Exciting Events and Unique Brews Await at the 2026 Great American Beer Festival in Denver

### Get Ready for the Great American Beer Festival Mark your calendars: the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is coming back, with festivities scheduled for October 10-11, 2026. While the scale of the festival has shrunk this year, that doesn't reduce the excitement surrounding everything else happening in Denver. Outside of the main event, breweries, taprooms, and bars are gearing up for a host of celebrations, tap takeovers, and unique beer offerings that will guarantee an engaging experience for lovers of craft beer. What's particularly noteworthy is how vibrant and diverse the external events surrounding GABF have become. Across Colorado, local breweries and establishments are showcasing rare brews that might not ordinarily be on offer within the state. This opportunity allows beer aficionados not only to taste unique selections but also to appreciate the impressive variety that Colorado's brewing scene has to offer. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of activities planned for GABF week, fear not—the dedicated External Event Guide has transitioned from PorchDrinking to All About Beer, ensuring you've got an organized tool to help in planning your week. So as you prepare for a week of hops and flavors, remember: thoughtful planning is key, and staying hydrated will definitely be in your best interest. There’s a lot to look forward to in the Mile High City’s beer scene, promising another unforgettable GABF experience!

Cerebral Run Club Beer Mile @ Cerebral Brewing West Highland

Location: Cerebral Brewing West Highland – 3257 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO

Date: Wednesday, October 7 at 6 p.m.

Event Details: Ready to put your running and drinking skills to the test? Join in Cerebral Brewing’s second annual Beer Mile. This fun event invites teams of four to each race a quarter mile while enjoying a pint of beer — included with admission. The first team to finish the full mile gets to take home bragging rights and some exciting prizes. It’s a great way to combine athleticism with craft beer enjoyment!

Cost: $20 per team (includes one pint for each participant) – grab your tickets here.

Off Script Collaboration Tap Takeover @ Milieu Fermentation

Location: 2101 N Ursula St, Aurora, CO 80045

Date: Thursday, October 8 – Sunday, October 11

Event Overview: From Thursday through Sunday, the Off Script team will unveil 3-4 exclusive Collaboration Beers alongside Milieu, Hop Butcher, and Autodidact. They'll also have an exciting canned beer reveal with 2-3 new offerings. This is your chance to sample unique flavors before they’re gone.

Featured Brews: Expect tantalizing selections such as Bine Cutter – a West Coast Fresh Hop Collaboration with Milieu, Yeah, Science – a Double Hazy IPA Collaboration with Milieu, and several more, including the visually appealing Red Pill – a Triple Hazy IPA.

Admission: Free to attend.

GABF Week @ Bierstadt Lagerhaus

Location: Bierstadt Lagerhaus – 2875 Blake St., Denver, CO

Date: Thursday, October 8 – Sunday, October 11

Overview: Join Bierstadt for four fun-filled days packed with GABF-themed events. The highlight this year is the introduction of their “Bierstadt Hellerbock” along with various engaging activities such as a sensory tasting beer school led by Amanda from 4 Noses and live music from local favorites.

Special Features: Look forward to late-night musical bingo and various guest taps showcasing breweries from Washington, Oregon, and California throughout the weekend. Each day will feature different regional selections, offering a unique taste of the West Coast.

Cost: Free entry, except for the Sensory Tasting and GABF shuttles which carry a $10 fee.

Hostile Takeover: Xul Beer Company @ Cerebral Brewing Congress Park

Location: Cerebral Brewing Congress Park – 1477 Monroe Street, Denver, CO

Date: Thursday, October 8, from 11 a.m. until sellout.

Event Description: For this special one-day takeover, Xul Beer Company brings its unique vibes and impressive lineup to Cerebral’s taproom. Expect a rogue take on their approach to brewing, featuring a breadth of offerings, on-site merchandise, and a fun atmosphere that disregards usual protocols in favor of a good time.

Beers: Numerous guest taps along with their own offerings will be available, so prepare yourself for a varied tasting experience.

Admission: Free to attend.

Krispy King Lager Competition @ Barrels & Bottles Brewery at Camp George West

Location: Barrels & Bottles Brewery at Camp George West – 1055 Orchard St, Golden, CO 80401

Date: Thursday, October 8, from 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Overview: Celebrate the beloved lager with the 5th Annual Krispy King Lager Competition & Festival! This unique event sees kegs from various breweries be both judged and served to attendees, allowing you to taste the same beers that were evaluated by the judges.

Involvement: With 47 breweries participating, you can expect a wide array of lagers on offer alongside some fun activities and casting votes for your favorites.

Admission: Free to attend.

7 Days of GABF (Sour Thursday) @ Renegade Brewing

Location: Renegade Brewing, 925 W 9th Ave, Denver, CO

Date: Thursday, October 8, from 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

What to Expect: Give your palate a treat with a diverse selection of sour beers curated by Renegade. They’ll feature everything from notable classics to inventive pairings, showcasing the bold flavors of sour brewing.

Featured Beers: You can look forward to offerings from renowned producers like Fantome and Russian River, making it an absolute haven for sour enthusiasts. Check out their complete menu here.

Admission: Free to attend.

CSA Showcase @ Murphy’s Taphouse

Location: Murphy’s Taphouse – 585 McCaslin Blvd, Louisville, CO

Date: Thursday, October 8 at 5 p.m.

Overview: Dive into the world of farm-to-table brewing as CSA takes over the taps with rare selections during GABF week.

Beers featured: Look out for exceptional brews from well-known names including Fort George and pFriem, among others.

Admission: Free to attend.

Three Floyd’s Tapping @ Rhine Haus Denver

Location: Rhine Haus Denver – 1415 Market St, Denver, CO

Date: Thursday, October 8 at 6 p.m.

What’s Happening: Celebrate GABF week with a special tapping of Three Floyd’s beers at Rhine Haus. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy these highly sought-after selections.

Admission: Free to attend.

GABF Beer Nerd Trivia @ River North RiNo

Location: River North Brewery RiNo – 3400 Blake St, Denver, CO

Date: Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Activity: Test your beer knowledge with a GABF-themed trivia night! Gather your friends and compete for bragging rights and impressive prizes for beer aficionados.

Admission: Free to attend.

Poison Pit Grand Opening @ Poison Pit

Location: Poison Pit – 608 E 13th, Denver, CO

Date: Thursday, October 8 from 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Overview: Don’t miss the lively grand opening featuring live ska music and sponsored by Ska Brewing and Ratio Beerworks. Celebrate with live performances and beer on tap from both sponsors.

Beers Available: Sample a variety from both Ska and Ratio.

Admission: Tickets available for $18.19.

Gearing Up for GABF: A Quick Look at the Events

If you’re in the Denver area, mark your calendars for Friday, October 9. With GABF just around the corner, several local breweries are throwing their doors open for a series of compelling events that promise to enhance your festival experience. While admission to all these gatherings is complimentary, the quality of taps and the sheer variety of offerings will make it well worth your time. At New Image Brewing in Wheat Ridge, the excitement kicks off at noon. They're set to pair limited-edition glassware and stickers with an impressive lineup of rare beers, making it a must-visit for any beer enthusiast. From multiple guest breweries showcasing special releases to the community vibe, this event sets the tone for what's to come. Simultaneously, Latchkey will host Pinthouse and Friends, featuring eight esteemed guest breweries like Green Cheek and Ghost Town. Also starting at noon, this gathering aims to celebrate camaraderie through craft beer. Again, the zero cover charge makes it a no-brainer for those keen to explore unique flavors. Over at Cohesion Brewing, the focus shifts to lagers from noon through 10 p.m. They’ve curated a selection from both their own brewery and others across the country. This could be an excellent opportunity for those who appreciate the subtleties of lager to dive deep into a often overlooked category. Later in the day, more specialized events bloom. Romero’s K9 Club & Tap House and Finn’s Manor will unleash fresh-hop beers and limited releases at 2 p.m., which will surely attract hopheads eager to taste unique brews from renowned producers like Breakside and Cellarmaker. A highlight not to be missed is the Alpha King Challenge at Westbound & Down from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., where top hop producers face off. Beyond just sipping great beers, you’ll be part of a competition that celebrates hop innovation, with winners announced at 4:30 p.m. As the evening rolls in, the GABF-related festivities don’t slow down. Old121 Brewhouse is hosting an industry-only pre-party from 5 p.m., where badged attendees will network over beers, pizza, and live music. If you hold an industry credential, this could be an invaluable opportunity for connections before the festival officially kicks off. Lone Tree Brewing will cap off the day with a GABF pre-party, showcasing more than ten local breweries. It's a fitting end to an action-packed Friday, a chance to mingle with local brewers and discover what each brings to the paddle. That’s the beauty of this scene: it’s more than just about drinking; it’s a gathering of like-minded individuals who are passionate about craft beer. If you're attending GABF or simply in the area, these events are rich with potential, blending community, camaraderie, and of course, exceptional beer. Don’t neglect to grab your favorites during the festivities, as many brews will be in limited supply. So, prepare yourself for a memorable kickoff leading into one of the biggest beer festivals in the nation.