The number of craft malt houses has grown significantly since the early 2010s. These small businesses play an important role in diversifying independent brewers’ barley malt supply chain. They produce local and unique alternatives to the long-established traditional sources of barley malt. A craft maltster as defined by the Craft Malt Guild produces fewer than 10,000 metric tons per year with over 50% of grains grown within a 500-mile radius of the malthouse.

Category Details

Beers entered in this category are required to contain at least 50% of the malt produced at a craft maltster. Brewers may choose to indicate an underlying/traditional base style for the beer. Color, clarity, aroma, flavor, and body may deviate significantly from a stated style in an effort to highlight character of craft malt(s) used.

We encourage brewers to collaborate closely with the craft maltster in the development and formulation of beer. Brewers will be asked to share information on the craft maltster so they are able to share in the accolades provided a medal-winning beer. A complete category description is available here.

This addition follows the model pioneered by the Vera Hop Category at the 2025 GABF. The 2027 GABF will feature the a category for new public hop variety Thora. These special categories highlight the unique creative and collaborative energy of independent brewers and their supply chain partners.

How To Enter

Registration for the 2026 Great American Beer Festival competition opens June 23, 2026. Become a Brewers Association member to save $240 per beer entry and compete for a spot on the October awards stage.

Please reach out to Chris Williams or Chuck Skypeck with questions or comments.

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The Great American Beer Festival®(GABF®) is stepping outside! The nation’s favorite craft beer celebration will move outdoors on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2026, relocating from the Colorado Convention Center to Denver’s Levitt Pavilion. 

The move signals a bold new chapter for GABF, blending its legendary beer lineup with live music, open skies, and a more immersive festival experience.  

“Great American Beer Festival has always reflected where American craft beer is headed,” said Ann Obenchain, vice president of marketing and communications of the Brewers Association. “Taking the festival outdoors lets us reimagine what’s possible, and we’re excited to bring fresh energy to the festival and provide an experience that feels uniquely Colorado.” 

Located in Denver’s Ruby Hill neighborhood, Levitt Pavilion is a nonprofit music venue offering expansive green space, panoramic city views, and a built-in amphitheater that unlocks new creative possibilities, from live music to open-air tasting zones, and an evolved PAIRED event.  

“Levitt Pavilion is proud to be the new host venue for the Great American Beer Festival, and to welcome the festival’s many brewers, partners, and attendees to Ruby Hill Park this fall,” said Meghan McNamara, executive director of Levitt Pavilion Denver. “Our founding purpose is to build community through music and shared experiences, and partnering with the Brewers Association expands that vision for both our organizations.” 

The setting may be new, but the spirit of GABF remains unmistakable: hundreds of breweries, thousands of beers, and a nationwide showcase of award-winning craft beverages, now amplified by fresh air, room to roam, and a renewed social spirit that only an outdoor festival can deliver. 

“This isn’t just a venue change for us, it’s an evolution,” Obenchain added. “We’ve listened to our attendees, and we’re creating an outdoor festival that invites people to explore, discover, and celebrate craft beer in a completely new way—one that’s all about gathering your friends, finding your spot on the lawn, and enjoying great beer and good times together.” 

After more than four decades as a cornerstone of American beer culture, GABF’s move outdoors signals a time of adaptation for craft beer, and a future that’s bold, vibrant, and open to change. Tickets will go on sale starting in June 2026. Sign up for ticket alerts and join us outdoors this fall!

EVENT DETAILS 
Dates: October 10 and 11, 2026 
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
Location: Levitt Pavilion, Denver 
Tickets: Starting at $60. On sale June 2026. 

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A total of 273 breweries and cideries took home 347 medals in this year’s Great American Beer Festival competition. Over seven days and three judging phases, 250 expert judges evaluated 8,315 beer and cider entries—including 68 Collaboration and 40 Pro-Am submissions—from breweries spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. 

Read the complete press release.

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Get ready to show off your GABF spirit! Our merch store is stocked with brand-new festival gear. From stylish hats and t-shirts to collectible glassware, retro fanny packs, bold stickers, and a 2025 festival poster, there’s something for everyone.

But here’s the catch: These goodies are available at the festival only. Once they’re gone, they’re gone — so make the merch booth your first stop when you arrive.

The merch booth is located to the left of the main festival entrance, tucked between the Mile High Stage and the Meet the Brewer area. See the festival map.

Don’t miss your chance to take home a piece of GABF magic. Grab your favorites early, then wear them proudly all weekend long!

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This year’s lineup features an extraordinary roster of award-winning chefs from across the country, including Michelin Star chefs, James Beard Award nominees and winners, Food and Wine Best New Chefs, Top Chef finalists, and world pizza champions. Their expertly crafted dishes will be perfectly paired with craft beer, cider, and cocktails from some of the most innovative makers in the nation, creating flavor combinations you simply won’t find anywhere else.

PAIRED is more than a tasting—it’s a celebration of craft, creativity, and community. With each bite and sip, you’ll experience a story told through food and drink.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable culinary experience. Get your tickets and join us Oct. 9 & 10 in Denver!

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