(Photo © Brewers Association)

The country’s biggest celebration of beer is getting bigger in more ways than one. When the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) returns to Denver October 9–11, 2025, it won’t just be about beer anymore.

The Brewers Association, who sponsor this annual event, are widening the tent—literally and figuratively—to embrace a broader range of beverages and experiences aimed at keeping the iconic festival relevant in a shifting drinks landscape.

For decades, GABF has been a mecca for beer fans, drawing thousands to sample brews from across the nation while celebrating the artistry of brewing. But as the craft beer boom matures and consumer tastes diversify, the Brewers Association is reimagining what the festival looks like. “People still come for the beer, but they also want variety, entertainment, and experiences that reflect today’s broader beverage culture,” said Chris Swersey, competition director for the event.

And that variety is on full display in 2025…

In addition to hundreds of breweries pouring everything from hazy IPAs to barrel-aged stouts, festival-goers will find cider makers, kombucha brewers, hard tea producers, and ready-to-drink cocktail brands on the floor. A new “Distilling Experience” debuts this year, offering curated tastings of whiskey, gin, and other spirits. And reflecting the growing sobriety segment, non-alcoholic options are also moving into the spotlight.

(Photo © Brewers Association)

Themed “experience zones” return after a successful 2024 launch…

Expect everything from a German-style biergarten to a Halloween-themed tasting area, alongside music, costuming, and interactive games. The new “Mile High Stage” will host live performances, adding a concert vibe to the beer hall atmosphere. And PAIRED, the festival’s ticketed food-and-beer showcase, continues to elevate the culinary side with Michelin-starred chefs and James Beard winners designing bites around select pours.

The structural tweaks are just as telling. GABF, which once spanned four sessions, now runs three, with a layout designed around themes instead of geography. The move reflects changing attendance patterns while curating a more immersive, Instagram-worthy experience.

For many longtime fans, the changes may feel like a departure from the beer-first ethos of GABF’s early years. But for organizers, it’s a pragmatic evolution. Craft beer’s growth has leveled off, while adjacent categories like RTDs and alcohol-free beverages are booming. Casting a wider net could ensure the festival remains the must-attend event for drinkers of all stripes.

Still, one thing hasn’t changed: the competition. The 2025 GABF Awards will once again crown the nation’s best beers, with medals across more than 90 categories—an honor that can still make or break a brewery’s reputation.

Whether you’re still a committed hophead, a cocktail fan, or someone just looking for a fun weekend in Denver, this year’s Great American Beer Festival promises to be more than a beer tasting. It’s shaping up as a full-spectrum celebration of American drinking culture.

###