AC Beer & Music Festival Guide
Your complete guide to the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival. Best hotels near the convention center, safety tips, and everything you need for an unforgettable craft beer experience.
Important: Plan Your Safe Transportation
This is a beer festival with unlimited sampling. DO NOT DRIVE after the event. Stay at a nearby hotel and walk, use Uber/Lyft, or designate a sober driver. Your safety is the top priority.
Quick Facts
March
Last weekend typically
Friday & Saturday
18,000
Attendees
Over 3 sessions
100+
Breweries
Local & national
21+
Age Requirement
Strictly enforced
What is the AC Beer & Music Festival?
The Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival (ACBMF) is one of the East Coast's premier craft beer events. Each March, over 18,000 craft beer enthusiasts gather at the Atlantic City Convention Center to sample from 100+ breweries while enjoying live music. With multiple sessions over two days, this 21+ event combines the best of craft beer culture with Atlantic City's legendary entertainment scene.
The AC Beer & Music Festival has grown from a regional gathering into one of the largest craft beer festivals on the East Coast. What started as a celebration of local breweries has expanded to feature over 100 craft breweries from across the country. The festival is known for its party atmosphere, live music, and the unique opportunity to sample rare and limited-release beers in one place.
Who Attends?
Where to Stay
Staying overnight is strongly recommended for this festival. Walking distance to your hotel means safe, stress-free enjoyment of the event. March rates in Atlantic City are very affordable.
Pro tip: The Sheraton is connected directly to the convention center—stumble safely back to your room. Book early as it sells out for the festival.
Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel
Walk straight from sampling to your room. Safest choice after a night of tastings.
Tropicana Atlantic City
The Quarter has late-night food and entertainment. Great value.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Rock and roll vibe pairs well with the festival. Great nightlife.
Caesars Atlantic City
Upscale option with excellent late-night dining.
Resorts Casino Hotel
Margaritaville keeps the party going. Budget-friendly.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Best nightclub scene if you want to continue the party.
Compare Hotel Prices
March is shoulder season—great rates! Book within walking distance for safety.
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Festival Sessions
The festival typically offers three sessions over two days. Each session is a separate ticketed event with fresh beer taps.
Friday Evening Session
Saturday Afternoon Session
Saturday Evening Session
What to Expect
- 🍺100+ craft breweries pouring unlimited samples
- 🍺Live music on multiple stages
- 🍺Local and national brewery participation
- 🍺Rare and limited-release beer tastings
- 🍺Food vendors and local restaurant pop-ups
- 🍺VIP sessions with early entry
- 🍺Commemorative tasting glass
- 🍺Fun party atmosphere
Getting There Safely
By Car (With Overnight Stay)
From North Jersey: Garden State Parkway South to Exit 38, then AC Expressway. From Philadelphia: AC Expressway direct. IMPORTANT: Do NOT drive after drinking. Arrange designated driver, Uber/Lyft, or stay overnight.
By Train
NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line from Philadelphia is a smart choice—no designated driver needed. The AC Rail Terminal is about 1.5 miles from the convention center.
Uber/Lyft
Expect surge pricing after sessions end. Budget $30-50+ for rides home. Walking to a nearby hotel is the safest and most economical option.
Where to Eat
Eat BEFORE the festival! A full stomach helps you pace yourself. Plan for late-night munchies and recovery brunch.
Pre-Festival Fuel
- •White House Sub Shop - line your stomach with a legendary sub
- •Irish Pub - classic pub food, walking distance
- •Tanger Outlets food court - quick and easy
Late Night Munchies
- •Tony's Baltimore Grill - 24-hour AC institution
- •White House Sub Shop - open late
- •Casino food courts - always open
- •Boardwalk pizza spots - satisfy those cravings
Next-Day Brunch Recovery
- •Knife & Fork Inn - upscale brunch
- •Kelsey's - boardwalk breakfast
- •Tropicana Carmine's - Italian brunch
- •Hard Rock cafe - classic American breakfast
Insider Tips for Beer Fest
Weather & What to Bring
March Weather
Late March in Atlantic City averages highs around 50-55°F. The festival is indoors, but you'll be walking to/from hotels. Bring a jacket for the walk home. Dress comfortably—you'll be on your feet sampling for hours.
Packing List
- ☐Comfortable shoes (you will be standing for hours)
- ☐Layers for the walk to/from hotel
- ☐ID (21+ event, strictly enforced)
- ☐Phone charger for Uber/Lyft
- ☐Cash for food vendors
- ☐Hangover remedies for the next day
- ☐Snacks for your hotel room
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AC Beer Fest worth the ticket price?▼
For craft beer lovers, absolutely. Your ticket includes unlimited sampling from 100+ breweries, live music, and a commemorative glass. Most attendees agree the variety of beers available—including rare and limited releases—makes it excellent value for craft beer enthusiasts.
Which session should I attend?▼
Saturday afternoon is typically less crowded and great for serious beer exploration. Evening sessions have more of a party atmosphere with better music acts. Friday night is popular with locals. VIP tickets get you early entry to any session.
How should I get to/from the festival safely?▼
DO NOT DRIVE after drinking. Best options: 1) Stay at a connected or nearby hotel and walk. 2) Take Uber/Lyft (expect surge pricing after sessions). 3) Designate a sober driver. 4) Take NJ Transit and stay overnight. Safety first!
Can I attend if I do not drink alcohol?▼
The festival is primarily a beer sampling event, so it's not ideal for non-drinkers. There is no reduced ticket price for designated drivers. However, the live music and atmosphere might still be enjoyable if you're accompanying friends.
What should I eat before the festival?▼
Eat a substantial meal with carbs and protein 1-2 hours before. White House Sub Shop is a local favorite for pre-festival fuel. Avoid spicy or acidic foods. There are food vendors inside, but lines can be long.
Are there any beers I should not miss?▼
The lineup changes annually, but seek out limited releases and festival-exclusive brews. New Jersey breweries often bring special batches. Check the festival app or website for the brewery list and plan your must-try stops.
Related Guides
Cheers to a Great Festival!
The AC Beer & Music Festival is one of the best craft beer events on the East Coast. Stay safe, stay overnight, and enjoy the incredible selection of brews.
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