Thirst Staff Reports

I hate to lead with bad news, but Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines is being postponed for another year. One of our favorite events of the year is now rescheduled for January 2024.

At least there are some Belgian beers and celebrations this week, plus the usual roundup of anniversaries and other events on the craft drinks scene all over the state.

Belgium Day at Epic

We are excited to help host Belgium Day from noon to 10 p.m. tomorrow at Epic Brewing’s Denver taproom. The brewery will have 20 unique Belgian-style beers on tap and in bottles, and has 20 percent off growler fills all day long.

The National Day of Belgium is celebrated every July 21, marking the separation of Belgium from the Netherlands in 1831, and the formal establishment of the kingdom.

Belgian Day at River North

River North Brewery celebrates the Belgian holiday on Saturday, with a Dubbel beer release, Belgian waffles from the Wafels & Dinges food truck, and an outdoor market with local vendors. The brewery will tap eight Belgian-style classics and modern interpretations from the cellar, and you can get free Belgian frites with a pint from 1 to 2 p.m.

Call to Arms 7th anniversary

Denver's Call to Arms Brewing is releasing seven beers to celebrate its seventh anniversary on Saturday. Here’s the lineup:

I’m Too Drunk to Taste This Chicken, a Hazy IPA featuring an experimental hop
Ballroom Light Lime, a new lime-y take on the flagship Ballroom lager beer
DDH Janet Reno, a double dry-hopped version of Janet Reno’s Dance Party Hazy IPA
Woods Boss Collab Blended Sour
When Life Hands You Lemons, a lemon saison collaboration with Joyride Brewing and Strange Craft Beer
Belgian Golden Weak, a lower ABV Belgian Table Beer
SpaceBalls, a dry-hopped lager

The Seeing Stars Band, a Grateful Dead cover band, will perform at 6 p.m., and food trucks will be on site all afternoon.

Fritz Family Brewers 1-year anniversary

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since Fritz Family Brewers opened in Niwot, but the brewery celebrates its first anniversary this Saturday, with food, traditional German music, stein hoisting competitions and more.

6 and 40 Brewery Midsummer CeleBEERtion

Lakewood’s 6 and 40 Brewery is throwing a midsummer party from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday. Owner Tom Schurman said the date marks both his wedding anniversary and the anniversary of his brewery’s first batch of beer.

A few limited-edition beers will be tapped, including a vanilla hazy IPA. Roots & Rhythm Duo plays music from 2 to 4p.m. DipTheSandwich, a pop-up concept by Denver Chef Jeremy Song of Turtle Boat, will sling gourmet sandwiches.

Denver Beer Co Block Party

Denver Beer Co. is hosting another block party at its South Downing taproom. DBC is closing off the block and throwing a daylong party with live bands, craft beers, food trucks, yard games, and vendors, including FlyLow Gear, Ditty Pop Smoothies, B Fresh Gear, 3rd Bird Collective, Alchemy Goods, Green Guru, Healthy by Designs, Big Bones Canine Rescue, Luna Rosa Designs, Eastlosarte and Curiouso Crafts.

Mash Mechanix luau

In Colorado Springs, Mash Mechanix Brewings hosts an island-style feast, including leis, water guns, a DJ set, games, commemorative tiki glasses and a special beer release.

Zoo beer on tap, in special glasses

Great Divide Brewing Co. crafts the Zooski Lager, which is available in cans throughout the Denver Zoo. The beer is also available on tap in 4-packs through Saturday at Great Divide Denver taprooms. Limited-edition glassware featuring Joona the rhino is also available for $10, including a beer, and proceeds go back to the Denver Zoo.

Punk Rock Saves Lives festival

Finally, a reminder about the Punk Rock Saves Lives festival Saturday and Sunday at Ratio Beerworks. Click here for all the details.

Please send us your events and announcements. We’re happy to share them.