Bowl of ‘Zole: What to Know Before You Go

Bowl of ‘Zole, one of Denver’s must unique food and drink events, returns in March. Some of our city’s favorite Mexican restaurants and chefs come together to share their best versions of a classic comfort food as purveyors of mezcal and other spirits serve up their prime offerings. In this sponsored article, we’ve put together a handy guide to everything you need to know before you go.

Bowl of ‘Zole: What to Know Before You Go

Just what is the ‘Zole of Bowl of ‘Zole?

The event focuses on the deliciousness and cultural popularity of a specific dish, Pozole. The traditional broth-based soup or stew is made from hominy (white or yellow corn) and meat of some kind (usually chicken or pork). It’s common across Mexico but goes back to the pre-Columbian era. Pozole is usually seasoned with shredded lettuce or cabbage, chili peppers, raw onions, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa and limes. It’s time-consuming to make so if a restaurant serves it at all, it’s usually not on the regular menu, making the Bowl of ‘Zole event extra special.

What is the event?

This is the Denver stop of a national touring Bowl of ‘Zole festival that pairs some of Denver’s best chefs and restaurants with hand-curated artisan spirits brands.

The all-inclusive, indoor/outdoor event lets attendees sample each restaurant’s take on pozole and other favorite Mexican dishes plus sample from more than 300 agave spirits.

Meet (and sample the dishes of) chefs like Dana Rodriguez of Carne RiNo, Work & Class and Casa Bonita; Johnny Curiel of Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma; Antonio Tevillo of Tamayo; Joshua Pollack of Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen; Veronica Rodriguez of Palenque Cocina y Agaveria and many others.

On the beverage side, there will be more than 300 tequilas, mezcals, raicillas and bacanoras. There will be an expert-led blind tasting of Tequila Ocho and Mezcal Vago as well as a welcome bar from G4 Tequila and PKGD Group. Beverages go beyond agave spirits to include cocktails from the Tequila Corrido bar, plus sotols, wines, beers, and more from producers across Mexico.

Community partners for the 2026 event are We Don’t Waste, fighting hunger and food waste across the Denver area and Culinary Hospitality Outreach & Wellness (CHOW) supporting wellness for restaurant industry workers. They will be hosting a raffle at Bowl of ‘Zole.

When is Bowl of ‘Zole?

March 26, 2026 starting at 5pm for VIP ticket-holders and 6pm for General Admission. The event runs until 9pm.

Where is it held?

At SKYLIGHT,  833 Santa Fe Dr., Denver, CO 80204

What happens there?

Stroll around to each table to sample what each restaurant and chef is offering. Take the opportunity meet each chef or restaurant representative. This is a great chance to become familiar with restaurants you’ve been wanting to try or get to know ones you weren’t familiar with.

Who puts on the event?

Food Karma Projects, founded by Jimmy Carbone, a New York City restaurateur who produces grassroots-style, immersive celebrations that bring together award-winning, and rising star chefs, restaurants, artisan producers and distributors. Food Karma events include Bowl of ‘Zole™, CiderFeast™, Brisket King® NYC and others.

Also behind the event is Danny Mena, one of New York City’s top Mexican chefs and Arik Torrin, one o the pioneers of mezcal in the U.S. and co-founder of Bowl of ‘Zole ™.

How much are tickets? 

In this all-inclusive event, all ticket holders get all food and spirits tastings. Here’s the breakdown of level and what you receive for each:

5pm Entry – VIP Ticket – $85 + processing fee

• Early admission an hour early at 5pm
• Bowlof ‘Zole Swag Bag
• Opportunity to Meet and Greet with chefs and spirits producers
• First bites and drinks before General Admission doors open
• All-access to pozole and spirits tastings all evening

6pm Entry – General Admission Ticket – $65 + processing fee

• 6pm admission
• All-access pozole and spirits tastings all evening

6pm Entry – General Admission Kick-Off Pricing – $55 + fee

• General Admission ticket at a special price
• 6pm admission
• All-access pozole and spirits tastings all evening
• Available for a limited time

Where can I purchase tickets and learn more about the event?

Visit the Bowl of ‘Zole website for information and to purchase tickets. And get all the latest updates on Instagram at @bowlofzole.

Tips for Making the Most of Bowl of ‘Zole

• Get there early because this is a really popular event and it fills up quickly. This is your incentive to purchase VIP Tickets which get you in an hour before everyone else. And if you’re doing GA tickets, aim to arrive at 6pm so you can make your way around to each table better – it gets more crowded as the evening goes along.
• Pace yourself, both in terms of food and drink. There’s plenty of both and you want to have the stomach space, and wits about you to make it around to all of the purveyors. Each pozole is different and worthy of a chance to be enjoyed!
• Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know restaurants that are new or new to you. Most of them will have business cards or other materials so take them with you so you don’t forget to go check them out sometime soon.
• Note how different each restaurant’s versions of pozole are. Just like home cooks who’ve been making the dish for generations, everyone puts their own spin on it.
• Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be standing a while. And wear comfortable clothes, i.e. your “eating pants” because there’s a lot of delicious food to be had.

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