DENVER TO BECOME WORLD'S LARGEST BEER GARDEN IN SEPTEMBER

The second annual Denver Beer Fest (Sept. 10-19, 2010) will take full advantage of the Mile High City’s gorgeous late-summer weather, with brew-centric events taking place throughout the city, under the sun and stars. Highlights include:


· 41st Annual Oktoberfest Denver
Location: Ballpark Neighborhood, between 20th and 22nd on Larimer
Dates: Sept. 17-19 and 24-26
Beer, brats and Bavaria: Denver’s Ballpark Neighborhood welcomes back one of the city’s longest running festivals and one of the largest Oktoberfests in the nation. For two back-to-back weekends, thousands of revelers will celebrate German heritage with dynamic music and dance, beer-based activities, and entertainment for all ages. The free festivities start at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 with a special kickoff ceremony featuring Jim Koch, founder and “man behind the beer” of Sam Adams Brewery. Other activities include:

o The Das Hustlehoff 5k and 10k Running Race – An irreverent race and homage to Baywatch star David Hasselhoff, who is beloved in Germany. Saturday, Sept. 18

o The Dry Dock Home Brewers Competition – A fierce battle determining who Denver’s greatest basement brewer is. Saturday, Sept. 25

o The Long Dog Derby & Costume Contest – The race determining Denver’s fastest (and best dressed) dachshunds. Sunday, Sept. 26
· New Belgium’s Tour De Fat
Location: City Park, Denver (York St. and E. 21st Ave.)
Date: Sept. 11
New Belgium Brewery, located in Fort Collins, Colo., loves bikes – just take a look at the two-wheeler artwork on its signature Fat Tire beer. Tour de Fat, held in scenic City Park, brings beers and bikes together for a free, family friendly festival featuring a day’s worth of live music, eco-friendly activities, and plenty of New Belgium’s acclaimed craft beer. Events include:

o Tour De Fat Bike Parade – Costumes are encouraged during this ride, starting and ending on the west side of City Park – the zanier the better; begins at 10 a.m.

o Funeral Procession for the Car Belonging to the Car-for-Bike Trade Volunteer – One dedicated cyclist will trade in his gas guzzler for a brand-new bike, courtesy of New Belgium; 1:30 p.m.



· Breckenridge Brewery’s Gastravaganza of Beautiful Beer and Splendid Street Food
Location: Breckenridge Brewery & BBQ, 471 Kalamath St., Denver
Date: Sept. 18, 7-9 p.m.
Beer isn’t the only thing booming in Denver: The street food scene here has exploded in the past year. To celebrate, Breckenridge Brewery is throwing a party on its Kalamath St. patio during Denver Beer Fest, featuring Colorado craft beers from Wynkoop Brewing, Breckenridge Brewery, Ska Brewing, Odell’s, Avery, Left Hand and Del Norte Brewing, paired with the best of Denver’s street food from GastroCart, Brava Pizza, Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs, The Cupcake Truck, Steuben’s, and Deluxe Burger. $65/person

· Beer Gardens @ Elitch Gardens
Location: Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver
Date: Sept. 10, 5-10 p.m.
Ride some serious roller coasters, then drink some serious beer. To kick-off Denver Beer Fest, Elitch Gardens, Denver’s famed downtown amusement park, is joining forces with Odell’s Brewing Company for “Beer Gardens @ Elitch Gardens.” This family friendly event features Odell’s acclaimed craft beer paired with park food favorites like funnel cake, along with live music and games. The special $29-admission ticket includes entrance to the park and access to all the rides, a souvenir cup, and one beer pour.

· Appaloosa Grill at the Great Divide Beer Garden
Location: 2201 Arapahoe St., Denver
Dates: Sept. 17-19, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Soak up the sun during this free Beer Fest BBQ, with local favorite restaurant, the Appaloosa Grill, mastering the BBQ outside at Great Divide Brewing Company’s Beer Garden. The food is inspired by some of the brewery’s most beloved creations, including “Denver Pale Ale” manchego fondue, and “Yeti Stout” mustard hoagies. Live music will rock the garden all three days.

· BeerAdvocate Does Denver Pub Crawl
Location: Various locations throughout Denver
Date: Sept. 17, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Join BeerAdvocate Magazine, the beer aficionado’s bible, for a daylong suds adventure, visiting several of downtown Denver’s greatest beer hotspots, including Wynkoop Brewing Co., Falling Rock Taphouse, and Great Divide Brewery. This walking tour lets beer-lovers drink the best beer Colorado has to offer with some of the world’s most respected brew experts. Join for the full-day or at any point along the way. The only cost is the beer bought at each location.

· Katie Mullen’s Irish Beer & Music Fest
Location: Katie Mullen’s, 1550 Court Pl., Denver
Date: Sept. 10-19
With a patio set right in the heart of Downtown’s 16th Street Mall, Katie Mullen’s is perfectly placed for a Beer Fest bash like no other. For 10 days and nights, this old-school Irish pub/restaurant will rock with free live music, including Blues, contemporary, and traditional Irish, and will offer plenty of beer specials. Great American Beer Fest attendees take note: Katie’s late-night menu will be available until midnight after the GABF closes.


· 13th Annual Brew at the Zoo
Location: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver
Date: Sept 10, 7-10 p.m.
Join the creatures of the night at the Denver Zoo for a “suds safari” featuring unlimited four-ounce samplings from more than 40 of Colorado’s finest breweries, complimentary food from Denver’s best local restaurants, plus live music and dancing. Ticket price includes a souvenir tasting mug, and is $65 for general public, $85 for preview ticket that includes early admission at 6 p.m.


More events are being added on a daily basis. The website, www.DenverBeerFest.com, is a one-stop shop for all things beer, including information on Denver beer events sponsored by some of the more than 400 breweries coming to town for the Great American Beer Festival, Sept. 16-18.