Pub Crawl Frequently Asked Questions

Not just a bar crawl. A Prize Crawl! Think local hangouts, ridiculous photo opportunities, digital games, real contests and prizes—with you in charge of the adventure. Here’s the scoop before you unleash your inner social butterfly (or socially awkward bat).

The quick fine print: Events are self-guided for guests 21 and older. Food, drinks and transportation are not included. Listed businesses are recommended stops and may not be affiliated with Do The Crawl. Venue admission, capacity, hours, prices and policies are controlled by each business. Games and prizes have eligibility requirements; see our official Rules & Disclaimers.

The Basics

Q: What exactly is Do The Crawl?

A: We’re a self-guided Prize Crawl—part downtown adventure, part party, part digital scavenger hunt. Visit suggested local bars and eateries at your own pace while enjoying optional games, social media contests, digital charms and opportunities to win prizes. No tour leader, no mandatory group march, and no actual crawling required.

Q: How is this different from a traditional pub crawl?

A: Traditional crawls may herd everyone from bar to bar at the same time. We give you a recommended map and schedule, plus interactive things to do on your phone. You decide which stops to visit, how long to stay and whether to participate in games. This is your night, not a field trip.

Q: What am I actually buying with my ticket?

A: Your ticket provides access to the Do The Crawl digital event experience, including Express Check-In, the event map and suggested schedule, available interactive games, digital charms, the virtual photo booth and eligible contest opportunities. Food, drinks, transportation, parking, tips and any venue cover charges are not included. Activities and prizes vary by event and are subject to the official rules.

Q: Does my ticket include drinks, food or drink specials?

A: Nope! Your ticket is for the Prize Crawl experience—not an all-you-can-drink wristband. Buy anything you want directly from the local businesses you visit. No drink or food specials are promised or guaranteed. Prices, menus, availability and any specials are entirely up to each business. Your purchases help support the local downtown scene. Cheers to that!

Q: Do I have to drink alcohol?

A: Absolutely not. Drinking is never required, and neither is purchasing alcohol to enjoy the digital experience. Mocktails, soda, food and good company are perfectly acceptable crawl fuel. Remember that the event is still 21+ and individual venues set their own service and admission policies.

Q: Are the bars and restaurants officially participating?

A: Our map features recommended independent businesses to explore—not necessarily official event partners or sponsors. Some may be aware of the crawl; others may have no affiliation with us. Please treat staff and other customers kindly. Venues set their own rules, including entry, hours, occupancy, dress codes and pricing. Never assume a venue has a Do The Crawl special or is expecting your arrival.

Tickets & Express Check-In

Q: How do I buy tickets?

A: Tickets are sold online only through the checkout link on your city’s event page. Buy in advance if you can; tickets may sell out. You cannot buy tickets from a bartender, restaurant or event check-in crew. The checkout and confirmation format may vary by city or purchase date; follow the instructions on your confirmation.

Q: How does Express Check-In work?

A: It’s beautifully low-maintenance: go to your selected crawl area, open Express Check-In on your own smartphone, and follow the prompts using the information associated with your ticket purchase. Enable location services and the cookies required for the experience. Once verified, your phone opens your event map and digital features. No check-in line, clipboard or physical wristband. Some confirmations may provide a direct access link—use whichever method your ticket instructions specify.

Q: When can I check in, and when does the event happen?

A: For our usual evening crawls, Express Check-In is available from 4:00–9:00 PM local time; the event experience runs 4:30–9:00 PM local time. Check-in opens early so you can get your bearings. We recommend starting by about 5 PM to get more time for the games and route, but you can join later. Always verify the hours posted for your particular event.

Q: Where do I start? Do I need to find a check-in table?

A: No table, no crew, no secret password whispered to a skeleton. Start at a convenient recommended stop within your city’s crawl area, unless your city page specifically identifies a starting location. You must be physically in the appropriate area for location-based check-in and charms. Use the city details and digital map for guidance; the route is a recommendation, not a guaranteed venue booking.

Q: I bought multiple tickets. How do my friends check in?

A: Have each attendee use their own internet-connected smartphone and follow the access instructions for your order. Where supported, our system recognizes the number of tickets purchased and permits that number of unique devices. One ticket per person is required for ticketed access and individual activities. Don’t post your confirmation link or order details publicly—nobody likes an uninvited plus-one.

Q: What if my confirmation email is missing or the check-in page won’t recognize me?

A: First check your spam/promotions folders and the email address used for checkout. Open the ticket confirmation or Express Check-In in your phone’s regular browser (not an in-app browser), check mobile data, allow location access and required cookies, then retry. Be sure you are in the correct city and event area. If you’re still stuck, use our contact page and include your city and purchase information—never post ticket/order information on social media.

Q: Do I need a smartphone? What about GPS, cookies and internet?

A: Yes, for the interactive parts. Bring a charged smartphone with internet access, an up-to-date browser, location services enabled and the cookies needed for check-in and progress. Data charges may apply. Bring a backup battery if you have one. GPS accuracy, coverage, browser settings and device compatibility can affect check-in, charms and games. The phone is basically your tiny tour guide with better manners.

Your Map, Schedule & Stops

Q: What will I see after check-in?

A: Your city’s digital event page brings together the recommended schedule and Google Map, plus links to eligible games, contests, prize wheel, digital charms, bonus opportunities and virtual photo booth. What is shown can vary by city, time and event; not all activities are available at all times.

Q: Do I have to follow the suggested schedule exactly?

A: Nope. Your schedule offers an easy route through the recommended stops, and certain suggested stops or times may help with location-based games. But you’re free to linger, grab dinner, skip a bar or leave early. Be mindful that skipping designated locations could mean missing opportunities to collect charms or qualify for particular activities. Don’t feel obligated to buy a drink at every stop.

Q: How far will I have to walk?

A: Most crawls are designed around a compact downtown area with relatively short walks between stops, often roughly a half mile across the core route. Distances, sidewalk conditions and accessible routes vary by city. Check the actual map before heading out, wear comfortable shoes and plan a safe way home.

Q: What if a recommended stop is closed, too busy or doesn’t know about us?

A: Move to another recommended stop and keep the good times rolling. Businesses operate independently and may close early, reach capacity, change hours or decline entry. Recommended stops can change without notice. If a stop is unavailable, do not argue with staff or assume your ticket overrides the venue’s policies. Some charm opportunities depend on specific locations, so plan accordingly.

Q: Will there be food available?

A: Many city maps include suggested food stops alongside bars. They are recommendations, not reserved dining experiences or guarantees that kitchens will be open. Menus, hours, wait times and food availability are up to each business. We strongly encourage grabbing dinner—your future self will thank you.

Charms, Games, Contests & Prizes

Q: What are digital charms? Do I get an actual charm?

A: Digital charms are virtual, location-based collectibles earned on your smartphone when you visit designated spots and update your location as directed. They are NOT physical charms, keychains or souvenirs. The live map currently shows a four-charm challenge that can unlock a bonus prize-wheel opportunity; requirements may vary by event. You’ll need accurate location access and the required browser settings.

Q: What games and contests can I enter?

A: Depending on your event, you may see Best Costume/Best Dressed, Show Us Your Sips, group photos, prize wheels, geo-charm challenges and other social media or on-page activities. The virtual photo booth is just for fun unless a separately announced contest says otherwise. Each activity has its own requirements, deadlines and available prizes. Look at the instructions on your event page or official contest post and read the Rules. Participation is optional—and being hilariously photogenic is not mandatory.

Q: What is the Prize Wheel? What is the Bonus Prize Wheel?

A: When available, the event Prize Wheel offers an opportunity to win a prize, subject to eligibility and available inventory. Some events also feature a Bonus Prize Wheel unlocked by collecting a required number of location-based digital charms. A spin or entry does not guarantee a prize; odds, availability, limits and entry methods are governed by the official rules.

Q: Is the virtual photo booth an actual booth somewhere?

A: No giant curtain, no rented booth and definitely no line of people making duck faces. It’s a virtual photo booth on your phone, with themed frames and effects you can use for selfies or group shots. It’s generally for fun, not a prize contest, unless we expressly announce otherwise.

Q: Does every city get its own prize pool?

A: No. Prizes advertised for an event are generally shared among eligible participants across the participating cities, not promised separately to every city. The specific prize, contest deadline, claim procedure, winner selection and availability can differ by activity. The Rules & Disclaimers and individual contest instructions control.

Q: How do I find out if I won?

A: Check the contest page or social platform where you entered, and watch the appropriate email or direct messages for official winner information. Follow the claim instructions and deadlines; unclaimed prizes may be forfeited. Beware of impersonators: never send payment, banking details or passwords to an account claiming you won. Full details are in our Rules.

The Practical Stuff

Q: Is this for ages 21 and over? Do I need ID?

A: Yes and YES. All attendees must be 21 or older. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID accepted by the venues you plan to visit. Your ticket does not guarantee venue entry, alcohol service or an exception to age, dress-code or identification rules. No ID? That’s a plot twist we’d rather avoid.

Q: Can I bring outside alcohol or walk between bars with a cocktail?

A: Follow all local open-container laws and each business’s rules. Do not bring outside alcohol into venues that prohibit it, and do not carry alcoholic drinks outside permitted areas. Laws and exceptions vary by location; your Do The Crawl ticket does not provide an exemption. Keep the beverages where they belong—and yourself out of the police blotter.

Q: What should I wear? Do I need a costume?

A: Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and any outfit that meets venue rules. Costumes are welcome at themed events but not required unless a specific activity says otherwise. Masks, props and accessories may be restricted by some businesses. Express yourself, but please keep the sword at home.

Q: What about parking, accessible routes and transportation?

A: Review your city’s event/map page for the general area, then plan parking or rideshare independently. Parking, transportation, sidewalks and venue accessibility are not guaranteed. Accessibility varies by public infrastructure and individual businesses; contact those businesses directly about their entrances and facilities. Please designate a sober driver, take rideshare or use public transportation if drinking.

Q: Is there a host or a group leader? Can I meet other crawlers?

A: This is self-guided, so there is no assigned tour guide, no group departure and no guarantee of a hosted gathering. You may run into fellow crawlers along the recommended route—especially if you’re dressed like a disco vampire—but your experience doesn’t depend on finding them.

Q: Does the crawl happen rain or shine?

A: Usually, yes. Dress for the forecast and use your judgment. Severe weather, emergencies or safety concerns can result in changes or cancellation; check official event communications for updates. Individual businesses may change operations independently, too.

Q: Can I take pictures or videos?

A: Of course—respect other people’s privacy, venue policies and anyone who doesn’t want to be filmed. If you enter a photo or social-media contest, you agree to that contest’s published submission terms, including any specified permission to use your entry. Please review the Rules before participating.

Q: Can I smoke or vape?

A: Only where local law and venue rules allow it. Never assume a patio or entrance is a designated smoking area. We love making an entrance; setting off the smoke alarm is less charming.

Q: Are tickets refundable or transferable? What if an event is cancelled?

A: Ticket sales are generally final, subject to applicable law and the terms disclosed at purchase. Transfer options, name changes and ticket servicing may depend on the original ticketing provider and purchase type—review your confirmation and contact us before giving a ticket to someone else. If an event is cancelled or materially changed, we will communicate the applicable remedy and instructions in accordance with the purchase terms and applicable law. Do not assume a forwarded QR code, order email or access link automatically transfers admission.

One Last Thing…

Be good to local businesses and to each other. There’s no requirement to drink alcohol, buy something at every stop, or finish every scheduled location. Be courteous to staff, obey local laws, respect venue rules, don’t block doors or sidewalks, and always have a safe ride home. The fun is real; the need to behave like a cartoon villain is optional.

Important: Do The Crawl is an independently organized, self-guided digital event. Listed stops are recommendations and are not necessarily sponsors, partners or participants. All venue services, hours, capacity, admission, pricing and availability are independently controlled. Contests and prizes are subject to eligibility, geographical and technical requirements, restrictions and applicable law. No purchase is necessary for contests where their official rules provide an alternative entry method. For the controlling terms, see Event & Online Games/Contests Rules & Disclaimers and the terms shown at ticket checkout.