Deep in western Colorado’s rugged landscape, the award-winning Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa will host its first Gateway to Craft Beer festival over Memorial Day weekend, May 26–29. This four-day celebration at the luxury resort brings together a selection of Colorado’s top craft breweries and their brewers for tastings, educational seminars and special events focused on the art and enjoyment of craft beer.
Featured guests include Dave Thibodeau, owner and founder of Ska Brewing Company, and Matt Thrall, director at Left Hand Brewing Co. Both brewers will lead tastings and discussions, sharing their experience and passion for brewing in seminars designed for both newcomers and seasoned beer enthusiasts. Sessions will cover topics such as flavor profiles, pairing principles and the story behind Colorado’s vibrant craft-beer scene.
One highlight of the weekend is a four-course dinner at Entrada, the resort’s fine-dining restaurant. Thibodeau and Thrall will curate beer pairings that complement each course, offering guests an opportunity to taste how thoughtfully selected beers can enhance a multi-course menu. While most festival activities are complimentary for resort guests, the four-course dinner with the brewers requires a separate reservation and carries a $95 per person fee.
Beyond tastings and seminars, the festival pairs outdoor experiences with craft-beer hospitality. Attendees can join a guided hike through the scenic red‑rock canyon country led by Thibodeau and Thrall, concluding with a hosted beer sampling among the dramatic landscapes. The weekend will also feature a stargazing session led by Zebulon Miracle, Gateway Canyons’ official curator of curiosity, offering a unique opportunity to combine astronomy and craft-beer appreciation under the clear Colorado sky.
Gateway to Craft Beer is designed to be both educational and enjoyable: a relaxed yet informative program that highlights local brewing talent while taking advantage of the resort’s exceptional setting and amenities. With a mix of free events for guests and select ticketed experiences, the festival aims to appeal to visitors who appreciate craft beer, great food and the outdoors.
Attendees should plan ahead for reservations, especially for the intimate dinner at Entrada, and check availability for guided hikes and limited-capacity seminars. The festival provides a chance to taste beers from notable Colorado brewers, learn from industry professionals and experience Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa’s distinctive combination of culinary offerings and natural beauty over a long holiday weekend.