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3 clusters · 12 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

Great American Beer Festival 2026

Overview

The 2026 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) transitioned to a new format, moving from the traditional convention center to an outdoor venue at the Levitt Pavilion in Denver. Organizers, led by the Brewers Association, described the shift as an attempt to return to the festival’s roots and create a “Colorado lifestyle event,” despite community concerns regarding the outdoor setting and terrain.

Due to declining attendance, the multi-day event was reduced from three days to two. The competition featured 7,267 entries across more than 100 style categories from 1,300 American breweries and cideries, evaluated by a panel of 225 certified judges.

Following the event, the Brewers Association announced the medal winners. A total of 243 breweries and cideries earned 336 medals. Competition director Chris Williams noted a trend toward lager styles, such as Marzen, Festbier, and German Pilsner, even as highly-hopped beers remained the most entered categories.

Colorado breweries showed strong performance, securing 41 medals—including 16 gold, 12 silver, and 13 bronze—and earning a brewery of the year award. San Diego breweries also saw significant success, securing 13 medals and earning a ‘Best Brewery’ distinction. Other regional winners included Michigan breweries such as Mothfire Brewing Co., Bearded Lamb Brewing Co., and Founders Brewing Co., as well as several award recipients from Texas, California, and Arizona. Additionally, Firestone Walker Brewing Company earned three medals during its 30th anniversary year.

Entities

Denver · Brewers Association · Great American Beer Festival · Levitt Pavilion · Colorado Brewers Guild

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    San Diego breweries win 13 medals at Great American Beer Festival

    San Diego breweries earned 13 medals, including ‘Best Brewery’, at the 2026 Great American Beer Festival in Denver.

  2. [CULTURE] 9 sources
    Great American Beer Festival 2026 awards 336 medals

    The 2026 Great American Beer Festival in Denver awarded 336 medals to 243 breweries and cideries, with Colorado, Michigan, Texas, and California breweries among the top performers.

  3. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Great American Beer Festival announces new outdoor format for 2026

    The Great American Beer Festival is returning in October 2026 with a smaller, outdoor format at Denver’s Levitt Pavilion, focusing on beer quality and community despite some local venue concerns.

Sources

allaboutbeer.com · bizwest.com · firestonebeer.com · forbesliberia.com · labrewersguild.org · michiganradio.org · obrag.org · phoenixnewtimes.com · sacurrent.com · sandiegobeer.news · texascraftbrewersguild.org · westword.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history