Great American Beer Festival Moving to Outdoor Venue in Denver

The iconic beer festival will be held at Levitt Pavilion Denver in October.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:31pm

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The Great American Beer Festival, a longstanding annual event in Denver, will be moving to an outdoor venue at Levitt Pavilion Denver this year. The festival, which has traditionally been held at the Colorado Convention Center, will take place over two days in October and feature beer tastings, live music, and other festivities.

Why it matters

The move to an outdoor venue represents a significant change for the Great American Beer Festival, which has been a fixture in downtown Denver for over two decades. This shift aims to provide a fresh and unique experience for attendees, showcasing Colorado's vibrant beer culture in a more open and lively setting.

The details

The Great American Beer Festival will be held on October 11-12 at Levitt Pavilion Denver, an outdoor music venue in Ruby Hill Park. The festival, which is run by the Brewers Association, will feature two daily sessions from noon to 4 p.m., a change from the traditional Thursday-Saturday format. In addition to the new location, the festival will continue to offer a wide selection of beers from brewers across the country, as well as non-alcoholic options and ciders.

  • The Great American Beer Festival has been held annually in Denver for over two decades.
  • This year's festival will take place on October 11-12, 2026.
  • Tickets for the two-day event will go on sale in June 2026.

The players

Brewers Association

The non-profit trade association that runs the Great American Beer Festival.

Levitt Pavilion Denver

An outdoor music venue in Ruby Hill Park that will host the 2026 Great American Beer Festival.

Ann Obenchain

Vice president of marketing and communications for the Brewers Association.

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What they’re saying

“Taking the festival outdoors lets us reimagine what's possible, and we're excited to bring fresh energy to the festival and provide an experience that feels uniquely Colorado.”

— Ann Obenchain, Vice president of marketing and communications, Brewers Association (Prepared statement)

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Great American Beer Festival will go on sale in June.

The takeaway

The move of the iconic Great American Beer Festival to an outdoor venue in Denver represents an exciting evolution for the event, allowing organizers to create a more dynamic and immersive experience that celebrates Colorado's vibrant beer culture in a unique setting.