A First Timer’s Guide to GearFest

GearFest 2019 is almost here! Register FREE by clicking here! In a matter of weeks, more than 15,000 music fans will descend on the Sweetwater campus for two full days of workshops, performances, product demos — and of course incredible deals. Walking through Sweetwater’s front doors into the country’s largest FREE public music expo can be a little mind-blowing, especially for first-timers. But don’t sweat it. With the help of our GearFest veterans, we’ve put together a guide to help you wring every ounce of fun out of GearFest 2019.
Get the app.
You can prepare for your #GearFest 2019 experience by downloading the Sweetwater GearFest 2019 app. It is loaded with a campus map and a complete schedule of workshops, performances, and product demos. You can even create a personalized calendar with meeting reminders.

Download on iTunes ⎮ Download it on Google Play
Plan your day(s).

To make sure you don’t miss anything you came to see and hear, it’s a great idea to schedule your day(s) before you come. Choose the attractions you absolutely have to see, and plot them out on your personal calendar on your Sweetwater GearFest 2019 app. That way, when you’re deep in the hustle and flow of GearFest, you won’t miss any of your favorite attractions or events.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the free Friday night Customer Appreciation Concert featuring the Sweetwater All Stars and lots of celebrity guests.
Don’t miss these favorites.
While you’re making your plans, remember the bevy of artist and manufacturer exhibits that simply have to be seen to be believed. First is the Marshall Wall, a favorite for guitarists and selfie-takers. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will be here showing off incredible pieces of music history. And of course, GearFest is ground zero for brand-new product launches from many of your favorite gear companies. And because it’s always important to give back, D’Addario is sponsoring an on-site Red Cross blood drive. Dig into the GearFest app and make sure you get a chance to see it all!
Hit the Open-box Tent first.
Every year, Sweetwater loads the Open-box Tent with brand-new open-box products. We’d rather you have this gear instead of it cluttering our warehouse, so we mark it way down! As a result, the Open-box Tent empties out in a hurry. If you want the best selection and the best deals, an early trip to the Open-box Tent is a smart play.
Get into the DealZone.

Think of the DealZone as the “Sealed-box Tent.” It really is the same concept, only this time you can get an incredible deal on brand-new, never-been-opened inventory. What kind of deals? Let’s just say these are some of the best deals you will find all year. Best of all, the inventory in the DealZone constantly reloads. If we run out of something (which we rarely do), you can still order it at GearFest 2019 prices.
Don’t be shy.
Chances are the people who designed and built all your favorite gear are going to be here, live and in person. They’re here to meet you and eager to show off their wares, so don’t hesitate to shake a hand or bump a fist. You’ll also want to keep a sharp lookout for your favorite artists and producers. When they’re not performing or leading workshops, they’ll be out shopping for deals just like you. They’re always ready to talk music or hand out a quick pointer and an autograph or two.
Visit us online for a full list of artists, vendors, performers, and workshop leaders.
Pro Tip: Hang around after workshops and demos. Between sets is your best chance to catch up with your heroes.
Eat.
GearFest moves at a hundred miles an hour, and it’s easy to forget to refuel. Fortunately, GearFest also features some of the most amazing food you’ll find in any expo environment. Our award-winning Downbeat Diner uses fresh, quality ingredients to provide cafeteria dining that rivals any quality restaurant. This year, some of Fort Wayne’s favorite food trucks will also be parked outside, serving up their unique spin on traditional and contemporary eats.
Pro Tip: Planning to eat at off-hours will reduce the time you spend standing in line.
Drink.
Hot music. Hot deals. Hot weather. We’re not going to lie — GearFest 2019 is going to be hot