What makes life better? There are certainly many things for different people. But for me, beer is one of them. You can take it out of the fridge and drink it immediately to get rid of the summer heat. It's also an essential part of a backyard barbecue party. Or a stroll through the outdoor market, where a beer always makes you feel relaxed. If you are also a beer lover, then the beer festival is something you can't miss. Especially when there are so many events this year. That's why we've compiled a list of the most unique beer festivals across the states for you. Find the one you're most interested in and go have a fantastic time!
Great American Beer Festival
This is the largest beer festival in the United States and is held annually in Denver, Colorado. And this year is also the 40th anniversary of this beer festival. Beer lovers and brewers from all over the country attend. It is also known as one of the "must-see beer festivals before you die", which shows its popularity. At this beer festival, you can explore more than 500 breweries. Up to 2,000 beer flavors. In addition to this, there is more than just the tasting event.
There is also an exciting beer competition. Hundreds of breweries will bring their products into the mix, which you can also try at the tasting. Afterward, a professional judge will taste a beer from each specific style category. There will also be a food and beer pairing event during the year. You'll enjoy craft beers not available in the hall and food to go with them. This takes the beer festival experience to another level. The dates are from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. October 6 through 8. Tickets for general admission to GABF venues are priced at $95. And the price for paired sessions is $129. Paired plus GABF tickets are $199.
Chicago Beer Festival
This beer festival will be held at the Field Museum on Oct. 8 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. There will be over 65 breweries participating in the event. You will be able to taste a wide variety of fall beers. And since the venue is located in the museum, you can also visit precious natural artifacts while drinking beer. This can be a rare experience, especially at night in the museum. There are two types of tickets, and the price of a general admission ticket is $50. Early entry tickets are priced at $65 and allow for one-hour early entry plus access to limited edition beer.
Orlando Beer Festival
The event will take place on November 12 at 2911 Robinson Street in Orlando. The event runs from 12:30 to 5 p.m. You will be able to sample drinks from more than 40 beer and spirits vendors. The expansive outdoor area will have a fun zone beside the tasting events. Food and live music will keep the festival going all afternoon.
On top of that, you can even bring your best friend - your dog here. But make sure their leashes are in good shape. Once you get to the doggy play area you can let them run wild. Since it's an outdoor venue, you can bring your canopy tent and outdoor chairs to make yourself more comfortable. Create your own outdoor resting space. Tickets are priced from $45 to $100, where VIP tickets will get you early entry, VIP areas, exclusive cocktails, and more.
Texas Craft Brewers Festival
The Texas Craft Beer Festival will run from 2 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 1. Held at the Carnival Gardens located at 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St, Austin. Offering more than two hundred craft beers from 85 Texas craft breweries. You'll get to taste the flavors of locally sourced beers. This event also features food trucks and live bands. Tickets are $45 for general admission and $85 for VIP admission, which allows for two-hour advance admission and special take-away beers. Both tickets will receive ten sample tickets, each of which is redeemable for three ounces of beer. If you want more, additional beer packages can be purchased at the event.
Snallygaster Beer Festival
When you have old urban legends as the theme of a beer festival, it's going to be very appealing. Especially since this is the largest beer festival in D.C., and this year's 10th anniversary will draw crowds. It will be held at The Yards, 1st Street SE and N Street SE, Washington, from 2 to 6 p.m. on October 8. During this event, you will have the opportunity to try over 350 flavors of beer from 175 producers. There will be two stages for live music and no shortage of food trucks.
Tickets are also named after monsters, basilisk,and Kraken, representing VIP and general admission respectively. VIP tickets are priced at $130 for two-hour advance admission, while general admission is $65. But both offer unlimited alcohol tasting, including beer, wine, and cocktails. It's a paradise for partying.
Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer
Another beer festival is about to celebrate its anniversary. This year marks the 20th birthday of the Barrel-Aged Beer Festival, and FoBAB will be hosting tastings at Chicago's Credit Union 1 Arena on November 4 and 5. 12 styles of barrel-aged beers, ciders, and more will be available to attendees. This year there will also be a barrel-aged beer competition with hundreds of breweries participating. If you're curious about traditional barrel brewing, it's time to get out there and try it. Tickets cost $85 and run from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday. Saturday runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Final Thoughts
Even though the time is approaching autumn, beer festivals are still in vogue. Every city has a different theme and different brewers for their beer festivals. It brings together people who also love food and wine. The ability to make friends out of what would otherwise be strangers with the same hobby. So grab your pretzel necklace and a good appetite and head to one of these awesome beer festivals.
