Sip & Sample — A Community Tasting Experience

Sip & Sample is back — and better than ever. This signature fundraising event brings together craft beverages, local food, live music, and community spirit.

Your ticket directly supports the local community through programs that address hunger, poverty, youth services, scholarships, veterans, police and fire, disability services, environmental efforts, and more.

VIP Experience (6–7 PM) — $65 + processing fees

Start your night with an exclusive pre-event tasting hour featuring:

• Premium, limited-availability samples only offered during the VIP hour
• Early access before general admission begins
• Smaller-group tastings for a more personal, unhurried experience
• A complimentary Sip & Sample souvenir glass

VIP guests enjoy the full evening, including all tastings, the Lions Lounge, and live music.

Tasting Event (7–9 PM) — $45 + processing fees

Enjoy tastings from more than 20 vendors, featuring a curated mix of food, hors-d’oeuvres, desserts, and specialty bites. A wide selection of beverages will be available, including beer, wine, spirits, seltzers, and non-alcoholic offerings.

Vendors will be announced January 2026.

Lions Lounge + Live Music (7:30–10 PM)

Enjoy expanded seating, intimate lighting, lounge-style comfort — the perfect place to relax, listen to music from Cole Thomas, and connect with friends while you sip and sample.

Online Auction

• Bidding opens February 15 and closes February 28 at 8:30 PM.
• Bid from anywhere: https://maplegrovelions.betterworld.org/auctions/sip-sample
• Browse a wide variety of items — from themed gift baskets and family experiences to restaurant gift cards, home items, specialty spirits, spa packages, golf outings, games, puzzles, art, and more.
• Winners do not need to attend the Sip & Sample event to claim their items.

Mystery Raffle

• $20 cash per bag
• Limited Number of bags to be released at 7pm and 8pm
• Each mystery bag offers a unique surprise, and a limited number includes items valued up to $50!

Important Information

• Must be 21+ with valid ID
• All sales final
• Free parking available
• Tickets are limited — General Admission may be available at the door for $55 + processing fees.

This years sponsors and vendors will be announced January 2026.

Thank you, again, to our 2025 sponsors:

• Platinum: Americana Bank
• Bronze: Lookout Bar and Grill
• Friend of the Lions: Holiday Inn & Suites
• Friend of the Lions: Fully Promoted

Sponsorship and vendor opportunities for 2026 are still available. Please contact The Maple Grove Lions for more information.

Is there a minimum age requirement to enter the event?
Yes, you must be at least 21 years of age to attend.

What should I bring to the event?
A Valid ID is required to enter the event.

We also recommend bringing additional funds for the online auction and mystery raffle.

How does the auction work?
https://maplegrovelions.betterworld.org/auctions/sip-sample

The online begins February 15th and will close at 8:30 pm on February 28th.

Winners may pick up their items before leaving the Sip and Sample event. Though, winners do not need to attend the Sip & Sample event to claim their items.

This is a public auction. A link will also be available on our Lions website for those who are unable to attend the event.

How does the mystery raffle work?

• Tickets are $20 each, cash.
• Purchase limit equals the total number of unique mystery bags to choose from.
• Items are Food and Beverage related up to $50 value.

Do I need a printed ticket?
No, just show your receipt on your phone so we can check you in with your QR code.

Is parking available?
Free parking is available at the Maple Grove Community Center and nearby businesses.

Rideshare options are also available through Uber, Lyft, Taxis or Maple Grove Transit.

What is the refund policy?
Refunds are not available for this event. All sales are final with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the local Maple Grove Community.

Is my ticket transferrable?
Yes, as long as the new ticket holder is 21+ with a valid ID.

Please contact the Maple Grove Lions with any additional questions at [email protected].

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Host or Publisher Maple Grove Lions Foundation