Sip and Savor - Exploring Colorado's Top Beer Festivals

With its craft beer scene, Colorado hosts a number of festivals throughout the year. For both the serious enthusiast and the amateur drinker, events with all types of beers are available amidst live music and fantastic surroundings. Here's a rundown of some of the best beer festivals Colorado.

Colorado Brewers Rendezvous

Location: Salida

Date: Mid-July

This Salida-based event on the Arkansas River hosts upwards of 75 Colorado breweries with hundreds of beers to sample. It's laid back, it's pretty, there's live music, and it is, in fact, a perfect day spent drinking craft brews in a beautiful place.

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

Location: Telluride
Date: Mid-September

It would go without saying. However, the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival brings together a one-of-a-kind combination in the mountain town of Telluride. The event features breweries from all over the country, live music, and great food, along with camping options amidst this amazing mountain setting-making for a fantastic experience for both beer and music fans alike.

Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival

Location: Breckenridge
Date: Early January

It is a festival for strong point beers, Belgian-style ales, and barleywines. Events include dinner with paired beers, educational seminars, and tastings of rare and experimental brews. This winter festival is if you enjoy stronger and bolder flavors.

Boulder Craft Beer Festival

Location: Boulder
Date: Late August

This festival is held in Central Park, Boulder, and will focus on Colorado breweries. A lot of beers will be available for tasting, while food trucks and live music will round off the day. The atmosphere will be chilled, making this a great place to find some new local favorites.

Durango Brew Train

Location: Durango
Date: Dates vary throughout the summer

The Durango Brew Train is an event that occurs on a historic steam train. The visitors get to see the scenic ride of the San Juan Mountains and experience the flavor of craft beer from local breweries. Beautiful view combined with some tasty brews.

Vail Craft Beer Classic

Location: Vail
Date: Mid-June

A production like the Vail Craft Beer Classic brings together beer tastings with outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and scenic gondola rides in the breathtaking Vail Valley. It is one of the best ways to take in nature while enjoying a great beer.

Collaboration Fest

Location: Denver
Date: March/April

Collaboration Fest celebrates beers of all styles created by innovative partnerships between breweries. This festival offers the chance to try the most exclusive beers that one wouldn't find anywhere else, highlighting creativity and ingenuity in the world of craft beer.

Oktoberfest Denver

Location: Denver
Date: Late September to early October

Oktoberfest Denver: A boisterous Bavarian party with many types of German beers, bratwurst, pretzels, polka music, and festive vibes-a perfect event to go to with your friends.

Funky Brew Fest

Location: Copper Mountain
Date: Early August

Funky Brew Fest focuses on sour, funky, and barrel-aged beers. Attendees will sample special brews under the sounds of live music and views of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. This is the ultimate festival for those looking to try some of the strange flavors of beer..

Conclusion

From the massive Great American Beer Festival to the more obscure Durango Brew Train, Colorado's array of beer festivals have something to offer anyone. Each of the festivals is worth visiting since they each represent another aspect of the craft scene. For both locals and visitors, the festivals are an excellent way to immerse yourself in Colorado craft beer culture. So gather your friends, pick a festival, and get ready for some of the best brews to be had!