GABF and covid

If this means anything I'm guessing it's probably a no-go.
https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/04/health-expert-concerts-wont-return-fall-2021/

 

Highly doubt it’s held this year

 

Oktoberfest has already been cancelled, and it would have started the week before GABF. If they don't cancel it outright, they'll almost certainly delay it. Gonna be an interesting year in the beer world. Those early figures about likely brewery closures are scary as hell.
I'm doing everything I can to support the places I care about.

 

I'd guess it's less than 50-50. Hell, ski season 20/21 might not happen.

 

They're drafting football players right now, but I will be shocked if there's a season this year.

 

Looks like they are moving forward as of yesterday (May 2nd)...

https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/news/2020-brewery-registration-opens-june-9/

 

I am curious just how many folks (both in regards to brewers and drinkers) are going to be comfortable in such as mass gathering setting at this point? I also question how income might impact one's ability to attend this festival. I could see this being far more locals centric, from breweries and drinkers.

Also, what kind of restrictions might be in place? Distancing, replacing cups after every poor? Etc.?

 

If the governor doesn't lift the ban on large gatherings, not sure how it would work this year. I believe they're exploring the possibility of postponing GABF for a few months

 

Would holding it outside help? Not sure where, but open space could provide some relief.

 

In the deeply selfish recesses of my brain, the likely postponement/cancellation of GABF is one of the lowest of the myriad low points of this whole pandemic experience. GABF happened to coincide perfectly with both my birthday and a stop in Denver for a wedding during a cross-country move to the PNW. Many parts of that plan are, obviously, currently in flux, and the lost chance to make it to the beer fest to end all beer fests just really fucking sucks.

 

My money’s on both being cancelled this year, but it’s possible they hold the competition (hundreds of conscientious judges) but not the festival (thousands of drunk randoms).

 

GABF pivots to be an online event. Competition is still moving forward

 

Email mentions complete festival and ticket details will be announced 8/1. Curious what the online festival is all about. It's cool that the competition is still taking place and breweries will receive medals nonetheless. Don't understand how the festival itself could pivot to an online format, but we will see...

 

I appreciate that they'll still be giving out awards.
Not sure about the "online" festival component. Unless they plan on mailing beers (or having some kind of pick-up locally), I don't see the point. There's no way I'm paying to attend a Zoom meeting with a bunch of people drinking at home.

 

Room 1: Video of people dropping glasses
Room 2: Your chance to yell, "Oooooohhh!' with 5k others
Room 3: Option to buy $10 slice of pizza