Iconic Denver event moves outdoors, puts Ruby Hill venue in the spotlight

By the Thirst Team

The nation’s largest beer event is heading outdoors for the first time. The Great American Beer Festival will be held at Denver’s Levitt Pavilion, bringing breweries and beer fans from around the country to the Denver area’s other great outdoor amphitheater.

“Taking the festival outdoors lets us reimagine what’s possible and we’re excited to bring fresh energy to the festival and provide an experience that feels uniquely Colorado,” said Ann Obenchain, vice president of marketing and communications of the Brewers Association, in a press statement.

Great American Beer Festival
12 to 4 p.m., Oct. 10 and 11
Levitt Pavilion, Denver
Cost: $60 and up. On sale in June

The venue change reflects declining participation in GABF. The event started in Boulder in 1982 with 24 breweries and 800 attendees. Ticket sales peaked before the pandemic, selling out four sessions over three days at the Colorado Convention Center. Last year saw fewer sessions and lower attendance. This year, GABF will have two sessions, on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11.

The event is still a major draw for beer aficionados, with thousands of beers and hundreds of breweries from around the world. This year, organizers promise “new creative possibilities, from live music to open-air tasting zones,” as well as changes to the signature food pairing event.

The non-profit organization that operates Levitt Pavillion said the move represents an evolution for the venue.

“Our founding purpose is to build community through music and shared experiences, and partnering with the Brewers Association expands that vision for both our organizations,” said executive director Meghan McNamara.

Levitt Pavillion expects to host about 50 concerts and events this year, including a free concert series that includes Mo Lowda & the Humble in September. An initial summer lineup was announced last February. To get updates, sign up for the Levitt newsletter here.