The Thirst Team

Denver Beer Week is officially over, and we have recovered from a great GABF. But it’s not the end of events on the Colorado craft drinks scene. First off, the Blue Bench and several craft breweries are teaming up to raise funds and awareness for sexual assault prevention. Get all the details here. And read on for festivals, anniversaries, crafts, grape picking and more this week all over the state.

Autumn fest on the train

The Georgetown Loop Railroad autumn fest opens Friday, and Tommyknocker beer samples are included with every ticket. Riders also can upgrade to a Parlor Car, with free snacks and sodas at a private table in a fully enclosed rail car. The event runs Friday through Sunday for the next two weekends.

Fresh-tober Fest

Empourium Brewing in northwest Denver hosts the Fresh-tober Fest from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Ten breweries will pour fresh hop beers. A $40 presale tasting ticket buys a 5-ounce pour of each beer. Or individual pint tickets cost $6 each. The event also includes live music and food trucks. A portion of proceeds go to the St. Francis Center in Denver, which will host a jeans drive. Bring in GENTLY used jeans to help the Denver homeless community.

Gluten-free family festival

Holidaily Brewing Co. hosts a gluten-free family festival from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, with carnival games, crafts, prizes, gluten-free food and beer, and more. The brewery will also donate 10 percent of all beer sales to the National Celiac Association of Denver. Tickets cost $10 per child or $20 per family.

High Hops turns 10

High Hops Brewery in Windsor celebrates a decade in business all day Saturday. They will pour beer-mosas, hop shots, beer slushies and, of course, beer. Frail Talk will perform from 5 to 7 p.m. High Hops is always 21-plus.

Swing dance at the Prohibition-themed Dry Dock anniversary party Saturday.

Dry Dock turns 17

Over in Aurora, Dry Dock Brewing is celebrating its 17th birthday from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the North Dock.

This party is a Prohibition-themed “Banned Booze Ball,” with live music from gypsy jazz and swing band LAPOMPE, free swing dance lessons and more than 35 Dry Dock beers, Docktails and hard seltzers. The list includes several exclusive beers, including a Prohibition-style lager.

The event will also include four food trucks, aerial performers, onsite prohibition-era tattooing, a cigar lounge, a classic car show and a VIP lounge/speakeasy with exclusive Docktails flavors. Vintage attire is encouraged. The event is 21-plus, with no pets.

Fall pop-up and grape picking

The Storm Cellar winery in Hotchkiss hosts a seasonal pop-up dinner with chef Brandt Bishop, alongside the release of three fall wines, from 2:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday. No reservations required.

On Sunday, The winery will trade labor for wine. Volunteers can harvest grapes at Reeder Mesa Vineyard in Whitewater, and will be rewarded with wine. Volunteers must register by phone or email.

DIY fall wreaths

Finally, the Crafty Chassis mobile arts & crafts truck will host a fall wreath-making class on Sunday at Ironton Distillery in Denver. For the base, choose either a metal hoop or branches and twigs base. From there, choose dried and silk flowers, feathers, wooden leaves, mini pumpkins, ribbon and yarn to complete the craft. Halloween decor is also available. A $42 ticket includes one draft cocktail or mocktail. Must be 21 to participate.

As always, please send us your events and announcements. We’re happy to share them. And enjoy your Colorado craft libations responsibly.