Search
Resorts & LodgesVacation RentalsDeals & PackagesTravel Guides
List Your Property

Highlighting Boulder's Best Craft Beers at the Boulder Craft Beer Festival

Boulder, Colorado, features a diverse culture, ample activities, lush wilderness and beautiful downtown area, all of which make it an ideal destination for your next vacation.

 

If you're a fan of the outdoors, look no further than Boulder. Breathtaking natural rock formations, expansive forests and some of the best parks that you’ll find anywhere create a picture perfect backdrop for your Colorado getaway. Outside Magazine recently named Boulder as the No. 1 Sports Town in America. With that endorsement there is no doubt you’ll find the outdoor activities you're looking for. Boulder is also a hub for numerous dining options.. From neo-Italian to bar food, it's all in Boulder. The nightlife in the city is vibrant and fun. Whether you're into dancing, relaxing or listening to music, Boulder has your covered. Another great highlight of the city is the community events, such as the Boulder Craft Beer Festival.

 

The Boulder Craft Beer Festival has risen to the top tier of Colorado beer events in only its third year. The festival has been gaining popularity and they expect another great crowd for this run of the festival. Attendees need to be at least 21, due to the alcohol, but anyone that is of age and interested in beer will love this event. Craft brewing is really taking off in the city and you’ll find that most of the 25 breweries represented at the festival are located directly in Boulder County. Two great live bands will be performing during the event, enhancing the already fun and energetic environment. A variety of food trucks will be on hand selling a selection of tasty treats. Make the most out of your next Boulder adventure and stop by the Boulder Craft Beer Festival! We got the chance to speak to Katie Comer, Events Manager for Downtown Boulder, Inc., to talk about this up-and-coming beer event.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

KC: This year is the third annual Boulder Craft Beer Fest. The festival has sold out the last two years with 2,000 attendees each year.

 

RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?

KC: Over 50% of attendees are between the ages of 21 and 29, with an additional 20% of attendees between the ages of 30 and 39. Anecdotally, there are lots of groups of families, friends, and co-workers. There are a handful of new parents that sometimes bring their infants.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

KC:  We started in 2014 to highlight Boulder’s emerging craft beer scene. While we’ve invited some breweries in adjacent cities, the majority of participants hail from Boulder County. The Boulder Craft Beer Fest was the first craft beer fest in Boulder.

 

RAL: What can attendees expect for activities at the event?

KC: Beer aficionados will be able to sample beer from 25 breweries while enjoying live music. We will have two-hour sets from indie-folk band The Heartstring Hunters (12:30 pm to 2:30 pm) and Chain Station (3:00 pm to 5:00 pm), two high-energy, get out on the dance floor string bands. There will also be free lawn games available for attendees including ping pong and corn hole.

 

RAL: What dining options will there be?

KC: There will be food available for purchase from some of Boulder’s best food trucks. After the event attendees can also explore downtown for offerings from over 100 restaurants.

 

RAL: What is the environment like?

KC: Set in West Central Park along the idyllic Boulder Creek, the Boulder Craft Beer Festival offers a relaxed backyard vibe with plenty of grassy and shaded areas perfect for friends and families.

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

KC: Downtown Boulder offers three very distinct lodging accommodations, from a luxurious green hotel and spa (St Julien Hotel & Spa) and a classic, historic hotel (Hotel Boulderado) to a charming boutique hotel (Bradley Boulder Inn). Wherever visitors stay, they will be treated to one-of-a-kind service in a friendly and inviting atmosphere.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

KC: In addition to highlighting craft brewing in Boulder County, the event is designed to bring visitors downtown and into retail stores and restaurants after the event. Founded in 1984, Downtown Boulder Inc. is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of downtown as the heart of the community. Our mission is to maintain it as the center of commerce, government, culture, and leisure. DBI’s membership supports the overall vitality of downtown through public advocacy, political involvement, and by producing community events that enhance the Boulder experience for residents and visitors.

 

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?

KC: The Boulder Craft Beer Festival helps fund free year-round downtown activities such as Bands on The Bricks, St. Nick on the Bricks, and the Lights of December Parade. The proceeds also fund the operation of DBI, a non-profit organization dedicated to continued preservation and enhancement of Downtown Boulder as the heart of the greater Boulder community.

 

RAL: Does lodging hit max occupancy during the event?

KC: No, however we do recommend booking accommodations early as the festival takes place near the start of the school year for the University of Colorado, which is located in Boulder.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

KC: Boulder is a hotspot for Colorado’s booming craft beer industry, from Avery to Left Hand Brewing and Boulder Beer. In addition, there are a plethora of smaller craft breweries like City Star Brewing and Open Door Brewing Company. The Boulder Craft Beer Fest is located in the heart of the city, just steps away from the world famous Pearl Street Mall and a long list of acclaimed restaurants.


For more information about the Boulder Craft Beer Festival, please visit their website.