Best brews converge on the Springs

Colorado Springs will be the beer capital of the state — for one day, anyway — as brewers from across Colorado converge on the Event Center at Mr. Biggs Saturday for the All Colorado Beer Festival.

It’s the third year for the festival, which last year attracted 1,200 thirsty patrons to three tasting sessions. The year before, so many people came to the night session that many without tickets were turned away.

Festival director Randy Dipner sees it as a chance to expose Colorado Springs to brewers from around the state and vice versa.

“It gives people here in Colorado Springs a chance to really sample the great Colorado beers,” Dipner said. “It gets some of the brewers from a little bit outside this area, they come down here and see this is a market.”

And maybe they decide to begin selling their product in a town not as known for craft beers as Denver or Boulder.

The first year, many brewers were skeptical about the event, bringing few rare or experimental concoctions, and both elbow room and places to sit were scarce in the event hall. Many brewers ran out early during the night session.

But the format was changed to allow more space, with brewers’ booths along the walls instead of in rows, and 2008 saw a wider variety of beers that took a little more risk. Organizers encourage brewers to bring “edgier” beers. Only Colorado brewers are invited to the festival.

Dipner has 25 brewers registered, one more than last year, and there will be just two sessions, at noon and 5:30 p.m. There will also be a side room for food vendors, to provide more seating. He is hoping for 1,500 people.

All proceeds benefit local nonprofits. Organizers donated $14,000 last year.

All Colorado Beer Festival

When: Saturday, first session at noon, second at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Events Center at Mr. Biggs, 5825 Mark Dabling Blvd.

Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the door, for as many 2-ounce samples as you can drink. Admission is $10 for designated drivers; www.allcoloradobeerfestival.org

Extras: Music by Brickyard in the afternoon session and Jeremy Vasquez in the evening.

Benefits: TheatreWorks, Homes for Our Troops and the Colorado Springs Independent’s Give! Initiative.