Discover Colorado's annual Collab Fest, where over 180 breweries come together to create unique and limited-edition beers. Experience the innovative spirit, camaraderie, and charitable contributions of the craft beer community.
Colorado's Collaboration Beer Festival: A Celebration of Craft and Creativity
( Credit to: Travelboulder )
Colorado's Collaboration Beer Festival, also known as Collab Fest, is an annual gathering that brings together over 180 breweries from across the state. It is a celebration of craft and creativity, showcasing the innovative spirit and camaraderie of the craft beer community.
( Credit to: Travelboulder )
Collab Fest offers a unique platform for brewers to collaborate and experiment, pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing. Unlike many other industries, the craft beer community is known for its cooperative and mellow nature, with brewers regularly sharing ingredients, equipment, and knowledge. This festival allows them to come together, share ideas, and create one-of-a-kind, limited-edition beers.
But Collab Fest is more than just a gathering of beer enthusiasts. It is also an opportunity for breweries to give back to their communities. Whether it's raising funds for pandemic relief or supporting those affected by natural disasters, the craft beer community comes together to make a positive impact. So, when you attend Collab Fest, not only do you get to enjoy unique and delicious beers, but you also contribute to meaningful causes.
The Irresistible Appeal of Collab Fest
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For beer enthusiasts, Collab Fest is a must-attend event. It offers a rare chance to sample over a hundred unique concoctions, specially crafted for the festival. These beers are exclusive to the event, ensuring that once they're gone, they're gone for good. The fleeting nature of Collab Fest adds to its allure, attracting eager beer fans year after year.
( Credit to: Travelboulder )
Securing a spot at Collab Fest is highly recommended, as the event often sells out. General admission tickets are available for $65, while early access tickets cost $85. For those who prefer not to drink, designated driver tickets are available for $40. Transportation options include rideshare services like Lyft and Uber, as well as public transit. The festival takes place at The Westin Westminster, conveniently located between Boulder and Denver. Alternatively, attendees can choose to book a room at The Westin Westminster for a hassle-free experience.
Delicious Food, Entertainment, and More
Collab Fest not only offers an incredible selection of beers, but also delicious food options. Food will be available for purchase at the event, and attendees can also make reservations at Kachina, the hotel's ground-floor restaurant. Additionally, the Westminster Promenade, a nearby shopping center, offers a variety of dining choices within walking distance.
While outside food and beverages are generally prohibited, there is one cherished beer festival tradition that remains intact—the pretzel necklace. These edible adornments provide a tasty and convenient snack between sips of unique brews.
Noteworthy Collaborative Beers at Collab Fest
Among the myriad of collaborative beers at Collab Fest, a few standouts are worth mentioning:
- "Party Laps" - This German-style helles lager, created by the Colorado Brewers Guild's board of directors, welcomes attendees with its malty profile and hints of peach, apricot, sweet melon, and yuzu from the hops.
- "Bending Corners" - A Finnish-style farmhouse ale known as sahti, this unique brew is a collaboration between Mythmaker Brewing and Odell Brewing Sloan's Lake Brewhouse & Pizzeria. Its presence at the festival highlights the revival of historic and forgotten beer styles.
- "Hanami Lager" - A Japanese rice lager infused with plum, this international collaboration between Vail Brewing Co. and Hakuba Brewing celebrates cherry blossom season in Japan. Look out for other "collabs without borders" featuring Colorado breweries partnering with craft breweries from other states.
Conclusion
Colorado's Collaboration Beer Festival, Collab Fest, is a celebration of craft, creativity, and community. It brings together breweries from across the state to create unique and limited-edition beers. With its platform for innovation, charitable contributions, and an incredible selection of beers, Collab Fest is a must-attend event for beer enthusiasts. So grab your tickets, indulge in delicious brews, and be a part of this unforgettable experience.