Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

We went this year because friends of ours have been going for years and have always told us what a great event it was. So this year my husband bought two VIP tickets to the event at the cost of $75 dollars per person. The day of the event we were waiting down by the gate by the water. 12:00 comes and goes and we are still waiting in line. We know that the gates are opened at the other entrance because we saw people and the music started. At 12:30 someone finally tells us that they cannot find the keys to open the gate. REALLY? No one thought about this?? So we made the 10 minute walk to get to the other entrance. A friend of ours goes and speaks to Greg who we found out later is the boss of this event and complains about the lack of organization given than there was about 150-200 people waiting at the other gate. Greg proceeded to tell our friend that it was "Not his fault" and blamed "National Harbor" for the gate issue. He was, arrogant, obnoxious, and instead of providing good customer service he proceeded to YELL at our friend. At the VIP section, we were told that there will be good food and drinks. There was neither. Our food was in tiny app plates and we were give very small amounts. We had to go buy food! We also noticed that they oversold VIP. What is the point of getting VIP tickets if they are a dime a dozen. One thing is for sure. I will never go back and any other festivals arranged by this same group by the Trigger Agency I will make sure not to go because of the rip offs, terrible customer service and no attempt at trying to make it better!

Despite the debacle at the water front gate the event was awesome. I did buy VIP tickets because the years before there was a tent to get out of the sun. This year they had umbrellas that were basically useless. I will go again because for the price it is a good deal.

Trigger Agency is awful at managing these events. This year (10th and last), we were in line, along with HUNDREDS of others ahead of the 12 PM VIP entry time. They came out and banded everyone, but at 12, they then said "oh, sorry, we don't have a key to open the gate. You need to go to the other gate." The other gate was 3/4 of a mile away - up hill. When we brought to the manager's attention, his response was "I'll take responsibility: Give me your glass and you can leave." Never again will I pay to go to a Trigger event.

Cant find the venue, purchases VIP tickets and with very vague directions, we cannot find the event. VERY disappointing, and there are no signs, no way of contacting just bad, bad, bad for business! If I could I wouldnt give this company 1 star.

Long lines, expensive food on top of ticket price, subpar "bourbon" selections that tend more towards whiskey (Jack Daniels, Jameson) and average live music. If you are just looking for an afternoon out where you can sit in line while getting trashed---go for it. If you are looking for a fun afternoon, invite your friends over, buy the beer and bourbon you like, order from your favorite bbq joint and play your favorite music. You will save money and the frustration that accompanies this sad and mismanaged festival.

Don't waste your money and prescious time on this overpriced, poorly managed, mediocre event. Like, 75 bucks down the toilet. In fact most of these events suck.

Had a great time!

Poor service