Editor’s note: This is part of The Know’s series, Staff Favorites. Each week, we offer our opinions on the best Colorado has to offer for dining, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and more. (We’ll also let you in on some hidden gems).
It’s the most wonderful time for a beer!
The Great American Beer Festival returns to Denver for its 42nd year from Oct. 10 to 12, bringing with it hundreds of breweries serving seemingly bottomless beer. While there are some changes on tap for this edition, what remains the same is that festival fun isn’t limited to just the Colorado Convention Center.
Dozens of ancillary events pop up around the Mile High City for revelers to enjoy when they aren’t sipping samples at one of the GABF sessions. I’ve highlighted some of my favorites in an itinerary of sorts, so you can indulge whichever day you’re free from Wednesday through Saturday. And know you can also stop by any of Denver’s best beer bars, which typically celebrate with tap takeovers and other special events.
Tickets to GABF are on sale at greatamericanbeerfestival.com.
Wednesday: The Krispy King Lager Competition
Variety is the spice of life on the GABF festival floor, but one style reigns supreme at this kickoff event. The Krispy King Lager Competition, now in its third year, brings together the most crushable recipes from 35 breweries nationwide. Only one, however, will be crowned king by a panel of judges. All you have to do is sit back and swill. Attractions beyond beer include the Trinity Cigar Co.‘s mobile lounge, arcade games on the Boss Battle Bus, lager doughnuts from Kneadful Rings Bakery and trucker hats from TATtered-N-Torn.
The Krispy King Lager Competition comes to Barrels & Bottles Brewery (1055 Orchard St., Golden) from 3 to 7 p.m. Free to attend. Find more information at krispykinglager.com.
Thursday (early): Denver Rare Beer Tasting XV
The Denver Rare Beer Tasting has been raising awareness about prostate cancer for 15 years, one sample at a time. The event, organized by Pints for Prostates, collects dozens of the most coveted bottles from breweries around the country, some of which may never be commercially available again. That’s a great incentive to also get a free health screening while you’re there as part of the Brewers Health Initiative. Tickets include unlimited beer samples, a collectible glass and T-shirt, lunch and access to an online auction.
Denver Rare Beer Tasting XV comes to Bierstadt Lagerhaus (2875 Blake St., Denver) from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $200. Find more information at pintsforprostates.org.
Thursday (late): National Black Brewers Day celebration
Join the National Black Brewers Association in Five Points to celebrate National Black Brewers Day. The organization established this holiday in 2023 to recognize the historical and ongoing impact of Black beer professionals who have shaped the industry. It chose Oct. 10 to memorialize Theodore A. (Ted) Mack Sr. and his business partners, who purchased Peoples Brewing Company in Oshkosh, Wis., on on that day in 1970, making it the state’s first Black-owned brewery. Expect live music, eats from Ron & Zo’s Brother Most Wanted BBQ food truck, and good vibes.
National Black Brewers Day comes to Spangalang Brewery (2736 Welton St., Denver) from 7 p.m. to midnight. Free to attend. Find more information at nationalblackbrewersassociation.org under “news and events.”
Friday: GABF Bierhalle Brawl
Beer and yelling are two peas in a pod. Or at least they will be during the Bierhalle Brawl, a live pro wrestling event at Bierstadt Lagerhaus in RiNo. The event promises “jaw-dropping moves, intense rivalries, and electrifying entertainment” from the athletes at Rocky Mountain Pro Wrestling. Just don’t try this at home, folks, no matter how much liquid courage you have.
GABF Bierhalle Brawl comes to Bierstadt Lagerhaus (2875 Blake St., Denver) starting at 9 p.m. Free to attend. Find more information at bierstadtlager.com/events.
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Saturday: Great American Cider Friends
Burned out on beer? GABF is leaning into additional beverage options this year and you should, too. The folks at Stem Ciders make it easy by opening their taps in RiNo to cidermakers from around the country. The GACF party runs from Thursday through Saturday with special tappings and events. You’ll want to close out the weekend there as those sporting GABF wristbands get BOGO deals on house pours to pair with live music that night.
Great American Cider Friends comes to Stem Ciders (3040 Black St., #101, Denver) during normal operating hours. Free to attend. Find more information at stemciders.com/GACF.