The last few years have been tough on many local breweries. More are opening than closing. Costs are rising. Interest in craft beer is waning. And earlier this month, the industry’s national trade association said production volume slipped by 5.1% nationwide in 2026, while more breweries closed (481) than opened (300) during the year.
But you won’t be able to tell today. That’s because it’s Colorado Pint Day, an annual tradition that serves as a rallying cry for the 215-plus in-state breweries participating this year. They are still chugging — and chugging along.
People really like Pint Day,” said Shawnee Adelson, the director of the nonprofit Colorado Brewers Guild. “Some breweries say it is one of their busiest Wednesdays of the year, or even one of their busiest days altogether during the year.”
That’s because on Colorado Pint Day, participating Guild members sell limited-edition collectible pint glasses, with $1 from every glass going to CBG’s “mission of promoting, protecting, and propelling its members through advocacy, education, and public awareness,” according to the organization. And they have become highly sought-after by beer fans.
This year’s glass features artwork by Joe Palec, whose doodle-style drawing commemorates Colorado’s 150th birthday and the United States’ 250th birthday, both being celebrated in 2026.
And while it might seem like the number of participants would shrink each year due to brewery closings (Sanitas Brewing, Copper Kettle Brewing, Luki Brew and Pug Ryan’s are just four of those that have recently announced their closings), the number of CBG members and Colorado Pint Day participants has stayed consistent, or even increased, the Guild said.
“A lot of breweries are opening up 2nd, 3rd and 4th locations, and that adds a location for Pint Day,” Adelson said. “People are still excited about getting out to their brewery.” Thirty-nine locations are participating this year that didn’t in 2025.
All told, the CBG has about 275 members, or nearly 70% of the total number of breweries in Colorado, which is around 400.
So the industry is still strong, it is still vibrant and there is a lot of positivity, Adelson said. The Guild’s most recent event, Collaboration Fest, attracted nearly 1,600 people and was financially successful.
All of which is to say that Colorado Pint Day this year is a cause for celebration, she added. To find the list of participating breweries, . Get there early because most breweries sell out very quickly.
