(Photo © Brewers Association)

If you’ve ever stepped foot inside the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), you already know — it’s not your average beer fest. It’s the Super Bowl of suds, a three-day sensory overload featuring hundreds of breweries, thousands of beers, and tens of thousands of fans converging on downtown Denver.

This year’s edition, running October 9–11, 2025, promises to be one of the best yet. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the spectacle — the energy, the rare beer releases, the costumes — surviving (and enjoying) GABF takes a little strategy.

Here’s your no-nonsense survival guide for making it through the country’s biggest beer party like a seasoned pro.

Have a Game Plan Before You Hit the Floor

The festival floor is massive — think hundreds of breweries spread across 400,000 square feet inside the Colorado Convention Center. Wandering aimlessly is fun for about ten minutes, but after that, it’s chaos.

Before you go, download the GABF app or check the official Pour List. Flag your “must-try” breweries and create a loose tasting route. Start with your top five — the rare releases, medal winners, or local favorites — and treat everything else as bonus pours.

Pro move: save one session just for exploring new or unfamiliar breweries. You’ll likely stumble onto something special.

Pace Yourself — Seriously

It sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating: you can’t drink everything. Even tiny pours add up fast, and Denver’s high altitude (5,280 feet above sea level) can hit harder than expected.

Start with lighter beers — lagers, pilsners, or wheat ales — before working your way up to the double IPAs and barrel-aged beasts. Hydrate often, eat when you can, and don’t be the person passed out before intermission.

The real pros take water breaks and snack breaks like clockwork.

Eat Early and Often

Luckily, GABF has food vendors and snack zones throughout the venue. Don’t wait until you’re starving — that’s when bad decisions happen.

Grab something hearty before your session starts (downtown Denver has plenty of pre-fest spots like Euclid Hall, Falling Rock Tap House, or Tap Fourteen). Inside, there are pretzel necklaces, food trucks, and even palate-cleansing snacks.

Bonus: pretzel necklaces aren’t just a GABF fashion statement — they’re a survival tool. Bring your own or trade with new friends.

Talk to the Brewers

One of the best parts of GABF is access. Many booths are staffed by the people who actually brew the beer.

Ask questions. Compliment their work. Find out what’s new or what inspired a certain recipe. Brewers love sharing stories — and sometimes, if you hit the booth at the right time, they’ll pour something that’s not officially on the list.

Don’t Chase Every Medal Winner

Yes, the lines for gold medal beers get long, and yes, they’re usually great. But don’t let FOMO run your tasting schedule.

Some of the most memorable beers each year come from smaller, under-the-radar breweries — especially those that don’t distribute nationally. Think of GABF as your chance to discover something you won’t find at home.

Go Easy on the Merchandise (Until Day 3)

The GABF merch area is a dangerous place. You’ll want everything — hats, shirts, glassware, even limited-edition socks.

Here’s the trick: wait until the last day or session to buy. The best stuff might sell out, but prices often drop and you won’t have to carry it around all day while juggling your tasting glass.

Respect the “Dump Bucket”

Every booth has one — and it’s there for a reason. Not every pour will be your style, and that’s okay. Dumping half a beer isn’t rude; it’s smart. Brewers understand.

If you’re not feeling it, dump and move on. It’s better than pretending to like a pastry stout at 2 p.m. when your taste buds are begging for mercy.

Enjoy the Extras

Between the Silent Disco, Homebrew Alley, Meet the Brewer sections, and the Beer & Cheese Pavilion, GABF is packed with experiences beyond the main floor.

Take a break from drinking to explore — or just sit back and people-watch. Half the fun of the festival is soaking up the energy (and admiring the costumes that somehow survive three days of IPA spills).

Have An Exit Plan

Denver’s got an excellent light rail system and rideshares are plentiful, but don’t leave it to chance. Know how you’re getting back to your hotel before the last call.

Pro tip: hit a nearby brewery afterward (like Cohesion, River North, or Cerebral Brewing)  for a decompression pint and some food — or just to brag about your finds.

Remember Why You’re There

At its heart, GABF is about celebrating craft beer — the creativity, the community, and the people who make it happen.

Drink thoughtfully. Try something new. Support the small breweries that took a chance to pour next to the giants. And most importantly, have fun.

Because once you’ve survived your first Great American Beer Festival, you’ll be counting the days until the next one.