Start prepping your livers accordingly because the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the largest beer festival in the country, is set to return October 10-12, 2024. And while the festival itself serves as the ultimate showcase of craft beer across three jam-packed sessions, what happens outside of the Convention Center has evolved into a spectacle in and of itself. Throughout the years a multitude of external beer events have popped up at breweries, beer bars, restaurants and more offering beer fans a unique opportunity to explore rare and exciting new beers from breweries not typically available in the state of Colorado but also serve to showcase some of the best that the state of Colorado can offer.

From special tap takeovers to paired beer dinners, out-of-state bottle releases, and collaborations to full-fledged beer festivals, the beer world descends upon Denver in all of its glory. With over a week jam-packed full of events, it can be a bit hard to navigate. Luckily we’re here to help sort through it all with the return of our 2023 GABF Week Events Guide. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back throughout the week as we’ll continue to add GABF events as they emerge.

2024 GABF Week External Events Guide

Jump to date:Select a dateSaturday, October 5Sunday, October 6Monday, October 7Tuesday, October 8Wednesday, October 9Thursday, October 10Friday, October 11Saturday, October 12Sunday, October 13

Something we missed? Is your brewery or beer bar hosting a GABF event? Feel free to contact us and we’ll update this list.

Saturday, October 5

Big Fest Energy @ Call to Arms Brewing

Where: Call to Arms Brewing – 4526 Tennyson St, Denver, CO
When: Saturday, October 5 from 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
What: Call to Arms Brewing (CtA) is kicking off its largest immersive taproom takeover to date in celebration of the Oktoberfest season.

Big Fest Energy is a three-and-a-half-week celebration of Oktoberfest featuring a full transformation of the CtA taproom and outdoor patio to feel like the boisterous communal beer tents of Munich without having to leave Denver.

Kicking off on Wednesday, September 18 and running through Sunday, October 13, CtA’s Big Fest Energy transformation will feature everything from trellis archways, wood veneers to replicate a German tudor village, ribbon and garland as well as dramatic sweeping cross-hatched ribbon, draped hop vines and German pretzels and much more. However, the biggest showpiece installment will feature 30 ft. x 70 ft. outdoor tent in front of the brewery with actual communal tables and chairs retired from Munich Oktoberfest celebrations from years past to replicate the expansive beer tents synonymous with Munich’s Oktoberfest celebrations.

In addition to the taproom transformation, CtA will be hosting an array of programming each weekend including traditional German fare from Lottie’s Meats and Schatzi’s Pretzel on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as live polka performances, an Oktoberfest-themed drag show, as well as signature events like a BMW Car Show featuring over 80 vintage and specialty German show cars on Tennyson Street on Sunday, October 6, and Call to Arms’ 9th Anniversary party on Saturday, October 12.

Friday, Oct. 11:
Schatzi’s Pretzel

Saturday, Oct. 12th
9th Anniversary Party
Mini Cakes by @thedenvercaker
Music by Jupiter Tea
Lottie’s Meats and Provisions
Schatzi’s Pretzel

Sunday, Oct. 13th: Final Day of Oktoberfest Decor

Beers: Seshtoberfest Lager, Ballroom Beer, Operation Steingrabber Dark Lager, Tennyson Standard Kolsch and I Remember My First Beer, a traditional Festbier

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World of Sours Beer Course @ Bruz Beers

Where: Bruz Beers – 1675 W 67th Ave, Ste 100, Denver, CO
When: Saturday, October 5 from 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
What: Sour beers are the fastest-growing styles in the beer world. They are characterized by intentionally acidic, tart, sour flavors and aromas. Sour beers are made in Belgium, Germany and the United States, where they have become an obsession with craft brewers.
The World of Sour Beers is a guided tour of the best examples of sour beers from Europe and the United States. Participants will learn about the history of these styles, and how they are made and will taste world-class examples of each.

Admission: Tickets cost $42

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Gratitude 11: A Customer Appreciation Party @ Our Mutual Friend Brewery

Where: Our Mutual Friend Brewery – 2810 Larimer Street
When: Saturday, October 5 from 2 p.m. – 11 p.m.
What: This is the 11th year of Gratitude, OMF’s annual customer appreciation party. It’s a celebration of community, good friends, and the beer that brings us together. No Ticket Required!
Festivities include:
– Special beer releases
– Beer and merch bundles
– a DJ playing music that doesn’t suck
– Photo Booth
– Pit Fiend BBQ
– a Raffle giving away OMF merch and beer every hour on the hour
Beer list will be posted 9/21
See you on October 5th!

Beer:
Gratitude Eleven • Mixed-Culture Farmhouse W/ Cherries Customer Appreciation • Hazy Ipa (YCH Hops)
Industry Appreciation • West Coast Ipa (YCH Hops)
The Fizz • Pilsner
Festbier • Lagerbier
Clemens • Smoked Helles
Salo • Saison
Enigma Weirding Way • Dry-Hopped Brett Saison
Nectar Reflector • Mixed-Culture Sour Ale W/ Honey
Cereal Moon • Grisette (Rubens Brews)
Holy Scroller • Mixed-Culture Saison W/ Honey (Wren House) Biere Ovale • Foeder Brett Saison
Super Blue • Blueberry Sour
Stingray Jesus • Exp. West Coast IPA
Time’s Arrow • West Coast IPA
Neon Nail • Hazy IPA
Inner Light • Pale Ale
Porch Pumpkin • Imperial Porter W/ Pumpkin & Vanilla
Thanatoid – Barrel-Aged Imp. Stout W/ Vanilla

Admission: Free to attend

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Sunday, October 6

 

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Monday, October 7

Russian River & Burgeon Beer Tap Takeover @ Ephemeral Rotating Tap

Where: Ephemeral Rotating Tap – 2301 E 28th Avenue, Denver, CO
When: Monday, October 7 – Monday, October 14 from Noon – 10 p.m.
What: At Ephemeral Rotating Taproom they focus on sharing their favorite beers from across the state, country and world – and they do it one brewery at a time. Using a long-term tap takeover model, they feature 10-20 taps and correlating to-go beers from a single brewery over a span of one to three weeks.

For Ephemeral’s week-long 2024 GABF Feature, they will be hosting Russian River & Burgeon Beer from Monday, October 7 – Monday, October 14!
Beers: TBA

Admission: Free to attend

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3Floyds Dark Lord Day @ Cedar Creek Pub

What: Cedar Creek Pub – 2100 N Ursula St., Aurora, CO
When: Monday, October 7 at 2 p.m.
What: Join Cedar Creek Pub as they tap Three Floyd’s coveted Dark Lord Marshmallow Handjee, only the second time the beer has been served in Colorado! Zombie Dust and 3 Floyd’s Oktoberfest will also be on tap.

Admission: Free to attend

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Tuesday, October 8

 

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Wednesday, October 9

GABF Kick-Off Event Featuring CSA Portfolio Tasting @ Hops & Pie

Where: Hops & Pie – 3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
When: Wednesday, October 9 | 11 a.m.
What: GABF is Hops & Pie’s biggest week of the year and once again, they are throwing down (with 20 extra taps on for the weekend!). On Wednesday, October 9, they’ll kick things off with a showcase of out-of-state beers from CSA’s Tasting Portfolio.
Beers: Alchemist, Alvarado Street, Bale Breaker (fresh hop Russian River collab), Fidens, Fieldwork, Forbidden Root, Fort George, Green Cheek, Hill Farmstead, ISM, Live Oak, Maplewood, Monkish, Moksa, Other Half, pFriem, Pinthouse, Riip Brewing, Ruse, SARA (Sante Adairius Rustic Ales), Von Ebert

Admission: Free to attend

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GABF Week at River North Brewery @ River North Brewery (Blake St.)

What: River North Brewery (Blake St.) – 3400 Blake Street, Denver, CO
When: Wednesday, October 9 – Saturday, October 12 at 1 p.m.
What: Join River North Brewery for an unforgettable week of beer-filled fun from October 9-12! They’ve got an epic lineup of pop-up events to celebrate GABF, including:
🎉 Daily beer releases
⏰ Extended hours
🎭 Themed parties
🍺 Pop-up rare beer tasting room
🏆 GABF award ceremony watch party
🌮 Food trucks every day (Yes, Moya’s Tacos will be here!!)

Admission: Free to attend

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OHIO GABF Tap Takeover @ Cedar Creek Pub

What: Cedar Creek Pub – 2100 N Ursula St., Aurora, CO
When: Wednesday, October 9 at 2 p.m.
What: Join Cedar Creek Pub for a showcase of Ohio-based breweries during the week of GABF.
Beers:

We will be featuring Ohio breweries on tap and cans including:

• Jackie O’s Brewery (Athens)
• Hoppin Frog Brewery (Akron)
• Fat Head’s Brewery (Cleveland)
• Derive Brewing (Columbus)
• Forbidden Root Brewery (Columbus)
• Rhinegeist Brewery (Cincinnati)
• Hoof Hearted Brewing (Marengo)
• Urban Artifact (Cincinnati)
• Third Eye (Cincinnati)

Admission: Free to attend

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GABF Week Special Releases & Tappings @ Woods Boss Brewing

Where: Woods Boss Brewing – 2210 California Street, Denver, CO
When: Wednesday, September 20 – Saturday, September 23 at 2 p.m.
What: Join Woods Boss Brewing for a weekend of special beer releases and vintage beer tappings in honor of the Great American Beer Festival taking place just a few blocks away at the Colorado Convention Center.

Releases will be announced soon.

Kick back and relax on the Woods Boss outdoor patio while grabbing some specialty beers to enjoy on-site and/or to-go. Vintage tappings to be announced soon, stay tuned!

Admission: Free to attend

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Great American Cider Friends (Week-Long Programming) @ Stem Ciders RiNo

Where: Stem Ciders RiNo – 3040 Blake St #101, Denver, CO
When: Wednesday, October 9 – Saturday, October 12
What: Celebrate cider’s debut at the Great American Beer Festival competition!

Stem Ciders is opening its doors for the Great American Cider Friends Tap Takeover, featuring their friends and favorites in a four-day celebration of cider and community!

For the first time ever, cider will be included in the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition, and Stem opening their vibrant RiNo taproom to showcase award-winning cideries from across the nation.

Join Stem for their Great American Cider Friends Week at Stem Ciders in RiNo!

• Wednesday: Pommeau Showcase
  • 4–7 PM: Pommeau Taste & Learn – Taste through limited-edition Pommeau vintages with Head Cider Maker Shane Sheridan, and explore our exclusive Pommeau cocktail menu.
• Thursday: Bourbon Barrel-Aged Tappings
  • All Day: Special Tappings & small bites – Experience our limited bourbon barrel-aged ciders, available while they last. Live music starts at 7 PM!
• Friday: Fruited Friday
  • All Day: Fruited Cider Pairings & Live Music – Enjoy special ciders that showcase our favorite unique fruit combinations, while live music sets the weekend vibe.
• Saturday: GABF After Party
  • All Day: Buy One, Get One on Stem Ciders Pours – Show your GABF wristband and receive a buy one, get one free on Stem Ciders pours! Close out the week with great cider and live music.
• Daily Giveaway! Be one of the first 40 guests each day to grab a Cider Friends limited edition glass.

Admission: Free to attend but RSVP here!

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Krispy King Lager Competition @ Barrels & Bottles Brewery at Camp George West

Where: Barrels & Bottles Brewery at Camp George West – 1055 Orchard St, Golden, CO 80401
When: Wednesday, October 9 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
What: Welcome to the 3rd Annual Krispy King Lager Competition to celebrate crisp delicious LAGERS!
Make room, Alpha King! The Krispy King Lager Competition is here, where only the best-tasting, crispiest lagers are crowned winners!
Our competition is unlike any other, as it is judged by professionals in the industry who have years of experience and expertise in evaluating beer. These experts know what it takes to create a lager that not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of quality and taste. So why not have them judged! Join us at the KKLC and experience a showcase of the finest lagers around. Whether you are a brewer looking to showcase your skills or a beer enthusiast eager to taste the best of the best, this event is not to be missed.

35 Breweries
35 Crisp, Delicious Lagers
The KKLC 2024 promises to be a fun experience for all. We will have bus transportation from and to the Denver Convention Center, a cigar trailer, lager donuts, food specials, live music and more!
This event is open to the public and free to attend. Competition beers will be on tap for consumers to enjoy.

We have Barrels & Bottles will have two buses that will be looping from the Denver Convention Center to their location from 3pm until 7pm. They also have an arcade bus, food specials, a cigar lounge, a make-your-own trucker hat tent, live music, and lager donuts.

Admission: Free to attend

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AHA Club Night Meet Up @ Denver Beer Co. Canworks

Where: Denver Beer Co. Canworks – 4455 Jason Street, Denver, CO
When: Wednesday, October 9 from 6 – 9 p.m.
What: At this GEM of a party, homebrew clubs from across the U.S. showcase their best offerings, personally serving American Homebrewers Association (AHA) members in attendance. Costumes are expected and AHA exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the Jason Street production facility, AKA Canworks, are planned.

Admission: A ticket and a valid AHA membership are required. View information for participating clubs and purchase tickets here.

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Thursday, October 10

Hops & Pie’s Westbound and Friends @ Hops & Pie

Where: Hops & Pie – 3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
When: Thursday, October 10 at 11 a.m.
What: GABF is Hops & Pie’s biggest week of the year and once again, they are throwing down (with 20 extra taps on for the weekend!). On Thursday, October 10, they’ll welcome Westbound & Down Brewing with some of their industry friends for a tap takeover event running throughout the day.
Beers: Westbound & Down, Bierstadt, Amalgam, Burgeon, Cerebral, Cannonball Creek, Comrade, Breakside, Riip, Shred, Ism, North Park, Beachwood, Ghost Town, Grains of Wrath

Admission: Free to attend

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Rye Resurgence Beer Release @ Our Mutual Friend Brewery

Where: Our Mutual Friend Brewery – 2810 Larimer St, Denver, CO
When: Thursday, October 10 at 11 a.m.
What: Join the Rye Resurgence Project, the Colorado Farm Brewery, and Our Mutual Friend (OMF) Brewing during GABF for some extra special beers brewed with San Luis Valley high-alpine rye!

A healthy economy depends on a healthy environment. The Rye Resurgence Project is a women-led initiative championing high-alpine rye grown with regenerative practices in the San Luis Valley to support a sustainable future.

One of our earliest project partners, the Colorado Farm Brewery has crafted special rye beers for GABF using high-alpine Resurgence Rye grown in the San Luis Valley! \

Beer:

• • Chocolate Rye Farm Porter – a rye-heavy Baltic-style Porter Lager brewed with 35% rye. It’s based on a traditional Baltic Porter with a heavy fresh farm rye twist. This beer displays an Original Malt known as Chocolate Rye from the Colorado Malting Company. 30 IBUs, 8.0% ABV.
  • Resurgence RyePA – A rye and hop-forward IPA brewed with malted and raw rye. This beer features Amarillo and Mosaic hops and was dry hopped with Mosaics. Full body with pronounced homegrown, farm fresh rye complexity. 70 IBUs, 6.5% ABV.
  • RyeSky – A rye-forward light ale brewed with 30% malted rye. This beer is low calorie, low carb and crushable. Light body with pronounced homegrown farm fresh rye complexity. 20 IBUs, 4.5% ABV.

The Rye Resurgence Project and Colorado Farm Brewery will have a joint booth at GABF, and we also welcome you to join us at Our Mutual Friend Brewing to experience a fourth, special collab rye brew between the Farm Brewery and OMF – on tap special during GABF week! 

Admission: Free to attend

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Denver Rare Beer Tasting @ Bierstadt Lagerhaus

Where: Bierstadt Lagerhaus – 2875 Blake St. Denver, CO 80205
When: Thursday, October 10 | 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
What: The Denver Rare Beer Tasting, a favorite of both craft brewers and beer fans, has become a traditional part of Denver Beer Week and the Great American Beer Festival weekend. The 15th edition of the event features over 50 legendary craft breweries pouring some of the most sought-after beers on the planet to benefit the Pints for Prostates campaign. All-inclusive tickets ($200) include four hours of beer sampling, buffet lunch, t-shirt, tasting glass, the chance to meet the people who brewed the beers and the opportunity to take advantage of a free health screening (a 5-minute blood test valued at $750). Get Tested. Live Longer. Drink More Beer!
Admission: All-Inclusive Tickets Available Here for $200

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Queer Beer Meet Up @ Lady Justice Brewing

Where: Lady Justice Brewing – 3242 South Acoma Street, Englewood, CO
When: Thursday, October 10 from 5 – 10 p.m.
What: Join Lady Justice Brewing for a queer beer meetup on Thursday, October 10 from 5-10 pm. Food truck on site. Gender-neutral restrooms, wheelchair accessible.

Admission: Free to attend, but feel free to RSVP beforehand.

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Shred Beer Co Pop-Up Event @ Ephemeral Rotating Tap

Where: Ephemeral Rotating Tap – 2301 E 28th Avenue, Denver, CO
When: Thursday, October 10 – Saturday, October 12 from 5 – 11 p.m.
What: Ephemeral Rotating Taproom will be hosting a special pop-up event featuring beers from Shred Beer Co & Everywhere Beer
Beers: TBA

Admission: Free to attend

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National Black Brewers Day GABF Afterparty @ Spangalang Brewery

Where: Spangalang Brewery – 2736 Welton St, Denver, CO
When: Thursday, October 10 from 7 p.m. – Midnight
What: Join the NB2A for an unforgettable evening at Spangalang Brewery as they celebrate National Black Brewers Day with the GABF Afterparty on Thursday, October 10th.

This vibrant event will feature live music from The Jakarta Band and DJ FA’Dorah, creating a lively soundtrack for the night. Indulge in mouthwatering bites from Ron & Zo’s Brother Most Wanted BBQ food truck, known for their standout flavors and hearty portions. The brewery will be buzzing with energy as we honor the rich contributions of Black brewers while enjoying exceptional brews and fantastic company. Don’t miss out on this perfect blend of music, food, and community spirit!

Admission: Free to attend

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Friday, October 11

Elite Brands Portfolio Showcase @ Hops & Pie

Where: Hops & Pie – 3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
When: Friday, October 11 at 11 a.m.
What: GABF is Hops & Pie’s biggest week of the year and once again, they are throwing down (with 20 extra taps on for the weekend!). On Friday, October 11, they’ll welcome Elite Brands for a tap takeover showcasing their portfolio of out-of-state breweries.
Beers:3 Floyds Brewing, Russian River Brewing, Pizza Port, Lost Abbey and Modern Times

Admission: Free to attend

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GABF Industry Party @ Little Machine Beer

Where: Little Machine Beer – 2924 W 20th Ave, Denver, CO, United States, Colorado 80211
When: Friday, October 11 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
What:

Free beer (and NITRO Hazy IPA Release).
Free food (Big Belly Bros BBQ and Samos Grill).
Live music from Wylie Jones.
Sponsored by Country Malt Group and Five Star Chemicals.
The best GABF party to hit before Friday’s session.
Little Machine will still be open to the public during this event.

Admission: Free to attend, however free beer & food are available to badge holders only.

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Pints and Panels Pop-Up @ Bierstadt Lagerhaus 

Where: Bierstadt Lagerhaus – 2875 Blake St. Denver, CO 80205
When: Friday, October 11 from 4 – 7 p.m.
What: Come meet Em Sauter, the founder and cartoonist behind the award-winning #VisualDrinksEducation website “Pints and Panels” at Bierstadt Lagerhaus on October 11 from 2-5 pm. Em will be signing her new book “Pairing Beer With Everything” as well as selling hats, pints, prints, stickers, and more. Stop by and say hi while drinking some amazing Lagers.

Admission: Free to attend, but reserve a ticket ahead of time here

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Crosby Hops and Cannonball Creek Brewing Present: Punk Lager Fest @ Cannonball Creek Brewery

Where: Cannonball Creek Brewery – 393 N Washington, Golden, CO
When: Friday, October 11 from 5 – 10 p.m.
What: 
Featuring a collaboration brew between Crosby Hops and Cannonball Creek Brewing, as well as guest beers from pFriem Family Brewers, Bierstadt Lagerhaus, Westbound & Down, Grains of Wrath, Call to Arms, Wayfinder, Von Ebert, Riip, and Ism!
All aboard the Lagerwagon! Free shuttle from Cannonball Creek Brewing to Downtown Denver during the event!

Live local punk bands:
Soy Celesté at 6 PM and No Bueno at 7 PM!
Delicious Smash Burgers from Doublewide Food Truck!

Admission: Free to attend

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Bierhalle Brawl: Live Pro Wrestling @ Bierstadt Lagerhaus 

Where: Bierstadt Lagerhaus – 2875 Blake St. Denver, CO
When: Friday, October 11 at 9 p.m.
What: Rocky Mountain Pro delivers pure mayhem Friday nights in RiNo. Drink a bier as big as your head and SCREAM! This event is 21+
Welcome to Bierhalle Brawl – Live Pro Wrestling!
Join us for an adrenaline-pumping night of live pro wrestling action in the Bierhalle! Get ready to witness jaw-dropping moves, intense rivalries, and electrifying entertainment courtesy of Rocky Mountain Pro.
The most fun you can have in Denver on a Friday night. Bierstadt Lagerhaus brings you all the action from high-flying aerial maneuvers to bone-crushing submission. ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED???

Additional Details: This event is 21+
Admission: Free to attend, but reserve a ticket ahead of time here

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Saturday, October 12

Hops & Pie Beer Treasures @ Hops & Pie

Where: Hops & Pie – 3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
When: Saturday, October 12 at 11 a.m.
What: GABF is Hops & Pie’s biggest week of the year and once again, they are throwing down (with 20 extra taps on for the weekend!). On Saturday, October 12, they will be unveiling treasure troves of kegs during Hops & Pie Beer Treasures that they have been saving from some of the best breweries in the US.
Beers: TBA

Admission: Free to attend

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Sunday, October 13

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