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![Beer varieties]()
More than 3,000 different beers are showcased at GABF. Breweries have to be commercially operating and licensed in the United States to get into GABF.![GABF souvenirs]()
Get your souvenirs early on because the line to pick out t-shirts can stretch rather long as sessions came to a close.![Convention Hall]()
The convention hall is laid out mostly by regions for beers.![Ice cold beers]()
Brewers also pour ice cold beer from cans and bottles, in addition to drafts.![Beers and beads]()
Beer companies give out holders for tasting glasses. Mardi Gras beads help the can holders hang around people's necks.![Silent Disco]()
At the Silent Disco, dancers get headsets to rock out, only bystanders have no idea what they're dancing to.![Marriage ceremonies]()
One brewery offers mock and real marriage ceremonies.![Brewery signage]()
Breweries have a wide range of signage and booths. More than 700 breweries participate. The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is in its 33rd year and keeps growing each year.![Beer jewelry]()
GABF attendees can even shop for jewelry made from recycled beer caps and cans.![Festival volunteers]()
Volunteer beer crew serve beer at sessions and earn free tickets.![American Cheese Society]()
One of the longer lines at the festival, for a buffet of cheese samples from the American Cheese Society.![Grilled peach and sour beer]()
You can take a break and sit in on educational seminars, such as pairing cookout foods with beer. This is a grilled peach served with sour beer.![Attendees]()
49,000 total attend, an average of 12,000 per session.![Beer and food demos]()
There are other opportunities for fun and learning, besides drinking your dinner. Ticket holders can attend demos.![Tasting glass holders]()
Many attendees pick up free tasting glass holders and hang the necklaces around their necks. It's considered a big no-no to let your tasting glass drop to the floor.![Beer goggles]()
One man literally brought his "beer goggles."![Oktoberfest costumes]()
Oktoberfest styled costumes are popular.![Group costumes]()
It's not uncommon for groups of friends to coordinate their costumes.![Hops hat]()
One of the more unusual headgear items, a hops hat.![Hair hops]()
Serious beer drinkers weave hops into their hair.![Bavarian hats]()
Bavarian style hats are popular.![Beer warrior]()
A beer drinking warrior.![Snack necklaces]()
A hearty version of the edible pretzel necklaces, adding cheese sticks is a tasty twist.![Pirates]()
Pirates!![Face paint]()
Face paint mixes nicely with kilts.What to look forward to at the Great American Beer Festival
"I almost felt like I was cheating on my husband. My night out was not a rendezvous with another man, but instead at the Great American Beer Festival," said Faith Mangan. "After I guiltily left my American IPA-loving mate at home this past weekend, I made my way to Denver's Colorado Convention Center for what’s been touted as the world's largest commercial beer competition and the country's largest ticketed beer festival."
Move Forward
- What to look forward to at the Great American Beer Festival
