Great American Beer Festival in Denver is the Brewers Association's flagship event at the Colorado Convention Center each October, with over 500 breweries.
Tip: Tickets release on the Brewers Association site each summer and sell out in minutes; check the GABF judging competition results for medalists to taste.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver is the July 4 weekend art-and-food festival in Cherry Creek North, a 250-artist outdoor market plus a Culinary Arts food.
Tip: Free admission. The food row runs East 3rd Avenue with food trucks and restaurants; the artist exhibition fills 2nd Avenue.
Denver Bacon and Beer Classic is the annual single-day festival at Coors Field, with 30 restaurants serving bacon-themed plates and 50 craft breweries.
Tip: Two tasting sessions, morning and afternoon. The VIP early entry adds a 30-minute head start; arrive thirsty and hungry.