Downtown Beer Week in Loveland, Colorado: A Look at the Breweries

NOTE: This post will continually be updated as more Downtown Beer Week information is revealed. Keep checking in!

Beer isn’t just a drink—it means a lot more to many of us—playing a big part in the story of our lives. For instance, during my college days, in the late 1990s, a lot of hours were spent with friends at Boundary Bay Brewing in Bellingham, Washington.

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As brewery lovers, Ryan and I have targeted craft breweries in our travels. We consider the brewery to be the American version of the English pub—a place where friends, families, and dogs can gather to share a laugh and a pint or two.

We walk into a brewery and feel at home, so you can clearly see why I was excited when Downtown Loveland asked me to help promote beer week in Loveland, Colorado.

Downtown Beer Week will be focusing on the six breweries within the downtown district.

Crow Hop Brewing Co., 214 E. 4th Street

Located along 4th Street, in the heart of downtown, Crow Hop is a Loveland staple. Winning a Great American Beer Festival gold medal for their Rado’s Red Ale the year they opened, Crow Hop has been making great beer steadily ever since. In fact, their 9th-anniversary party is on October 1, and will feature five special releases: Russian Imperial Stout, Citra Beer, Barrel Aged Saison, Hibiscus Belgian Golden Strong, and a Wee Heavy.

With dark tables and brick walls, their taproom exudes a chill, Colorado vibe. A small patio faces 4th Street and a large patio graces the back alley. A ping pong table awaits anyone willing to try their hand. A long hallway bar welcomes thirsty patrons from far and right here in Loveland.

During Downtown Beer Week, in addition to their standard taps and anniversary release, they will feature an Oppo Double IPA.

Watch Crow Hops Facebook page for details on their upcoming anniversary party and Downtown Beer Week.

Loveland Aleworks, 118 W. 4th Street

Also located along 4th Street, Loveland Aleworks features high ceilings, long tables, and an extensive list of craft beers. A favorite among local groups who come to work and chat, this spot is a mainstay of downtown Loveland’s west end. The small patio out front is always full during the summer months, and the winter ones.

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On the weekends, there’s always a food truck parked out front. Check out the Loveland Aleworks Facebook page for the lineup.

Loveland Aleworks introduced the town to beer slushies and makes one of the best beermosas I’ve ever had

During Downtown Beer Week, on Monday, October 10, Loveland Aleworks will release an Apple Pie American Sour (this is also the beer they will highlight at the rooftop tasting on October 14 – info on tickets below). Loveland Aleworks will hold a special Promo Day on Tuesday, October 11, featuring buy-one-get-one free on all pints in celebration of Downtown Beer Week. In addition, all week they will offer 20% off four-packs of beer and merchandise.

Verboten Brewing, 127 E. 5th Street

On the day I visited for this post, a Monday, the taproom was packed. Without a doubt, Verboten Brewing is a hot spot for Lovelanders. We do end up here a lot, partly because I am partial to Stealth Haze, a New England IPA, and I adore the Watermelon Gose which is a special summer-only release.

Verboten Brewing makes good beer and there is a comfy atmosphere of brick, wood, and a barrel room. This is the only place on this list with a barrel room and I want to acknowledge this cozy space with red brick on one side and wooden barrels on the other. It’s an excellent spot for one of those beer meetings.

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Friday, October 14th during Downtown Beer Week, will be the day to visit Verboten. Special for the event, they are releasing a Sweet Potato Vienna Lager, with real sweet potatoes and nutmeg.

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While the world celebrates fall with a plethora of pumpkin beers, Verboten will stand apart with sweet potatoes. Best of all, they will be doing a BOGO Pint Deal on the Sweet Potato Beer, so keep tabs on their Facebook page for details.

Sky Bear Brewery & Pub, 272 E. 5th Street

The newest brewery in Loveland, Sky Bear opened August 2022. In addition to beer, this small pub offers food that includes a variety of pizza and favorites such as quesadillas, nachos and sandwiches.

Located in a parking lot, Sky Bear’s hidden patio is a gem. In the corner of the big building at E. 5th and North Lincoln (Hwy 287), it is a quiet place to enjoy a pint. A big, built-in black bar dominates the front tap area, and they serve cocktails as well as their craft beer.

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During beer week, they will introduce Aspen Gold, a Czech Amber Lager. It is not only their first Oktoberfest, but also the first release of a seasonal beer at Sky Bear. It will be the perfect malty beer to sip on the patio in the crisp fall air. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for future seasonal beer releases.

Rock Coast Brewery, 414 E. 6th Street

Rock Coast Brewery is the in-house brewery at A.K.A. Kitchen, a Loveland eatery with one of the best brunches in town (think bottomless mimosa and green chile gravy – oh yeah!). A lovely patio complete with a built-in fire pit makes A.K.A. Kitchen an inviting fall spot to dine al fresco.

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Inside, the contemporary bistro with eclectic art offers a mix of long tables, smaller tables, booths, and wooden beams. The open bar in the back of the restaurant space is the perfect place for a pint. A chalkboard will let drinkers know what beers are on Rock Coast Brewery’s tap.

Their ever-popular Kolsch is always a feature on tap around Northern Colorado. Their specials/releases for Downtown Beer Week are TBD.

Keep tabs on the brewery’s Facebook page to learn about new beers and other fun stuff happening at A.K.A. Kitchen.

Big Thompson Brewery, 114 E. 15th Street

For seven years, Big Thompson Brewery has kept the light on at the edge of the Downtown Loveland District. This building was Skate Castle when I moved to Loveland in 2003. Today, there are several work-a-day businesses located at this property, located on the north side of Hwy 34.

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It’s not the easiest brewery to get to, off of a one-way street behind the strip mall on Cleveland Avenue, aka Hwy 285. However, it is worth making the effort. For those of us who remember the way most breweries used to feel, Big Thompson has that sort of warmth.

The small taproom is flanked by a window looking into the brewery operation. There is a bar to sit at and a bright patio out back. Vinyl Night (on the third Saturday of the month) is a fun time. In fact, there is always something happening here from quiz nights to evenings of poetry.

Follow their Facebook page to keep up on what is going on at Big Thompson Brewery and what they have in store for Downtown Beer Week. Update: BOGO beer on Thursday, October 13!

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Feel free to ask for a brewery tour during Downtown Beer Week in Loveland, Colorado. Watch Downtown Loveland’s Facebook page for everything related to Beer Week, plus, keep an eye on each of the breweries’ Facebook pages for giveaways and more.

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By the way, there is a Downtown Beer Week Rooftop Tasting event on Friday, October 14. The event includes six tastings from the six downtown breweries on the rooftop of Desk Chair at 201 E. 4th Street. Guests will receive a commemorative tasting glass, appetizers, and goodies/coupons from downtown breweries and businesses. Get tickets here for only $15!

Now get out there and try some new beers in downtown Loveland, Colorado!

Featured Festival and Special Event spots on HeidiTown.com are paid advertisements. Interested in having your festival or event considered for a feature? Email TheMayor@HeidiTown.com.

 

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