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All You Need To Know About The Vail Craft Beer Classic

2020 has been an interesting year to say the least. Socializing looks a lot different this year, and we’ve had to say see you later to everything from concerts and bars to family reunions and vacations. 

But what if we told you that one thing you don’t need to skip this summer is a beer festival? Cue a sigh of relief. 

Nothing sounds better than enjoying the fresh mountain air with a delectable variety of local brews. 

The Vail Craft Beer Classic has been running for 3 years, and they’re not about to stop on their 4th. While you can count on new safety precautions, you can also expect the same events and huge variety of craft beers. This year is looking to be so much fun, it just might feel like nothing has changed. 

What is the Vail Craft Beer Classic?

Picture an oasis in the mountains, where the alluring scent of hops is carried to you on the cool morning breeze. Follow the sound of laughter to the tents and kick off the festivities with a line-free Colorado beer sampling. Toward the end of the day, see that nestled amongst the beautiful mountain scenery are even more Colorado mountain breweries to try out beyond the festival tents. 

On August 14th-15th, this dream can come true at the 2020 Vail Craft Beer Classic. All you need to do is buy your tickets ahead of time and pack up the car for your trip to Vail!

The best event of 2020 features the best brews from some of your favorite Denver and Colorado breweries, including:

  • Ratio Beerworks
  • Jagged Mountain
  • Samuel Adams
  • Breckenridge Brewing
  • 10 Barrel
  • Tivoli Brewing 
  • Upslope Brewing

Whether you prefer a nice frothy stout or a crisp, fruity ale, you’re guaranteed to find an array of new favorites at the Vail Craft Beer Classic. Tickets are available on the Vail Craft Beer Classic Eventbrite page. 

Where is the Vail Craft Beer Classic?

As if the Vail Craft Beer Classic doesn’t make the trip to Vail tempting enough, the event will be taking place in the stunning Ford Sculpture Park, located within the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.

At 8200 feet high, The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are the highest elevated botanical gardens in the world. 

This wonderland hosts over 30 different gardens, like the Asia Silk Road themed-garden, a garden made specifically for meditation, filled with high-altitude flowers, a flowing creek, and yes, a sculpture garden with a variety of art displays that are guaranteed to leave you in awe. 

What better place to escape to sip some cold Colorado beer and enjoy time with friends old and new?

Where to Stay at the Vail Craft Beer Classic

Tickets to the Vail Craft Beer Classic don’t just get you a pass to all the delicious Colorado beers and gorgeous scenery you could dream of. 

They also get you discounts to fine lodging where you can enjoy a peaceful, luxurious rest after a long day of being a Colorado beer connoisseur. The following accommodations are both offered at a discount for Vail Craft Beer Classic ticket holders.

Evergreen Lodge

Evergreen Lodge is conveniently located between Vail Village and Lionshead Village. It’s just a short walk to shuttles, fine dining, and shopping the boutiques. 

Take your pick of hotel rooms, condos, or even a 3-bedroom home depending on your group size and needs. No matter which lodging type you choose, Evergreen Lodges is sure to make you and your party feel pampered.

In fact, they even feature a therapeutic massage studio. These aren’t your everyday massages, either — the studio features an extensive menu of services catered to your needs and desires in the moment. 

Spa options at the Evergreen Lodge include:

  • The Recover & Restore Massage: A treatment for athletes, skiers, and others with sore muscles from their adventures. This massage targets muscle soreness areas with a special pain relief cream and leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
  • A CBD massage using local, all natural CBD to help relieve stress, inflammation, and insomnia.
  • A hot stone massage where hot river stones are placed strategically around the body to help provide full body and mind relaxation.

Grand Hyatt Vail

Rooms at The Grand Hyatt Vail include patios with mountain views, cozy fireplaces and comfy beds to end it all in. They also offer a variety of dining experiences.

You can enjoy fresh seasonal cuisine from the Gesner restaurant, appetizers and indulgent cocktails with terrace views at The Gore Creek Terrace Grill, or healthy and satisfying sandwiches and salads at The Market.

Safety Precautions for COVID-19

Safety is the top priority at the Vail Craft Beer Classic. Their “Safe Sips” process requires ticket holders to wear masks in social areas or when chatting with brewers. 

Brewers will also be masked and gloved, using single-serve cups for sanitation. 

Hand sanitizer will be accessible in all event areas, so you can freshen up in between tastings. 

Take a break from the 2020 stress while staying safe and having fun. Enjoy mountain views, socializing with fellow craft brew lovers, and a variety of flavors from your favorite breweries, then end your night with a good night’s rest in a plush, relaxing room. 

Even though the beer classic is just around the corner, it’s not too late to grab tickets and pre-game with some of the best local craft beer. Prepare your palate with our highly curated, specialized craft beer selection >