Great American Beer Festival 2024 in Denver

The Great American Beer Festival is a three-day event held every October in Denver, Colorado. Beer enthusiasts from across the USA converge to sample thousands of American craft beers. Breweries compete in numerous categories for prestigious awards, showcasing the best in craft brewing.

Beerfest Highlights

Attendees can explore and savor a wide array of craft beverages in creatively designed spaces tailored to diverse interests and passions. With offerings including beer, cider, canned cocktails, seltzers, kombuchas, and both nonalcoholic and gluten-free options from over 500 breweries and cideries nationwide, there's something for everyone. The festival also features live music, a silent disco, a karaoke stage, games, a costume contest, food trucks, and much more.

Competitions

The Great American Beer Festival is not only an opportunity to sample exceptional beers but also hosts a prestigious beer competition. Breweries submit their beers to be evaluated by the festival's Professional Judge Panel. Attendees can taste the competition entries during the festival's tasting sessions. The panel awards gold, silver, and bronze medals, which are globally recognized as symbols of brewing excellence. These awards are highly coveted within the industry and are celebrated by the winning brewers in their national advertising.

Tickets

General session tickets provide access to unlimited one-ounce samples, a commemorative tasting cup, and many additional benefits. A one-day ticket is priced at $85 + fees for Thursday and $95 + fees for Friday and Saturday. The 3-Day Festival Pass is available for $220 + fees.

Schedule

The Great American Beer Festival will be held from October 10 to 12 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. The festival hours are from 5:30 to 9:30 pm on Thursday and Friday and from 12:30 to 4:30 pm on Saturday.

History

The inaugural Great American Beer Festival took place in 1982 at the Harvest House Hotel in Boulder, featuring 24 breweries, 47 beers, and 800 attendees. In 1984, the festival relocated to Denver. By the 10th festival, held at the Denver Merchandise Mart, it had grown to include 150 breweries, 500 beers, and 7,000 attendees. As the festival continued to expand and with the iconic Currigan Hall being dismantled, it moved to the Colorado Convention Center in 2000.

Rules & Restrictions

Prohibited items at the Great American Beer Festival include animals (except certified service animals), any backpacks, balloons, drones, glass, cans, coolers, and steins, as well as fireworks, illegal drugs, metal water bottles, outside alcohol, outside food and beverages, scooters, skateboards, and weapons. The event is for those 21 and over, and proof of age is required. The Colorado Convention Center maintains a strict no-smoking policy, but a designated smoking area is provided on the loading docks just outside the festival hall.