With the Fall season creeping around the corner means the return of pumpkin beers. And one thing that is certain the comes with it is the return of the 20th Annual Great Pumpkin Beer Festival (GPBF) in Seattle, Washington. This year’s event that is once again hosted by Elysian Brewing will take place at the Seattle Center underneath the iconic Space Needle on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5 each day from 4:00 – 10:00pm.
As the largest purveyor of pumpkin beer in the country, Elysian Brewing is excited to bring back the pumpkin madness and celebrate 20 years of pumpkin beer with an impressive selection of 80+ beers and cider from local and national breweries, including eight new, exclusive brews from Elysian that will only be available at the festival! From decadent, aged pumpkin creations, rare offerings, seasonals and fresh hop delights, the selection for the 20th anniversary is not to be missed. Attendees will also have the chance to sip on beer straight from a several-hundred-pound pumpkin (pre-scooped and scorched before being filled with beer, then sealed and conditioned before being tapped live at the festival.)
In addition to indulging in the best pumpkin brews, local DJs will be spinning wicked tracks, food trucks will be serving carnival food, attendees can get readings from a fortune teller and beer floats will be served in partnership with Bluebird Ice Cream!
Plus, it wouldn’t be GPBF without a costume contest! This year’s theme is ORANGE. Join the revelry of pumpkin season worshippers and embrace the theme for your fest attire. Who knows, you might be crowned pumpkin royalty, but believe us, people go all out in this contest, so if you’re in it to win it, bring it.
100% of ticket proceeds benefit The Vera Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering personal and community transformation through collaborative engagement in music and art.
Tickets start at $35 for single day passes. New for 2024 will be a VIP day pass option for $100, including early entry, additional drink tickets and exclusive merch. As always, designated drivers or those that won’t be drinking can enjoy the festivities for just $5. Free bottled water and Elysian Odd Water Sparkling Hop Water will be available onsite. See below for more details on ticket pricing.
Great Pumpkin Beer Festival Ticket Pricing:
- VIP Pass: $100 plus fees
- Includes early entry at 3:30PM to the Fisher Rooftop, 8 drink tickets, an exclusive GPBF sweatshirt and collectible goblet.
- Two-Day Pass: $55 plus fees
- This includes 5 drink tickets and a GPBF collectible goblet.
- One-Day Pass: $35 plus fees
- This includes 5 drink tickets and a GPBF collectible goblet.
- Designated Driver Pass: $5 plus fees
- Drink tickets not included.
- Additional drink tickets will be sold at the festival for $2 each
***Must be 21+ to purchase tickets. Tickets are available for purchase online HERE and 100% of ticket proceeds go to The Vera Project.
And remember, it is 21 years of age or older to attend the GPBF.
And if you’re looking for something fun to do prior to the GPBF, Elysian Brewing will once again host The Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off on week earlier on Saturday, September 28th from Noon – 4:00pm at Elysian Taproom located at 5510 Airport Way S in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood. This all ages event will bring farmers and their giant pumpkins from around the region as they compete to see who has the biggest in the patch. From the weigh-off, the largest pumpkins will be tapped and filled with beer to be enjoyed on-site at the Great Pumpkin Beer Festival the following weekend. The free event will also include a band, face painting and pumpkin carving.
To learn more about the Great Pumpkin Beer Festival, visit theveraproject.org/greatpumpkin.
Seattle Center – 305 Harrison Street – Seattle, WA
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.