to have as much fun as humanly possible, and to drink responsibly.

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FAQs

When do I get my ticket/badge/boarding pass?

Check-in is at 9:00am on the morning of the event at Boston North Station. The actual track # is TBD, but look for the Maine Craft Beer Coaster representatives, located near the numbered departure gates. You should have received your Eventbrite confirmation and a link to your online ticket immediately after purchase. Bring this ticket (printed paper or app-based, see below) with you and use it to check-in. Once checked-in, you will receive an offical badge that will be worn for the remainder of the day. It will serve as your boarding pass to/from Boston, as well as your entrance into the festival. Pretty please, with a cherry on top, don't lose it.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Valid IDs are required to pick up your official badge. This badge will serve as your boarding pass on the Downeaster and your admission ticket to the beer festival. Did we mention that his event is strictly 21 & over, no exceptions?

What is my seat number?

Attendees for the Maine Craft Beer Coaster will have a dedicated Festival Car. Seating within that car will be general admission. We are only offering as many tickets as seats, so you if you have a ticket, you will have a seat. All of us, including our friendly co-passengers, will work to get related groups seated together as much as possible.

What if I miss the train in Boston?

All passengers must arrive one hour before departure. This is a group policy rule through Amtrak to ensure everyone in a group is accounted for. We don't drive the train - we wouldn't know how to drive it even if they let us. We have no control over when it leaves, or who it waits for. Plan for delays. Be on time. Don't miss the train.

What if I miss the train in Portland?

We STILL don't drive the train - we STILL won't know how to drive it, even if they let us. We still have no control over when it leaves, or who it waits for. Plan for delays. Be on time. Don't miss the train.

How do I get from the Train Station to the Beer Festival?

The beer festival is 0.4 miles from the station. Google maps says it is a 5 minute walk, but we've seen thirsty people do it in half that time. Walking Directions to the Beer Festival

What can I bring into the event?

Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed on-board the Amtrak Downeaster. Additionally, there are great food and snack options for sale on-oboard in the snack car, including beer and wine. No outside alcohol of any kind is allowed to be brought onboard the train, or inside the festival. There is NO bag check or storage at the festival or the train stations. Please plan accordingly.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

A printed ticket or the Eventbrite App-based QR code will be scanned when you check-in at North Station on Saturday. Once you have checked in, you will receive an official badge on a lanyard that will serve as your boarding pass and your admission ticket into the festival. This badge is not only good for an incredible amount of Maine craft beer, but it is also your ticket home. Do. Not. Lose It.