While there are no specific annual events or festivals dedicated solely to growlers and crowlers, these popular containers for craft beer are often celebrated and showcased at various beer festivals and events around the world. Let’s delve into the world of growlers and crowlers and explore where you can enjoy these vessels at beer-centric gatherings.
Beer Festivals
Beer festivals are a great place to find a wide variety of craft beers, including those served in growlers and crowlers. While these events may not be solely dedicated to growlers and crowlers, they offer an excellent opportunity to sample beers that are typically available in these containers. Here are a few notable beer festivals where you can enjoy beers served in growlers and crowlers:
- Great American Beer Festival (GABF): Held annually in Denver, Colorado, GABF is one of the largest beer festivals in the United States. While the focus is on celebrating American craft beers, you can find many breweries offering beers in growlers and crowlers for attendees to enjoy.
- Oktoberfest: This world-renowned beer festival originated in Munich, Germany, but it is now celebrated in many cities around the globe. While the main attraction is traditional German beers served in steins, many craft breweries offer their beers in growlers and crowlers at Oktoberfest celebrations.
- BeerAdvocate’s Extreme Beer Fest: This festival, organized by the popular beer website BeerAdvocate, showcases unique and innovative craft beers from around the world. While the focus is on pushing the boundaries of beer styles, you can often find breweries offering beers in growlers and crowlers at this event.
Local Beer Events
In addition to larger beer festivals, many local breweries and beer-focused establishments host events that feature beers served in growlers and crowlers. These events are a great way to support local craft breweries and enjoy a wide selection of beers in these popular containers. Here are some examples of local beer events where you can find growlers and crowlers:
- Brewery Anniversary Parties: Many breweries celebrate their anniversaries with special events that feature limited-edition beers available in growlers and crowlers. These parties often include live music, food trucks, and other festivities.
- Tap Takeovers: Some bars and restaurants host tap takeovers, where a brewery takes over all the taps for the evening. During these events, you can often purchase growlers and crowlers of the featured brewery’s beers to enjoy at home.
- Beer Release Parties: When a brewery releases a new beer, they often throw a party to celebrate. These events are a great opportunity to try the latest brews and pick up a growler or crowler to take home.
Beer and Food Pairing Events
In recent years, beer and food pairing events have become increasingly popular, offering attendees the chance to sample beers alongside delicious dishes. While the focus is on pairing beers with food, many of these events also feature breweries offering beers in growlers and crowlers. Here are a few examples of beer and food pairing events where you can enjoy beers in these containers:
- Beer Dinners: Restaurants and breweries often collaborate to host beer dinners, where each course is paired with a different beer. Many of these events offer the option to purchase growlers or crowlers of the featured beers to enjoy at home.
- Brewery Tours and Tastings: Some breweries offer tours that include tastings of their beers, along with the opportunity to purchase growlers and crowlers to take home. These tours are a great way to learn more about the brewing process and sample a variety of beers.
- Beer and Cheese Pairing Events: Beer and cheese pairings have become increasingly popular, with events dedicated to exploring the delicious combinations of different beers and cheeses. Many of these events offer beers in growlers and crowlers for attendees to enjoy.