World Beer Fest tickets selling quick

About 60 percent of the tickets for the World Beer Festival in Raleigh next month have been sold, organizers said Tuesday.

This year's event will explore the use of certain ingredients and brewing methods, in addition to the history of beer styles and how to select beers to enhance meals. Mellow Mushroom has agreed to help with food for the event. 

All About Beer publisher Daniel Bradford said brewers and tasting stations will be divided into separate tents as to create less congestion. 

Another new feature – Ray Price Harley Davidson in Raleigh will be on hand with some motorcycles. They will even have a few rigged up so you can "drive them." 

The festival has two four-hour sessions (noon- 4 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.) Both sessions will feature the same material. Admission to a single session is $40 in advance and $50 on the day of the event, if available. 

VIP tickets are $75 per session and include a World Beer Festival commemorative glass, an upscale food buffet (hot catered meal), a private hospitality area, a separate entrance, private restrooms, a gift bag, and extra special beers not available at the brewers’ tables.

With some proceeds from the event going to local nonprofit Artsplosure, it seems only fitting to have an artist create an official poster for the festival each year. 

Raleigh artist Noelle Rousseau's winning design was unveiled during a press conference Tuesday at the Flying Saucer in Raleigh.