Well, hey there, September! Where’d you come from? I mean, no offense, but it was just the start of summer and now here you are bringing fall. You’ll also bring more tolerable temperatures, maybe some more rain and the flat out gorgeous autumnal colors we look forward to each year. Let’s ease into a new season and month with our roundup of What’s In Good Taste in September, made possible by Park City Wine Festival: Fall Edition (learn more below). And keep checking back because we’ll add to this list throughout the month as we hear of new food, arts, culture and travel happenings that we find to be, you guessed it, In Good Taste. 

FEATURED EVENT: One of our favorite events is back, one of the few that would take us out of Colorado to beautiful (and nearby) Park City, Utah. It’s the Park City Wine Festival: Fall Edition. In the chic resort mountain town, running Oct. 1-3, 2026, enjoy multiple wine-and-food-centric events including paired wine lunches, dinners (and hikes), a Best of Fest, Grand Tasting, a Night Cap event plus music, shopping and the fantastic scenery of Park City which is a 1-hour flight from Denver and 1-hour drive from Salt Lake’s airport. Held in a variety of locations, Park City Wine Festival: Fall Edition combines James Beard chefs, volcanic wines and a private wine vault. Dreamy! USE OUR EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE “ingoodtaste” at checkout to receive $10 off any of the events. Click the link to read our know-before-you-go guide.

ONGOING EVENTS IN GOOD TASTE IN SEPTEMBER

Labor Day Fun 54thirty, the highest open-air rooftop bar located atop Le Méridien Denver Downtown, 54thirty will offer two specialty cocktails throughout the weekend: the Stars & Stripes, made with Ketel One, strawberry oleo and lemon, and the Honey, I Got a Hot Dog, made with Bulleit bourbon, honey syrup and lemon. And it does come with a hot dog. Ketel One and Bulleit will also be onsite offering samples from 1-4pm each day.

A Bite of Boulder: Volume 2 is out this fall with 60 recipes and stories behind some of Boulder’s favorite restaurants. The book celebrates the people, places and recipes that define the city. Pre-orders are now open with the first 1,000 people becoming members of the Bite Club with access to exclusive rewards through the campaign. 

Ballet Ariel tickets are on sale now for their 2026/2027 season which includes Little Women, Nov. 8 and The Nutcracker, Dec. 11-13 and Jan. 2-3.

NEWS Barbara is the name of a restaurant set to open in the fall of 2027 by Chef Troy Guard and TAG Restaurant Group. The restaurant is named after Guard’s mother, a former flight attendant whose travels shaped how he thinks about food and hospitality. It will be located within 1900 Lawrence, Denver’s newest 30-story Class A office tower. 

Oktoberfest Fun Beaver Creek’s Oktoberfest runs Sept. 4-6 with a new drone show on Friday, traditional Bavarian food and live rock music. Compete in a pretzel toss, Hammerschlagen (a traditional game where participants compete to drive nails into a large tree stump or wooden beam), best lederhosen and dirndl costumes and stein lifting contests. There will also be activities for kids.

Borrowing Funny is a world premiere new, original comedy about a fight over stolen comedic material. It’s labelled as “an illegally legal 90’s joke heist in two acts.” The play shows first at the Vintage Theatre in Aurora from Sept. 11-27 and then at The Clocktower Cabaret from Oct. 3-4. 

Been there, loved that Bright Nights at Four Mile is back with giant, colorful lanterns that are illuminated by night. This year’s theme has visitors walking through a field of oversized wildflowers, diving into the ocean or visit animals in Africa. Tickets are less expensive when purchased in advance. The event runs Wednesdays-Sundays, 7-11pm through Nov. 8.
NEWS Bruz Beers is closing its Bruz Off Fax location in September. Their original location in Denver’s Midtown neighborhood will stay open though. And, they are looking for a new location in Golden. 

Casa Boonita at Casa Bonita is a celebration of Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos from Sept. 29-Nov. 1. Dress up in costume (guidelines apply).

Champagne Thursdays at Cooper Lounge starts at 4pm every week. Enjoy ½ price bottles of champagne throughout the evening while enjoying the people-watching of the Great Hall at Denver Union Station. 

Colletta ASAP Happy Hour runs Monday-Friday in Vail Valley. From 4:30-6:30pm, get a spritz and a pizza for $29 or $11 spritz specials, $10 well cocktails, $5 beer specials and discounted apps. 

Colorado Fall Home Show runs Sept. 11-13 to inspire and inform home projects. Access more than 250 exhibitors to see the latest trends and sources and get show-only deals. There’ll also be a Rare Plant Party, Colorado Kids Markets, Made in Colorado Marketplace, Mile High Barkway and Puppy Fashion Show and more activities. 

Colorado Uncorked is Oct. 17 but tickets are on sale now. We love this event. Held at History Colorado Center, it’s the opportunity to taste all of the Gold Medal wines from the Governor’s Cup Competition. 

ColorFest in Pagosa Springs is Sept. 18-20 and draws thousands of visitors for community, music, food, beer, spirits tastings and hot air balloon ascensions.

Colorado Rockies Game Day Special at Denver Milk Market is available for every home game. Get a signature soft pretzel with beer cheese and mustard for $7. Pair it with a cold beer, cocktail or mocktail.

Colorado State Fair runs through Sept. 7 in Pueblo. There will be live music from performers including Jordan Davis, The Fray, Love the 90s and others. There’ll also be rodeos, carnival, food and a lot more. 

Cook Street School of Culinary Arts has some great classes planned for September including At Home Ramen, Sept. 10; A World of Taste: Mediterranean, September 11 and others. Check out the list in the link. 

Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms is Sept. 18-Oct. 31. Stroll an 8–acre maze through twists and turns. Kids age 10 and under can explore the mini corn maze.

Denver Broncos Watch Parties will be hosted at McGregor Square on the 66-foot LED screen with food and drink available for purchase around the Square. Dates are Sept. 14, 20 and 27.

Denver Jazz Festival is Sept. 16-20 with jazz, blues and swing performances is five days of live music featuring national and international artists, Q&A sessions and unique cultural experiences at venues across Denver. 

Oktoberfest Fun Denver Oktoberfest celebrates its 56th year Sept. 18-20 and 25-27 in September in the Ballpark District. There’ll be keg bowling, stein hoisting, live music and a variety of German food and drink.

We’re going, are you? Destiny of Desire is a Telenova play with music running Sept. 10-Oct. 4 at the Wolf Theatre. Written by Karen Zacarias, it’s an unapologetic homage to the classic telenovela performed live onstage.

Films, Lights & Frights is an overnight package offered at The Maven with a lineup of classic scary and campy movies including Corpse Bride, Scream, Hocus Pocus and Practical Magic. Fuel your fright with assorted candy and a delicious hot pizza delivered to your room from Denver Milk Market.

Fino’s Funky Crush Wine Festival is Sept. 14-20 at the All Inn Hotel at the Fino restaurant. There will be wine producer-hosted tastings and chef-led dinners. The week will be capped by a wine fest with live music, food pop-ups and hundreds of bottles to taste. 

Been There, Loved That Fork ‘n Film is an immersive dining experience where you eat the food from your favorite movies as it appears on screen through multiple courses. Ratatouille is the first film which starts Sept. 18. A holiday-themed movie will take over after Halloween. The series will run through the end of the year (and maybe beyond) at The Maven Hotel.

Oktoberfest Fun Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park hosts Octoberfest at the top of the mountain with a ceremonial keg tapping, stein-holding contest, hammerschlagen, live music, beer garden and German-inspired food and drink. For kids, there’s a Pumpkin Patch and face painting. The event happens 12-5pm Sept. 19 & 26, Oct. 3 & 10.

Great American Beer Festival tickets are on sale for the Oct. 10-11 event. Attend the premier U.S. beer competition with more than 100 beer and cider styles.

Half-off Bottle Days happen Sundays at Corsica and Mondays at Barcelona restaurants. More than 200 bottles from more than 66 regions in Europe will be on the list. 

Hearth Patisserie opened on August 27 headed by Matt Quinlisk and pastry chef Kevin McCormick, next to Hearth’s West 32nd Avenue bakery. The European-style pastry shop provides afternoon and evening desserts. The menu will change with the seasons and will offer a tea-focused beverage program (get coffee next door). The opening pastry case includes Paris-Brest, Tarts, Flans, Tiramisu and more. Learn about Chef McCormick’s stellar culinary path in the podcast he did with us while he was at Denver Union Station.

“Heirloomarium” is a new room at Meow Wolf Denver built entirely by the in-house team that opens Sept. 1. It descends into Convergence Station’s most ancient and cavernous reaches, and takes a clear step toward the organization’s newest direction in interactivity and questing.

JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience is Sept. 4-6 with world class performances on multiple stages, eclectic food and beverage vendors. Headliners include Benson Boone and Tim McGraw. 

Lindsey Heaps X Sweet Action Collaboration brings the midfielder and U.S. Women’s National Team captain together for a dream scoop: Heaps of Funfetti. The birthday cake-meets-salted-golden-Oreo mashup debuts Sept. 1 across all four of Sweet Action’s ice cream parlors. Every scoop gives $1 to Soccer Without Borders Colorado, a local nonprofit using the sport to support refugee and immigrant youth. 

Lobster Rolls will be $15 every Sunday through football season starting Sept. 20 at Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood. Get them for dine-in or pickup and either New England- or Connecticut-style.

Local Jones launches daily brunch available from 7:30am-2:30pm. Diners can enjoy cinnamon swirl monkey bread, pancakes, avocado toast and pork green chile breakfast burritos plus coffees, LJ juices alongside lunch salads and sandwiches.

Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns at Hudson Gardens runs Sept. 18-Nov. 1. See thousands of hand-carved pumpkins including a nautical sea-scape, a pirate ship, dinosaurs, dragons and others. 

MAKfam has new Weekday Lunch Combos that launch Sept. 2  like the shareable Roast Pork Belly Ssäm, a new Satay Beef Bao, Salt & Pepper Wings, and a smoky Lap Cheong Fried Rice—all inspired by Chef Ken and Doris’s childhood favorites. From 11am-4pm weekdays, get a $13.99 combo with entree and dumplings or spring rolls. 

Never Can Say Goodbye: The 70s Beehive Musical at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre Sept. 4-Oct. 3, celebrates powerful female voices from the 70s featuring hits like “Heart of Glass,” “I Will Survive,” “Hooked on a Feeling” and others. 

Panda Fest in Civic Center Park runs Sept. 25-27. The celebration of Asian food and culture is a ticketed festival with 200+ dishes from local and national food vendors, more than 30 merchandise vendors, traditional and contemporary performances, hands-on cultural experiences and a panda-themed bounce house. 

Paperboy Denver has launched its fall menu with items like Stoneground Grits with corn tomato relish, white cheddar, leeks, mushrooms, poached egg and chives, a Granola Bowl, Cinnamon Apple Pie Turnover, new cocktails, mocktails and matcha drinks. 

Pasta & Piano is Champagne Tiger’s new date night deal that happens every Wednesday between 7-9pm. For $28 get a handmade pasta dish, salad and glass of house wine plus there’s live music playing throughout the evening. Pasta dishes change seasonally. 

Phish Food and Fun Phish Weekend at Steuben’s runs Sept. 4-6. Enjoy Phish-inspired cocktails, comfort food and something sweet like the Tweezer cocktail, Runaway Jim bratwurst, and the Helping Friendly Bar dessert, a Fudge brownie, peanut butter mousse, ganache, Butterfinger puppy chow, honey-roasted peanuts and caramel.

Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Festival is Sept. 18-20 with live music, street vendors, cooking demos and tons of chilies.

Revival Denver Public House has a 2 Dollar Oysters and 75 Cent Wing special every Monday from 3-11pm. Reservations are highly recommended. 

Sancerre & Sushi Deal at Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse runs daily until 4pm. For $30, guests get a glass of Château de Sancerre from France’s Loire valley (normally $24/glass!) plus the choice of any of the creative sushi rolls from B10’s menu (rolls typically start at $16).

Spirit of Japan runs Sept. 18-20 in Sakura Square. The cultural event celebrates the rich heritage of Japan through food stalls and spirits. Taste Yakitori and Takoyaki and sweets like Kakigori shaved ice.  

Snowmass Oktoberfest is Sept. 25-27 with more than 20 hot air balloons launched at sunrise. There will also be a Night Glow accompanied by music and concessions. 

Labor Day Fun Sorry Gorgeous celebrates on the rooftop lounge with alt-R&B from 9-close on Sept. 4. On Sept. 5, Peter Paul & Squizzy will spin tunes from 9pm-close and on Sept. 6, there’s a Sunset Soiree with Love Language from 4pm-close.

DISCOUNT CODE ALERT Steamboat Food & Wine Festival tickets are on sale now for the Oct. 1-4 event. Join chefs, winemakers, distillers and others for tastings and paired meal events. Use “InGoodTaste2026” at checkout for 10% tickets.

Terminal Bar’s Happy Hour runs daily from 4-6pm and all day on Sundays. Get deals like $7 martinis, house wines and well spirits, $6 draft beers, a $10 cheeseburger and $15 for a half dozen oysters.
NEWS The Coastal Service is coming to the Denver Tech Center in early 2027 by Sean Huggard and Shucking Good Hospitality, the team behind Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood, Oliver’s Italian and Ash and Agave. It will have a raw bar, fresh seafood, premium steaks and an extensive bar program.

The Grandview in Olde Town Arvada hosts weekly live music from 6:30-8:30pm Wednesdays and Thursdays featuring local performers Chris Koltak Sept. 2 and Brian Hornbuckle Sept. 3. Stay for the late-night happy hour, 9pm-close with gumbo, cornbread and more. 

The Outsiders plays at the Buell Sept. 8-27. The coming-of-age story takes place in Oklahoma in 1967 when a group of young men dreaming about who they want to become in a world that will never accept them. The show won four Tony’s including Best Musical. 

The Square Sessions is a chance to hear live local music for free at McGregor Square. The lineup includes Front Range Revival, Sept. 4; Tyler Stanfield, Sept. 11; and Shawn Eckels, Sept. 19th. Times vary so check the link. Food and drink is available for purchase around the Square.

Oktoberfest Fun Vail Oktoberfest runs two weekends: First in Lionshead, Sept. 11-13 and then in Vail Village, Sept. 18-20. During both, enjoy live music, dancing, keg bowling, Steigl beer, stein lifting, a Bavarian costume contest, kids zone and lots of German food and drink. Legendary yodler, 90-year-old Helmut Fricker will perform at both locations as he has been since 1975.

Vesper Lounge now has All-Day Happy Hour in September. Enjoy their popular Vesper fries with harissa aioli or a selection of gyro, sloppy joe, burger and falafel sliders, all for just $5. Drink specials include buy one, get one dirty martinis and $8 cocktails on tap.

Yogarita pairs outdoor yoga with a margarita (or non-alcoholic beverage) from 3 Margaritas at The Orchard Town Center. It happens every Wednesday in September from 6-8. 

DATED EVENTS IN GOOD TASTE IN SEPTEMBER

September 1
RESTAURANT OPENING Soda Club Denver’s Grand Opening brings the restaurant’s first location outside of New York City. Located inside The Ramble Hotel, the four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded fresh pasta, natural wine and cocktail bar brings a menu with Mediterranean and North African influences, all plant-based.

Watercolor Painting Station happens in the lobby of the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel with live music to enjoy while being creative. 

September 3
Journal & Bookmark Decorating lets you choose from a variety of materials to create a one-of-a-kind set reflecting your personal style from 4-6pm at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel.

September 4
Five Points Jazz in the Park features Fedora Swing, a 7-piece band rooted in jazz. The Puppet Theater will also be there to entertain kids in the children’s play area. Villa’s Kitchen will be serving food to purchase.

Larimer Live First Friday runs 4-8pm with music by Michael Cec & Friends. 

September 5
Arvada Pow Wow at the Arvada Center celebrates Native American culture, food, dancing and singing. 

Defying Gravity: The Best of Broadway is a lineup of unforgettable hits including songs from Wicked, Jersey Boys, Hamilton and more. 

Hip-Hop Summit at The Black Box is a full-day celebration of hip-hop culture plus live graffiti art, breaking showcases, MC and DJ performances, fashion and more.

Hispanic Heritage Month Keystone’s Oktoberfest brings live music, a Bier Garden, giant pretzels, cold beer and kids’ activities.

Hispanic Heritage Month Mercado at McGregor Square is an open-air festival featuring local vendors, handcrafted goods, Latin beats and other activities. 

Mimosa Concert with Javi at Carboy Winery means a Sunday morning of music on the private patio with internationally acclaimed guitarist El Javi. He is known for his flamenco, Latin Rhythms, jazz and contemporary influences. He’s one of our favorites! There will be discounts for mimosas and the regular brunch fare will also be served.

St. Rafka’s 19th Annual Lebanese Festival at St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church is Sept. 5 and 6. Experience authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, live music and dance during this cultural event. 

Labor Day Fun Tiki Night in Gram’s Basement is hosted by La Vista Motel and El Piñon. Denver DJ Mister Niño is spinning an all-vinyl set of cumbia and Caribbean music, with tropical decor throughout the space, Summer Rum Punch on draft, a one-night-only Tiki Specialty Cocktail, and complimentary chili-lime popcorn and pineapple with Tajín. the event runs from 8-11pm.

September 6
Hispanic Heritage Month Ritmo & Raices: A Latin American Heritage Celebration kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, traditional and contemporary dance, food, history and community. The event is free and is held outside Wynkoop Plaza and the Terminal Bar Patio outside of Denver Union Station. Guests age 21+ can visit the Patio for a donation-based tequila tasting experience. 

St. Rafka’s 19th Annual Lebanese Festival continues. See Sept. 5.

September 7 – Labor Day
Corinne hosts Brunch & Bubbles from 7am-2pm with boozy cocktails, biscuits, Avocado Toast, salads and sandwiches and brunch plates.

Summer Send-Off at The Grandview in Arvada celebrates with a Low Country Shrimp Boil and South Carolina-inspired cocktails and beverages, available until they sell out. 

September 10
Pizza Making Class at Rare Bird is the last one for the season. Go behind the counter to stretch, top and fire your own pizza to enjoy with a complementary glass of wine. There are only eight seats for an intimate, lively evening. Get tickets in the link. 

RESTAURANT OPENING Rōmyō opens, the latest, and most daring project of Bonanno Concepts restaurant group. Denver’s first itameshi restaurant, Rōmyō fuses Japanese and Italian fare ranging from dumplings and pasta to kakigōri (Japanese shaved ice desserts) and inventive cocktails. House-aged soy sauce and Colorado peach vinegar crafted in partnership with Leopold Bros. are among the special menu touches.

September 11
Fall Fest in Frisco is Sept. 11-12 with live music, make-and-take art projects and a beer garden serving beer paired with pretzels and sausages. The  Arts at Altitude Art Show kicks off the weekend with jewelry, pottery, paintings and photography.

Global Dance Festival returns Sept. 11-12 following a hiatus in 2025. Acts include Tiësto, Kygo, Subtronics, Chris Lake and SLANDER.

RESTAURANT OPENING La Vie En Rose, an intimate Parisian-inspired cocktail and Champagne bar opens from the team behind Nocturne. The elegant spot will have more than 120 selections of Champagne by the bottle and will serve hors d’oeuvres and shared small plates that are Champagne-friendly.

Midnight at the Masquerade is an immersive murder mystery dinner at Gaylord Rockies Resort where a shocking murder turns an elegant evening into a race to mask the culprit.

September 12
DISCOUNT CODE ALERT BrunchFest Denver is the annual celebration of all things brunch with food and drink from local restaurants. Enjoy unlimited tastings, a drag show, DJ tunes, vendors and more. Use code INGOODTASTE at checkout for 15% off General Admission tickets.

Carboy 10th Anniversary Weekend includes a Harvest Party with barrel tastings, library wines, live music, a full BBQ spread, seasonal cocktails, tattoos, artwork and more. Tickets include two drinks and one food item. 

Denver Municipal Band performs with the Concert Band at Central Park’s Founder’s Green park at 6pm. 

DISCOUNT CODE ALERT Fall Colorado Wine Walk is the third and final Wine Walk in 2026 and we’ve been honored to have partnered with host Blanchard Family Wine for each of them. Enjoy unlimited samples from leading Colorado wine, cider and sake brands plus taste bites by Cirque Kitchen and listen to live music. This is a chance to connect with the people behind Colorado’s beverage vendors. Use IGTD10 at checkout for $10 off tickets.

Fall Fest in Frisco continues. See Sept. 11.

Festival Latino in Brighton celebrates Latino heritage in a free, family-friendly event with live music, food, art and visual artists creating large-scale sculptural installations, interactive murals and opportunities for reflections. There will be a fireworks show at sunset. 

First Act at the Arts Complex is a free morning event at the Denver Performing Arts Complex with performances by Colorado Ballet, Colorado Symphony, Dazzle, DCPA and Opera Colorado. See what’s ahead for the season. Registration is requested.

Forget Me Not Oyster Social happens Sept. 12 and 26. They are opening early for rotating market oyster selections served on ice plus bubbles, mimosas and spritzes plus live jazz to enjoy. Walk-ins are welcome from 1pm but reservations are recommended. 

Oktoberfest Fun Highlands Oktoberfest returns for the third year spanning four blocks of West 32nd Ave. between Irving and Perry Streets. There’ll be an inaugural Highlands Bierfest, a ticketed craft beer tasting featuring Oktoberfest brews from local breweries. There will also be 100+ local vendors, competitions, live polka and folk music and dancing performances. 

Jams in Cheese IV is the fourth annual music festival benefitting Colorado Water Trust and Music is a Language. Bands include Human Kind, Soccer, Neon Nomad and others. 

Park Hill Arts Festival is Sept. 12-13 with returning and new artists. There will also be a Gourmet Alley with booths selling culinary items and food trucks to grab a bite. 

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is in partnership between Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Orchard Town Center. See two one-hour performances, “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” performed outdoors. The event is free. 

Sunnyside Music Festival is a free, volunteer-run event with a full day of live music, local art and family fun at Chaffee Park. 

The Fast Lane: Race Day at Cooper Lounge in partnership with Moët & Chandon celebrates the energy of the FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA happening in Madrid. Sip champagne and cocktails and enjoy live DJ tunes. Admission is free but the event is for ages 21+ only. 

September 13
Oktoberfest Fun St. Julien hosts its fourth annual Oktoberfest on the hotel’s lawn and terrace. There’ll be live music from Poka Folka Band, games, beer and a German buffet including schweinebraten (roast pork), wurstl (Bavarian sausages and sauerkraut), brezen (pretzels), schnitzel, black forest cake and more. Tickets are $49 for the buffet or $75 for the buffet and bottomless beer.

Sunday Supper Club at Mizuna: Chef Alan’s NOLA Tailgate brings the chef of Luca to Mizuna’s kitchen for an outdoor party. There’ll be a spit-roasted whole pig, chicken and andouille jambalaya, corn bread, beignets and more. Each $80/person ticket includes the food, unlimited beer, wine and seltzers and yard games. 

The Denver Concert Band presents “The Roaring 20’s” featuring vocalist Hannah Rodriguez at Lone Tree Arts Center. The concert brings together jazz, Broadway, marches and music from the golden age. 

September 14
Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood kicks off the Broncos season with $15 lobster rolls and 99-cent oysters when the Broncos take on the Chiefs. The special will be available all day at both the Cherry Creek and Lone Tree locations for dine-in and pickup. Choose from New England-style with lemon aioli and celery or Connecticut-style with chilled lobster and hot garlic butter. See our Ongoing section above for another deal they are offering throughout the season.

September 15
Pasta Making Class at Colletta Vail Valley teaches attendees how to make Pumpkin Ravioli from scratch with a rich brown butter and sage sauce. 

September 16
Blues and Grooves at Marjorie Park features rising blues artist KELS who blends jazz, pop and soul. She has been compared to Amy Winehouse.

September 17
16 Years of the Still is an immersive golden-hour evening celebration of fifteen years of the Clyfford Still Museum’s artistic independence, community connection and cultural impact in Denver. Enjoy special activations and installations. 

Oktoberfest Fun Denver Kickers Oktoberfest 2026 is Sept. 18-19. It happens at the Denver Kickers Sports Club in Golden with food, drink, live music and traditional music. 

September 18
Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra presents Sass, Swing and Standards featuring Marion Powers on vocals at The Schoolhouse in Parker. Hear songs from the Great American Songbook. There will be an additional performance Sept. 27 at Dazzle Denver. 

Oktoberfest Fun Denver Kickers Oktoberfest 2026 continues. See Sept. 17.

Denver Municipal Band performs its last free outdoor concert with the Brass Quintet at Platt Park Family Movie Night at 5:30pm.  

“Fate and Future” is the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra’s evening that begins with Giuseppe Verdi’s dramatic overture to La Forza del Destino—The Force of Destiny. There is also Hugo Alfvén’s colorful Swedish Rhapsody No. 1, also known as Midsommarvaka.  

National Cheeseburger Day is celebrated at Good Times with $2.99 Deluxe Cheeseburgers, available in-restaurant and through the app. Also, for September, get $1 any-size fountain drink to celebrate them having Coca-Cola now.

Shrek: The Drag Show at MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater is a drag parody of the popular story described as “ogre” the top. When Lord Farquaad exiles fairytale creatures to Shrek’s swamp, it’s all dragons, princesses, men in tights, lipstick and queer kings.

September 19
4th Annual Colfax Chicken Fest is a quirky event with silly chicken-themed games and contests, make-and-take art projects, live bluegrass/Americana music, food and drink and a chicken-themed art show. 

Artist on the Rise at Dairy Block brings local artist Brigitte Benson to sing for the final performance of the season. Benson is a singer/songwriter and jazz musician who performs folk, fun and storytelling. 

Oktoberfest Fun Bierstadt’s RiNo Oktoberfest 2026 brings Munich to RiNo in a Bavarian party that includes an Oktoberfest Queer Bazaar, Baby Goat Petting Zoo, Bavarian Games & Contests, Ceremonial Fässer Tapping and other events. 

Oktoberfest Fun Castle Rock Oktoberfest offers up live German music, food trucks, beer, wine and cocktails and a DJ dance party at night. 

Oktoberfest Fun Cherry Creektoberfest takes over Fillmore Plaza Sept. 19 and 20 for German-style craft bier from Prost Brewing Company, traditional wooden chalets with vendors curated by the German American Chamber of Commerce – Colorado Chapter, a stein-hoisting competition, live German bands, DJs and more.

Denver BAZAAR at Larimer Square has more than 30 vendors and makers in the outdoor market with free admission. It’s dog-friendly too.

Hometown Vendor Market is an open-air market that supports local makers with handcrafted goods, home decor, fashion, art, wellness products and specialty foods.

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated from 4-8pm at Orchard Town Center. There’ll be live music from one of our favorite bands, Los Mocochetes plus cultural dance performances from No “Mo” Violence and Danza Kalpulli Yohualli Ehecatl. There’ll also be an artisan market with local vendors, crafts, food and drink and mural painting by father-and-son artists Jerry Jaramillo and Jay Michael Jaramillo. 

Run the Rockies Road Races in Frisco has a 10K and half marathon road courses along a paved crash, through Ten Mile Canyon amid fall foliage. Afterward, enjoy refreshments, food and music at Frisco Historic Park.

September 20
“Practical Magic” Drag Bingo Brunch at Osteria Marco celebrates the Owens sisters returning to the big screen in “Practical Magic 2”. There are two seatings. Guests are invited to gather their coven and don their witchiest attire.

Who’s a Good Boy plays at Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center. See delightful stories about dogs in all shapes and sizes performed by three actors. Join them for a free cookies and milk reception after the show.

September 23
Larimer Square Movie Night on the Block screens School of Rock starting at 6:30pm. 

September 24
Songs in the Key of Life: A Golden Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder’s landmark album. Dazzle Denver is a live tribute with an ensemble of Denver jazz and soul musicians performing classics including “Sir Duke,” “I Wish,” and “Isn’t She Lovely.” 

Tour of Italy Wine Dinner at Local Jones is a five course meal, each paired with an Italian wine plus a welcome glass of bubbly and an intermezzo pour. Courses included seared scallops, veal osso buco and vanilla panna cotta. Tickets are $135/guest. 

September 25
Lookout Bar Mezcal Tasting + Bites includes a welcome cocktail followed by a guided tasting of four unique mezcals, each paired with a Mexican-inspired bite. The cost is $79/person.

September 26
Bourbon Boulevard is hosted by Seven Grand and Dairy Block in celebration of National Bourbon Heritage Month. Enjoy live music, light bites and samples of great American whiskey from Old Forester, Elijah Craig, Bardstown Bourbon and more. There’ll also be Louisiana-inspired food available to purchase by Denver’s Nola Jane.

Central Park Artists’ 2026 Open Studios is a self-guided tour to 13 locations to see 29 artists’ work in the Central Park neighborhood. 

Denver Century Ride is an urban cycling event that explores diverse neighborhoods, iconic landmarks and scenic trails of Metro Denver from the seat of a bike. The event provides multiple route options of 25, 50, 85 or 100 miles. 

Farm to Table Dinner at The Urban Farm’s 4th annual fundraiser. Just in time for the Fall Equinox with food from the farm prepared by a chef and beverages provided by new vendors and partners. 

Forget Me Not Oyster Social continues. See Sept. 12.

Havana Street Night Market is “Colorado’s Home for Culture & Cuisine” with food, music and smaller, snackable portions so attendees can try more things. 

Talnua Distillery’s The Spirit of Colorado: A Sesquicentennial Celebration includes whiskey and cocktails, bottle releases, archery games, food truck, beerwerks and more. The event is family-friendly in the afternoon and age 21+ in the evening.

Urban Market at Denver Union Station offers a mix of local arts and crafts sold directly by the artists including clothing, jewelry, antiques and furniture. There’ll also be live music and entertainment. The market also happens Sept. 27. 

September 27
Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra presents Sass, Swing and Standards featuring Marion Powers on vocals at Dazzle. Hear songs from the Great American Songbook. There will be an additional performance Sept. 18 at Schoolhouse in Parker.

Urban Market continues. See Sept. 26.

September 29
Bird Dog Happy Hour at Rare Bird runs 4-7pm. Attend with your pup for dog-friendly specials including house-made peanut butter dog treats and Australian shepherd’s pie (potato, peas, carrots and beef patty). The event supports True Companions’ mission to help animals find loving homes.

Savor the Season 2026 is Sept. 29-Oct. 1 for three nights and five-course dinners from 24 of the region’s leading chefs, an open bar with craft beverages and locally-sourced ingredients, all benefitting culinary and community advocacy. 

UPCOMING EVENTS IN GOOD TASTE

Oct. 1-4 – Park City Wine Festival: Fall Edition
              – Steamboat Food & Wine Festival

Oct. 10 – Great American Bubbles and French Fry Festival at Champagne Tiger

Oct. 10-11 – Great American Beer Festival

Oct. 17 – Colorado Uncorked

Oct. 24 – Dia de los Muertos in Civic Center Park

-Curated by Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher & Managing Editor, InGoodTasteDenver.com.