It may be Blue Friday in Seattle, but our mind is currently on the color orange. Celebrating 20 years of bringing this town pumpkin infused ale as the leaves begin to turn, the Great Pumpkin Beer Festival is back at Seattle Center.

Scheduled for the first weekend of October, this two-day event is always a hit with beer enthusiasts, lovers of fall, and Halloween wizards. 

Elysian Brewing, renowned for its pumpkin ale prowess, is once again at the helm of this fun and quirky fest. In fact, Elysian is set to roll out eight new creations exclusive to the event. In addition to these brews, there will be over 80 craft beers and ciders from some of the best brewers in the region, showing off their pumpkin-infused concoctions. 

But the Great Pumpkin Beer Festival isn’t just about sipping suds (although that’s a big part of it). Local DJs will be on hand, food trucks will line the grounds serving up just the right bites of carnival-inspired fare, and even a fortune teller will be on hand for those curious about what’s brewing in their future. For the kid in all of us, beer floats will be served using one of Seattle’s favorite small-batch frozen confection, Bluebird Ice Cream.

If you are looking to dress to impress for the Halloween season, the fest’s costume contest is the perfect place to show off your fit. This year’s theme is “orange” in whatever form that may take. 

One BIG pumpkin 

Of course, the main event revolves around a massive (we’re talking several hundreds of pounds massive) hollowed-out pumpkin. The surprise inside that pumpkin is…pumpkin beer. As the pumpkin itself is tapped and the beer flows, those in attendance jostle up to the massive gourd to fill their goblets. The whole scene becomes an almost ritualistic event as horns blast, people dance and beer lovers revel into the waning hours of the fest.  

You can go “all-in” this year as a new VIP option ($100) provides added perks like early entry, an exclusive GPBF sweatshirt and a few extra drink tickets. Otherwise you can grab single-day passes ($35) or a two-day pass ($55) with 100% of proceeds benefitting The Vera Project. Those passes get you 5 beer tickets (more can be purchased on-site) and a 2024 GPBF goblet to savor the flavor. 

Given that this marks the 20th Anniversary of the fest, organizers are sure to throw in some extra surprises in celebration along the way. Tickets are on sale now.  

The Great Pumpkin Beer Festival
Seattle Center (305 Harrison Street Seattle, WA 98109)
Friday October 4th + Saturday October 5th
4-10PM