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11 Great Beer Festivals in Colorado

image of sign for great american beer festival denver
Great American Beer Festival. Photo by Larry Goodwin

Colorado is well known for its beer scene, led by the Coors Brewery and over 400 other craft breweries, the state has become a mecca for beer festivals too.

The majority of Colorado’s breweries are in front-range cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This area is home to most of the action for brew fests too. Try the latest and greatest brews from Colorado and beyond, at the massive Great American Beer Festival (GABF) or opt for smaller-scale events like the Steers & Beers Whiskey and Beer Festival.

Start the year off at 9600 feet in Breckenridge for the Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival, held from Thursday to Sunday, January 4 to 6, 2024.

Here are Colorado’s best beer festivals, in chronological order:

Brew Fest

image of brew fest at mile high station denver
Brew Fest outside of Mile High Station. Photo by: facebook.com/MileHighStation

With both Winter and Summer Brew Fest events, head to Mile High Station bi-annually to taste beers from over 40 different breweries right in the heart of Denver. Both gatherings take place indoors and outdoors, with live music and food trucks hosted outside. Tickets include a commemorative tasting glass and endless samples, with daytime and evening tasting sessions available.

  • Location: Mile High Station
  • Date: Winter – Saturday, January 27, 2024; Summer – Saturday, June 15, 2024
  • Website: brewfestevents.com

They also host the Vail Valley Brew Fest at Avon in early August.

Mile High Beer Fest

Image of people doing a ski shot at the Mile High Beer Festival in Denver
Ski shot. Photo by: facebook.com/milehighbeerfest

On a smaller scale, the Mile High Beer Fest brings a selective group of 25+ breweries and a handful of cideries and distilleries to the McNichols Civic Center. Indulge in 2.5 hours of unlimited tastings,  live music, and tasty food trucks.

  • Location: Stockyards Event Center, Denver
  • Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024
  • Website: milehighbeerfest.com

Denver Collaboration Fest

image of denver collaboration fest denver colorado
Denver Collaboration Fest. Photo by: facebook.com/coloradobrewersguild

Featuring 200+ breweries, the annual Collaboration Fest will return as one of America’s most creative beer festivals. Including 100+ beer projects, the concept includes a Colorado-based brewery partnering with one or several others from anywhere around the world, bringing attendees plenty of eccentric combinations and flavors never experienced before.

Feast of Saint Arnold XI – Family Friendly Beer Festival

Sunny day with crowd of people mingling on the lawn at the Feast of Saint Arnolds. There are multiple brewery tents lining the perimeter.
Busy day at the Feast of Saint Arnold, a family-friendly beer festival in Colorado Springs. Photo by: facebook.com/saintarnoldfest

If you’re looking for a family-friendly festival to enjoy, look no further than the Feast of Saint Arnold XI. Hosted by the Chapel of our Saviour Episcopal Church within the Broadmoor neighborhood, this longstanding favorite since 2013 features over 20 breweries and distilleries to simple along with a large family zone. Even better, proceeds benefit the organization’s community engagement efforts.

Reds, Whites, & Brews in the Boat

Two visitors at the Reds, Whites, & Brews festival in Steamboat Springs asking for a sample at one of the vendor tents
Reds, Whites, & Brews in the Boat, held annually in downtown Steamboat. Photo by: facebook.com/redwhitesbrews

Mark your calendars for the end of June as Reds, Whites & Brews in the Boat returns to Steamboat Springs to celebrate local music, food, and beverages. This festival, which began in 2012, offers attendees the chance to savor unlimited samples of wine and craft beer while jamming out to live performances by a lineup of talented bands. For an elevated experience, VIP tickets are available and include exclusive perks such as a catered lunch and a private tent with nice views of the stage.

Lafayette Brew Fest

Crowd of people mingling outdoors at the Lafayette Brew Fest in the rain
Even rain can’t slow down Lafayette Brew Fest. Photo by: facebook.com/lafayettechamberCO

The Lafayette Brew Fest is back to celebrate all things beer in Colorado. The event takes place in Old Town Lafayette and is free to attend, but tastings must be purchased with drink tokens. With all breweries/cideries represented that are located within a 75-mile radius, attendees can savor a variety of beers, wines, and food.

Colorado Brewers Rendevous

Police offer throwing a bean bag onto a cornhole board in the middle of a crowd of people gathered around on the grass. Everyone is attenting the annual Colorado Brewers Rendevous in downtown Salida
Colorado Brewers Rendevous in downtown Salida. Photo by: facebook.com/coloradobrewersguild

Join the fun at the Colorado Brewers Rendezvous at Riverside Park in Salida. Visitors will have the opportunity to indulge in world-class craft beers and delicious food while surrounded by stunning mountains, all in one place. With over 300 craft beverages from more than 70 Centennial State breweries, there will be no shortage of unique flavors to sample. Plus, tune into music performances and a lively atmosphere with your friends while discovering your new favorite drink.

Breckenridge Summer Beer Fest is another fun event happening about 2.5 hours north of Salida in Breckenridge on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

A few weeks after that, head down to Southwest Colorado for the San Juan Brewfest in Durango, held from Friday to Saturday, August 23 and 24, 2024.

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

Large crowd of people at the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival surrounded by a perimeter of canvas vendor tents and green mountains
Sunset at Blues & Brews Festival is held annually in Telluride. Photo by: facebook.com/telluride.blues

Experience the ultimate weekend in mid-September at the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, a three-day event spotlighting an elite group of 56 craft breweries and a mix of blues, rock, gospel, indie, funk, and soul music. Held at Telluride Town Park, visitors can enjoy free gondola rides, hiking, biking, craft vendors, and even bungee trampolines and bounce houses for kids. Don’t miss the Grand Tasting on Saturday, considered by some as the top craft beer event in the Southwest, with over 150 styles of beer and cider to sample.

Great American Beer Festival

Image of the crowd at the Great American Beer Festival in Colorado
Group photo at the festival. Photo by: facebook.com/TheGreatAmericanBeerFestival

As Colorado’s biggest beer festival, the Great American Beer Festival is a three-day celebration that culminates in Denver Beer Week. What began back in 1982 with only 22 participating vendors, GABF has grown into the largest ticketed beer event in the country with 800 participating breweries and 4,000 beverages to sample.

It is also the biggest brew competition in the country, including 100+ style categories awarded from a panel of several hundred judges. Tickets always sell out, and fast, so plan to snag some the day they go on sale.

Mile High Grilled Cheese and Mac Festival

Pouring a can of craft ber into a cup that says Cheese is Life at the Mile High Grilled Cheese and Mac festival in Denver
Cheese and beer may be all you need for a festival. Photo by: facebook.com/denvermacandcheese

What could be better than gourmet grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and a glass of beer? Enjoy them all at Mile High Grilled Cheese and Mac Fest. The best of the best chefs and brewers pair together to make delicious gourmet cheese dishes that are the perfect complement to a variety of craft drinks.

TBD | JUL-IPA

Patio at West End Tavern in Boulder filled with people enjoying craft beer during the JUL-IPA festival
The bustling patio at the annual JUL-IPA at West End Tavern in Boulder. Photo by: facebook.com/thewestendtavern

JUL-IPA is a popular summer festival for beer enthusiasts and lovers organized by West End Tavern. The annual festival will highlight a variety of brews from local breweries and themed activities such as games and auctions.

All proceeds will be donated to the Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence. The gathering will take place on the rooftop of the West End Tavern so guests can revel in great sips and some fresh air. It’s the perfect opportunity to have fun and support a worthy cause.

Colorado’s Robust Craft Beer Scene

Overlooking people outside on a warm day at Bristol Brewing Company in Colorado Springs
Bristol Brewing Company Colorado Springs Photo by: David

Those are among the best beer festivals in Colorado. The northern front range is blessed with craft breweries, and Fort Collins is one of the original destinations. It houses a branch of Anheuser-Busch, pumping out Budweiser beers by the truckload for the Mountain West region. Long-time favorites include New Belgium and Odell.

Boulder is a community brewing with craft beer. There are several well-known microbreweries in town, including Avery, Left Hand, and Upslope. Even more, just north of town in Longmont, you’ll find Oskar Blues. You can tour these breweries year-round. On select weekends throughout the year, there are several awesome festivals to attend in Boulder County.

Like Denver, Colorado Springs is packed with microbreweries. Bristol Brewing and Phantom Canyon are some of the most popular in town, but you won’t be hard-pressed to find a slew of others. It also has its fair share of beer festivals to imbibe in the summer sun.

Amazing hidden gem breweries hide in all stretches of the Rocky Mountains. You can also find beer festivals held in many mountain towns, including Breckenridge, Salida, Steamboat Springs, Durango, and Telluride. Plus, come September and October, you can celebrate Oktoberfests at locations all around the state. Cheers!