Toast-Worthy Fall & Winter Brew Fests in Colorado
It’s no secret that Colorado is among the country’s capitals for craft beer. That’s one reason why grand-slam events like the Great American Beer Festival (Sept. 21–23, 2023) are hosted here. But, GABF tickets sell out faster than a Harry Styles concert on an island of teenagers.
It’s no secret that Colorado is among the country’s capitals for craft beer. That’s one reason why grand-slam events like the Great American Beer Festival (Sept. 21–23, 2023) are hosted here. But, GABF tickets sell out faster than a Harry Styles concert on an island of teenagers.
Not to worry! Coloradans love beer so much that there are sudsy gatherings throughout the fall and winter.
Breckenridge Oktoberfest
Sept. TBA, 2023
Hoist a stein at the largest Oktoberfest street party in the Rocky Mountains and find numerous Breckenridge restaurants featuring German-themed beer, wine and food pairings throughout the coinciding OktoberFEAST celebration. Strap on some lederhosen, sample authentic German cuisine and enjoy the golden glow of the aspen trees changing colors.
Chili & Beer Festival
Crested Butte, Sept. TBA, 2023
This charming former mining town celebrates a perfect culinary pairing on the side of a mountain each fall. Enjoy a bevy of Colorado-made beers, hot chili and amazing views.
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
Sept. 15–17, 2023
Thousands of people (some in silly costumes) gather in one of the state’s most picturesque valleys to enjoy live music, craft breweries and camping. If this sounds like your dream, then dreams do, in fact, come true in Telluride.
Left Hand Oktoberfest
Sept. TBA, 2023
Held in the beer garden of Longmont’s Left Hand Brewing, this annual German-themed celebration combines local brews with live music, brat-eating contests and more.
La Veta Oktoberfest
Oct. TBA, 2023
In the shadow of the Spanish Peaks, the tiny town of La Veta hosts a memorable party with German bands, beer and dancing in the streets. Check out the nearby Highway of Legends scenic and historic byway during your trip, but not after a couple beers.
Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines Festival
Breckenridge, Jan. 4–6, 2024
Why not pair a visit to one of the state’s best-known ski towns with a world-class beer festival? Tastings, seminars and homebrew competition anchor a weekend of fun with fermentation.
UllrGrass Music & Beer Festival
Golden, Jan. TBA, 2023
More than 20 notable craft brewers join forces for a bottomless tasting session that’s part of a weekend of bluegrass music, food and fun honoring the Norse God of winter.
WinterWonderGrass
Steamboat Springs, March 3–5, 2023
Bounce between stages that showcase some of the top names in bluegrass and two heated beer-tasting tents showcasing 18 Colorado-based craft breweries. There’s also a homebrew competition, if you’re ready to take your game to the next level.
Winter Craft Beer Festival
Boulder, Feb. 25, 2023
Sample local-favorite breweries like Twisted Pine and Upslope alongside nationally recognized craft beers from Lagunitas, Deschutes and more at a tasting party designed to beat any winter blues that may have sprung up between beer fests.
Want More?
Discover more awesome fall and winter happenings, additional fall festivals in Colorado and get the scoop on the top winter beers at breweries across the state.
