The Great American Beer Festival is hands down one of the biggest and best beer festivals in the nation. An annual event that takes place between mid-September and early October in Denver, breweries competing for awards go head-to-head to impress the festival’s Professional Judge Panel.
Celebrating its 43rd anniversary in Downtown Denver, this remarkable three-day festival will bring in 40,000 attendees looking to celebrate all things beer. Hosted by the Brewer’s Association, from Thursday to Saturday, October 9th to 11th, 2025, tickets sell out fast, so make sure you purchase them online in advance.
Denver’s 2024 Great American Beer Fest
Flock to the Mile High City to enjoy more than 1,500 beers from over 500 different breweries, ranging from lagers and ales to porters and pilsners. Held at the Colorado Convention Center, there are also costume contests hosted each day throughout the event.
With themes like 80s night, festival flair, iconic musicians & bands, and movie & tv characters, make sure you go all out as winners can earn tickets for the 2024 festival. Showcasing different small breweries, there are also taprooms where you can sample beer created by previous winners, try drinks from those who couldn’t attend, or taste collaborations from some of your favorites.
GABF recently added a new event:, PAIRED brings together craft brewers and applauded chefs from around the country to create unique drink and food pairings. Guests who purchase tickets to this event can enjoy 3 oz pours from 25 participating breweries while snacking on small bites made specifically for each drink.
2024 Festival Events
- Brewers Studio – Leaders in the brewing industry share beers and stories.
- Designated Driver Lounge – DDs enjoy craft-brewed sodas and receive special gifts.
- Sing City Karaoke Stage – Get on stage and belt your heart out to your favorite tunes.
- Studio 82 Silent Disco – Grab a headset and dance at the back of the hall to a live DJ.
- The Backyard – Listen to live music, play cornhole, or simply lounge on a lawn chair.
Tickets for GABF
Being such a loved event, tickets for GABF sell out quickly, meaning anyone who wants to attend needs to purchase them in advance. Offering general admission, member-only, PAIRED, and PAIRED + GABF tickets, there are multiple sessions for each, excluding the member-only session. Individuals just interested in PAIRED are not required to buy GABF tickets.
Designated Driver tickets are also available and come with their own perks. Sold per session, guests can purchase a total of 8 tickets max. Anyone hoping to join the pre-sale must become an AHA member a few months before the event.
Details
Address: Colorado Convention Center | 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
Date: Thursday – Saturday, October 9 – 11, 2025
Cost: Admission | PAIRED tickets sold separately
Website: greatamericanbeerfestival.com