By The Thirst Team

It might be quieter at the taprooms and tasting rooms for a couple of days during Thanksgiving, but the silly season, holiday shopping and plenty of holiday entertainment also kick off this weekend. Here are our picks for fun on the Colorado libations scene this week.

Thanksgiving openings
First off, if you need a break from Uncle Gerald or want to pick up some last-minute drinks, some places are open a few hours on Thanksgiving. And it’s not just those godless commies at Comrade Brewing. (Kidding! We love those guys!). Comrade is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Quit Stalin Russian Imperial Stout pairs amazingly with pecan pie.

Crystal Springs Brewing in Louisville is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., before and after the Turkey Trot.
Mythmaker Brewing in Fort Collins is open from noon to 6 p.m.
Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery in downtown Denver is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Vrain Cidery in Longmont is open from 2 to 6 p.m.
Hogshead Brewery in north Denver is open from noon to 9 p.m.
Over Yonder Brewing in Golden is open from 10:30 to 2:30 p.m., with a deal on multiple four-packs.

Big Holiday Energy
If you are ready to jump straight to Christmas festivities after Turkey Day, Call to Arms Brewing in north Denver has once again been transformed into a winter wonderland. The brewery is lined wall-to-wall with holiday decorations. Christmas trees are hanging from the ceiling. Holiday-themed beers and a new outdoor tent spread the holiday cheer even further.

Green Mountain anniversary
Green Mountain Beer Co. in Lakewood will celebrate its seventh anniversary on Friday and Saturday, with limited-release barrel-aged beers, exclusive merch glassware, live music and a holiday craft market.

Fly-tying class
Angler’s Covey will host a fly-tying class for novices and experienced anglers on Sunday afternoon at Red Leg Brewing Co. in Colorado Springs. The first part of the class will be an introduction to fly tying, and basic tools and techniques. The second part will dive into more advanced techniques and several different types of flies. No experience is necessary, and all materials for the class will be provided. The class is limited to 10 students, and registration is required.

Red Leg also hosts a makers market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, with Santa photos, live music from Irish Scotty and at least 16 local vendors.

Festival tickets on sale
Finally, Collaboration Fest tickets will go on sale Friday, and are discounted through Monday. The Colorado Brewers Guild stages Collab Fest on March 30 in Westminster. The event includes unlimited pours of exclusive collaboration beers from Colorado breweries.

And Colorado Mountain Winefest tickets are on sale Monday. The event is on Sept. 21 in Palisade, capping a weeklong celebration of Colorado’s burgeoning wine industry.

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