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So here is hte check list we use with our group every year. Some of it has been borrowed from someone else who posted something similar in the past.


Hope this helps! Prost!


PREPARATION IS KEY:

• First thing’s first: EVERYTHING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Prices, times, bottle sizes, take-home purchase policy - everything. Be vigilant and prepare for different likely scenarios.
  
• Prepare well in advance. Have everything you are going to bring ready and packed 3-4 days before leaving (or at least have Amazon Prime).
  
• Begin hydrating 3-4 days in advance, too.
  
• IMPORTANT NOTE: There will be NO package sales this year at the brewpub on Saturday. Packaged beer that is not Dark Lord will not be able to be purchased.
  
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  CASHLESS EVENT
  
  
• Your bottles are included as part of the cost of the ticket, but you will need a card associated with your wrist band for drafts and food. Drafts are usually $5 a piece.
  
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  WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING:
  
  
• Check the weather forecast and dress for the temp/precipitation expectations.
  
• Wear something comfortable that you don't mind getting muddy.
  
• Wear COMFORTABLE shoes you don't mind getting muddy.
  
• Bring a small towel to wipe yourself/your stuff off in the event of spilling.
  
• If it is going to rain, raincoat, waterproof pants, and preferably waterproof boots. I just ordered this today I can let anyone know how it fits if anyone is interested. 
  
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  GETTING TO THE FEST
  
  
• There is parking available usually around $20-30 in the parking lots in the business park surrounding the brewery and in Centennial Park across Calumet Ave. 
  
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  ARRIVE EARLY:
  
  
• Doors open at 9 a.m. but the party starts long before.
  
• People will be cracking beers in line around 7:00 a.m or earlier as the sun rises.
  
• The line is always half of the fun - meeting strangers and sharing beers.
  
• Dark Lord was on tap as soon as you walk in last year.
  
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  SHARING BEER:
  
  
• It is recommended you bring a handful of cool beers to share.
  
• many people bring out whales, but if you don't have anything rare just bring fresh local stuff
  
• If no-one seems to be bottle sharing near you (that would be rare) just start offering pours, it's a good way to make friends.
  
• Up to 72 ounces of beer; must fit in your backpack. (6-12oz bottles or 3-22oz bombers)
  
• Wine, Cider, Mead, liquor are not allowed inside the gates. However bag checking was not so thorough to weed out 750ml bottles of cider vs a 750 of beer. A bottle of bourbon would be obvious and not allowed.
  
• A GOOD BEER SHARER NEVER:
  
  • Swipes bottles off of a table.
    
  • Opens another beer sharer’s bottle.
    
  • Takes a pour from a table unless okaying it with the owner.
    
• Bring a plastic cup to drink out of that you're not afraid to break.
  
• Have multiple cups on-hand:
  
  • In case one of yours breaks.
    
  • In case someone wants to pour you something silly and you don’t want to chug the silliness already in your glass.
    
• A good bottle opener is crucial (some recommend a pocket knife, too, but I don't know that you'll get it past security or what the rules are).
  
• Tap beers come in small, very flimsy glasses. You may want to transfer the beer to your own glass.
  
• Pro-tip: Water is vital to your survival. Bring it, drink it, and freeze a couple bottles to keep the beer in your cooler nice and cool all day long. Water bottles will also be for sale for $1 inside the fest.
  
• Pro-tip: Your self control will be tested. Bring pretzel necklaces or something to offset the booze as it rolls around in your stomach.
  
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  YOUR HAUL:
  
  
• The bottles comes in a commemorative tote bag now.
  
• Every year people drop their bottles because they are not careful. I recommend transferring the bottles into a backpack. I usually bring some socks and stuff the bottles into some socks to add a little extra protection. 
  
• If you are in the early groups, you will be offered cash for your variant on the spot by people just chilling near the exit of the bottle sales area.
  
• Be prepared for people to accost you on your way out, offering all manner of beers for trade to get their hands on a Dark Lord.
  
• Keep a vigilant watch on your bottles. People WILL STEAL THEM if you leave them unattended. Never leave your bottles/backpacks unattended to go to the bathroom or get drafts. Make sure someone keeps an eye on your stuff.
  
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  YOUR EXPERIENCE:
  
  
• Everything above is subject to change. This is the third event company running the event, you just never know what is going to happen.
  
• Pace yourself. Seriously. They put fun stuff on tap at the end of the day.
  
• Normal outdoor venue rules apply: sunscreen, hand sanitizer, etc.
  
• Dark Lord Day is what you make it - you can show up for your group, buy your beer and go home, or you can trade, share, drink, chat, meet and do all manner of fun things, surrounded by like-minded beer zealots. Just make sure you have a ride home.
  
• Don't forget about the bands if you are into metal at all. It is easy to go hard drinking all day and forget all about the music.
  
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  SURVIVAL CHECKLIST:
  
  
• Comfortable shoes (boots if rainy)
  
• Weather-appropriate clothing (Rain suit, pants and jacket if raining)
  
• Backpack cooler
  
• Disposable water bottles (frozen AND unfrozen)
  
• Beer to share
  
• Tasting “glass” (bring something you are ok parting with or breaking)
  
• Small towel or napkins for cleaning glassware/spills
  
• Bottle opener
  
• Snacks (Pretzel necklace, Clif Bars, etc.)
  
• General outdoors activity goods (sunscreen, hand sanitizer)
  
• Exit strategy (DD, cab, shuttle bus, etc.)
  
  ​
  
  DO NOT BRING
  
  
• Hard coolers or anything with wheels
  
• Kegs
  
• Growlers (unless you plan to drink them outside of the gates in the morning)
  
• Weapons
  
• Kids
  
• Pets
  
• Camping chairs (unless you keep them outside the gates)

https://www.amazon.com/Polar-Bear-Coolers-Original-PERFORMANCE/dp/B0085CCZFI/

Edit: in the cheap $30 range just run to Target or Walmart and pickup what you find. I got something like this at Target a few years back and it works just fine https://www.target.com/p/igloo-maxcold-maxpack-18-can-backpack-cooler-black/-/A-51537082

What about something like this with a snifter from home? https://www.amazon.com/Beautyflier-Insulator-Adjustable-Conference-Reception/dp/B016876ZH0/ref=pd_rhf_dp_s_all_spx_wp_0_2/131-1573514-7091148?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B016876ZH0&pd_rd_r=9e0c05ab-447e-478c-a74e-954571c3649b&pd_rd_w=YElVC&pd_rd_wg=eZgkn&pf_rd_p=ffd394b3-6bb0-43ec-8bd8-b3dd44ab44d6&pf_rd_r=VPBQ967GZPSDFP1YBHKV&psc=1&refRID=VPBQ967GZPSDFP1YBHKV

Coleman 28-Can Backpack Cooler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J0S019S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bGr7AbDJ5W9R1

Carabiner + Mason jar

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072NCYVQK/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EMADYOM/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1