Boulder stories
A Guide to Boulder's Craft Breweries: Pints Worth Seeking Out
Published July 2026 · Updated September 2026
Boulder didn't just stumble into craft beer culture — it helped define it. Long before "craft brewery" became a household phrase, local brewers here were pushing boundaries with bold hops and high-altitude ingredients. Whether you're in town for the festival or just passing through, tucking a brewery visit into your day is one of the easiest ways to feel like a local.
Avery Brewing Company
Avery Brewing is something of a Colorado institution. Founded in 1993, Avery built its reputation on unapologetically big, complex beers — barrel-aged monsters, sour ales, and hop-forward IPAs that regulars keep coming back for. Their taproom on Nautilus Court in Gunbarrel (opened 2015) is spacious and well-suited to groups, with a full kitchen serving food alongside the pints. If you appreciate a beer that rewards slow sipping, Avery is your place.
Upslope Brewing Company
Upslope leans into Colorado's outdoor identity — cans designed to go wherever an adventure takes you. Their Lee Hill location is the original, a smaller and more neighborhood-intimate taproom, while the Flatiron Park spot is the larger, busier production brewery. Their clean, approachable lagers and session ales make Upslope a crowd-pleaser even for guests who don't typically seek out craft beer. It's a natural fit for a festival crowd that needs something refreshing between films.
Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery
Mountain Sun is a Boulder original in the truest sense. No TVs, rotating taps brewed in-house, and a counter-culture warmth that has kept regulars loyal for decades. The Pearl Street location can get busy, but the wait is usually worth it. Sister spot Southern Sun in South Boulder expands the footprint around town. If you want the most "Boulder" beer experience possible, Mountain Sun delivers it unpretentiously.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Hours change seasonally, and festival periods can bring adjusted schedules or higher-than-usual crowds. Always check each brewery's website or call ahead before making it the centerpiece of your evening.
- Boulder's walkable core makes it easy to combine a brewery visit with dinner on Pearl Street or a stroll through the Pearl Street Mall.
- Most of these spots are accessible by Boulder's HOP and SKIP bus routes, so you can skip the parking search entirely.
Craft beer is woven into Boulder's DNA, and any of these three breweries will give you a genuine taste of what makes the local scene worth celebrating — festival badge or not.