Food festivals in Denver worth planning a trip around, by month.
Food festivals in Denver worth planning a trip around, by month.
Great American Beer Festival in Denver is the Brewers Association's flagship event at the Colorado Convention Center each October, with over 500 breweries pouring beer.
Focus: American craft beer
Tip: Tickets release on the Brewers Association site each summer and sell out in minutes; check the GABF judging competition results for medalists to taste.
Denver Restaurant Week is the Visit Denver-organised dining event each February, with 250 restaurants serving 2- or 3-course prix fixe menus at $25, $35 and $45.
Focus: Multi-course prix fixe across Denver restaurants
Tip: Book early on the Visit Denver site; top kitchens like Tavernetta and Mercantile sell out the first day. Reservations open in mid-January.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver is the July 4 weekend art-and-food festival in Cherry Creek North, a 250-artist outdoor market plus a Culinary Arts food row.
Focus: Food and art festival
Tip: Free admission. The food row runs East 3rd Avenue with food trucks and restaurants; the artist exhibition fills 2nd Avenue.
Denver Bacon and Beer Classic is the annual single-day festival at Coors Field, with 30 restaurants serving bacon-themed plates and 50 craft breweries pouring samples.
Focus: Bacon dishes and craft beer
Tip: Two tasting sessions, morning and afternoon. The VIP early entry adds a 30-minute head start; arrive thirsty and hungry.
Peak food season in Denver is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Denver rewards trust.