The Colorado Brewers’ Festival is held in Fort Collins every summer. In 2015, it was named the best festival in the state at the Governor’s Awards for Downtown Excellence, and it is now the fourth longest-running beer festival in the nation.
In 2018, the festival is celebrating its 29th year with more than 150 Colorado beers, over 40 Colorado breweries, an interactive Beer School with tastings, demonstrations, and more events and bonuses than ever! Additionally, you can enjoy local musicians, local vendors and food trucks throughout Washington Park.
In summary, it’s a can’t-miss event for anyone who loves beer, music, food and community.
Colorado Brewers’ Festival | June 22 – 24, 2018
Schedule of Events
Friday, June 22, 2018
- The Summit | 5 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
- Breakfast & Brews | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- The Colorado Brewers’ Festival | 12 – 6 p.m
Sunday, June 24, 2018
- The Colorado Brewers’ Festival | 12 – 5 p.m.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is The Colorado Brewers’ Festival?
How do I get tickets?
Photo courtesy of Downtown Fort Collins Business Association (DBA)
Admission to the festival is free, which means the whole family can come along to enjoy the music, food and activities. For those who want to sample any of the 150+ beers, you’ll need to purchase a Tasting Package which comes with a commemorative pint glass and 10 taster tickets for the festival on June 23rd and 24th. These are available for $40 online and onsite on the day of the festival.
Looking for a discount? Stop by select Fort Collins taprooms early to support local breweries and get your Tasting Package for just $30! The list of taprooms with limited availability tickets includes Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing, Equinox Brewing, Intersect Brewing, Prost Brewing, Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, Snowbank Brewing, Gilded Goat Brewing Company, Black Bottle Brewery, Rally King Brewing, Maxline Brewing, Zwei Brewing and Soul Squared Brewing.
Visit Fort Collins and Wilbur’s Total Beverage also have limited $30 Tasting Packages available!
Once inside the festival, additional Taster Tickets can be purchased for $1 each. It costs four Taster Tickets for a full glass of beer or just one ticket for a 4-ounce sample.
Other ticketed events
Tasting beer in the park isn’t the only thing to do at the 29th Annual Colorado Brewers’ Festival! This year also includes The Summit on June 22nd, as well as Breakfast & Brews on Saturday morning.
Tickets to The Summit cost $75, or you can get a Summit Pass and Tasting Package combo for $99. Tickets to Breakfast & Brews cost $75 and that price includes admission to the main festival. There is also an All Access Pass available for $125 and that grants you access to The Summit, Breakfast & Brews, and the Colorado Brewers’ Festival. That’s a $25 savings!
You can see all pricing options and purchase passes online here.
What is The Summit?
Image courtesy of Downtown Fort Collins Business Association (DBA)
The Colorado Brewers’ Festival weekend kicks off on Friday evening with The Summit. From 5 – 8 p.m., this premier specialty beer event features more than 60 beers from more than 35 breweries, including rare and small-batch beers served by the brewers themselves. That means your $75 Summit Pass grants you access to some of the best brewers in the state — and some of their best and most exclusive brews! In addition, you’ll get to enjoy light bites and appetizers from some of Old Town’s finest food artisans and restaurants — all under the trees of Washington Park.
Tickets to The Summit cost $75 or you can get a Summit Pass and Tasting Package combo for $99. Each option includes unlimited pours, unlimited tastings and a commemorative 12-ounce glass. Buy yours in advance here.
Participating businesses include Old Colorado Brewing Co. out of Wellington, Butcherknife Brewing Company out of Steamboat Springs, Verboten Brewing out of Loveland, New Belgium Brewing, Denver Beer Co.; and more than 30 others!
What is Breakfast & Brews?
Image courtesy of Downtown Fort Collins Business Association (DBA)
Breakfast & Brews is a special Saturday morning brunch and beer pairing at Fort Collins’ new Union Bar and Soda Fountain. From 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on June 23rd, the cafe and outdoor patio will be filled with foodies, craft beer lovers and specialty beers paired with a delectable breakfast. Food items include biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, and more comfort food bites. Yum!
Tickets to Breakfast & Brews are very limited. You can buy them online today for $75. That price includes admission to the main festival, so you can head over right after brunch!
What is the Colorado Brewers’ Festival?
Photo courtesy of Downtown Fort Collins Business Association (DBA)
The Colorado Brewers’ Festival is the main event of the weekend. Taking place in Washington Park on June 23rd from 12 – 6 p.m. and June 24th from 12 – 5 p.m., this is where you’ll find all 150+ beers, 40+ Colorado breweries, food vendors, artisan exhibitors, and more than 10 hours of live music.
Though the event will feature breweries from all over the state, there is a special section for Fort Collins breweries called The Neighborhood that is centered around the Choice Organics Stage. Head there to get your local fix!
New this year, the main event will also feature the Fort Collins Collaboration Beer Pavilion. This specialty beer tent brings together more than 20 Fort Collins breweries who have joined forces to brew exclusive beers only available at the festival!
You can also explore the Grand Beer Hall which will feature an interactive Beer School presented by Green Co2 and Live Comedy.
As a reminder, admission to the festival space is free. To sample any of the brews, you’ll need to purchase a Tasting Package online, onsite, or in advance at one of the participating breweries listed above. Food vendors can accept cash or credit card payments inside. More importantly, all the breweries will feature different beers on Saturday and Sunday, so you don’t want to miss a single day.
Have more questions?
The Colorado Brewers’ Festival is produced as a fundraiser by and for the Downtown Fort Collins Business Association. If you have further questions regarding parking, festival maps, accessibility and more, check out the event website here.
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