There are a few things we know for sure about Coloradans—we love our dogs, our beer, and philanthropy. The Denver Dumb Friends League is combining these passions into a charity event series called Yappy Hour, a seasonal, dog-friendly gathering of pet lovers to enjoy brews, contests, and other seasonal festivities. During four evenings throughout November and December, attendees can hoist holiday beers at local breweries to help support DFL’s mission to rescue animals in need, provide medical care and behavioral training, and help each animal find its forever home.

At these events, attendees can enjoy drink specials and/or purchase a “Hoppy Holidays” pint glass for $10, with proceeds going to help the 20,000 homeless pets that the Dumb Friends League takes in each year. These special glasses will become collectibles as the organization puts on other seasonal Yappy Hours with different pint glasses this upcoming spring and summer.

All this serious charity work also comes with a side of good old-fashioned fun. Beyond the beer drinking and pet loving, there will be giveaways, treats, and prize drawings. And on December 15, event organizers are hosting an ugly sweater contest for both humans and dogs. Don’t worry if Fido doesn’t have anything to wear; there will be doggie sweaters available for purchase.

If you’re looking to attend any of the events in this series, it’s helpful (but not required) to reserve your free seat at the breweries ahead of time.


Hit Yappy Hour:

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6–8 p.m.; Declaration Brewing Co., 2030 S. Cherokee St.; 25 percent off one beer when you buy a pint glass

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6–8 p.m.; Ratio Beerworks, 2920 Larimer St.; $1 of every beer sold benefits the Dumb Friends League

Friday, Dec. 4, 6– 8 p.m.; Comrade Brewing Company, 7667 E. Iliff Ave.; portion of proceeds benefit the Dumb Friends League

Tuesday, Dec. 15, 6– 8 p.m; Alpine Dog Brewery, 1505 Ogden St.; 10 percent of the night’s sales benefit the Dumb Friends League

(Read about Denver’s vast and varied breweries in 5280‘s Behind the Brew series)