Great American Beer Fest

[xscotto]

Howdy,

My brother and I are thinking about coming up to Denver for the GABF at the end of September. On some advice from a friend, we'll probably only go on Thursday and stay the rest of the weekend visiting brewpubs and microbreweries.

Two questions:

1. When the festival is going on, can we expect a line out the door of every brewpub-microbrewery-taproom within 100 miles of town?

2. Any general advice on how to attend, or where to stay?

Thanks in advance!
Scott

[Stodbrew]

Yeah, Denver is pretty crowded during the festival, but it's really not too bad. The brewpubs and beer bars get very busy, but nothing too bad. You just have to wait a little longer for your beer. And the farther you get out of downtown, the less crowded it is.

You're right when you say to go on Thursday. It is by far the least crowded night. Friday and Saturday nights can be miserably crowded. The Saturday afternoon session, when they announce the medal winners, is good too. Although tickets are more expensive.

As far as places to stay, there are a bunch of hotels in downtown Denver that are within walking distance. Embassy Suites, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, etc.

[chazwicke]

I would suggest you forego the Gabf and attend the GBBF in London in August.:D

[brewmonkey]

Go to the GABF.

The lines at the pubs are not bad at all as everyone who is out drinking are either at the fesitval or at the Falling Rock Taproom.

For someplace to stay I would suggest the Holiday Inn. All the hotels cost about the same but the Holiday Inn is right across the street from the Colorado Convention Hall and it right on the 16th Street Mall.

I agree that Thursday night is the best time UNLESS you are an AHA or IBS member, then Saturday afternoon is the best session as it is members only and you have almost unlimited access to the beer and most of the brewers as this is also the time they will be announcing the awards.

It is a great time but Fri/Sat night is nothing but a drunken festival of frat boys and sorority girls who generally do not drink craft beer and are just there to say they have been to the largest beer festival in the world (more beers on tap then any other festival).

Have fun and check in here before you leave as some of the members are usually heading that way. If they approve my disability I will also probobably be there this year.

[azproducer]

That Festival is the best ever! I would suggest it to anyone who even slightly likes beer!


Brian
http://www.happy-hour.com