All the GABF Events Happening Outside the Convention Center
Our Mutual Friend Brewing is a popular hangout spot for brewers during GABF.
While beer lovers can drink until their hearts are content at the Great American Beer Festival next week, there are several events happening outside the convention center that draw brewers and fans alike. From noteworthy tap takeovers and beer dinners to discounts for flashing your badge, below is a comprehensive list of GABF-related events. Bookmark this page as we’ll add events as they come. You can also check out Visit Denver’s Denver Beer Week event calendar as well.
Discounts for GABF Attendees:
Adrift Tiki Bar
50% off your first frozen chi-chi if you show your GABF badge or wrist band.
Emerald Eye
From Sept. 21-23, show your GABF badge for 10% off at Emerald Eye, Downtown Denver's newest cocktail bar!
Wednesday, Sept. 20
Call to Arms Brewing Beer Dinner at Ophelia’s
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Ophelia’s (1215 20th St. Denver, CO 80202)
What: A collaborative 5 Course Chef's Tasting Menu with Call To Arms Beer Pairings in celebration of Denver Beer Week & kickoff to GABF 2023! Please be aware that all reservations are for COMMUNAL/COMMUNITY seating, and individual tables are not available. Dinner starts promptly at 6:00 PM. $100 per person, tax & gratuity included. Make your reservations here.
Ratio Beerworks GABF Get Ready With Us (GRWU) + Free Comedy Show
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Comedy Show is from 8-11 p.m.
Where: Ratio Beerworks (2920 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205)
What: Join Ratio at their RiNo taproom for a special GRWU GABF pre-party to get you set for the festival ahead! Map out your convention center route, decide on all your after parties (all at Ratio, duh), and get primmed and primed for the beer-filled week or shenanigans! Forget everything you know about those basic, stale pretzel necklaces and make yourself a special "charcuterie board necklace" with local artisans, Our Friend Kate and Twisted Jacks Pretzels. YeeHaw Claws will also be on-site with GABF-inspired nail art. Then at 8 p.m. hang around for a free Comedy Show. This GABF edition will feature all things beer and laughs, as well as a first time sneak peek at the official High Plains Comedy Festival showcase happening the following week.
Spontaneous Beer and Natural Wines Master Class
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Noble Riot 1336 27th St Unit 100, Denver, CO 80216 (Entrance in the Denver Central Market Alley)
What: In this special, yet casual, one-hour Masterclass Flight Session, Noble Riot hosts Chad Yakobson, Owner/Brewmaster of Crooked Stave and Winemaker of Chalk Art Wines. Plan to explore the wild world of Spontaneous Beer and Natural Wines, two beverages which are rooted in similar philosophies and yet seem so diverse given the difference in raw materials and production methods. For this event the duo will be blurring the lines further by tasting through a flight of Spontaneous beers all of which are co-fermented with wine grapes and pairing them alongside Pet Nat and Method Ancestral natural wines. Make your reservations here.
West Coast Wednesday
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Westbound & Down at Dairy Block (1800 Wazee St. Denver, CO 80202)
What: Kick things off starting at 5 p.m. with West Coast oysters and a DJ set by Something Vinyl Club. Sip fresh brews from favorite West Coast and Colorado breweries - including Burgeon Beer Company, Craft Coast Brewery, Heritage Beer Co., Riip Beer Co., Radiant Beer Co., Amalgam Brewing, Comrade Brewing Company, Cannonball Creek Brewing Company and Joyride Brewing Company
Hops & Pie’s GABF Kickoff Event - CSA Portfolio Tasting
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Hops & Pie (3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212)
What: Kicking off GABF week with a kickass lineup from CSA's portfolio. Hops & Pie will be pouring beers from Parish, Lawson's Finest Liquids, Toppling Goliath, pFriem, and many more. Check out the full pour list here.
Pales in Comparison
When: 4 p.m. to close
Where: Occidental (1950 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211)
What: Join Ratio Beerworks, Sierra Nevada, Cannonball Creek Brewing Company, and Half Acre Beer as we celebrate all things Pale Ale on Wednesday, September 20th and Occidental.
Haze vs. Clear
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Finn’s Manor (2927 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205)
What: All hazy and clear beers on tap from Cerebral Brewing, WeldWerks, Outer Range, Cannonball Creek, Other Half, Hill Farmstead Brewery, Monkish, Russian River, La Cumbre Brewing, Wayfinder, and more.
Thursday, Sept. 21
Bierstadt Lagerhaus - Bierhalle Brawl: Live Pro Wrestling
When: 9 to 11 p.m.
Where: Bierstadt (2875 Blake St. Denver, CO 80205)
What: Join Bierstadt for a night of debaucherous entertainment led by the talent at Rocky Mountain Pro. Come cheer, jeer, and #LagerHard with your local wrestler! This event is 21+. Admission is free
Chocolate and Beer Pairing with David Nilsen
When: 2-3 p.m.
Where: Lady Justice Brewing (9735 E. Colfax Ave. Aurora, CO 80010)
What: Advanced Cicerone and award-winning professional beer writer and educator David Nilsen will lead a curated chocolate and beer pairing consisting of four expertly chosen craft chocolates and Lady Justice beers. David, also the host of Bean to Barstool podcast, will discuss each chocolate and beer style, how to taste them, and why he chose the specific pairings. Make your reservations here.
Odell Brewing Five Points Brewer Meet + Greet
When: 2-6 p.m.
Where: Odell Brewing in Five Points (2945 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205)
What: Join Odell Brewing in Five Points for a Brewer meet and greet at our Open Brewhouse event!
GABF Brunch with Ratio
When: 8 p.m. to midnight
Where: Ratio Beerworks (2920 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205)
What: Join Ratio and Denver based, DJ trio "Night Brunch" for a special night of indie, yacht rock and good old fashioned rock and roll. Steuben's Food Service will be on-site handing out all your favorite items from their brunch menu - FOR FREE to anyone with a GABF pass!
Special Beer Tappings at Improper City - Firestone Walker and Stone Brewing
When: All Day
Where: Improper City (3201 Walnut St. Denver, CO 80205)
What: Improper City always hosts a variety of beers on 36 taps, but during GABF weekend they will be featuring mini tap takeovers from various breweries around the country.
Left Hand’s 30th Anniversary Celebration
When: 4 to 10 p.m.
Where:4180 Wynkoop St, Ste 140 Denver, CO 80216
What: Headed to the Great American Beer Fest Sept. 21-23? Stop by Left Hand’s RiNo location on the way to celebrate (and pre-game!) with the release of their Barrel-Aged 30th Anniversary Stout available on draft and $10 for 12 oz bottles. They will also be featuring on tap five of their original beers from the 90’s – Motherlode Golden Ale, Jackman’s Pale Ale, Deep Cover Brown Ale, Black Jack Porter and Polestar Pilsner.
Hops & Pie’s WeldWerks X Casey Tap Takeover
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Hops & Pie (3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212)
What: An epic WeldWerks and Casey Brewing & Blending tap takeover. Check out the pour list here.
Friends and Family Patio Can Jam at Ephemeral
When: 4-8 p.m.
Where: Ephemeral Rotating Taproom (2301 E 28th Ave, Denver, CO 80205)
What: WeldWerks Backyard Can Bash
Outer Range & Friends Can Jam Night
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Finn’s Manor (2927 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205)
What: Outer Range on tap including WeldWerks, Cerebral, Other Half, Tripping Animals, and more.
Friday, Sept. 22
Special Beer Tappings at Improper City - Station 26 Brewing and Friends
When: All Day
Where: Improper City (3201 Walnut St. Denver, CO 80205)
What: Improper City always hosts a variety of beers on 36 taps, but during GABF weekend they will be featuring mini tap takeovers from various breweries around the country.
Crafted ERP’s GABF Brewz Cruize 2023
When: 1-5 p.m.
Where: Colorado Convention Center (1417 Stout St. Denver, CO 80202)
What: Crafted ERP is excited to host the 7th Annual Great American Beer Festival Brewz Cruize. This event is exclusive to individuals working in the craft beer industry. Brewz Cruize brings together hundreds of craft beer pros and vendors from around the country, featuring beer tastings, delicious food, free swag, networking and a lot of fun! This year’s event will be held at the parking lot across from the Denver Convention Center on Friday, Sept. 22, from 1-5 p.m. Registration is required, and you must be an exhibitor at GABF to attend. Please email cheers@CraftedERP.com for registration details.
Denver Rare Beer Tasting
When: 12-4 p.m.
Where: McNichols Civic Center Building (144 W Colfax Ave. Denver , CO 80202)
What: The Denver Rare Beer Tasting, a favorite of both craft brewers and beer fans, has become a traditional part of Denver Beer Week and the Great American Beer Festival weekend. The 14th edition of the event features 64 legendary craft breweries pouring some of the most sought after beers on the planet to benefit the Pints for Prostates campaign. All-inclusive tickets ($200) include four hours of beer sampling, buffet lunch, t-shirt, tasting glass, the chance to meet the people who brewed the beers and the opportunity to take advantage of a free health screening (a 5 minute blood test valued at $750). Get Tested. Live Longer. Drink More Beer! Purchase tickets here.
GABF Tapshare & Throwdown
When: 4-9 p.m.
Where: New Terrain Brewing (16401 Table Mountain Parkway Golden, CO 80403)
What: Vail Brewing Co will be at New Terrain to help celebrate GABF weekend! They'll have multiple beers on tap alongside New Terrain and there will be live music as well.
Great American Beer Fiesta
When: 3-11 p.m.
Where: Raices Brewing Company (2060 West Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80204)
What: Join Racies for their 2nd Great American Beer Fiesta during #DenverBeerWeek. This event celebrates the culture and contributions of cerveza, from its farmers, to its manufacturers, all the way to its ancillary occupations and its fan base... so, let's have a Fiesta! Live Music/DJs/Dancing. More details coming soon!
Bierstadt Lagerhaus - Bierhalle Brawl: Live Pro Wrestling
When: 9 to 11 p.m.
Where: Bierstadt (2875 Blake St. Denver, CO 80205)
What: Join Bierstadt for a night of debaucherous entertainment led by the talent at Rocky Mountain Pro. Come cheer, jeer, and #LagerHard with your local wrestler! This event is 21+. Admission is free
Horse & Dragon Tap Invasion
When: 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Hyatt Regency Denver (650 15th St. Denver, CO 80202)
What: Join the team from Horse & Dragon Brewing Co (Fort Collins) for a tap invasion at the Hyatt Regency’s Former Saint Restaurant - four delicious beers will be featured, and the Horse & Dragon crew will be on hand to chat beer, GABF, and the many fun ways to celebrate in Denver!
Westbound Downtown
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Westbound & Down at Dairy Block
What: Enjoy a special serving of the Westbound & Down burgers made famous at the flagship Idaho Springs location starting at 5 p.m.
Hops & Pie’s Elite Brands Portfolio GABF Tap Takeover
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Hops & Pie (3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212)
What: Kick off the weekend with Hops & Pie’s Friday tape takeover featuring the finest breweries in the Elite Brands portfolio! Once again for GABF, they are bringing in the Falling Rock beer trailer on the patio, adding 40 lines, so they will have 55-60 beers on tap! Check out the full pour list here.
Unofficial Rare Beer After Party with all the Besty Westy’s
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Finn’s Manor (2927 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205)
What: Featuring beers from Bierstadt, Bagby, Westbound & Down, Russian River, Comrade Brewing, Amalgam, Beachwood, Chuckanut, and more.
Saturday, Sept. 23
Special Beer Tappings at Improper City - Misc Tappings
When: All Day
Where: Improper City (3201 Walnut St. Denver, CO 80205)
What: Improper City always hosts a variety of beers on 36 taps, but during GABF weekend they will be featuring mini tap takeovers from various breweries around the country. Tappings from Dewey Beer, Burlington Beer Co., Voodoo Brewing Co., and Martin House Brewing
Lager Wars
When: 12-10 p.m.
Where: Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery (1139 20th St. Denver, CO 80202)
What: Lager Wars is back! A friendly staff competition where each staff member blends up unique recipes, ingredients, and wacky ideas into one style of beer! The first keg to kick wins a spot on the covenant Golden Crowler Tower. All 8 beers tap at 12PM and are on tap until they kick!
The Great Mexican Beer Fiesta
When: 12-8 p.m.
Where: Cerveceria Colorado (1635 Platte Street Denver, CO 80202)
What: For the grande finale of the Great American Beer Festival week, Cerveceria Colorado is throwing their annual Great Mexican Beer Fiesta! In collaboration with their sister brewery, Denver Beer Co, the duo will be hosting a Mexican Street Fiesta to celebrate collaboration in craft beer with a few of the best brewers from our neighbors in Mexico. This year’s event will include collaborative craft beer, Lucha Libre, Folklorico Dances courtesy of ArtistiCO, live entertainment, food trucks, mercadito featuring local artisans and a few of our Cervezas for Causes charity partners, and of course, lots of Mexican fare! Entrance is FREE and open to the public. See you there! ¡Salud!
GABF Awards Show Watch Party
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Dairy Block (1800 Wazee St. Denver, CO 80202)
What: Cheer for your favorite local brewers with a festive GABF Awards Show Watch Party inside FREE MARKET starting at 10 a.m.
Lager Wars
When: 12 to 10 p.m.
Where: Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery (1139 20th St. Denver, CO 80202)
What: Lager Wars is back! A friendly staff competition where each staff member blends up unique recipes, ingredients, and wacky ideas into one style of beer! The first keg to kick wins a spot on the covenant Golden Crowler Tower. All 8 beers tap at 12PM and are on tap until they kick!
Ratio Beerworks Presents the 7th Annual GABF Karaoke Party
When: 8 p.m. to midnight
Where: Ratio Beerworks (2920 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205)
What: Get ready for the 7th annual GABF Karaoke throw down with Ratio Beerworks, presented by Inland Island on Saturday, September 23rd! One free Ratio beer for anyone who sings! First come, first serve for sign ups!
Colorado-Brewed West Coast IPA All Stars at Hops & Pie
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Hops & Pie (3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212)
What: Hops & Pie’s final GABF tap takeover features those that brew West Coast IPAs the best. They’ll be having dozens of beers from Comrade, Cannonball Creek, Westbound & Down and Joyride! Check out the full pour list here.
Anti GABF GABF Club x Cohesion
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Cerebral Brewing (1477 Monroe St, Denver, CO 80206)
What: An irreverent protest of "hype" styles that tend to take over the Denver beer scene every year during the fest, Cerebral has teamed up with their friends at Cohesion to highlight the beloved industry favorite - LAGERS.