Food & Drink

Named after Johnny Cash’s iconic style, Black Shirt Brewing aims to embody that same sense of non-conformity and rule breaking in both their craft brewing and in their overall philosophy. They seek to challenge the norms of the craft beer industry through their unique beers and cocktails, while also acting as the self-proclaimed best music centric brewery.

Black Shirt Brewing aims to strike a balance between music, pizza, and beer. They’ve received accolades for their taproom patio and were even awarded “Best Brewery for Live Music” in 2017.

As this implies, they often play host to music performances in their urban beer garden, as well as other events such as comedy nights and festivals.

Check their website and Facebook page to stay up to date on all their events. 3719 Walnut St., Denver, 303-993-2799.

Below are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Live Music: Josh Blackburn
Saturday, November 23
6:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
FREE

More upcoming events at Denver area breweries

Closed permanently. If you think the phrase “canned craft beer” is an oxymoron, then you’ve never visited Oskar Blues Brewery. Known as the first craft brewery to can their beer, this brewery sells its brews across the country but calls Colorado home.

At Oskar Blues, they are firm believers that cans keep beer fresher for longer by eliminating the damaging effects of light and ingressed oxygen. So now you can enjoy the freshest and most flavorful beer possible, wherever you happen to go.

The brewery is in Longmont. Make sure to check their Facebook page or their website to see a full list of who is playing next and where.

1800 Pike Rd., Longmont, 303-776-1914.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Open Stage with Danny Shafer
Tuesday, August 21
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Boulder location
FREE
Join Danny Shafer and friends at one of the longest open mics in Boulder.

Live Music: Clay Rose
Thursday, August 23
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Longmont location
FREE

Live Music: The McKay Brothers
Friday, August 24
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Longmont location
FREE

Live Music: Chris Dismuke
Friday, August 24
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Boulder location
FREE

Live Music: The Delta Sonics
Saturday, August 25
8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Boulder location
FREE

Open Stage with Danny Shafer
Tuesday, August 28
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Boulder location
FREE
Join Danny Shafer and friends at one of the longest open mics in Boulder.

Live Music: Tangled Senses
Thursday, August 30
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Boulder location
FREE

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The award-winning Prost Brewing Company is so dedicated to creating the perfect lager that they use only 100% authentic German products shipped in from overseas. They specialize in session beers, which are drinks created to be enjoyed over an extended period of time, whether that’s during lunch, dinner, or with family and friends.

They have three locations in the area, one in Denver, one in Fort Collins, and one in Highlands Ranch. You can check out what events and specials they have coming up by checking out their Facebook page or their website. 2540 19th St., Denver, 303-729-1175. 351 W. 104th Ave., Unit A, Northglenn, 303-285-4431. 53 Centennial Blvd., Highlands Ranch, 720-679-0505.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Small Batch Trivia
Tuesdays
7 p.m.
Denver
FREE

Maifest Celebration
Saturday, May 4
12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Denver
FREE

More Fun Brewery Events

Ratio Beerworks is a product of the punk scene of the late 90’s. The DIY mindset of its founders led to a passionate exploration of brewing, which eventually built to the creation of their most ambitious project yet: Ratio Beerworks. The brewery focuses on creating a wide variety of carefully crafted beers that are based on traditional styles but that offer a modern twist.

While the scene at Ratio is all about beer, they also aim to translate the punk rock industry’s sense of community and can-do spirit through their frequent events. They often have food trucks on site and host live music, trivia, and more.

You can see a full list of their events on their Facebook page. 2920 Larimer St., Denver, 303-997-8288 (RiNo location). 2030 S. Cherokee St., Denver, 303-997-8288 (Overland location).

Below are some of their cheap or free upcoming events: 

Comedy Show
Wednesdays
8 p.m.
RiNo
FREE

Avalanche Awareness Class
Tuesday, November 19
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Overland
FREE

Simmer Down Sunday w/ Mile High SKA Social
Sunday, November 24
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Overland
FREE

Beer. Music. Party. TRIVIA.
Tuesday, November 26
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Overland
FREE

More upcoming events at Denver area breweries

As Colorado’s dedicated gluten-free brewery, Holidaily Brewing knows the secret to making great tasting beer. For them, the secret is a combination of high quality ingredients, knowledgeable employees, and plenty of passion.

And when they say gluten-free, they mean it – not a single gluten-containing ingredient enters their doors, so there is never a chance for cross contamination.

Holidaily Brewing aims to bring their “live life to the fullest” philosophy to everyone through their personal understanding and dedication to providing those with a celiac diagnosis, gluten sensitivity, or any interest in trying a gluten-free craft beer.

On top of serving up beers, Holidaily plays frequent host to food trucks, special events, and more. See a full list of their upcoming events on their website or their Facebook page.

801 Brickyard Cir., Golden, 303-278-2337.

Below are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Fall Festival
Saturday, October 26
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FREE (Entry)

More upcoming events at Denver area breweries

If you love a good beer as much as you love a good book, then Fiction Beer Company is the place for you. Created by two self-proclaimed book dorks and beer geeks, Fiction Beer offers craft beer recipes inspired by their favorite works of fiction.

Broken down into genres, you can choose brews from The Classics, Mystery & Adventure, and Fantasy & Science Fiction for a unique experience every time. This brewery is also Denver’s first to be located on Colfax Avenue, finally giving the surrounding East Denver neighborhoods a brewery to call their own.

Fiction Beer often plays host to food trucks, book club meetings, and other events. Keep up with what’s going on and other news through their Facebook page and website. 7101 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, 720-456-7163.

Below are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

If you’ve ever longed for a brewery that took a more scientific approach to beer, then Cerebral Brewing is the place you’ve been looking for. With the belief that beer is too vast a medium to be approached thoughtlessly, Cerebral focuses on crafting beer of the highest quality and consistency.

Cerebral Brewing’s overall goal is to celebrate beer by combining scientific methodology with an artistic viewpoint to create delicious beers that span a broad spectrum of styles. For them, crafting beer is more than a hobby. It is a culture, an art, and a science.

While visiting, you will often find a food truck on site, as well as the occasional live music or special event. Congress Park: 1477 Monroe St., Denver, 303-865-7341. Aurora Arts: 9990 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, 720-508-1984.

Find more of their upcoming events on their Facebook page or website.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Trivia
Tuesdays
6 p.m.
Congress Park & Aurora Arts
FREE

Queer Bingo w/ Talia Tucker
Wednesday, October 23
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Congress Park 
FREE
$1 from every pint sold during this event will be donated to the Transgender Center of the Rockies.

Queer Comedy Show
Thursday, October 24
7:30 p.m.
Aurora Arts
FREE

More upcoming events at Denver area breweries

Opened with the goal of becoming a place for the up and coming RiNo community, Our Mutual Friend Brewing began as a small neighborhood taproom. Since their opening, they have worked tirelessly to understand the techniques and history of beer while also looking forward to where craft beer was heading. The result has been their ability to offer both traditional styles while also having room for experimentation.

You can join them for live music and other events throughout the week. Check their website or Facebook page to see what they have coming up. 2810 Larimer St., Denver, 303-296-3441.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Trivia Night
Wednesdays
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FREE 

More Free & Cheap Brewery Events

When the founders of Cannonball Creek Brewing Company first opened the brewery, they knew they wanted to name it something that would reflect their love for their hometown of Golden. After doing some research, they learned that the original name for Clear Creek, which runs through the center of Golden, was Cannonball Creek. And so, Cannonball Creek Brewing Company was born.

With an always full food truck schedule, open mic nights, and more, there’s almost always something happening at Cannonball Creek. Check out their Facebook page or their website to see a full list of what’s coming up. 393 N. Washington Ave., Golden, 303-278-0111.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events: 

Punk Lager Fest
Friday, October 11
5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
FREE (Admission & Shuttle)

More Fun Events at Breweries

Ever wanted to feel as if you were a part of the production process of your favorite beers? At Bierstadt Lager, they make that experience a reality by placing you in the middle of their 21,000 square foot production facility. They brew some of the freshest lager and cider in the area, and offer a full menu based on the brewed-food movement.

The Rackhouse also offers cocktails and wines if that’s more your thing, and you can find tons of games and activities in their Beer Hall. They also play host to numerous events throughout the year, including live music and watch parties.

Check them out on Facebook to see updates and a full list of events, or swing by their website. 2875 Blake St., Denver, 720-570-7824.

Here are some of the upcoming free or cheap events:  

Bierstadt Big Top: The Pumpkin Spice Circus
Friday, November 15
9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
FREE

Live Music: Rachel Taulbee & Friends (80’s Tribute)
Saturday, November 16
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
FREE

Live Music: Funk Jam
Thursday, November 21
7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
FREE

Drag Musical Bingo w/ Talia Tucker
Friday, November 22
9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
FREE

Live Music: Kirk Larson Trio
Saturday, November 23
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
FREE

Live Music: LEGATO
Saturday, November 30
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
FREE

More upcoming events at Denver area breweries

Call to Arms Brewing Company is the product of the blending of three friends and their backgrounds. With each founder hailing from a different state, they aim to use their shared love of brewing beer to combine the cultures of New York and Connecticut with that of Colorado.

Call to Arms does this through their love of local, traditional food and drink, as well as the creation of their brewery into a timeless and neighborhood-friendly hang out spot.

Call to Arms plays hosts to comedy nights, live music, and other events. Check their Facebook page and website for more information and a full line-up. 4526 Tennyson St., Denver, 720-328-8258.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Holiday Market
Saturday, November 16
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
FREE (Entry)

More Fun Events at Breweries

14er Brewing Company was born out of two friends’ desire to enjoy beer with unique Denver flavor that wouldn’t leave them feeling sluggish or weighted down. 14er’s “uniquely crushable” beers feature distinct flavor profiles and extreme drinkability – meaning that even weekend warriors and avid athletes alike can enjoy them without having to slow down their adventures.

Originally opened without a physical location, they now have a pilot brewhouse and beer garden in Denver that features 31 taps. You can see what events they have happening by checking out their website or their Facebook page. 3120 Blake Street, Unit C, Denver, 720-773-1437. 

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events: 

Strange Brews: Magic and Beer Show
Saturday, September 14
8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
$15

Clothing Swap w/ Denver Yoga Social
Saturday, September 21
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
FREE

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At Alpine Dog Brewing, they have two loves: craft beer and the outdoors. They know that the term “Alpine Dog” is a reflection of the people and their love of the mountains. Whether you are mountain biking or snowboarding, or just enjoying the view with a brew, if you have a passion for the high country, you’re an Alpine Dog.

Alpine Dog Brewing aims to bring bold and unique brews to an equally bold and unique population. They are inspired by the adventurous spirit of Coloradans to explore nature, live life to the fullest, and enjoy great beer.

At the heart of their brewery is a neighborhood bar where you can share stories and attend events. Check out their full list of upcoming events on their website or their Facebook page. 1505 N. Ogden St., Denver, 303-832-1245.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Pride Party 2020
Sunday, June 21
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
FREE 
They’ll be open for on-site beers and will be offering Alpine Dog Pride tees. $1 from every item sold on the day will go to One Colorado. Peyote Mexican Food truck will be onsite. Masks are required inside when not seated. Please see the bartender to be seated in order to make sure there is a sanitized table available. All seating is first come, first served.

More upcoming events at Denver area breweries

At Copper Kettle Brewing their mission is simple: to create a local neighborhood bar where they strive to know your name and your story. A self-described mom and pop brewery, Copper Kettle is the perfect place to sit down, relax, and enjoy a beer with new and old friends alike.

While they don’t have a kitchen, you can often find new and familiar food trucks on site throughout the week.

They’ll also host other events, so make sure to check their Facebook page and website to see what they have going on. 1338 S. Valentia St. #100, Denver, 720-443-2522.

Here are some of their upcoming free or cheap events:

Comedy Night
Thursday, November 21
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FREE

More upcoming events at Denver area breweries