Ten Amazing Beer Dinners and Events that Don't Require a GABF Ticket

SLOAN'S LAKE — The new Tap and Burger in the Sloan's Lake neighborhood partners with the Crafty Ladies beer club to host an intimate beer dinner highlighting rare finds from Oskar Blues Brewery on Tuesday, October 4. Fellow beer lovers and the "ladies of production" from the brewery will be on deck to discuss all things hop-related. Featured brews include Dropping Beets saison, Juicy Dust pale ale, and the rum barrel aged Death By!. Tickets to the paired dinner are available on a limited basis online for $55.

RINO — On Tuesday, October 4, the What the Funk!? Invitational celebrates all things barrel-aged at the EXDO Event Center.  Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project and Shelton Brothers sponsor the festival and have arranged for a variety of domestic and international breweries to share some of their finest barrel-aged brews. Tickets to the evening event are available online for $100.

LODO— Tag Restaurant welcomes Surly Brewing Co. on October 5 starting at 6 p.m. to co-host a five course dinner in honor of the 35th Annual GABF. The paired dinner will feature the Minneapolis brews and is $54 per person. The reception starts at 6 p.m. and the dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant at 303.996.9985.

UNION STATION — Stop by Mercantile Dining & Provision on Wednesday, October 5 for an honorary GABF paired dinner from the minds of the festival's participating breweries and some of country's most esteemed chefs. Six breweries and eight chefs - including locals like Alex Seidel from Fruition Restaurant and Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project - will help prepare the "State of the Union" beer dinner. Tickets are available for $150 in advance and $175 at the door. To reserve your spot, call the restaurant at 720.460.3733. For a full list of participating chefs and breweries, visit the event page.

LODO — The Annual Beerdrinker of the Year contest returns for an eighteenth year of small bites, big flavors, and lots of beer at Wynkoop Brewing Co. on Wednesday, October 5. The Beerdrinker of the Year title will be awarded to an individual that not only enjoys beer but is also educated in the ins and outs of brewing technique and history. Three finalists selected from a national pool will battle it out for prizes like free beer for life at the brewery. Special judges for the competition include John Sims, head brewer and Wynkoop Brewery, and PJ Hoberman, founder of Denver Off the Wagon. Appetizers will be served along with samples of Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout and Nug Life beers. The free event is open to the public. To RSVP for the event, visit the event page.

LODO — On Wednesday, October 5, The Kitchen Denver and Trve Brewing pair up for a GABF Kickoff Dinner to start off the weekend's festivities. Chef Jon Tarvin for The Kitchen Denver will prepare a whole pig for the "Swine Six Ways" menu. Tickets to the dinner are $55 and the price includes food, four drink tickets, and access to beers from Trve's taproom. The dinner starts at 6 p.m.. To purchase tickets, visit here.

LOHI — Bar Dough is bringing a slice of Brooklyn to its dining room on Thursday, October 6 when it hosts a four course beer-paired dinner in collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery. Chef Max Mackissock will serve dishes like the Fritto Misto (shrimp, octopus, squid, chile, and lemon/orange vinegar glaze), paired with the Serpent and the Lamb Sugo (braised lamb shoulder, gremolata, ricotta gnudi), paired with the Improved Old Fashioned. Tickets cost $55 per person and can be purchased online.

BALLPARK — Greeley's WeldWerks Brewing Company joins The Lobby this Friday, October 7 to host a no muss, no fuss beer brunch. From noon to 2 p.m., enjoy the four-course pairing before friends from WeldWerks come by for a special fifth beer and course. This relaxed meet the brewers session should be a smooth transition to the impending GABF madness. Reservations are available on Friday from 11 a.m. and can be made by calling the brewery at 303.997.9911. For more information, check out the event page.

LODO— Boulder's beloved Avery Brewing Co. takes over the taps at Euclid Hall this Friday, October 7. Add some variety to your palate and sample select brews including Summers Day IPA, Karma Sutra, Boulderweiss, and Beast Grand Cru. For a full tap list, visit Euclid Hall's website.

HIGHLAND — If you need some (or a lot) hair-of-the-dog on Saturday, October 8, Denver Beer Co. has you covered at its GABF Brewer's Breakfast: Burritos and Barleywines. Pull yourself put of bed for a $12 smothered burrito and barleywine combo. If you're not a fan of barleywine, a variety of other aged beers will be available. Tickets to the breakfast can be purchased online.