Didn’t score tickets to the Great American Beer Festival this year? First, enter our contest for two free tickets here. Then, know that you can still get in on all the beer action during the fifth annual Denver Beer Fest, which runs from Friday, October 4, thorugh Sunday, October 12. The fest overlaps with GABF, and many breweries, bars and restaurants will hold special events in and around the metro area for those who didn’t get in or for those locals and visitors just can’t get enough.

Visit Denver, the city’s official tourism organization, sponsors the festival and makes sure to sign up the area's best beermakers and bars. Events include rare beer tastings, beer-pairing dinners, brewer vs. brewer nights, tap takeovers and many other ultrasudsy events.

For example, Elitch Gardens Fright Fest with the Wynkoop Brewing Company is Halloween fun for the whole family, but adults can get down with Wynkoop brews made just for the park, such as the 2013 Thrills and Spills Ale. This fright fest runs on two Fridays and Saturdays: October 5 and 6 and October 11 and 12.

You don't want to miss the "Out of the Ashes" beer dinner at Buckhorn Exchange on Thursday, October 10 — it will feature the beers of Fort Collins Brewery paired with five courses. There are two official seatings, at 6 and 8:30 PM, and seats will run you $75 per person.

Also check out the assorted brewery tours — head to Boulder nearly any day during the week to tour Avery, Upslope, Santias or Boulder Beer, and while you're there, check out the special exhibit on beer at the Boulder History Museum. Finish out the weekend at the Punkin Chunkin Colorado fest in East Metro at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. There's even a zip line.

Find out info about all these events and more at DenverBeerFest.com.