Today, New Belgium Brewing announced that it has cancelled Denver’s 2017 Tour de Fat event. The annual brew-and-bike festival, now in it’s 18th year, was slated for August 26.

According to Bryan Simpson, public relations director for New Belgium, the reason for the cancellation is that Denverites were “frustrated and disappointed” by the event’s many changes this year. The switch-ups included first-time-ever paid entry, a venue change from City Park to the National Western Complex, and the elimination of one the flagship activities, the bike parade.

“We moved to a paid model this year to bring in bigger bands and expand our philanthropic outreach,” Simpson said. “…we had to change the venue to accommodate crowds bases on previous year’s attendance. As we also moved the event to later in the day, it’s been much more challenging securing parade permits due to heavier traffic in the afternoon, so we reluctantly had to eliminate Denver’s formal parade. We are revisiting all of these elements in our planning for next year’s Tour de Fat.”

Non-profit partners Denver Cruiser Ride and Bike Denver will still receive the funds anticipated from the event before it was cancelled. Ticket holders have two options: Exchange your tickets for one of the other upcoming Colorado events (more info below), or receive a full refund; email feedback@newbelgium.com with your preferred option.

CO Tour de Fats remaining:
Boulder Tour de Fat featuring Wilderado on August 25
Colorado Springs Tour de Fat featuring Wilderado on August 26
Ft. Collins Tour de Fat featuring the All-American Rejects and X Ambassadors on September 2

Callie Sumlin
Callie Sumlin
Callie Sumlin is a writer living in Westminster, and has been covering food and sustainability in the Centennial State for more than five years.