The Great American Beer Festival returns
By Jay McKinney
It’s that time of year again, when craft brewers from across the country embark on the journey to Denver to showcase their best creations at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF). The annual festival will be held at the Colorado Convention Center from Sept. 21-23 and includes public tasting and a professional judging.
GABF was established in 1982 by Charlie Papazian and the Brewers Association and has been held in Colorado every year since. The idea was inspired by Papazian visiting the Great British Festival and witnessing the enthusiasm that surrounded beer culture abroad. With a vision to bring that brewing passion to an American audience, the first festival was held at the Millennium Harvest House in Boulder and featured 22 breweries with nearly 750 attendees.
Four decades later, and it's safe to say beer culture has caught on in the United States. Not only are there thousands of more U.S. breweries than when GABF started (roughly 40), but the popularity of craft beer has exploded with multiple styles and flavors. Beer has come of age.
With more than 40,000 attendees expected this year, Colorado is a fitting destination for the event, given the plethora of craft breweries scattered across the state, as well as the national juggernauts that have their roots here. Mix in a passionate population of homebrewing enthusiasts and the party is underway. Once the festival kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 21, attendees get to sip through the largest selection of beers served in one place in the country. This year, folks with a taste for cider, mead or hard seltzer can indulge, and there will be non-alcohol drinks.
In addition to all the delicious booze on tap, the festival’s Hangouts will make the experience even better. The Backyard allows guests to escape the madness of the festival floor and unwind with a game of cornhole, listen to live music, or secure a 2023-24 Ikon Pass while also tasting Wibby Brewing and the Ikon Pass GABF collab beer.
After a comfortable amount of beer samples, guests can take to the Karaoke Stage and sing their favorite songs in front of a supportive crowd if they wish. Those who are more introverted can throw on some headphones to join the silent disco and save their singing voice for the shower. There’s also the Brexkwers Studio where leaders in the industry will share their beers and the stories behind them.
Don’t forget to visit the designated taprooms too. Popular ones from previous festivals such as Heavy Medal (offering previous medal-winning beers), Collab Country/Pro Am, Wish We Were Here and others return. Speaking of previous medal winners, checkout this list of Colorado brewery winners from last year.
Meanwhile, new taprooms will make their debut at the festival including the Gluten-Free Garden, Non-Alcohol Oasis, International Pavilion and The National Black Brewers Association’s Pavillion.
Attendees who purchased a VIP ticket can enjoy PAIRED, where 25 renowned chefs pair food with 50 special beers not served anywhere else in the festival. Their sophisticated palates and creativity in the kitchen can open eyes to the possibilities of pairing food with beer.
Last but not least, those who have volunteered to be designated drivers can congregate in the Designated Driver Lounge. Their responsibility is appreciated by all and they can enjoy free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, a chair massage, and pick up their appreciation gift.
While the festival officially runs for three days, the feverish excitement can be seen around Colorado in the days leading up to it.
Here are some other Colorado brewery events surrounding GABF and Denver Beer Week:
Pints for Prostates hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year from 12 to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at the McNichols Civic Center Building. The 14th Denver Rare Beer Tasting is a lunch event and sampling of sought-after beers from 64 craft breweries around the nation. The group will also offer free health screenings outside the event.
Hops & Pie pizzeria in North Denver always goes big for GABF, adding a beer trailer to help them serve up to 60 beers. This year’s festivities include a Weldwerks Brewing and Casey Brewing & Blending tap takeover on Thursday, and a Saturday showcase of West Coast IPAs from at least four Colorado breweries.
Cerveceria Colorado will host the Great Mexican Beer Fiesta at its sister brewery, Denver Beer Co., with collaboration beers, lucha libre wrestling, beats by DJ Miggy and more.
Cerebral Brewing will host craft beer trivia on Tuesday, Sept. 19, a live blending session on Wednesday, a cellar sale on Friday and a recovery brunch on Sunday.
River North Brewery is sharing its taps with crosstown breweries Comrade and Cannonball Creek and will release its own new limited-edition barrel-aged beers on Saturday.
Check with your local craft brewery. Many will host GABF awards ceremony watch parties on Saturday, Sept. 23. We expect plenty of Colorado breweries to bring medals back to their taprooms.