2010 Denver Beer Fest: 200 events citywide Sept. 10-19

The subject is “U.S. Beer Cities.” Many people may first think of Milwaukee. But metro Denver is home of MillerCoors Brewery, hosts the annual Great American Beer Fest, and downtown’s Wynkoop Brewing Company produces the most beer than any brewpub in the nation. Sold yet? Get ready for the second annual Denver Beer. From Sept. 10-19, some 200 beer-focused events around the city will have you hoisting a cold one (or two), and toasting to Mile High brews.

Some events have a longstanding history in town such as Great American Beer Fest, Brew at the Zoo and Oktoberfest in LoDo. But now any venue with a beer license is welcomed to jump on the beerwagon with beer-pairing dinners, happy hour brew specials and accompanying live entertainment. Events may be added last-minute—for a complete, updated list, go to: www.DenverBeerFest.com. 

Highlights include:

Sept. 10: Tilted Kilt Beer Fest Launch Party, Sept. 10, 5-10pm
The first toast happens at a downtown favorite watering hole, with Colorado brews on tap, brewery craftsmen, beer trivia, contest and giveaways.

Sept. 10: Brew at the Zoo, 7-10pm, $65-$85 per person
Go wild with a “suds safari” at the Denver Zoo, sampling from more than 40 Colorado breweries, with accompanying food, live music and dancing.

Sept. 11: Tour de Fat at City Park, 9am-4pm
Free admission to national event tour with bikes, beer and live music featuring a costumed bike parade.

Sept. 16-18: Great American Brew Fest at the Colorado Convention Center
The “Super Bowl of Beer” returns with 522 breweries serving more than 2,200 beers to 50,000 attendees throughout the weekend. Sold out in 2010, sells out early each year. Hit up the usual ticket outlets (a-hem), or mark your calendar for next year. Tickets are usually available late spring.

Sept. 17: Rare Beer Tasting II at Wynkoop Brewing Co., 1-4pm, $80
Sample 24 hard-to-find brews, talk to brewers and raise money for “Pints for Prostates.” True beer aficionados made this event a hit in 2009.

Sept. 17-19 and Sept. 24-26: Oktoberfest (Larimer & 21st streets)
On the surface, it’s all about German oom-pah-pah, but c'mon. The focus is on beer and an all-American/Mile High outdoor tradition before the snow flies. Free admission.

Sept. 19: Second City post-show “Beer-Prov” at Garner Galleria Theater, 7:30pm, $24 and up
Iconic Chicago comedy troupe performs a special beer-themed improv set in honor of the Denver Beer Festival.

HelloDenver Tip: Hotel Monaco, the Oxford and both downtown Hyatt hotels have Beer Fest packages ($134-$249). If you end up sampling more beers than food, there are tons of hotels with comfy rooms available—cab access too.

beer Brew at the Zoo Great American Beer Festival Tour de Fat tasting samples downtown LoDo Oktoberfest beer pairing dinner happy hour beer specials