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Schedule
2020 Schedule of Events
Skip the standard same ol’ beer fests and getaway in beautiful Vail Village for a weekend of outdoor adventures and hundreds of curated craft beverages. Newly added in 2020, an extensive selection of craft ciders and seltzers alongside the craft beer lineup you already love.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, including infants or children, and you must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
FAC Friday Afternoon Club
Preview the classic with outdoor adventures & activities
More Info: Age 21+ | Outdoor | Walk-Around Tasting | Beer & Seltzer Tasting
Get ready for craft beer elevated at the kick-off to the Vail Craft Beer Classic! Meet up with fellow craft beverage fans at Solaris Plaza and start your weekend off right with unique tastings, outdoor activities, and adventures.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show a valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Biggest Weekend Events
Sip at the Summit
Colorado’s Highest Altitude Craft Beer Experience
More Info: Age 21+ | Indoor/Outdoor | Beer, Cider & Seltzer Tasting | Buffet Dinner
Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Vail Mountain and explore a range of craft beers, ciders, and seltzers! Sample Colorado’s finest breweries, pouring their favorite brews alongside a world-class buffet dinner as sunsets over the Rockies. Plus, get up close and personal with members of the Colorado Brewer’s Guild, the folks who make the beer. Attendance is limited.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show a valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
VIP Toast of Vail
Exclusive Specialty Tastings at the Toast
More Info: Age 21+ | Outdoor | Beer Sampling | Spirits & Beer
Get the VIP treatment and enjoy an extra hour of exclusive tastings at the signature event at this year’s Classic! Ticket includes a commemorative pint glass and VIP access. Extremely limited tickets available for the VIP experience.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show a valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Toast of Vail - Friday
More Info: Age 21+ | Outdoor | Beer Sampling | Spirits & Beer
The Vail Craft Beer Classic presents the beer fest you’ve always dreamed of – crowdless! We’ve found the silver lining of social distancing with a no-wait beer tasting nestled in the heart of Vail Valley. You’ll get quality beers you’d expect from the Classic, poured alongside scenic views of the mountains and smells of the hops you’ve missed so much. Your favorite breweries have missed you and can’t wait to meet you in the mountains!
Safe Sips – How It Works
The safety of our guests and brewers is our top priority! To keep you safe, we’ve implemented a few rules for a safe event.
- Masks will be required in some areas of the festival when mingling and chatting with brewers
- Collect samples from the breweries on your tray and take your beers back to your area to remove your mask and drink your samples with your group.
- Brewers will be required to wear masks and gloves, handing out single use cups for samples
- Hand Sanitizer will be readily available all over the event
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show a valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Toast of Vail - Saturday
More Info: Age 21+ | Outdoor | Beer Sampling | Spirits & Beer
The Vail Craft Beer Classic presents the beer fest you’ve always dreamed of – crowdless! We’ve found the silver lining of social distancing with a no-wait beer tasting nestled in the heart of Vail Valley. You’ll get quality beers you’d expect from the Classic, poured alongside scenic views of the mountains and smells of the hops you’ve missed so much. Your favorite breweries have missed you and can’t wait to meet you in the mountains!
Safe Sips – How It Works
The safety of our guests and brewers is our top priority! To keep you safe, we’ve implemented a few rules for a safe event.
- Masks will be required in some areas of the festival when mingling and chatting with brewers
- Collect samples from the breweries on your tray and take your beers back to your area to remove your mask and drink your samples with your group.
- Brewers will be required to wear masks and gloves, handing out single use cups for samples
- Hand Sanitizer will be readily available all over the event
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show a valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Breaking the Barrel (Hike & Lunch)
Up A Mountain, Down A Beer
More Info: Age 21+ | Hike | Paired Lunch | Westward Whiskey | Whiskey, Beer & Cocktail Tasting
Lace-up your hiking boots and get ready for a picture-perfect Colorado experience. Guided by local ambassadors, you’ll hike alongside brewers, owners and other craft beer enthusiasts. Following the hike, enjoy a paired lunch from Gessner at Grand Hyatt Vail and beers from Ratio Beerworks.
Not interested in Hiking? We have an option for a lunch-only ticket too!
Mother Nature Disclaimer: Hike may be weather dependent if trails and/or conditions are unsafe for our hikers. The lunch pairing portion of the event will happen rain or shine. This hike is geared for the beginner/intermediate level; please allow up to 3 hours for the hike and lunch. Limited space, as we want you to enjoy the hike without a crowd.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Fill Your Weekend
Rocky Mountain Burger Battle
The Rocky's Best Burger Competition
More Info: Age 21+ | Outdoor | Burger Tasting & Competition
Rocky Mountain Burger Battle boasts the most impressive burger tasting in the Colorado mountains. The champion is crowned in this all inclusive beefy bonanza featuring an exclusive, curated bracket of restaurants, and their hand-crafted masterpieces. It all goes down June 25th in Vail Village, presenting burgers from across the Western Slope.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Beer Lovers Package
Sip at the Summit & Toast of Vail
More Info: Age 21+ | Outdoor/Indoor | Beer | Package includes Sip at the Summit & Toast of Vail
Get the most out of your Vail experience with the tickets to the largest tastings of the weekend. This combo package includes one ticket to Friday’s Sip at the Summit at Mid Vail and one ticket to the Saturday Toast of Vail. This special package is a limited offer.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Gears & Beers Lunch
Cruise Vail Pass with a Brewer
More Info: Age 21+ | Beer from New Belgium | Lunch | Road Bike | Shuttle to Vail Pass
Hop on for this unique event that combines two of Vail’s best world-class activities, biking and dining! This truly unforgettable road ride will start at the top of Vail pass and end at a paired lunch with New Belgium Brewing. Experts from the brewery will be entertaining their two passions, beer and the great outdoors. Following the ride, shed the dirt and indulge in a delicious lunch and beer tasting.
Mother Nature Disclaimer: Ride may be weather dependent if trails and/or conditions are unsafe for our riders. Lunch pairing portion of the event will happen rain or shine.
Shuttle to the top of the pass included in ride. Bikes and helmets provided at additional cost.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
VIP Beer & Burger Lover Package
Rocky Mountain Burger Battle & VIP Toast of Vail
More Info: Age 21+ | Outdoor/Indoor | Beer | Burgers | Package includes Rocky Mountain Burger Battle & VIP Toast of Vail ticket
Be there for the inaugural Rocky Mountain Burger Battle this June 20 for the ultimate burger showdown! Taste and vote for your favorite burger from an impressive, curated bracket of independently owned restaurants from across the Rocky Mountains. Return to Vail Village Saturday for the Toast of Vail, the largest sampling of the Vail Craft Beer Classic. This special package is a limited offer including one ticket to both events.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Beer & Burger Weekender Package
Rocky Mountain Burger Battle, Sip at the Summit, & Toast of Vail
More Info: Age 21+ | Outdoor/Indoor | Beer | Burgers | Package includes Rocky Mountain Burger Battle, Sip at the Summit & VIP Toast of Vail ticket
Fill your weekend with beer, burgers and more beer! Thursday night, be there for the inaugural Rocky Mountain Burger Battle and the ultimate burger showdown! Friday night ride the gondola to the top of the mountain for a BBQ dinner and beer tasting you’ll never forget. Wind down on Saturday for the Toast of Vail and large sampling of beers from Colorado and beyond. This is the ultimate Vail dining package and not to be missed! This special deal is a limited offer including one ticket to both events.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Adventures & Seminars
Ales & Anglers
Fly Fishing Excursion With A Brewer
More Info: Age 21+ | Beer | Picnic Lunch | Outdoors
Fish alongside Chad Yakobson, owner of Crooked Stave Brewing and his team of brewers on the Eagle River. They’re avid fisherman and you can pick their brain on everything from wild fermentation to wild trout at this angler’s paradise. Whether you’re casting for the very first time or matching the hatch in early morning solitude, this unique seminar brings you the best in fly fishing, scenery, and of course, beer.
Guides, gear, and fishing licenses will be provided by Minturn Anglers. Please allow ample time for this excursion – approx. 8AM-1PM. This guided event is limited to the first 10 people who register.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
WTF! Whiskey, Tannin, Frothy
Comparative Pairing with Whiskey, Wine and Craft Beer
More Info: Age 21+ | Paired Lunch | Vail Brewing Company | Wine | Jameson Whiskey | Master Sommelier Sean Razee
Food and wine pairings have been the rage for years. But why does wine get to have all the fun? In this luncheon, the experts dive deeper with you into food pairings like you’ve never experienced before. Sensational small plates matched perfectly with different wines, whiskeys, and beers, giving you a full appreciation of food pairings. This seminar will expand your senses, increase your knowledge, and impress your palate.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Beer Appétit: Cooking vs. Pairing
Create Your Own Beer Dinner
More Info: Age 21+ | Beer | Small Plates | Horse & Dragon Brewing Company
Beer and food have the power to transform each other—enhancing your experience and enjoyment of both. We’ll explore the metamorphosis of beer and food together whether they have been expertly paired, or added into the cooking process. This crash course will provide you with the confidence to create your own pairings and add beer to recipes at home. We’ll cover the “sure things,” the “don’t go there’s” and everything in between with Horse & Dragon Brewery and our Cicerone and Chef partners.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Tales from the Taproom Brew Day
Wins, Fails & We-Probably-Shouldn't-Admit-This... Homebrew Class
More Info: Age 21+ | Homebrew Day | Informal Panel | Q&A
Learn practical ways to improve your homebrew from experienced brewers and owners. Ask your most burning questions during a homebrew day with our panel of experts from CO Brew and White Labs! This is your chance to ask the questions they don’t tell you on the tour. Limited to a small group to make it an intimate brew day where you can learn and engage with the masters.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Hair Of The Dog Hike
Recovery Hike & Lunchinar
More Info: Age 21+ | Beer from Bonfire Brewing| Lunch | Hike
Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails for gorgeous views of the Gore Range, wildflowers, and maybe even some furry critters. Guided by local ambassadors, you’ll hike alongside brewers, owners and other beer enthusiasts. Following the hike, enjoy a paired lunch from Vail Chophouse and beers from those you just hiked with – a picture perfect Colorado experience!
Mother Nature Disclaimer: Hike may be weather dependent if trails and/or conditions are unsafe for our hikers. Lunch pairing portion of the event will happen rain or shine. This hike is geared for the beginner/intermediate level; please allow up to 3 hours for the hike and lunch. Limited space, as we want you to enjoy the hike without a crowd.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Beer Appétit: Cooking vs. Pairing
Create Your Own Beer Dinner and Other Unique Pairings
More Info: Age 21+ | Beer from Horse & Dragon Brewing Company | Small Plates
Beer and food have the power to transform each other—enhancing your experience and enjoyment of both. We’ll explore the metamorphosis of beer and food together whether they have been expertly paired, or added into the cooking process. This crash course will provide you with the confidence to create your own pairings and add beer to recipes at home. We’ll cover the “sure things,” the “don’t go there’s” and everything in between with Horse & Dragon and our Cicerone and Chef partners.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
Chasing Trends Tasting
Newest Beer Styles, Pairings and Collaborations
More Info: Age 21+ | 3+ Breweries | Panel | Q&A
What does it take to stand out in a crowded market of breweries and new beer styles? We’ll talk to 3 breweries about their latest and most creative concepts to stay on top. Try Hemp beers, Brut IPAs, Norwegian Farmhouse, and open fermented brews. It doesn’t stop at the styles, try unusual pairings like beer and bugs – ya, it’s a thing. This is not your traditional tasting and you’ll get to try a dozen of our most unique brews at this beerinar.
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges. No one under 21 will be admitted, must show valid photo ID. The Classic urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly.
