Well, we made our third appearance at the GABF in Denver, CO this year. The venue was different than our past experiences, but that certainly did not diminish the sheer enormity of the event.
It has been held at the new Colorado Convention Center since 2000. A smaller hall than where it used to be, the Festival had to downsize to accomodate the decrease in floor space. But it also had some advantages: better bathroom facilities, access to food vendors, etc.

Even with only 300 breweries and brewpubs, 1200 selections is more than one could possibly attempt in the 4 sessions allotted. It is the premier event in the country and draws about 21,000 to Denver.
There are so many other extraneous events tied to the influx of beer lovers. Falling Rock Tap House always has the first tapping to kickoff the week as well as an assortment of brews from all over the U.S. and visits from beer dignitaries like Michael Jackson, Stephen Beaumont, Stan Hieronymous, Frank Boon, et al.
We got a heads up from Stan about a gathering they hold at Great Divide Brewing Co every year, so we popped on over and enjoyed a gathering of brewers, writers, and other industry personalities. We enjoyed tasting 8 beer selections, fine foods, and meeting some new friends. Rock Bottom always has a special gathering of their brewers and product at their restaurant on 16th St. on Thursday night at 9PM. The annual Brewers' Night is Friday at a different location each year. This year,Wynkoop Brewing Co. hosted it at their expansive brewpub. It is also by invite only.
So, there is certainly more to do than just go the Festival. Denver is a wonderful city full of local events and places of interest: a Zoo, the Mint, museums and galleries of all kinds, tours to the mountains, restaurants and beautiful parks in which to enjoy a quiet walk.
Thursday night is one of the least attended sessions and is a good time to do most of your tasting. The floor is set up by geographical areas of the U.S., so once in the door, grab your glass and program and head to your favorite area. You can peruse the program and mark the beers you would like to taste and their location or just walk up and down the aisles seeing what hits your fancy. Collecting all the beeraphernalia is also a major event here; pins, coasters, matches, menus, literature of all kinds is available for the taking. For merchandise of other types, i.e. glasses, T-shirts, etc, a central outlet at the entrance is set up to accomodate.

The GABF is usually the first week of October. Check out www.beertown.org for info and ticket availability. Come and enjoy what Denver has to offer and taste the beers that you may never otherwise get a chance to.

So come on out with us next year and give it a try! We're hoping to gather some friends to make the trek in 2003. Let me know if you'd like to go or even meet us there. Lots of things to do and see.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BREWERIES AND BREWPUBS!