If you love craft beer, Denver is the place to be this October! The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) returns the weekend of October 10th–11th with a major change of scenery. For the first time in more than 40 years, GABF is moving outdoors from the Colorado Convention Center to Levitt Pavilion in Denver’s Ruby Hill neighborhood. The two-day festival runs from noon to 4 p.m. each day. Expect an enormous selection of craft beer, cider, and other beverages! You can also enjoy live music, food trucks, special tasting areas, and the return of PAIRED®. The festival will also host the prestigious GABF competition awards ceremony on Sunday. With hundreds of brewers and thousands of beverages represented, planning ahead can make your experience much easier! Here is what to expect at Denver’s 2026 Great American Beer Festival.
GABF Is Heading Outdoors at Levitt Pavilion
The biggest change for 2026 is the festival venue. Denver’s Great American Beer Festival is leaving the Colorado Convention Center and heading to Levitt Pavilion. The outdoor venue sits in Ruby Hill and offers green space, an amphitheater, city views, and plenty of room to explore. The new setting gives GABF a noticeably different atmosphere. Instead of navigating a massive convention hall, attendees can enjoy their beer outdoors, with live music playing a bigger role. You can grab a tasting glass, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy the fall weather.
The festival sessions run noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 10th, and Sunday, October 11th. Last call is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. each day. GABF describes the 2026 event as a reimagined festival. That means longtime attendees can expect many familiar elements alongside a more open, Colorado-inspired experience. It also means you should check the weather before heading out. GABF is rain or shine, and tickets are not refunded because of weather. Dressing in layers is recommended.
Explore the 2026 Pour List
The beer selection is still the heart of the Great American Beer Festival. The 2026 pour list features over 200 breweries and an impressive collection of beers, ciders and other beverages. Breweries are organized by geographic region, making it easier to explore different parts of the country’s brewing scene. The list includes breweries from Colorado and across the United States. Several breweries are also bringing multiple award-winning beverages.
Colorado beer fans have plenty to look forward to. Local breweries on the list include:
- Avery Brewing Co.
- Barrels & Bottles Brewery
- Bent Barley Brewing Company
- Best Day Brewing
- Bootstrap Brewing Company
- Breckenridge Brewery
- Cannonball Creek Brewing Company
- Carver Brewing Co.
- Cerebral Brewing
- Cohesion Brewing Company
- Comrade Brewing Company
- Dry Dock Brewing Co.
- Grüvi
- Joyride Brewing Company
- Left Hand Brewing Co.
- Littleton Brewing Company
- Living the Dream Brewing
- Mirror Image Brewing Company
- New Terrain Brewing Company
- Odell Brewing Denver
- Our Mutual Friend Brewing Co.
- Peculier Brewing
- Ratio Beerworks
- Renegade Brewing
- River North Brewery
- Ska Brewing Company
- Steamworks Brewing Co.
- Storm Peak Brewing Company
- Telluride Brewing Company
- Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project
- WeldWerks Brewing Co.
- Wibby Brewing
- Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Company
- Wynkoop Brewing Company
The lineup also brings together breweries from across the country. Look for names such as:
- Allagash Brewing Company
- Athletic Brewing Company
- Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
- Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
- Founders Brewing Co.
- Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers
- Russian River Brewing Company
- Samuel Adams
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- Stone Brewing
- Wicked Weed Brewing
Some producers are bringing especially large selections. Samuel Adams and several other Premier Pour Partners are listed with 10 beverages. Dogfish Head also brings 10 beers, while Firestone Walker offers 10 beers, including four award winners. There are plenty of smaller pours to discover, too. Cerebral Brewing, for example, lists one beer, while several breweries offer two, three, or four selections. The best strategy is not to try everything. Pick a few must-visit breweries before arriving, then leave plenty of room for discoveries along the way.
Visit the United Nations Taproom
The Great American Beer Festival showcases American brewing. However, the United Nations Taproom lets attendees explore international beverages without leaving Denver. The taproom brings beers and ciders from breweries and beverage producers around the world. Presented in partnership with Elite Brands, it offers a global tasting experience within the festival.
Belgium has a particularly strong presence. Look for:
- La Chouffe and Cherry Chouffe from Brasserie Chouffe
- Tripel Karmeliet from Brouwerij Bosteels Brewery
- Duvel 6.66 from Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat
- Delirium Tremens, Delirium Red, and Delirium Nocturnum from Brouwerij Huyghe
- Quad and Tripel from Straffe Hendrik
- St. Bernardus Abt 12, St. Bernardus Tripel, and St. Bernardus Wit from St. Bernardus
The international lineup goes well beyond Europe. You can also find:
- Tona Cerveza from Nicaragua
- Habesha African Pilsner from Ethiopia
- Several beers from Iceland’s Einstök Beer Company
- Beers from Germany, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere
Even non-alcoholic drinkers have an option with Delirium Deliri0 NA. For adventurous beer drinkers, the United Nations Taproom is a great place to break away from familiar American styles.
Taste Beer and Food at PAIRED®
Beer and food lovers should consider adding PAIRED® to their GABF plans. The culinary experience takes place Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. PAIRED® brings independent craft breweries together with acclaimed chefs. Each pairing features a small bite designed to complement a particular beer or cider. PAIRED® attendees can enjoy pours of up to 4 ounces.
The 2026 brewery lineup includes:
- 2 Towns Ciderhouse
- Big Grove Brewery
- Fremont Brewing
- Haykin Family Ciders
- Market Garden Craft Brewery
- Miel Brewery and Taproom
- Offset Bier
- Outer Range Brewing Company
- Pinthouse Brewing
- The Post Brewing
- Riip Beer Co.
- Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
- True North Ale Company
- Von Ebert Brewing
- Westbound & Down Brewing Company
- XUL Beer Co.
The 2026 PAIRED® menus are still forthcoming, so attendees should check the festival website for updates closer to the event. Festival + PAIRED® tickets include admission to both experiences. If you enjoy thinking about how flavors interact, PAIRED® is worth considering, as it offers a more curated experience than simply moving from brewery to brewery.
Come Hungry: 2026 Food Trucks
Beer tastes better with something substantial to eat. The Great American Beer Festival will bring a collection of local food trucks to Levitt Pavilion throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, October 10th:
- Bandwagon Sandwich Co. will serve sandwiches, nachos, and chips and guacamole. Its rock-and-roll theme makes it a great fit for the festival.
- Downtown Fingers specializes in fried chicken. Expect chicken fingers, chicken sandwiches, and fries.
- Flavor of Tabasco brings authentic dishes inspired by Tabasco, Mexico.
- KoCo Street Food offers Korean-inspired favorites. Expect savory rice bowls, Korean fried chicken, dumplings, and other flavorful options.
- Wheels on Fire Pizza will serve wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in its custom brick oven.
On Sunday, October 11th:
- Berliner Haus will bring German Döner Kebab to the festival. It is an especially fitting option for a beer-focused event.
- GB’s Fish & Chips serves its take on the classic British meal.
- Msosi Kenyan Cuisine offers Kenyan favorites, including samosas, stews, and flatbreads.
- Peyote will serve Mexican fare, including street tacos, nachos, and quesadillas.
- Sauvage rounds out Sunday’s options with gourmet Cajun food.
Outside food is generally not permitted. The exception is food worn on pretzel necklaces, so you may want to embrace this quirky GABF tradition. Free water stations will also be available throughout the festival.
Enjoy Live Music at The Mile High Stage
The 2026 festival is turning up the entertainment. The Great American Beer Festival’s Mile High Stage will combine craft beer with live music and the competition awards ceremony.
Saturday, October 10th’s headliner is Low Cut Connie, performing at 1 p.m. Philadelphia rock-and-roll artist Low Cut Connie is led by Adam Weiner and has built a devoted following since the band’s formation in 2010. Low Cut Connie’s eighth studio album, Livin in the USA, was released in July 2026.
On Sunday, October 11th, Próxima Parada takes the stage at 2 p.m. The San Luis Obispo band blends soul, R&B, folk and indie rock into an upbeat, groove-driven sound. Its performances are known for improvisation, solos and an energetic atmosphere.
The music adds another dimension to the new outdoor format. Rather than spending four hours focused exclusively on tasting rooms and booths, attendees can grab a beer and settle in for a show. And if you are visiting Sunday, another major event takes place on the stage:
Watch the 2026 GABF Competition Awards Ceremony
The Great American Beer Festival is also one of the country’s most prestigious beer competitions. Professional judges evaluate beers and ciders without knowing the brand behind each entry. Judges work in their areas of expertise and select the beverages that best represent their specified styles. Gold, silver, and bronze medals recognize exceptional entries. Gold represents a world-class beverage that accurately exemplifies its style. Silver recognizes an excellent beverage that closely follows style parameters. Bronze recognizes a fine example of the style that may have minor deviations.
The 2026 competition introduces several changes. There is no entry limit for breweries, although a cap could be introduced if the competition reaches capacity. Brewery of the Year eligibility also depends on entering at least three beers.
Judging takes place October 6th–8th. The winners will then be announced publicly at GABF on Sunday, October 11th, at 12:30 p.m. A Sunday festival ticket is required to attend the ceremony. The awards will also be livestreamed through The Brewing Network for those who cannot attend in person. For beer fans, this is a rare chance to watch some of the industry’s biggest awards unfold in real time.
2026 GABF Attendee FAQs
When is GABF?
The 2026 Great American Beer Festival takes place October 10th–11th. Both sessions run from noon to 4 p.m.
Where is the festival?
GABF is at Levitt Pavilion, 1380 W Florida Ave in Denver.
How old do you have to be?
Everyone must be at least 21 years old and show valid photo identification.
Is Saturday sold out?
Yes. The official ticket page currently lists Saturday general admission, the two-day pass, and Designated Driver tickets as sold out. The official ticket page lists Sunday general admission and Festival + PAIRED® options.
Does admission include beer samples?
Yes. A festival ticket includes a tasting glass and unlimited samples from participating breweries.
Can I leave and come back?
No. GABF does not allow re-entry, so plan your day accordingly.
Can I bring a backpack?
No. Backpacks are not permitted, and there will not be a coat check or lockers.
Can I bring water?
Yes. Attendees can bring an empty, clear reusable plastic water bottle up to 32 ounces. Free water stations will be available onsite.
What if I don’t drink alcohol?
GABF offers non-alcoholic beverages, including NA beers, ciders, and seltzers. Designated driver tickets are also available when offered.
How should I get there?
We recommend public transportation, rideshare, and the official GABF shuttle. The round-trip shuttle runs between the Sheraton Denver Downtown and Levitt Pavilion, though shuttle reservations close October 1st.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
The festival is rain or shine. Check the forecast before you leave and dress in layers for Denver’s October weather.
Raise a Glass to GABF’s New Outdoor Era
The 2026 Great American Beer Festival promises to be a memorable new chapter for one of America’s best-known beer festivals! Its move to Levitt Pavilion brings craft beer into the open air and adds more space for music, food, and socializing. From Colorado favorites and nationally acclaimed breweries to international selections at the United Nations Taproom, there will be plenty to explore! PAIRED® offers an elevated food-and-beer experience, while the food trucks provide plenty of fuel between tastings. Don’t overlook the competition, either! Watching the 2026 medals awarded live on Sunday gives attendees a chance to see brewing excellence celebrated right on the festival stage.
Whether you spend your afternoon hunting for award winners, discovering a new favorite brewery, enjoying a food pairing, or listening to live music on the lawn, GABF 2026 offers plenty of ways to make the most of a fall weekend in Denver! With the festival moving outdoors for the first time in decades, this year’s event is more than another beer festival; it’s the beginning of a new GABF tradition!