Collaboration Festival, Hops & Handrails, and More: Colorado Craft Beer Week Is In The Works

Last year, the Colorado Brewers Guild debuted its first Colorado Craft Beer Week with a lineup of seminars, tappings, and special events, all dedicated to Colorado-made craft beer.

The event is back this year and almost doubled in size, with more breweries on board, and more events on the books. Colorado Craft Beer Week will take place March 21 through 29. The detailed events can be found at coloradocraftbeerweek.com, where more and more happenings get posted every day.

Colorado Craft Beer Week kicks off with the first-of-its kind Collaboration Festival. "Collaboration Fest was created to showcase the camaraderie between craft brewers near and far," says manager of the Colorado Brewer's Guild Steve Kurowski. "The idea of working with another brewers to create a special beer just for this event is truly unique, I'm pretty sure this is the only event of it's kind in the country and probably the world."

Collaboration Fest also includes several break-out sessions about craft beer and food, and two ticket options that range from $50 to $80. It takes place at the Curtis Hotel on Saturday, March 22 from 3 to 7 p.m. Click here for the complete list of beers and tickets.

On Tuesday March 25, Lou's Food Bar will host a five-course beer dinner with four of Colorado's craft breweries: Avery Brewing, Left Hand Brewing, Prost Brewing, and Upslope. Cost is $55 per person Call 303.458.0336 for reservations.

New Kids on the Block is an event celebrating Colorado breweries under 2 years old. Guests are invited to sport their finest 80s duds. $25 tickets include unlimited beer tastings, 80′s jams, a beer-themed buffet and a costume contest. New Kids On The Block takes place at The Lobby on March 27 from 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets and details here.

The Old Mine Cidery & Brewpub will open its doors during Colorado Craft Beer Week on March 29 at 11 a.m. Check out the current line-up of beers and ciders this new Erie pub will tapping throughout the day at theoldmine.com.

Hops & Handrails, Left Hand's craft beer fest and rail jam, is back Saturday March 29th from noon to 6 p.m. The event features Left Hand beers, local food, and a 25-foot high ski ramp. $30 tickets can be purchased here.

· First-Ever Collaboration Beer Fest [EDen]
· Colorado Brewery Collaborates with Swedish Craft Brewer [EDen]
· Colorado Craft Beer Week 2013 Is in Full Swing [EDen]