Great American Beer Festival Survival Guide

By: Paula Polei

More than 700 breweries. More than 3,500 beers. Now that you’ve got your tickets to the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), it’s time to strategize. For first-time attendees, the sheer scale of this event can be overwhelming, but with a little preparation, you’ll have an unforgettable craft beer adventure.

Drink Water — Lots of It

Denver’s high altitude and dry air can dehydrate you faster than you expect. Start drinking water as soon as you arrive, not just once you hit the festival floor. Hydrate throughout the day and make frequent stops at the water stations during the event. You’ll thank yourself later!

Great American Beer Festival crowd
Photo courtesy of Brewers Association

Do Your Research

With thousands of beers available, it’s impossible to try them all. Make a list of the breweries and beer styles you want to sample before you go. Plan your tasting route and be ready to discover a few surprises along the way. If you’re new to beer tasting, check out The Art of Drinking Craft Beer for tips on how to savor every sip.

Unique Styles Worth Trying

  • Gose – A tart, unfiltered wheat beer with refreshing crispness.
  • Wheat Wine – A strong ale brewed with 50% wheat malt for a smooth, full-bodied taste.
  • German-Style Eisbock – Rich, malty, and high in alcohol — bold and flavorful.
  • Berliner Weissbier – Tart, citrusy, and light — a perfect palate cleanser.
  • Baltic Porter – Dark, smooth, and smoky with roasted malt character.

For a full list of participating breweries, visit the GABF website.

Arrive Fashionably Late

Skip the long entrance lines and avoid the initial rush by showing up around 6:00 or 6:30 p.m. You’ll still have plenty of time for sampling without spending your first hour waiting to get in. Use the extra time to grab a pint at one of Denver’s great craft beer bars nearby.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Don’t forget to eat! Tackling GABF without snacks (or a trusty pretzel necklace) is a rookie mistake. Those salty bites help cleanse your palate and keep you fueled between samples. Eat before you enter the festival too — food options inside can be limited.

GABF beer tasting event
Photo courtesy of Brewers Association

Pace Yourself

GABF is a marathon, not a sprint. Sample slowly and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each beer. Remember: the higher altitude and potent brews can sneak up on you, so pace your pours and take breaks to enjoy the atmosphere.

Hope to see you in Denver!

Cheers!

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