OK; now why would I bother to list my Top 10 favorite U.S. beer festivals? The main reason is that at these festivals, one is able to try a multitude of Belgian inspired beers as well as Belgian beers in one location. For my readers that do not have a world-class beer bar in or near your location, a trip to one of these festivals will allow you to try numerous Belgian styles and gain a very good understanding of what the styles are and their characteristics. Please keep in mind that there are literally hundreds of excellent beer festivals all across the North American continent every year; some are yearly events and some are one time festivals; but I have rarely been to a festival that was a total waste of time. My list is of the festivals that I consider being the very best festivals and those that feature a great selection of Belgian and/or Belgian style beers. If I left out some that my readers consider to be better; sorry, but the chance is that I have not attended those festivals; so I am unable to comment.
#1) Great Taste of the Midwest, Olin-Turville Park, Madison, Wisconsin
I am sure to receive some feedback about my pick for number one spot, but I have my reasons. Yes, my number 2 festival is considered the granddaddy of all North American beer festivals. Yes; the GABF is bigger; more beers, more people, more excitement; and it’s for those reasons that I consider the GTOM to be my favorite. Sometimes less crowds and less excitement allows me to enjoy m
y beers better.
Over 100 regional brewers converge on Madison the second week of August and spend all day the second Friday of the month setting up their stands in preparation for the festival the following day; some working into the wee hours of the morning. When the event opens the following day, festival goers will be treated to around 1000 different beers in a beautiful park setting overlooking Lake Monona with the Wisconsin capital building on a hill in the background. The Madison Homebrewers Guild limits ticket sales to 6000; some sold at area outlets, but the majority are sold via lottery. So this event is not totally overcrowded as some festivals are. Nor have I often experienced loud drunks, as I have at some festivals. Just a great day of sunshine (most of the time), suds and very nice people. 2016 was the 30th anniversary for the GTOM.
#2) Great American Beer Festival, Denver Convention Center, Denver, Colorado
This is the largest beer festival in North America and the world; if you are considering the number of beers served. The festival ells out in record time and those fortunate enough to get tickets will have the opportunity to sample over 3000 different beers. The festival has 4 
scheduled ‘sessions’ over a three day period and is an energy packed event. 2016 marked their 35th year. Like the GTOM, many of the beer stands are manned by the owners and brewers periodically, so festival goers are able to talk with the creators of some of the best beers on the planet. Yes, it can get very crowded and noisy; but this all shows the enthusiasm of these beer lovers.
#3) Brewgrass Festival Asheville NC.
Founded in 1996, Brewgrass Festival is Western North Carolina’s original craft beer festival. North Carolina is now home to over 200 breweries and brewpubs, and since those early days, Asheville has formed a burgeoning beer scene – even reigning as “Beer City USA” four years in a row. Brewgrass Festival’s annual event has always showcased some of the best beers the region has to offer.
#4) Ebenezer’s Pub Night of Great Thirst & Belgian Beer Festival, Lovell, Me
This is more an ‘event’ than an actual beer festival, but it is what one makes of it. The main fact is that Ebenezer’s entire concept is all about the Belgium beer. So, in mid-August the owners break out all the stops and bring out their best Belgian offerings for a week of great beers and the focal point is a Saturday event called the Night of Great Thirst. The ‘original’ Night of Great Thirst is an excellent beer festival in Belgium that focuses on lambics, gueuzes, and other naturally fermented brews. So, this is Ebenezers take on that festival. (For more info on the original festival – see my Top 10 Belgium Beer Festivals.) Visitors to Ebanezers event are encouraged to camp out for the weekend so that they can be on hand for each release. Watch their web site for the next dates.
#5) Mondial de la Biere, Place Bonaventure, Montreal, Canada
Whoa! Have I lost my mind? No. I consider Mondial to be my fourth favorite beer festival, and while it is not technically in the U.S.; it is very close to the U.S. and a large percentage of festival 
goers are from the U.S. The fact that Mondial hosts over 135 brewers serving over 600 beers makes it a world-class-event and worthy of a place on my list. The venue is an indoor and outdoor event and offer the attendee the opportunity to try well-known Canadian and Belgian beers as well as more obscure, but still excellent regional beers. It is also interesting to see very well-known U.S. brewers in attendance drinking beers along with the festival goers.
#6) American Craft Beer Festival, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, Ma.
Normally held the first weekend in June, the ACBF is sponsored by Beer Advocate and Harpoon Brewery and features over 100 breweries and 500+ beers, making it one of the largest 
festivals on the East Coast. This is but one of many beer events that Beer Advocate puts on each year, but this is the biggest by far. The venue is large and tickets are limited so you normally don’t have to wait 20 minutes for a particular beer (unless you’re looking for that very special one that everyone else is looking for.) But for a young festival, this one is epic. And, considering who is putting it one, it’s no wonder.
#7) Tallahassee Beer Festival, Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, Tallahassee, FL
More than just a beer festival, this is Tallahassee’s biggest party. Guests can sample 400+ beers, ciders, seltzers, and ready-to-drink cocktails from across the country, while also enjoying music, interactive experiences, and a curated lineup of local vendors.
#8) World Beer Festival, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham, NC
Usually held in early October, the World Beer Festival Durham features over 100 breweries serving over 300 beers. This festival offers local and regional beers as well as international selections. Recently it has expanded to other locations at different times, such as Raleigh, Richmond Va. and Columbia SC. This is a great festival promoted by folks that know ‘all about beer’ and is one of the premier beer festivals in the South. By the way; most of the profits go to charity.
#9) Dark Lord Day, Muncie, In
Dark Lord Day celebrates the annual release of 3 Floyds Brewing’s ultra-limited Dark Lord Imperial Stout — one of the highest-rated and most sought-after beers, which has gained a cult-like following since its release in 2004. This event is the one and only place where fans can obtain bottles of the elusive brew. Taking place in May, thousands gather at the brewery in Munster, Indiana to celebrate the annual release of Dark Lord and its barrel-aged variants, while experiencing the “Not Normal” beer and metal fest alongside one of the country’s biggest bottle shares.
#10) Barrel & Flow Fest, Pittsburg, PA
Barrel & Flow Fest in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, represents a newer generation of beer festivals with a distinct focus on inclusive brewing. The festival celebrates diverse voices in the craft beer industry, creating a welcoming environment for all attendees. This festival has quickly gained recognition for its excellent beer selection and community-building atmosphere. The festival features both barrel-aged beers and live music, combining two great pleasures into a single event.