Ten Years of Craft Beer and One Epic Mountain Party: The Vail Craft Beer Classic Returns June 12-13

VAIL, Colorado (March 12, 2026)—A decade of hops, peaks, and good times awaits as Team Player Productions announces the 10th Annual Vail Craft Beer Classic which returns to Vail Village (141 E Meadow Dr, Vail, CO 81657) on June 12–13, 2026. Colorado’s celebrated craft beer festival showcases 100+ beers, spirits, and seltzers from more than 30 beverage producers against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Beyond the pours, festivities include stein hosting, keg bowling, and live music from local legends, alongside curated shopping and a crowd vote to crown the best beer of the summer.

Whether you’re a hop-head, a sour devotee, or a curious first-timer, the Vail Craft Beer Classic delivers a world-class tasting experience fit for every type of palate. Tickets for Early Access and General Admission tastings are on sale now.

“What makes 10 years so special isn’t just the beer—it’s the people. The breweries and producers who keep coming back, the fans who make it a summer tradition, and the incredible backdrop of Vail makes every pour taste even better,” says Vail Craft Beer Classic Event Director Olivia Birg. “Whether you’re returning for your 10th year or discovering the festival for the first time, 2026 promises to be the most memorable edition yet!”

The Vail Craft Beer Classic wouldn’t be complete without its beloved “Best Beer of Summer” competition, where beer lovers and breweries alike cast their votes to crown Colorado’s most celebrated brew of the season.
Kicking off this year’s festivities, festival attendees will be greeted with a Welcome Beer courtesy of the 2026 Best Beer of Summer winners: Brighton, Colo.’s Something Brewery and Denver’s Danico Brewing. Something Brewery continues its remarkable run, placing in the top three for the third consecutive year, cementing their status as a fan favorite—will they extend their streak this year?

“Being in the top three three years in a row means a lot to our team and to the community that supports Something Brewery,” says David Allegrezza, Co-Owner of Something Brewery. “We’ve always focused on creating beers that bring people together and having fun with it along the way, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see that resonate year after year. We’re grateful for the recognition and excited to keep pushing ourselves to make the next beer even better.”
Grand Tasting Sessions:

Two days, and two chances to raise a glass, the tasting sessions on June 12 and 13 offer two attendance tiers:
General Admission: Your ticket to the full festival experience: live music and entertainment, a welcome beer (collaboration between Something Brewery and Danico Brewing), and a 3.5-hour window to explore live music, keg bowling and stein hoisting, curated shopping, food trucks, and more than 100 beverages

Early Access: For those who like to get the first pour! With only 15% of total attendees inside the festival during this exclusive window, Early Access guests enjoy first entry, shorter lines, and more face time with brewers — plus a full-sized Belgian tasting glass to mark the occasion. It’s the most unhurried, immersive way to experience the mountains and the beer before the crowds arrive.

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary, festival organizers are working on some exciting new activations to enhance the festival experience. Stay tuned to the website for more updates.

About Vail Craft Beer Classic

Over 30 beverage producers are coming together in Vail, Colo. for the 10th Annual Vail Craft Beer Classic to pour out their top craft beers, seltzers, and ciders. All-inclusive tickets allow guests to imbibe while taking in the scenic views of Vail, enjoying live music, and meeting the brewers. Attendees vote on “Best Beers of Summer,” then winning breweries receive bragging rights and a commemorative tap handle for their taproom. The Classic prides itself on presenting Colorado’s best breweries, worthy of a true Vail adventure. For more information, visit VailCraftBeerClassic.com, or follow @VailCraftBeerClassic on Facebook and Instagram.

About Discover Vail

Discover Vail in the spring, summer and fall. There’s no place like Vail for year-round recreation, outdoor pursuits and cultural experiences in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Nestled at the foot of Vail mountain just two hours west of Denver, Vail’s fresh air, rugged beauty and charming pedestrian villages await visitors. Discover quaint Bavarian villages where outdoor activities abound and the performing arts flourish. Matching the incredible winter mountain experience, Vail from May through October is characterized by a rich culinary scene, family activities, world-class events and everything in between.

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