Great American Beer Fest storms Levitt Pavilion for weekend bash

More than 200 breweries will pour samples in Denver Oct. 10 and 11

By the Thirst Team

More than 200 breweries are expected to keep the party hopping when the Great American Beer Festival kicks off at Ruby Hill Park in southwest Denver.

The Oct. 10-11 tasting, competition and music fest will be outdoors in the Levitt Pavilion. Although Saturday is sold out, Sunday tickets are still available for $60. 

If meeting the minds behind the beer is important, this year’s gathering will allow for more interaction with owners and brewers who will pour beer at many booths. In past years, volunteers often kept the tasting glasses full.

Brewing participants will be grouped in four regions for those who want to sample East Coast or Pacific West breweries that are rarely found in Colorado.

In addition to some of the best beers in the world, look for hard ciders, teas, seltzers, kombuchas and ready-to-drink cocktails. Expect a good selection of non-alcoholic beer and drinks as well during the 12-4 p.m. tastings each day.

GABF veteran Bruce McCloskey said the under-the-sun outing didn’t deter him from attending. “I’m really curious how it’s going to turn out this year,” he said. “There’s going to be 207 breweries so that’s cool.” 

McCloskey, who frequents Levitt Pavilion for the free rock ‘n’ roll shows, said he’s also pumped to listen to some music during the beer fest. “Low Cut Connie is playing Saturday and they’re really good. I think it’s going to be fun.”

On Sunday, Proxima Parada will take the musical stage. The live awards ceremony also takes place Sunday to let everyone know which beers and breweries took top honors.

About 15,000 people are expected to fill Levitt Pavilion over the weekend, which is significantly smaller than the GABF zenith when the Colorado Convention Center would host up to 60,000 people over the long weekend.

Some of the state’s oldest craft brew pubs will offer samples, including Carver Brewing Co. in Durango, and Wynkoop Brewing Co. And yes, the 9 percent Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout will be served as part of the Wynkoop lineup. Other Colorado favorites that will tap kegs are Comrade Brewing Co., New Terrain Brewing Co., Strange Craft, Prost Brewing, Holidaily Brewing, WeldWerks Brewing and dozens of others. Barrel-aged, big-beer enthusiasts should seek out Avery Brewing Co. and River North Brewery, both of which will bring the heat with ABVs ranging up to 15 percent.

Russian River Brewing Co., Samuel Adams, Alaskan Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, Fremont Brewing Co. and Lagunitas Brewing will be among the out-of-state breweries that beer lovers often seek out.

Remember, parking around Levitt Pavilion is limited. Rideshares and public transportation should be considered.