Beer tasting, live music, and a new outdoor setting: the Great American Beer Festival returns October 10–11, 2026, at Denver’s Levitt Pavilion. Sessions run from noon to 4 p.m. both days, giving beer lovers an afternoon to explore breweries from across the country.
GABF started in 1982 at Boulder’s Harvest House Hotel with just 24 breweries, 47 beers, and roughly 800 attendees. It moved to Denver in 1984 and grew into a major gathering for American craft beer. This year’s move outdoors adds a fresh chapter to that history.
Four breweries I’m especially excited to check out are Allagash Brewing Company, Avery Brewing Co., Our Mutual Friend Brewing Co., and Russian River Brewing Company. Maine’s Allagash is bringing White and Tripel, offering an appealing stop for Belgian-style beer fans. Boulder’s Avery is pouring its 2026 Tweak and Uncle Jacob’s Stout, both worth seeking out if you enjoy barrel-aged beers.
Denver’s Our Mutual Friend has its gold-medal-winning Larimer Pale Ale and the intriguingly named Stingray Jesus West-Coast IPA on the lineup. California’s Russian River rounds out my list with DDH Pliny the Elder and STS Pils. Between Belgian styles, barrel-aged beers, pale ales, and pilsners, these four stops offer plenty to explore.
Saturday tickets are sold out, but Sunday admission is currently listed at $66.53, including fees. Tickets include a tasting glass and unlimited samples; attendees must be 21 or older. Get tickets and check availability here, and browse the full brewery lineup to plan your first few stops.
