The cold months aren’t just for hibernating. While your initial instinct may be to sip an ale alone by the fire, instead get out and take advantage of a big winter beer festival.
Denver Beer Festivus
Where: Denver, Colorado
When: December 16, 2017
Hosted at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, Two Parts presents the sixth annual Seinfield-inspired Denver Beer Festivus. More than 50 Denver-area breweries will be in attendance, showcasing the best of one of America’s largest regional beer scenes. Wear your ugly holiday sweater, air your grievances. and enjoy the beer “Festivus” for the rest of us. Ticket prices start at $40.
Extreme Beer Fest
Where: Boston, Massachusetts
When: February 2-3, 2018
Seaport World Trade Center in Boston is home to the 2018 Extreme Beer Fest. Three tasting sessions will feature some of the best breweries in the world demonstrating their less-than-traditional beers. Hosted by the beer authority magazine Beeradvocate and sponsored by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, this is a can’t miss for lovers of the weird and wild. A $65 ticket gets you three and a half hours with the most interesting beers money can buy.
Big Beers, Belgians & Barley Wines Festival
Where: Breckenridge, Coloardo
When: January 4-6, 2018
Cold weather is meant for big, burly beers. High alcohol, intense flavors, and creative brewing techniques will be found aplenty at the Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center in Breckenridge for the Big Beers, Belgians & Barley Wines Festival. Get to know the makers by meeting brewers and owners while sipping lambics, strong ales, and similarly intense beers. Full weekend passes are sold out, but reserved seminar seats are still available.
Arizona Strong Beer Festival
Where: Phoenix, Arizona
When: February 10, 2018
Timed conveniently during Arizona Beer Week, the Arizona Strong Beer Festival has 136 breweries lined up to tempt your tastebuds. A $100 VIP ticket includes Friday night’s brewers reception, early admission to the festival, 40 tastings, and private restroom access.
Feature image by Alyson McClaran.
