Craft beer in small mountain towns is the coolest thing since sliced bread. Hip to the hops, Durango is home to several celebrated breweries, including Steamworks Brewing Co., Ska Brewing Co., and Carver Brewing Co., among others. How often do you get to sample them side by side? The answer is rarely, so seize the suds at Durango’s beloved San Juan Brewfest.
Among the many events highlighting Durango’s unique spirit, the San Juan Brewfest stands out as a premier celebration of craft beer. As an ode to the end of summer, the festival occurs at Buckley Park in downtown Durango on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. on the weekend before Labor Day. It’s where beer aficionados congregate and sip away the afternoon.
The San Juan Brewfest honors craft beer from breweries near and far, recognizing them as the elixir of life. Beer enthusiasts can sample various brews from some of the best craft breweries in the state and nation, many of which have earned national and international acclaim. There’s a beer for everyone, from fruity IPAs and rich stouts to pickle or green chile varieties.
Purgatory Resort hosted the first San Juan Brewfest in 1999. It’s since grown to feature nearly 40 breweries and cideries, attracting 1,500 to 2,000 attendees annually. In 2013, United Way of Southwest Colorado took over, moving the event to downtown Durango. With live music booked by the Animas City Theater, SJBF is Durango’s most exciting and extensive beer-tasting festival.
“It’s the end-of-summer celebration. Our attendees want it to be in a well-organized, calm, fun environment. We do everything we can to encourage that.” said Tim Walsworth, the Executive Director of Durango’s Business Improvement District.
San Juan Brewfest’s strong sense of community sets it apart from other beer festivals. The BID and UWSWC collaborate in managing the San Juan Brewfest to run a smooth and successful event. Over the years, the Brewfest has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the UWSWC for community initiatives, including educational programs, youth services, and local infrastructure projects.
”We help youth and families to succeed,” explained UWSWC President and CEO Lynn Urban. “We do that in several different ways. We’ve been known for raising money locally and granting it out to partner nonprofits, but the bulk of our work is building collaborative solutions to community problems.”
Familiar organizations such as The HIVE, Adaptive Sports Association, and Durango Food Bank are among the groups that have benefited from the help of United Way, which serves five counties and focuses on youth and family success and helping people in need.
“Many events focus on one nonprofit, and ours ultimately benefits us, plus 36 other partners,” Walsworth added. “So it helps us bring in more volunteers because all those partners want to help us run a successful event.”
Rain or shine, there’s always a passionate crowd that shows up.
“The Brewfest fills up local hotel rooms, and we see that more is spent on dining and shopping than the weekend before the Brewfest. It is the best weekend in the month of August for local businesses,” Walsworth stated.
What would a mountain town beer festival be without some form of physical activity? The Thirsty 13 half marathon falls on Saturday, day two of the festival. Participants of the Thirsty 13 can purchase tickets at a 30% discount. There’s nothing better than rewarding yourself with a beer after running a half marathon.
Every ticket holder receives a specialized Brewfest glass upon entering the festival. With unlimited three- to four-ounce pours of new or familiar brews and ciders, the event has your taste buds dancing by the night’s end.
Three-ounce tasters might not seem like much—until you’ve had a few too many. Every booth features a QR code with information for a safe ride home, and designated drivers can buy event tickets at half-price.
“We have an area for the designated rivers to hang out and enjoy the event, and we give them free non-alcoholic beverages, like mocktails, not just Diet Coke,” Walsworth said.
The San Juan Brewfest is more than a celebration of craft beer; it’s a lively gathering that highlights the region’s rich brewing culture and offers attendees a chance to explore new flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or a curious newcomer, you’ll discover innovative new beers and enjoy the sudsy atmosphere that only craft beer can bring to a small mountain town.
By Leah Nott
