The 2026 Great American Beer Festival is bringing one of the biggest changes in the event’s history. This year, GABF is moving outdoors, taking place at Levitt Pavilion in Denver, Colorado, on October 10–11, 2026.
For craft beer fans, brewers, cider makers, food lovers, and anyone planning a trip to Denver, the 2026 edition of the Great American Beer Festival is shaping up to be a major year. The event will feature two daytime festival sessions, a new open-air setting, ticket options for single-day and two-day admission, designated-driver tickets, and the return of the popular PAIRED food-and-beer experience.
Below, you’ll find everything currently announced for GABF 2026, including dates, ticket information, location details, festival highlights, and tips for attending.
GABF 2026 Quick Details
Event: 2026 Great American Beer Festival
Dates: Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11, 2026
Location: Levitt Pavilion, Denver, Colorado
Session Times: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day
Public Ticket Sale: June 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time
Single-Day Tickets: Listed at $66.53 per day
Two-Day Festival Pass: Listed at $120.93
Designated Driver Ticket: Listed at $34.01
When Is GABF 2026?
The 2026 Great American Beer Festival takes place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, and Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Both festival sessions are scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., giving attendees a four-hour tasting window each day. Unlike previous years with multiple indoor sessions, the 2026 festival is centred around two daytime outdoor sessions.
Session Schedule
Saturday, October 10: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 11: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where Is GABF 2026 Being Held?
The 2026 Great American Beer Festival will be held at Levitt Pavilion in Denver, Colorado.
This is a major change for the festival. GABF has long been associated with the Colorado Convention Centre, but in 2026, the event is moving outdoors to create a new open-air festival experience.
The move to Levitt Pavilion gives GABF a fresh atmosphere and should make the event feel more like an outdoor celebration of beer, cider, food, music, and Denver culture.
Why the Outdoor Location Matters
Moving GABF outdoors changes the way attendees should plan for the event. Visitors should think about weather, transportation, footwear, sun protection, and layers of clothing. October in Denver can be beautiful, but conditions can change throughout the day.
The new venue also means attendees should look carefully at transportation options before arriving, especially if they are used to the downtown convention centre layout from previous years.
When Do Tickets Go On Sale?
Tickets for the 2026 Great American Beer Festival are scheduled to go on sale to the public on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time.
Because GABF is one of the most popular beer festivals in the United States, anyone planning to attend should be ready when tickets become available. This is especially important for people interested in premium ticket options, two-day passes, or PAIRED packages.
Ticket Prices
Current ticket options for GABF 2026 include single-day admission, a two-day festival pass, designated-driver tickets, shuttle add-ons, and Festival + PAIRED packages.
General Admission Ticket Prices
Saturday Festival Session: $66.53
Sunday Festival Session: $66.53
Two-Day Festival Pass: $120.93
Designated Driver Ticket: $34.01
The designated-driver ticket includes access to the festival atmosphere and unlimited non-alcoholic beverage samples, making it a great option for groups planning a safe and responsible day at the festival.
Shuttle Add-On
Shuttle service is also available as an add-on for attendees who want round-trip transportation between the Sheraton Denver Downtown and Levitt Pavilion. If you plan to use the shuttle, it is best to reserve it in advance when purchasing tickets.
What Is the Great American Beer Festival?
The Great American Beer Festival, often called GABF, is one of the most important annual events in American craft beer. Organised by the Brewers Association, the festival brings together breweries, cideries, beverage professionals, food partners, and beer fans from across the country.
For attendees, GABF is a chance to sample a wide range of beers and ciders in one place. For breweries, it is an opportunity to showcase flagship beers, speciality releases, experimental styles, and award-worthy creations to a national audience.
The event is also closely tied to the prestigious Great American Beer Festival competition, where breweries enter beers across numerous style categories. Winning a GABF medal is considered one of the highest honours in American brewing.
What’s New for GABF 2026?
The biggest update for GABF 2026 is the move outdoors. The festival is leaving its traditional indoor convention centre setting and heading to Levitt Pavilion for a new open-air experience.
GABF 2026 Is Moving Outdoors
The 2026 festival marks a new chapter for the Great American Beer Festival. By moving outdoors, GABF is creating a different kind of event environment, with more space for a relaxed festival atmosphere and a stronger connection to Denver’s outdoor culture.
GABF 2026 Features Two Daytime Sessions
The 2026 schedule includes two daytime sessions, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. Both sessions run from noon to 4 p.m., making it easier for attendees to enjoy the festival and still have time to explore Denver before or after the event.
A New Great American Beer Festival Experience
With a new venue, a new outdoor layout, and a two-day format, GABF 2026 should feel different from previous years. Longtime attendees can expect a refreshed version of the festival, while first-time visitors will get to experience GABF in a brand-new setting.
PAIRED Returns for GABF 2026
PAIRED, one of the Great American Beer Festival’s most popular premium experiences, is returning in 2026.
PAIRED brings together independent craft breweries and acclaimed chefs for curated beer-and-food pairings. Instead of simply sampling beer, attendees experience small bites matched with specific pours, creating a more elevated tasting experience.
The 2026 PAIRED brewery and chef lineup has not yet been announced, but Festival + PAIRED ticket options are expected to be available for both Saturday and Sunday.
GABF 2026 PAIRED Experience: Who Should Consider It?
PAIRED is a strong option for attendees who enjoy food as much as beer. It is also ideal for visitors who want a more curated and premium experience during GABF weekend.
Brewery and Cidery Participation
Brewery and cidery participation is also underway for the 2026 festival. Participating breweries and cideries will pour beverages at festival booths and interact with attendees throughout the event.
This is one of the best parts of attending the Great American Beer Festival. Guests can discover new breweries, revisit old favourites, try special releases, and learn directly from the people behind the beer and cider.
Competition and Awards
The Great American Beer Festival is not only a public tasting event. It is also home to one of the most respected beer competitions in the United States.
Breweries from across the country enter beers in a wide range of style categories, and medals are awarded by expert judges. A GABF medal can bring major recognition to a brewery and is often considered a career-defining achievement.
When Are the 2026 GABF Awards?
The 2026 GABF awards ceremony is scheduled for October 11, 2026, at Levitt Pavilion.
GABF 2026 Attendee Tips
If you are planning to attend GABF 2026 in Denver, a little preparation can make the experience much smoother.
Buy GABF 2026 Tickets Early
GABF is a popular event, and certain ticket types may sell quickly. Be ready when tickets go on sale on June 25, especially if you want a two-day pass or a PAIRED package.
Plan Transportation for GABF 2026
Because the festival is moving to Levitt Pavilion, transportation may look different from past years. Consider shuttle service, rideshare, public transportation, or a designated driver before heading to the event.
Dress for the Outdoor GABF 2026 Venue
Since GABF 2026 is outdoors, check the Denver weather forecast before you go. Comfortable shoes, layers, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing are all smart choices.
Stay Hydrated During GABF 2026
Beer festivals are more enjoyable when you pace yourself. Drink water, eat before arriving, and take breaks throughout the session.
Make a GABF 2026 Tasting Plan
With so many breweries and cideries participating, it can be helpful to review the festival information in advance. Prioritise must-try breweries, but leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
Is GABF 2026 Worth Attending?
For craft beer fans, the 2026 Great American Beer Festival is definitely worth considering. The move to Levitt Pavilion gives the event a fresh identity, while the core appeal remains the same: great beer, cider, food, community, and one of the most respected competitions in American brewing.
Whether you are a longtime GABF attendee or planning your first trip, the 2026 festival offers a chance to experience one of the country’s most famous beer events in a brand-new outdoor setting.
GABF 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
When is GABF 2026?
The 2026 Great American Beer Festival takes place on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Where is the event located?
GABF 2026 will be held at Levitt Pavilion in Denver, Colorado.
What time are the sessions?
Both festival sessions run from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets are scheduled to go on sale on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time.
How much are tickets?
Single-day tickets are currently listed at $66.53, the two-day festival pass is listed at $120.93, and designated-driver tickets are listed at $34.01.
Is GABF 2026 outdoors?
Yes. The 2026 Great American Beer Festival is moving outdoors to Levitt Pavilion in Denver.
What is PAIRED at GABF 2026?
PAIRED is a premium GABF experience that features curated beer-and-food pairings from independent craft breweries and chefs.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Great American Beer Festival is shaping up to be one of the most interesting editions of the event in years. With new dates, a new outdoor venue, updated ticket options, and the return of PAIRED, this year’s festival gives both returning attendees and first-time visitors plenty to look forward to.
If you plan to attend, mark your calendar for June 25, 2026, when tickets go on sale, and start planning your Denver trip for October 10–11, 2026.
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