Great American Beer Festival Relocates to Denver’s Ruby Hill for Open-Air Tasting

The Great American Beer Festival is moving from the Colorado Convention Center to Denver's Levitt Pavilion at Ruby Hill, shifting to an open-air tasting format for Oct. 10-11, 2026. The Brewers Association announced Jan. 27, 2026 that organizers intend the relocation to reimagine the long-running festival into a more open, social experience.

Organizers said the festival will feature open-air tasting zones, live music and an evolved PAIRED program. The change marks the first time GABF will be held primarily outdoors, a significant departure from the indoor halls that defined the event for decades. Tickets were slated to go on sale in June 2026, giving brewers, homebrewers and attendees time to plan for the new layout and session structure.

For brewers and exhibitors, the move raises practical questions about flow, pour logistics and setup under outdoor conditions. An open-air format alters tenting needs, beer service lines and how breweries stage sampling and promotion. Volunteers and pouring staff will likely see adjustments to booth locations and shelter arrangements. Homebrewers and small regional breweries should monitor Brewers Association updates for booth allocations and any revised submission rules tied to outdoor pouring.

For attendees, the shift changes the festival rhythm. Open-air tasting zones and live music encourage a more social, wandering approach to sampling rather than the concentrated, aisle-based navigation common at the Colorado Convention Center. Expect different acoustics, more standing-room mingling and a festival feel that blends tasting with performance. Organizers framed the change as an evolution meant to enhance social connection and discovery among breweries and beer drinkers.

Weather and accessibility will be key operational concerns for the community. Outdoor events require contingency plans for rain or wind, shade and hydration options, and clear information on transit, ADA access and shelter. Keep an eye on official GABF communications for details on session times, pour sizes, rain plans and transport recommendations as those details become available.

This relocation is a notable pivot for one of the country’s largest beer festivals and signals an experimental approach to festival design in the craft beer scene. Mark Oct. 10-11, 2026 on your calendar and watch for ticket sales in June 2026. If you plan to attend, prepare for an outdoor tasting experience that emphasizes social discovery, live music and a retooled PAIRED program as the Brewers Association reshapes GABF for a new era.