The sold out 30th edition of the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) brought hundreds of brewers and some 60,000 beer enthusiasts to the Colorado Convention Center this past weekend. Over three days, the largest commercial beer competition in the world had attendees sample brews, learn about the craft, and display their love for the sudsy beverages in the best way they knew.
There was a little bit of everything going on for those doing this for fun: live music, karaoke, costumes, long lines, pretzel necklaces, and a serious showing for the Safety Team, which was everywhere making sure revelers didn't over-consume to the point of injuring themselves. On the pro side of things, winners were chosen from 7,227 competition entries (nearly 9 percent more than the 6,647 entries in 2015 and surpassing all previous participation records) from 1,752 breweries hailing from 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Colorado brewers scored 38 medals. A list is available here.
Here's a look inside the fun: