San Juan Brewfest - Summer Vacation Sun & Suds

Growing in size year over year, the 2021 festival attracted over 1,400 admirers of fine craft beers. Returning in force for this year’s 23rd celebration, brewers of beer, hard ciders, and more will travel to Durango from all over the Western United States to pour out their hearts and products for festival attendees. Each brewery will be bringing two to three of their selections, so expect over sixty varieties of the West’s finest adult beverages. It only takes one visit to understand why this is one of the area’s most beloved festivals.

There’s an exciting new addition to the festival for 2022. Due to the growing popularity of the event, organizers have added a VIP day on Friday the 26th from 5p to 8p. With only 500 VIP tickets available, Friday will be a more intimate gathering with shorter lines. The VIP event will be held in Buckley Park near historic downtown Durango, the same location as the main festival happening the following day. In addition to the souvenir glass and unlimited beer tastings included with all event tickets, food will be provided by local favorites 2nd Ave Deli & Spirits and the Cream Bean Berry, and complimentary festival merchandise will be offered to all VIP ticket holders. Friday’s live music will be performed by Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts, and lovers of outlaw country and classic rock n’ roll will enjoy dancing to their high-energy music.

The following day, festival gates will open at 1p for all ticket holders. Saturday’s festivities include all the same tasting opportunities and delicious food will be provided by Gosar Natural Foods from Monte Vista, Colorado. All the merchant vendors from Friday will be there, selling their unique creations to the public. For entertainment, Saturday’s opening musical act will be local favorites The Crags, and the headliner is Warsaw Poland Bros. Nationally known for great live performances, multiple albums, and voted a Jam Base top ten touring band, Warsaw has been to Durango many times. They have accrued a loyal following and are sure to bring their trademark energy to the Brewfest stage, so there will be no shortage of dancing and good times.

The San Juan Brewfest has been a proud supporter of United Way of Southwest Colorado since 2008. A regional powerhouse for community wellbeing, United Way of Southwest Colorado enriches communities by providing support in the areas of education, financial stability, and health. United Way’s origins began in Denver, Colorado, in 1887 when a small group of religious and community leaders collaborated to address issues surrounding their city’s welfare. Each year the San Juan Brewfest raises thousands of dollars to support United Way’s mission, and the mutual collaboration has generated increasing recognition and support over the years.

For those who want to get in some exercise before imbibing, we recommend the Thirsty 13 half-marathon. Another local event held on Saturday the 27th, the Thirsty 13 is a 13.1-mile race that finishes at Ska Brewing. The official website describes the annual race as “beautiful, scenic, and fast” while also lauding the San Juan Brewfest as “the best post-race party ever.” For those interested in burning off some calories and seeing the sights before the Brewfest commences, there are more details, including registration information, on the race’s website.

As one of Colorado’s premier travel destinations and a true Southwestern treasure, you can easily plan a weekend or even week-long getaway around the festival. Durango has a nearly bottomless well of summer activities, whether you desire high-altitude mountain summits or shopping for regional art in the historic downtown. From whitewater rafting and mountain biking to historic train rides and lively nightlife, Durango offers a wide variety of entertainment and recreation options for just about everyone. Visit the town’s travel information website to learn more.

Details at a Glance

Who: Benefits the United Way of Southwest Colorado
What: The 23rd annual San Juan Brewfest
When: August 26th and 27th, 2022
Where: Buckley Park,1250 Main Ave, Durango, CO
Why: A summer vacation to remember!

When you’re looking for your next vacation, we recommend Durango for your summer getaway and encourage you to reach out to us at Vacation Rental Collective for all of your accommodation needs. We know this amazing area because we’re a part of this wonderful community. With our local knowledge and real-time attention to detail regarding our client’s needs, we’re committed to providing an amazing experience with our best-in-class vacation rental services. We have a wide variety of options, including cabins, historic homes, condos, and more. Whether you want to be close to all the downtown action or prefer to be tucked away in your own private paradise, we’ve got you covered.

We would love for you to join us for this year’s San Juan Brewfest and sample the renowned craft beverage selection along with Durango’s famous summer recreation!