Every year, the GABF has a different theme. Not a planned theme, like Hawaiian, or the Eighties; it's more like a commonality of 'what's new.' Two years ago, brewers were showing a lot of 'over the top with hops' beer. The new style for the 2005 GABF was the oak aged brew. There were even a few gluten-free brews last year. Usually a theme becomes a norm the next year, especially if it is well received by the revelers at the Convention Center.

It's not just the brewers that pick up on a new trend and accept it into their subculture. Pretzel necklaces, neck-strung tasting glass holders, and t-shirts with uproarious slogans are what the in-the-know people are wearing at the GABF these days. When someone drops their tasting glass a verbal wave of admonishment rises in unison from the crowd, like a secret blessing. The crowd is gregarious, scruffy, and always entertaining, sharing a passion for beer that seems to connect them together like a nationality. If the people watching isn't enough there will be live music, cooking with beer demonstrations, and book signings.

The GABF is one of those classic events that ushers in the holidays. This festival represents the best the brewing world has to offer. Thousands of handcrafted beers will be in attendance. Plus, the GABF is one of the most esteemed beer competitions in the world. Over one hundred judges evaluate over 2,000 brews. Winning a metal at the GABF is a prestigious accolade. The award ceremony takes place at Saturday's connoisseur's tasting.

Opening night session is Thursday, September 28, 2006, from 5:30 pm-10:00 pm. Friday, September 29th hours are 5:30 pm-10:00 pm. Saturday, September 30, 2006 the GABF has two sessions. The connoisseurs session runs from 12:30pm - 4:30 with a second and final session running from 5:30 pm-10:00 pm. You can read more about the Great American Beer Festival at http://www.gabf.org To buy tickets go to http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/5b1mkx.