Beer Festival in Denver: GABF 2024 & Fun Activities

Denver’s Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is October 10th-12th, 2024. It’s the largest beer festival in the US, is hosted by the Brewers Association, and is one of the best annual events in the Mile High City.

Below, we’ll share a complete guide to this epic beer festival in Denver, including what you can expect at GABF and ticket information. We’ll also discuss where to stay in Denver if you’re visiting and other fun things to do during GABF weekend.

Where is the beer festival in Denver?

Denver’s Great American Beer Festival is at the Colorado Convention Center in the heart of Downtown Denver. 

There’s limited parking available at the on-site garage, so it’s best to use rideshare or public transportation. Uber or Lyft are available, or you can take an RTD bus or light rail to the Colorado Convention Center.

If you’re going to GABF from Denver International Airport, you can take public transportation directly from the airport to the Colorado Convention Center, where the event is.

What to Expect at GABF 2024

Drinking beer is the main attraction at the Great American Beer Festival, but there are many activities to enjoy, including other drinks, delicious food, and entertainment.

Craft Beer and Other Drinks

GABF is all about sampling beers made all over the United States, and you get unlimited one-ounce samples. There are hundreds of breweries and thousands of beers, including all styles, non-alcoholic, and gluten-free. 

Cocktails, hard lemonades, teas, and seltzers are also available at GABF.

Delicious Food

This year’s GABF features PAIRED, which joins independent craft breweries with renowned chefs for delicious pairings. With a PAIRED GABF ticket, you can enjoy small bites perfectly paired with craft beer, cider, and cocktails.  

With a General Session GABF ticket, there are also many local food vendors with options, including pizza, burgers, and classic beer snacks. 

Experience Areas

The following themed areas at GABF offer extra fun with unique experiences and activities:

• Prost - Dance, sing, and enjoy live polka bands in a German Biergarten-style space
• Score - Hang out, drink, and talk sports in a sports-themed area
• Meet the Brewer -  Chat and drink with brewers while learning about beers and the brewing process
• Backyard - Relax or play yard games in a chill backyard area

Karaoke

If karaoke is your thing, you’re in luck because there’s a karaoke stage at GABF. Have a few drinks and sing your favorite song, or listen to others sing theirs!

Costume Contest

Wear your regular clothes to GABF or dress up to participate in a costume contest. Each night has a different theme:

• Thursday is Anything Goes - Choose any favorite outfit, and the best group costume wins
• Friday is Fright Night - Embrace the fright with a spooky costume
• Saturday is Sports & Entertainment - Dress as your favorite athlete or celebrity

Full-face masks and inflatable costumes are prohibited.

GABF 2024 Tickets

Ticket options for the beer festival include the following:

• General Session - $85 to $95 for one night of access to the event and unlimited beer tasting
• 3-Day Festival Pass - $220 for weekend-long General Session access
• PAIRED - $129 to $199 for craft beer and food on Thursday or Friday
  Designated Driver - $35 for one night access and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages

Where to Stay in Denver for GABF

If you’re planning a Denver vacation for the beer festival, there are many hotels and vacation rentals throughout the city.

GABF is in Downtown Denver, where there are many other fun attractions. However, accommodations in Downtown will likely get booked quickly and cost more during the event.

We recommend staying further from the event if you want to escape the crowds and save on accommodations. For a trendy, walkable area, we like the River North Arts District (RiNo) or Lower Downtown, which is also popular but more affordable.

Fun GABF Activities in Denver

Not only is Denver known for its vibrant beer scene, but there are other fun things to see and do, including brewery hopping, relaxing at the spa, and exploring nature.

Go Brewery Hopping

There are over a hundred taprooms and breweries in the Denver metro area, so brewery hopping is easy to do! 

You can join a guided brewery tour or explore on your own. Some of the best breweries, including Odell Brewing and Ratio Beer Works, are in RiNo if you walk along Larimer Street.

Relax at Oakwell Beer Spa

One of the best places to relax in Denver is Oakwell Beer Spa, a beer-inspired day spa. This is the perfect activity during GABF because you can enjoy a unique experience with rejuvenating spa services and a craft beer taproom in one space. 

Spa treatments include Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, Infrared Sauna, and Zero-Gravity Massage. The standard spa package is for up to two people, or you can also book a larger group package.

The self-serve taproom is perfect for relaxing and enjoying delicious drinks, including beer, cider, wine, tea, and kombucha.

Explore the Outdoors

Fall in Denver is one of the best times to enjoy nature.

Some of the best outdoor activities in Denver include:

• Hanging out at Confluence Park - Walk, people watch, and relax by the South Platte River
• Strolling through the Denver Botanic Gardens - See some of the most diverse gardens in the US, with 24 acres of colorful plants
• Renting a Swan Pedal Boat at City Park - Enjoy beautiful scenery on the lake on a pedal boat rental
• Visiting Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre - Watch a live performance or explore the iconic park surrounded by stunning red rock formations

Great American Beer Festival in Denver: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and are excited about GABF 2024. Enjoy one, two, or three days of trying delicious beer and other tasty drinks and food.

Make time for relaxation during GABF weekend, and book a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa!