We consider August to be the last month of summer. But we’re not about to let all the summer love go without doing it up big! We’ve curated a varied list of food, drink, arts and culture happenings to help InGoodTasteDenver.com readers make the most of the season.
Have you purchased your tickets to the Denver Food + Wine Festival? It’s one of the biggest, most fun, and most respected foodie events in the state and it happens next month, Sept. 4-7. The event is created by and for restaurant lovers. It includes four events: Riedel Wine Glass Seminar, Shake + Brake Showdown cocktail competition, Grand Tasting and Dine Out Auction Series. We’ve got all the details for you in this In Good Taste Denver article.
Ongoing Events In Good Taste in August
23rd Annual Breckenridge August Art Festival, Aug. 1-3, is a free-admission event featuring 13 fine art categories.
$2 Oysters on Wednesdays at Jovanina’s Broken Italian, offers up chilled raw oysters, accompanied by a pomegranate mignonette. Wood oven-roasted oysters feature a golden-brown prosciutto-herb butter topping.
Adrift’s Painkiller Week celebrates Pusser’s Rum’s signature drink where different versions of the iconic tropical cocktail will be served, Aug. 13-17.
News Ajax Downtown is now opening for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Denver’s Union Station neighborhood. They serve salads to desserts including Rocky Mountain raised meats and seasonal produce.
News Ambler restaurant has opened in LoDo. The casual American eatery and cocktail bar is inspired by those who stop to smell the roses. Chef Samir Aniba and team offer up guac, half chicken, steak frites and more.
Alley Soundscapes concerts are free events featuring a different local artist or group each week including LAPOMPE Trio, Casino Perosi and Zivanai Masango.
Arts at Altitude Festival celebrates its inaugural year August 10-17. Hosted by YMCA of the Rockies, in partnership with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, there will be artist meet-and-greets, instrument showcases, music education sessions, open mic nights and solo pop-ups. Signature events will be a jazz evening and Broadway program.
BOGO Beers for Hot Temps goes into effect when the temperature is more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Sip any of The Post Chicken & Beer Rosedale’s beers and enjoy some food. If the temperature is above 95 degrees, the first ice-cold beer is on the house.
Breckenridge Wine Classic is Aug. 22-24, bringing together master winemakers and wine enthusiasts. Enjoy wine from around the world in a series of Grand Tastings, educational seminars, paired wine dinners and more.
Bright Nights at Four Mile Historic Park offers a glowing landscape of larger-than-life lantern installations that include a smoke-blowing dragon, Colorado wildlife and flowers and life-sized unicorns in a crystal forest. The fundraiser installation runs Wednesday-Sunday through September 29.
ButterPunk Cookies has opened out of takeout-only Window of Happiness, a walk-up, bodega-style window at The Post Chicken & Beer’s LoHi location. Get warm cookies and “Happy Milkshakes,” alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages mixed by a “Botrista” robot (as well as other coffee drinks, lemonades and slushies.
Cherry Pie Week, presented by Balistreri Vineyards, runs Aug. 2-6. The annual tradition is based around the making of natural Cherry Wines. Balistreri holds back some cherries to make their famous cherry pies. Stop by for lunch, a slice of pie and flight of their wines. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Colorado State Fair is Aug. 23-Sept. 2 in Pueblo. There’s live entertainment including concerts, rodeos, demolition derby, carnival rides and Fair food.
News Daycation with a ResortPass at Halcyon in Cherry Creek. For $299, get four pool day passes, lounge chairs, towel service, poolside food drink service and a private room from 9am-3pm with amenities.
Douglas County Fair & Rodeo continues through Aug. 4. Take in rodeos, live entertainment, exhibits and a carnival.
News FlyteCo Brewery is adding co-working space during the week at their Tennyson location. They had offered this during the pandemic and are returning to the popular option that allows affordable pricing, free parking and memberships.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is an immersive Broadway rock musical with a pre-show by one of our favorites, Jessica L’Whor. The award-winning show features live music and queer storytelling with a gender-bending twist.
Ilegal Pete’s and Meow Wolf have joined forces to create the Portilla (pronounced Por-Tee-yah), a made-up noun meaning “little portal.” The trippy, tie-dyed tortilla was created with Colorado Tortilla Co. All month long, customers at all Illegal Pete’s locations can get their burritos, tacos and quesadillas with the special tortilla. There’s also fun swag to go with this promo.
Kimpton Claret Hotel has opened in Denver’s Belleview Station with two restaurant concepts: Saverina serves Italian-inspired modern American fare and Halo on the 19th floor rooftop has libations, global-inspired bites and dramatic views. Both concepts are by Chef Christian Graves. Stay tuned for our article about the place.
New Moksha Chocolate has created a twist on their popular Functional Mushroom Chocolate Tasting events that include drinking cacao. Learn about the health benefits of each, receive a detailed tasting mat with notes. These are ideal for groups of 6-20 people.
Movies at McGregor Square is a series of outdoor screenings including Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (Aug. 8) and Barbie (Aug. 22).
Music Movie Monday at the Sie FilmCenter for music films curated by Twist & shout. Enjoy drink specials and happy hour pricing.
Parade of Homes returns, Aug. 8-25. The largest showcase of the latest i architecture and home design along the Front Range offers in-person or online home tours.
Passport to Happiness is available at all Little Man Ice Cream locations. Visit all eight of their shops for a chance to win free ice cream for a year.
Prismajic, the local immersive arts company behind Shiki Dreams, has multiple events in August including yoga, a cocktail class, psychic speakeasy, live music and more. Visit their website for details on all.
Quarterly Burger Contest at TAG Burger Bar lets guests submit their original burger creations for a chance to win prizes and free burgers for 90 days. Click on the link to learn more.
Rendezvous in France is Del Frisco Grill’s month-long wine flight offering, featuring a handpicked selection of wines from renowned French regions.
Small-Batch, handcrafted liquor-filled chocolates are now available at Alice + Kate Boutique Bakery including 10th Mountain Whiskey & Sprit’s and Spirit Hound Distillers.
Spirit of Japan tickets are on sale now for the Aug. 23-25 event. See specifics listed under Aug. 23 below.
Summer Cookout Series at Rare Bird, the restaurant/bar at Halcyon, takes place every Saturday and Sunday until September. Executive Chef Dan Young will be at the rooftop grill serving baby back ribs and smoked chicken served with house-made sauces plus other items to add on including a burger and banana pudding.
Summer Tasting Menu at Stoke & Rye in Avon, is a 3-Course Summer Taste menu served nightly with options including Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon and Citrus Caprese.
The Fort now serves Sunday brunch every week, adding to their mountain man-inspired offerings. Take in the view of downtown and The Foothills while sipping prickly pear mimosas, eggs benedict with smoked ancho hollandaise, biscuits and gravy with wild boar chorizo gravy and apple French toast.
News The Hampton Social has opened at 2501 16th St. with coastal-inspired cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails and a “rose all day” lifestyle vibe. Food options include the Lobster Roll and Smash Burger. Cocktails include that awesomely-named “I Glitterally Can’t” with strawberry gin, sparkling rose, passion fruit, lemon and glitter balls.
Til Death Do Us Part…You First is a one-man show starring actor, comedian and author Peter Fogel, directed by Chazz Palminteri. The show explores the ups and downs of love and marriage and runs Aug. 1-18.
News Tocabe Indigenous Marketplace, whose mission is to bring native foods to the mainstream, has launched Little Harvest™ Meals—a line of nutritious, kid-friendly meals featuring delicious, Indigenous ingredients sourced from local and Native producers. Examples include Super Spaghetti & Bison Meatballs with whole grain pasta and Mighty Mac & Plant-Based Nuggets.
Vail Wine Classic runs Aug. 8-11 with all-inclusive, outdoor wine-tasting plus small bites and live music.
“Vive La France” is a limited-time cocktail in honor of the Paris Olympic Games. Until Aug. 11, Le Bilboquet Denver serves this drink with Citadelle French gin, complemented by St. Germain elderflower liqueur and splash of fresh lemon juice. It’s served over a lavender and cherry French Flag ice cube.
Dated Events In Good Taste in August
August 1 – Colorado Day and National Spritz Day
$10 Spritzes will be available through Aug. 4 at Parkway Food Hall in Longmont including the Dubbly Bubbly with Ramazzotti Rosato aperitivo and berry liqueur and the Pear Affair with Wheatley vodka, St. George Spiced Pear and Pear shrub among the ingredients.
Curate: A Local Mercantile in Centennial has more than 120 local Colorado vendors in celebration of Colorado’s 148th Birthday.
Denver Burger Battle is an all-you-can-eat and drink festival pitting more than 20 area restaurants against each other to crown the best burger in Denver. There’s a People’s Choice winner and Judge’s Choice.
August 2
First Friday Celebration is the inaugural such event at Stanley Marketplace with artists of all genres including poetry to artwork for sale. Businesses will offer late-night shopping hours and host artists in their spaces. Get a drink to-go from Stanley’s bars and restaurants, as you stroll and shop.
Passport Angel Heart is a project with Fuel & Iron in Pueblo. For $20 Get three small plates from their restaurants, a signature cocktail and $5 will be donated to Project Angel Heart. For $15, get a Kids Passport with two small plates, an ice cream bar, and donation. Help decorate bags to provide food for those receiving beneficial meals as part of the program.
August 3
Brunch service begins at Pancho & Jane in Golden. Look for Chilaquiles topped with braised pork and eggs, Hot Chicken & Churro featuring Nashville hot chicken, covered in cinnamon sugar and agave syrup and butter. There are also brunch beverages including Granny’s Coffee, mimosas and a coconut-infused Bloody Mary mixed with tequila.
Castle Marne celebrates its grand reopening with the launch of an exclusive Airbnb experience. In time for Colorado Day, get free tickets for hourly tours of the mansion, grounds and guest suites plus giveaways.
Colorado’s Taste of Ethiopia Festival is Aug. 3-4, includes food and drink, exhibits, artisan vendors, activities and live performances.
Keystone’s Bluegrass and Beer Festival returns, Aug. 3 and 4 featuring craft pours and live music.
The Colorado Scottish Festival Diamond Jubilee, Aug. 3-4, includes Scottish athletics, dance competitions, bagpipe music, whisky tastings, beer and food vendors and clan/tartan activities.
August 4 – National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
$1 Chocolate Chip Cookies can be had all day at Leven Deli Co., while supplies last.
Colorado’s Taste of Ethiopia Festival continues. See above.
The Colorado Scottish Festival Diamond Jubilee continues. See above.
August 5 – National Oyster Day
1994 Happy Hour 50 Cent Oysters celebrates Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar’s 30th Anniversary celebration. From 4-6pm, they’ll serve 700 Jax proprietary Cracker Jax Oysters on the half shell.
Honeymoon Oysters are available at Water Grill. The Pacific oyster is topped with sea urchin, salmon roe, quail egg yolk, two types of flying fish roe and a sprinkle of green onion.
Tammen’s Fish Market, inside Denver Central Market, celebrates the day with BOGO oysters.
August 7
Featured Event: Dine Out for Amos Watts Fundraiser is a multi-restaurant event with proceeds going directly to the family Chef Watts who passed unexpectedly earlier this summer as they work to find a new operator for Fifth String. Dine at participating restaurants who will donate a varying percentage of sales that day. Click the link to see which restaurants are taking part.
Expanded Space Opening Celebration at SAME Cafe includes a tour, small bits and drinks. SAME has been working on this expansion for two years to continue its outreach programs. RSVP in the link.
August 8
It Ends with Us Flower Hour at Rowdy Poppy to celebrate the new film based on the best-selling book by Colleen Hoover. There will be specialty cocktails by Beckon featuring edible flowers.
August 10
Been there, loved that: After Dark: Evening Bazaar in the Dairy Block Alley, features a variety of local makers, a vinyl pop-up by Wax Trax, immersive art by Denver’s Deep Space Drive-in and vinyl entertainment by ESP HiFi.
Bark Around the Block is a National Dog Month event at The Maven hotel, with dog-friendly activations. Pick up a Puppy Passport and visit each one to be entered to win an overnight stay with your pup.
RiNo Summer Art Market includes live music, local art including clothing and goods from more than 55 local RiNo artists, crafting workshops, food, drink and family fun.
Run the Rockies trail races is a new event in Frisco offering 5K, 10K and half marathon trail courses, each ideal for beginners. See beautiful views of Lake Dillon and the Ten Mile range. Afterwork, enjoy refreshments, pancakes and music on the lawn.
August 11
Classic Cocktail Class Experience at The Cruise Room teaches skills and recipes for iconic drinks. Advance registration is required.
Denver BAZAAR at Larimer Square has more than 40 craft venders and makers to shop from.
Pancake Stampede 5K starts and finishes at Hudson Gardens. Registration includes awards and entry to the Western Welcome Week Pancake Breakfast.
August 14
Snooze A.M. Eatery reopens its Ballpark location following a $2.5 million dollar investment into upgrading the property, expanding the footprint of the space both inside and out.
August 16
Goatflix and Chill is a family-friendly screening of a G-rated film plus time with sociable little goats from Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga, held at The Shops at Northfield. Snacks, coolers, blankets, water bottles are welcome and goat food is available for purchase.
Night Market is a new event at Civic Center with local food and goods vendors, live entertainment, face painting, balloon artists and other fun.
August 17
Keystone Mountain Town Music Fest returns with a kickoff concert by the Freddy Jones Band. They are joined by Runaway Grooms and others.
August 18
Nocturne has a new, monthly $10 Sunday Matinee Series for all ages. See live jazz on stage and order from select discounted food and drink. See world-class drummer Jeff Hamilton, who will perform as part of the Akiko Tsuruga, Jeff Hamilton and Steve Kovalcheck Trio. The opportunity is made possible by their Live Music Society 2024 Music In Action Grant.
August 20 – National Bacon Lovers Day
Dinner with the Champions is an annual fundraising event with Guard and Grace and Pro Football Hall of Famers Steve Atwater, Terrell Davis and Broncos Legend Mark Schlereth. The event raises funds for Advocates for the Truth whose mission is to provide international assistance and support for survivors of sexual abuse.
Slater’s 50/50 celebrates with a Bacon Flight of four thick-cut slices, any of their burgers that are a beef/bacon blend or a Bacon Cold Fashioned with bacon-infused bourbon or vanilla shake with bacon for dessert.
August 22
Featured Event: Q BBQ Fest returns to Denver but at a new location, Civic Center Park. Some of the finest pitmasters from across Colorado and the country serve up samples of award-winning smoked meats. Enter to win 2 VIP passes from In Good Taste Denver – contest ends Aug. 2.
Infinite Monkey Theorem x Miss Lippe Dumpling Party will teach participants how to fill and fold dumplings, which will then be cooked by the Miss Lippe team. Expect about 20 dumplings per person plus pickled snacks and wine. Dumplings will be Thai Basil Chicken and Pork Chive.
Sazerac Mixology Event at The Broadmoor’s Ristorante Del Lago is a partnership with Matt Ray, Mixologist & Experience Team Leader for Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbons. During this hands-on cocktail exploration, whiskey lovers will be able to experience, craft, and enjoy rare spirits and cocktails.
Masters of Fire Festival at QBBQ Fest with Chef Tyler Florence pits five local chefs against each other to ignite the grills to compete in a battle over live fire cooking.
August 23
Breaking Bamboo Ceilings: AAPI Women Who Lead Event is hosted by Olive & Finch Cherry Creek. Community leaders, learners and supporters are invited to hear about the importance of AAPI women leadership in the community. The special guest is Alyssa Nilemo, currently running for Colorado State House. RSVP’s are encouraged.
Comedy Show at Clayton Hotel & Members Club features comedian Brian Kiley, head monolog writer for Conan O’Brien for 24 years. See other hilarious acts and enjoy specialty cocktails for the $25 per person fee.
Featured Event: Spirit of Japan is held Aug. 23-25 at Denver’s Sakura Square. The inaugural 3-day event is a food and spirits festival showcasing Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Attendees can visit food stalls offering Yakitori and Kakigori shaved ice. VIP tickets include an indoor lounge and terrace, catered food, cocktail bar and more.
August 24
PROMO CODE ALERT! Colorado Wine Walk is back in Denver, hosted by Blanchard Family Wines, in celebration of Colorado’s stellar winemaking scene. Taste your way around the Dairy Block Alley, sampling wines and talking to winemakers. You can also buy bottles of your favorites. Use promo code GOOD for discounted VIP tickets. Learn more by clicking the bar below.
Denver BrunchFest returns, this year held at the Auraria Campus with a bottomless brunch event. As part of the event, restaurants compete for Best Sweet Treat, Savory Morsel and Bite.
Spirit of Japan continues. See August 23 above.
August 25
Spirit of Japan continues. See August 23 above.
Summer Bloom Bash with Pago on the Patio is the latest Summer Sunset series at Corrida in Boulder. Enjoy live music plus an all-you-can-eat-and-drink feast of suckling pig, tapas, pintxos, cocktails, wines and more.
Aug. 27
Iberian Nights at Ultreia is a culinary journey through the flavors of the Iberian Peninsula through a three-course menu. This event happens the last Tuesday of every month with a different region’s food each time.
Snooze A.M. Eatery is rolling out a new menu at all of their locations including three omelets, pumpkin pancakes and beverages. They will also have a new all-day happy hour every Monday-Friday.
Summer Vegan Harvest Dinner at St. Julien is a 3-cours dinner highlighting seasonal produce in partnership with Toohey & Sons Organic, Forevergreen Microgreens and First Fruits Organic Farms.
August 28
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Wine Tasting happens at Leven Deli Co. Owner and sommelier Anthony Lygizos and general manager Adelino Alves will lead guests through a progressive tasting of hand-picked wines.
Two Truths & A Lie Mixology Experience at B&GC provides a step-by-step process for creating and learning how to make three unique drinks, two alcoholic and one mocktail.
August 29
EatYAPizza celebrates the expansion of their 16th Street Mall patio with the opportunity to win free Roman-style pizza for an entire year. Learn more about the Grand Opening Patio Party and sweepstakes on their website.
Raise the Ruff with Rick Springfield is an event for Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary. The concert hopes to raise $$500,000 to support their mission of providing lifelong care to senior dogs.
August 30
Cookie Decorating: Beginner Level at Denver Botanic Gardens, teaches techniques on pre-baked shortbread cookies. Learn about materials needed, royal icing consistencies, color-mixing and piping tricks.
Tea Street is celebrating the opening of their newest family-owned bubble tea shop in Parker with a special event Aug. 30 and 31. Enjoy a variety of activations including samples, custom friendship bracelets, and prizes.
August 31
Keystone’s Oktoberfest, and Das Bier Burner 5K Fun Run returns. The family-friendly event includes a 5K that goes over rolling hills. The Oktoberfest includes root beer events for kids and regular beer fun for adults.
Tea Street continued.
Upcoming Events In Good Taste
Sept. 4-7 – Denver Food & Wine Festival
Sept. 7 – 48th Annual International Heritage Festival
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