Every month, our team researches happenings in the world of Colorado food, drink, arts, culture and travel that we find to be, well, In Good Taste for that month – the things that strike our fancy, seem to really celebrate the best of our state and offer opportunities to support businesses and build community. Despite us all being in tough times, I’m always so impressed and somewhat surprised at the bounty of great things happening. Each one, whether it’s a restaurant opening, a performance, a festival, etc. represents hope – hope that people will show up, that things will go off without a hitch, that they’ll make money, that their dreams will come true. It does our hearts good. Great, really. And so, let’s spring forth with what we find to be In Good Taste in May.
Editor’s Pick Event: City Park Jazz Fundraiser Brunch at Dazzle featuring Camilla Vaitaitis is offered in two sessions on May 24. The purpose is to raise funds to help CPJ’ raise an additional $30,000-$40,000 in unexpected costs for mobile setups, audio production and power needs for their upcoming summer lineup after some horrible person burned the historic City Park Bandstand. Gather with other music lovers to enjoy a chef curated buffet, made to order specialties and non-alcoholic beverages. If you can’t attend, there are still ways to donate to help on the CityParkJazz.org website.
Ongoing Events In Good Taste in May
Adrift Tiki Bar & Restaurant debuts new menu additions under the helm of the new general manager, Robert Duran. Honoring the restaurant’s Polynesian-inspired spirit, blended with techniques of coastal and island cooking, look for Island Shrimp Toast, Char Siu Pork Rolls, Tropical Market Salad, Huli-Huli Jerk Chicken Plate, Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles, Chocolate Toffee Kalua Mud Pie, Navy Grog cocktail, and several Punch Bowls serving 2-8.
Afternoon Tea at Local Jones runs through May 31. Enjoy scones, savory bites, petit fours and tea sandwiches created by pastry chef Liliana Myers. They will be served with an array of RISHI teas, floral tea cocktails or G.H. Mumm Champagne. Afternoon tea is offered Thursday through Sunday and is $65 per person. Reservations can be made here.
Arvada Center has announced their summer concert series which begins June 11. Acts include Buena Vista Orchestra, Mozart Under Moonlight with the Colorado Symphony, Andy Grammer, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and many others.
Bar Tropical is the new expansive rooftop bar at Pindustry. The summer season opens May 1. The summer activation of the venue’s popular Sky Deck offers tropical decor, island-inspired cocktails and frozen drinks like a Tipsy Toucan and Court-Me-Rita. The full Pindustry food menu is also available.
NEWS Barcelona Wine Bar is opening a new restaurant in the Denver Tech Center at On The Square at Belleview and Ulster. This is the second location for the concept which also has sister-concept, Corsica.
Beyond the Western Horizon at the Madden Gallery at the Museum of Outdoor Arts celebrates the reimagined myth, memory and enduring spirit of the American West with more than 50 artworks depicting aspects of the American West through 20 prominent artists. The exhibition will be on view through July 31.
Birdcall and Little Man Ice Cream have a limited-time collaboration flavor: Salted Maple Chicken & Waffles Sandwich made with a custom Little Man ice cream. It’s available May and June, in-store only at Birdcall.
Bodies, The Science Within comes to Denver May 15-June 28 at the Denver Pavilions. The exhibit journeys through real human specimens that have been carefully and respectfully preserved, uncovering the intricate systems that sustain life.
Bonanno Concepts gears up to open Rōmyō in Larimer Square this summer. To give guests the opportunity to be part of the process, they are hosting a series of events including First Taste on May 22, Unlikely Alliances on May 29 and several more events in June.
Boombots has launched a new menu in addition to a late-night happy hour. Dishes include Gyros Cavatelli with za’atar pasta, lamb & beef gyros, roasted cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, crispy chickpeas, dill and tzatziki and Pimento Cheese Agnolotti with tabasco pasta, bacon, english peas, snap pea chow chow, pea soubise and pea tendrils. Happy hour runs 8-9pm Sunday-Wednesday ant 9-10pm Thursday-Saturday with deals of drinks, oysters, snacks, dip and pasta.
Boulder Creek Festival celebrates its 37th year, May 22-26 along Boulder Creek, appropriately. There’ll be live music, food vendors, artists and family-friendly programming.
Memorial Day Weekend Fun Blue Island Oyster Bar has multiple days of events happening, May 22-May 26. On May 22 and 23, it’s Lobster Riot, a whole, steamed Maine lobster with fries and coleslaw for $35. On Memorial Day itself, oysters are $.99 all day. On May 26, it’s a Holiday Hangover with classic or Connecticut-style lobster rolls with fries or coleslaw for $20 with specialty upgrades for $1 more.
Breckenridge Wine Classic tickets are on sale now for the Aug. 20-22 event. Don’t forget to use “ingoodtaste” at checkout to receive $10 off Grand Tasting tickets.
Cask Thief tickets are on sale now for this popular event from Stranahan’s on May 16. It’s a one-day-only opportunity to taste straight from the rarest barrels. Tickets are available in General Admission or VIP with special perks.
Champagne Thursday at Cooper Lounge is every Thursday with half-price bottles of champagne all night long.
Chef’n It’s season finale is out with The Wolf’s Tailor’s Executive Pastry Chef Emily Thompson as guest. She shows how to make a Garden-inspired Pavlova.
NEWS City Park Jazz has announced their lineup for the 2026 season and it includes Spicy Pickles featuring Hannah Rodriguez, Hazel Miller & The Collective, Conjunto Colores with Rasta Salsa and Jakarta. They also need our help because the historic bandshell was destroyed in a fire in March. The concert series will have to incur major expenses to provide other ways for the bands to perform. Consider donating here.
City Park Farmers Market kicks off May 2, running every Saturday through Oct. 31. Now in its sixth season, it is a growers-only market where food producers and consumers can build relationships.
Civic Center EATS kicks off the 2026 season on May 13 every Wednesday and Thursday. This year, it will be held on Bannock Street, in front of the City & County Building, taking advantage of the Great Lawn with outdoor dining from local food trucks and live music from Youth on Record. The Spring season is May 13-June 15. The Summer EATS is July 8-Aug. 27 and Fall EATS is Sept. 9-Oct. 15 with certain dates blacked out.
NEWS Colletta opens this summer in Vail Valley. The Italian dining experience, located in The Westin Riverfront Resort & spa, will serve Italian-American cuisine including scratch-made pastas and pizzas, antipasto and locally inspired piatti. They’ll be open for dinner nightly and weekend brunch.
Colorado Governor’s Art Show & Sale returns for its 35th year, running through June 6. Featuring Colorado artists exclusively, the event will be held at the Loveland Museum with both in-person and online fine art sales.
NEWS Colorado Music Festival tickets are on sale for the event’s July 9-Aug. 9 dates at Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder. Hear 14 diverse performances of orchestral and chamber music.
NEWS Cook Street School of Culinary Arts is launching its new Professional Pastry Arts Program this June, offering Denver students an intensive, hands-on path into pastry and baking. Designed for both career-switchers and serious home bakers, the program focuses on the “why” behind pastry, helping students understand technique, ingredients, and process in a way that translates across any kitchen or concept. It’s a 240+ hour program.
Cryptic has been extended through May 10. The interactive, immersive show begins as a tour through a mysterious roadside attraction before going into a tech-driven mystery with mapping, sound, fog and interactive environments.
NEWS Del Taco is testing a new value menu in Denver and Colorado Springs for spring into summer. It includes nearly 15 items that start at $1 including a $1 Bean & Cheese Burrito, $1.20 Snack Tacos, $2 Mini Shakes for $2 and Grilled Chicken Street Taco for $2.19.
Denver Fringe Festival is June 3-7 but tickets go on sale May 1. Centering on human connection by bringing real art created by real people, there will be more than 200 performances of more than 80 all-new, original shows. Expect everything from cabaret to circus, dance and experimental theater.
Denver Taco Tour runs through May 5. Visit four taco spots in the RiNo, LoDo and Ballpark neighborhoods. There are six sessions during the run of the Crawl.
Been There, Loved That Drink Red Wear Red tickets are selling fast for their May 28 event. Enjoy food from 30 local restaurants and sip curated wines, spirits, NA’s and the signature Drink Red Wear Red cocktail plus entertainment. All proceeds benefit Colorado restaurant workers through the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and the CRA Mile High Chapter Hardship Fund. See more details on our May 28 listing.
East & Co. Market Hall has opened in BioMed Realty’s Flatiron Park in Boulder. The all-day eatery is also an event venue. The retail market offers locally sourced goods, artisan products and pantry staples and has an ongoing partnership with the Boulder County Farmers Market, supplying the kitchen with seasonal produce.
Ellyngton’s, at The Brown Palace, has a new daily breakfast menu plus live jazz on the weekends. Menu items include the shaved prime rib hash, New Orleans beignets, bananas foster pancakes, Denver omelet and more. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
English is playing at the Singleton Theatre through May 31. The play is a funny and tender play about the foibles of language and miscommunication in a classroom of adult students outside of Tehran.
Evenings al Fresco tickets will be available starting in mid-May for Denver Botanic Gardens’ popular series that will happen in late June through late July. Enjoy live music of different styles stationed throughout the Gardens.
Fan Expo Denver runs May 28-May 31, celebrating comics, anime, cosplay, gaming and celebrity fandom all weekend.
Flight Club Denver has launched their new Spring in Bloom menu. Nearly half the dishes are vegetarian or plant-forward (like Corn Ribs and Asparagus Flatbread) plus a Smash Burger, BBQ Brisket Sliders and Spiced Piri Piri Chicken. Cocktails have a retro twist like the Jungle Bird, a 1973 tiki classic.
Frontier Drive Inn, in the San Luis Valley hosts a live graffiti art event May 7-10. Colorado artists will paint Nomadicana Airstream trailers in real time, each interpreting the unique beauty of the valley. The event is free to attend for booked guests.
Good Luck Club is officially open, a project of Pouring With Heart, the hospitality group whose mission is raising the spirit through community, camaraderie and connection. The spot harkens an early 2000s theme with creative cocktails like the Burner Phone, Teddygram and Apple Bottom Jeans. Local DJs will spin tunes Fridays and Saturdays and ladies can relax in the women’s restroom lounge with a boombox, CDs and cozy couches. There will be a rotating schedule of local food trucks outside on Fridays and Saturdays.
Glowing Wild at the Denver Zoo is back with new lantern scenes and interactive surprises. There will be live entertainment, exclusive snacks and drinks. It runs selected evenings through May 10.
Harvey Park Farmers Market launches in Southwest Denver this May, running every October. They will have more than 50 vendors including more than 15 who are making their farmers market debut at Harvey Park: Hummus Capara, Harvey Park Flowers, Taco Bella Denver and Atelier 19 Bakery among them.
Hops & Pie has announced their Humpday Uncorked deal. Every Wednesday, buy a large cheese pizza and get a bottle of wine for $20. Add toppings for $3.25. For dine in only.
Hudson Gardens hosts Waltz dancing lessons throughout May. The cost is $45-$55 or $100-$110 for private lessons.
NEWS Jack’s Modern Steakhouse Lone Tree has reopened following the electrical fire that shut it down just days after it had opened in January. Go in for an all-Wagyu steak program and dry-aged seafood, a Wagyu of Pork entree, cocktail program and more.
Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism is an exhibition running through Sept. 7, inside and out at Denver Botanic Gardens. The towering portrait sculptures will be seen in the gardens along with iconic seated figures.
Junction Food + Drink has Trivia Tuesdays from 6-8pm every week, hosted by Geeks Who Drink. Grab food and drink from any of the local vendors while testing your knowledge.
{LEAF}, the Lafayette Electronic Arts Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary May 26-29 at two different locations. The event bridges the classical music and traditional art world with contemporary electronic and new media, including sonic and visual elements.
Leven Supply Launches Picnic Packs. Each pack includes two rotating cheeses, a freshly baked naturally leavened baguette, a rotating cured meat selection, house-smoked olives, a rotating jam or spread, house-made nuts and a bottle of chilled rosé. Each pack is $75 and only available at Leven Supply. Picnic packs can be ordered ahead for pickup online.
NEWS Levitt Pavilion announced its lineup of free concerts for the summer. Names are still being added but check the link and plan accordingly.
NEWS Little Man Ice Cream is bringing Sweet Cooie’s and Constellation under one identity. They’ll now be known, respectively as Little Man Ice Cream Congress Park and Little Man Ice Cream Central Park. It’s to preserve the character of the locations and to ensure a consistent experience. Celebration events with free scoops for early visitors, and remarks from founder Paul Tamburello are scheduled for May 15 at Little Man in Central Park, May 16 at Little Man in Congress Park and May 17 at Little Man in Fort Collins.
Littleton Food & Beverage Passport for 2026 is available, running May 1-Oct. 31. Get exclusive deals at local favorites like Denver Beer Co., The Melting Pot, Chicken Salad Chick, ViewHouse, Mesa Latin Kitchen and others.
Lookout Bar at The Westin Riverfront has two springtime deals: Put a Little Spring In Your Step offers 20% off from 3-9pm. Or get $5 snacks and deals on wine, beer and cocktails during their Late Night Happy Hour, 7-9pm. The two deals can’t be combined.
MAD Greens, the salad concept has reimagined around 80% of its menu across their salad, warm bowl, wraps and sides menus. Examples include the Cowboy Cookout Steak Salad, Chili Lime Chop Salad, Heart & Seoul Steak Bowl and Spicy Street Corn Wrap.
Maria Empanada launches new flavors and an anniversary bundle. The new flavors are Miso Chili Crisp Steak and Roasted Corn & Cotija. To celebrate 15 years in business, the $15 anniversary bundle includes a choice of any three empanadas and a sauce, available through Mother’s Day, May 10.
NEWS Meow Wolf has been recognized as a TIME100 Companies Industry Leader in Travel & Tourism.
Mile High Asian Food Week continues through May 3 this year with more than 65 participating vendors. Diners can support AANHPI-owned businesses through exclusive dining experiences. Click the link to learn more about who is participating.
Milkshake Factory is serving a Carrot Cake Milkshake through May 24, with vanilla ice cream and spiced carrot cake and smooth cream cheese frosting, finished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Also, Bunny Bark is available through April 6 in milk or white chocolate with sprinkles.
MOD Pizza honors National Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Week with a pizza thank you. From May 4-7, teachers and nurses are invited to visit any participating location and get a BOGO pizza offer. Must present a valid teacher or nurse ID at checkout with one free pizza per ID and with the purchase of any pizza.
Odd Rabbit has opened in Boulder. The restaurant is the creation of the Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning glo Noodle House. The restaurant serves pickled crab claws, fish sauce caramel chicken wings, a double cheeseburger with miso mayo and pepper jelly, nigiri, hand rolls, ramen and a creative bar program.
OGO Kitchen is now open inside Denver Union Station, in the space formerly occupied by Stoic & Genuine, offering a fresh take on Korean barbecue and sushi. Created by Chef Jackie Cho, the food is inspired by flavors she grew up with in portable meals. Items include BBQ bento and bowls, grab-and-go sushi and gourmet kimbap. Items can be pre-ordered.
Outside Days celebrates its third year, May 29-31 with live music, speakers, adventure films, immersive outdoor experiences, the latest gear and wellness.
Papi’s Placita is a weekly Sunday event starting at 1pm at Ay Papi. The new weekly celebration is inspired by the spirit of Latin placitas, the vibrant neighborhood gathering places at the heart of community life. Enjoy live music, artisan vendors and bottomless tropical mimosas, paired with food and cocktails.
Peaks Lounge on the 27th floor of the Hyatt Regency Denver, has a new menu of Alpine-inspired shareables and desserts served nightly. Items include Hamachi Crudo, Adobo Tenderloin Bites and Aguachiles plus Aguelita’s Churros and Dulce Noir Cheesecake.
Pump Boys and Dinettes runs through June 14 at the Miners Alley Performing Arts Center. The country-western musical follows a group of gas station guys and diner waitresses who serve up stories and songs. They have lowered ticket prices by up to 25% for the remainder of the season to help people out in these tough times.
NEWS Rosé Party tickets are on sale now for the June 6 event at Guard and Grace. The annual party that supports the Women’s Wine Guild of Colorado encourages guests to wear their best pink-and-white attire for the afternoon on the patio with wine tastings paired with curated bites.
Second Sunday Suppers at Bar Dough is a new monthly dinner series running through June. Enjoy Italian family-style food, live music and a cozy atmosphere. Each experience is two courses and salad and a rotating main for $35/person, designed to share with parties of 2-4. Make a reservation on OpenTable.
NEWS Soda Club, a four-time Michelin Bib-Gourmand-awarded fresh pasta, natural wine and cocktail bar, is slated to open in August. It will occupy the restaurant space at The Ramble Hotel.
Somewhere takes place in 1959 when West Side Story is a Broadway sensation. The Candelarias’ small Manhattan apartment has love and plenty of talent. But when the film version is in the works, the family’s dreams of the spotlight might finally come true except for an eviction threat. The play takes place at the Kilstrom Theatre at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts May 1-31.
STK Steakhouse has a new spring menu available through May 10 that includes deviled eggs ($6-$19) topped with everything from bacon to caviar; braised lamb shank ($64), roasted prime rib ($49) with black truffle madeira and a colossal lobster tail ($120).
Sweet Action Ice Cream has new spring flavors including vegan orange honeycomb, gluten-free strawberry chamomile and lemon-blueberry muffin. The flavors are available at all four Denver locations.
Super Hero Summer opens at Gaylord of the Rockies May 23, running through Sept. 7. The activation features DC Super Heroes in interactive experiences including character dining, a live show, celebrations at the Arapahoe Springs Water Park and Super Hero menu items. Some activities are complimentary and some are paid.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe is serving a $7 “Inflation-Buster” Lunch deal through May 8. Get a full-sized Grilled Chicken Gyro, Street Gyro or Greek Lemon Chicken Soup & Salad Combo, available Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm. The deal is available at the Highlands Ranch and Hampden locations.
The Big Eat tickets are on sale now for the July 23 event. Get unlimited bites from the likes of Pig and Tiger, Cart Driver, Odie B’s, el Camino and many others.
NEWS The Lincoln Center in Fort Collins has announced their Live at the Gardens Concert Series which runs June 13-Aug. 29. Performers include The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Beach Boy Al Jardine in a salute to Brian Wilson and Evening with Marc Cohn & Shawn Colvin.
The W Denver makes Sundays special with poker on the heated patio that benefits the Denver MS community, with drink and food specials. Also, every Sunday is their deal to buy any burger and add House Wine or Colorado Craft Beer for $4 more. This is a restaurant along E. Colfax Ave. so they need some love. They have free parking in the lot east of the building on Elm.
Tots & Tinis at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa happens every Thursday from 6-9pm. Enjoy live jazz in the lobby or on the terrace with views of the Flatirons. The menu features $10 selections including Jill’s famous tots and cocktails such as an espresso martini, Julien Old Fashioned or Cosmo. Click the link for the weekly entertainment schedule.
Underground Music Festival tickets are on sale for the July 24-26 event that takes over RiNo with music from local and nationally-touring artists. Tickets will go up in price as time goes on.
Vail Craft Beer Classic tickets are on sale now for the June 12-13 event showcasing 100+ beers, spirits and seltzers from more than 30 beverage producers.
Vail Wine Classic is coming, August 6-8, put on by Team Player Productions. Tickets are now available for the various events showing off world-class wines. There’ll be Grand Tastings, sommelier-led wine hikes, paired lunches and dinners and a Best of Fest event. Use our exclusive discount code “ingoodtaste” at checkout for $10 off all tickets.
Vanishing West Ciders has unveiled their Spring menu of food and drink. It includes a Bee’s Bounty cider cocktail with lavender and lemonade; Cowboy Candy, a pineapple habanero ciderita; Buckeroo Camp Bread flatbread and Prairie Fairy Tartlets.
NEWS Wellness Counter, a premium Japanese sushi and chef’s tasting experience in Boulder is slated to open mid-May. It’s from the co-owners of Wellness Sushi, Denver’s first plant-based Japanese restaurant.
Whiskey Throwdown and Doughnut Showdown tickets are on sale with tiered pricing. The event is May 30. RiNo Art Park will be the place for whiskey lovers and donut lovers to enjoy tastings, pairings and live entertainment.
DATED EVENTS IN GOOD TASTE FOR MAY
May 1
Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood officially wraps up Stone Crab season May 1 and 2 at both locations. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy them at their peak before they are gone for the year.
Crossroads: The Journey of Becoming is an immersive theatrical experience placing the audience inside stories shaped by the foster care system, unfolding across three floors. The event blends art and advocacy.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN First Friday: Cinco de Mayo at Museo de las Americas runs 5-9pm with free admission to their current exhibition, Nuestras Historias: Our Stories. There will also be a live performance by Ballet Folklórico Sangre de México from 6-8, artist vendors, a bar and food.
First Friday Festival at RiNo ArtPark runs 4-9pm. The free event offers live music, art exhibitions, hands-on art experiences plus shopping from local vendors and food and drink options.
Full Moon Party at 54thirty is the kickoff to the series held on the 20th floor of Le Méridien Denver Downtown. There’ll be a live DJ, craft cocktails like the Moonlight Drop, global flavors and panoramic city and mountain views at Denver’s highest open-air rooftop bar. The event also happens May 31.
Larimer Live First Friday is a music set featuring live music by Michael Cec & Friends from 4-8pm.
Reverie Dance Company: Postscript is at the Savoy Denver, May 1-3. See a contemporary ballet exploring the women behind the songs we’ve always known, imagining their lives, loves and inner worlds through dynamic movement and intimate storytelling.
May 2
A Paris Street Market at Aspen Grove kicks off its season or running the first Saturday of the month. Browse more than 100 vendors selling antiques, handmade goods, clothing, jewelry, garden decor and more. MAXfund Animal Adoption Center will also be onsite with adoptable pups.
Bounce Empire hosts a family-friendly event May 2-3 with music, dancing and entertainment. Kids can celebrate with their favorite characters, Super Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Bowswer. Tickets are $34/person and include a Bounce Pass with all-day access.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Denver Cinco de Mayo Festival happens May 2-3 with food, fun and culture, celebrating Denver’s Latino population.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Derby de Cinco is 54thirty rooftop bar’s combo celebration May 2-5. They’ll have three special cocktails for the weekend only – Skyline Julep, Cinco Del Sol and Midnight Bramble.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Kachina Cantina celebrates May 2-5. On the 2nd, enjoy live music and specials like $10 for 10 tacos and $5 margarita flights from 2-5pm. From 2-3pm, get a sweet treat from the Churro Burros. Entry is free but reservations are recommended.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN La Vista Motel hosts a Parking Lot Fiesta from noon-6pm with margarita and paloma specials, tequila shots, Mexican lagers, DJs and live music.
Magic Rat Film Showcase at The Elizabeth: Future Frames is a youth filmmaking event created in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club Youth Filmmaking Program. It spotlights the next generation of storytellers with films, behind-the-scenes conversations and more. Tickets are donation based.
Reverie Dance Company: Postscript continues. See May 1.
Spring Fling: Art in Bloom is hosted by Larimer Square with a family-friendly event with local music, live painting and craft workshops by Crafty Chassis. Denver’s Field Supply flower truck will have ready-made bouquets for sale and free bouquets for the first 50 guests. Enjoy cocktails and snacks from pop-up bars on the Square.
Talnua’s May the 4th Cocktail Experience runs the week of May 2 from 1-10pm. They’ll have a food truck and bonus cocktails like Darth Mulberry, Java the Hutt, Yoda Soda, Tatooine Sunset and Obi-Wan Negroni. Costumes are highly encouraged.
May 3
Ballet Ariel presents their spring production, “Coppelia: The Toymaker’s Doll,” in Lakewood. The comic ballet, with original choreography, has sophisticated undertones of the Pygmalionesque story of a toymaker following in love with his creation.
Bounce Empire event continues. See May 2.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Cinco de Mayo Festival continues. See May 2.
Continental Breakfast Party at La Vista Motel has a vinyl set from local DJs, mimosas, nostalgic motel-style breakfast, vintage pop-ups and classic cars.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Kachina Cantina continues. See May 2.
Reverie Dance Company: Postscript continues. See May 1.
May 4
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Kachina Cantina continues. See May 2.
May 5 – Cinco de Mayo
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Ambler serves up The Margarita with Corazon Blanco, cucumber, pueblo chili, agave, lime and fire bitters or the Aguamiel with 400 Conejos Mezal with Cynar, green chartreuse, pineapple gum syrup and Bolivar bitters for $14 each. Add an $8 Mexican Candy Shot.
An Evening with Freddie Johnson at The Brown Palace welcomes the third-generation member of the Johnson family at Buffalo Trace Distillery and inductee into both the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and Whiskey Magazine Hall of Fame. The night will include a guided tasting of the complete W.L. Weller portfolio, rare Buffalo Trace expressions and passed appetizers. Tickets are $75.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Cherry Cricket has BOGO margaritas all day like the signature Cricket Margarita with Blanco tequila, agave, fresh lime and salt rim.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Federales has Pork Belly Tacos on special all day, a DJ starting at 3pm and Happy Hour from 4-7pm with specially priced drinks and shareable bites. Weather cooperating, the retractable roof will be open too.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Kachina Cantina continues. See May 2.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Lady Nomada is running happy hour 2-5pm with margs starting at $6. The Shot-o-Pus (for six) is $12 and happy hour deals start at $6 for items like nachos and mini chile rellenos.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Los Chingones has a full day of specials at both the RiNo and DTC locations. Every guest, age 21+ receives a complimentary T&T Welcome Shot. RiNo’s rooftop will be in fiesta mode with Chingon Beer Buckets, House Milagro Margaritas, shareable pitchers and $9 Taco Twosday combo of one taco + one shot.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Mercado at McGregor Square is an open-air festival featuring local vendors, handcrafted goods, Latin tunes and more. The new McGregor Square Food & Drink will be serving a variety of food.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Mexico En La Piel Ballet Folklórico will perform at 7pm at the Little Man Ice Cream’s Highlands location. Enjoy a scoop like Mexican Chocolate or Dulce de Leche too. Reserve a spot through the link.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Perdida is offering happy hour deals at their Westminster and Washington Park locations on margaritas, beer pitchers, house wine, Shot-o-Pus and food items like carnitas, nachos, potato flautas and more.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Tamayo celebrates with happy hour discounts on tacos and margaritas.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Terminal Bar at Denver Union Station celebrates Cinco de Mayo with food and drink specials starting at 11am. Think frozen margaritas, cocktails and shots featuring Siete Leguas Tequilas. Dine on three carnitas or carne asada tacos for $10.
CINCO DE MAYO FUN Wynkoop Brewing Company has a BOGO margarita special of the Wynkoop Margarita with Blanco tequila, agave, fresh lime and salt rim. It’s customizable, made spicy for $1 more, a reposada upgrade for $2 or coin-style for $2 more.
May 6
Fox and the Hen Weenie Wednesdays is back at the Fox and the Hen. Held the first Wednesday of every month, the fun begins at 4pm with hot dogs, wiener dogs and happy hour specials. All dogs are welcome.
May 7
Madeline officially opens. The highly-anticipated restaurant in the former Fruition space on East 6th Avenue is run by Chef Quincy Cherrett. The project is family-run and will feature menu items like oysters with radish and green apple mignonette, beet carpaccio, crab cake with red miso shrimp bisque, house-made pasta, scallops, and desserts like black sesame cheesecake.
Movie Night on the Block in Larimer Square has a free screening of The Mighty Ducks for the first of the series of outdoor films. The block will be decked out in Colorado Avalanche jerseys to celebrate playoff season.
May 8
Denver Botanic Gardens Spring Plant Sale runs May 8 and 9. Offerings include native, Plant Select(R), herbs, veggies, annuals and more. Time slot reservations are required.
The Colorado Choir presents their final two concerts of the season: Our Culture, Our Heritage, celebrating 50 years. The concert is May 8 and 9 with a special reception on the 8th. Tickets are available for in-person or livestream.
What’s Fresh: A Performance Festival offers experimental dance, music, poetry and installation through three rooms of the historic Fleming Mansion.
May 9
Denver Botanic Gardens Spring Plant Sale continues. See May 8.
Puttshack celebrates National Mini Golf Day by giving a free game card for a future visit to those bringing a miniature item to any Puttshack location. From travel-size essentials to tiny accessories or playful collectibles, or even a miniskirt, join in the fun.
RiNo Street Fair celebrates its inaugural event from 10am-6pm along Larimer Street between 28th and 31st Streets. The free-to-attend event features craft pours from some of RiNo’s best breweries including Ratio Beerworks, Our Mutual Friend, Bierstadt Lagerhaus, and Odell Brewing. In a nod to the community, bar tips collected throughout the event will directly support the RiNo Art District. Doubles Club, a new business making its home in RiNo this year, will host a pickleball pop-up, while Denver institution Wax Trax will be on-site with a popup DJ spinning throughout the day. The event is by our friends at Team Player Productions who also bring you the Vail Wine Classic and Breckenridge Wine Classic.
Sloan’s Lake Spring BAZAAR runs May 9 and 10 with more than 80 local makers plus food trucks. Admission is free but RSVP to attend. Add on Yoga class and Bottomless Mimosas.
The Colorado Choir concert continues. See May 8.
May 10 – Mother’s Day
Denver Botanic Gardens begins their extended hours to 8pm daily, making a visit one of our favorite ways to unwind and enjoy a summer evening.
May 12
“Chopped Castaways” Replay Brunch with Chef Carrie is an event to celebrate Chef Carrie Baird being a contestant on the new Food Network, survival-style cooking show. Attend the debut on the 12th and return every Wednesday to see a new episode. Baird’s restaurant, Fox and the Hen is turning brunch into a full “Chopped Castaways” watch party and replaying Chef Carrie Baird’s latest episode on loop all day long. Enjoy the full brunch menu plus Chef Carrie will also recreate a dish inspired by what she made on the show, available to order for a limited time until the next episode airs.
May 13
Civic Center EATS kicks off. See details in the Ongoing section above.
May 14
Trellis Wine Bar hosts an evening tableside experience with Famlia Torres, one of Spain’s most celebrated wine dynasties. Enjoy a flight of three pours plus three bites for $16.
May 15
Boulder Social hosts a Yacht Rock Patio Kick-Off & Tapping Party with DJ Panda Bear spinning tunes of Christopher Cross, Steely Dan and Toto while celebrating the debut of a brand-new house brew, Social Cherry Sour. There’s a Sample Hour from 5-6pm with a complimentary 5ox pour. Food will also be available.
Colorado Pizza Festival tickets go on sale for the inaugural event happening Sept. 5. It brings more than 20 of Colorado’s top pizzerias together to compete for the title of the state’s best pie, with proceeds benefitting hunger-relief organizations across the state. There’ll also be live music by The Motet Funk is Dead and many more throughout the day. Tickets are just $15.
Denver Colfax Marathon celebrates 20 years with the multi-day event, May 15-17. Friday, there’s a Marathon Expo, which continues on Saturday with the addition of the Colfax 5K. Sunday, it’s the full Marathon, half Marathon, Urban 10 Miler and Marathon Relay. On May 15 & 16, the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel hosts a hub where guests and locals can craft their own cheer posters with provided supplies.
The Blind Tiger, Lone Tree’s first proper speakeasy, opens. The New Orleans-inspired lounge tucked inside the newly re-opened Jack’s Modern Steakhouse, has jazz, late-night bites, and a cocktail experience that will only happen in the speakeasy.
May 16
Cask Thief tickets are on sale now for this popular event from Stranahan’s on May 16. It’s a one-day-only opportunity to taste straight from the rarest barrels. Tickets are available in General Admission or VIP with special perks.
Denver Colfax Marathon continues. See May 15.
Denver Ska Fest at the Mission Ballroom brings together fur iconic and rising acts for a night of ska and punk.
Morning Sound Bath at The Maven brings Katie Wiley of Zen with Katie for an hour-long session in the Windsor Ballroom. It will be a morning of intentional breathwork, reflection and relaxation. Bring your own mat. Advance registration for the $20/person event is required here.
Nostalgia Night at Denver Milk Market harkens the ‘90s analog craze with jean jackets, pizza rolls, Capri Suns and other blast-from-the-past moments. Fuso Pizza & Pasta will serve $5 homemade pizza rolls. Moo Bar will have themed cocktails including Adult Capri Sun cocktails. ‘90s fashion statements are highly encouraged.
Rare Bird celebrates the return of the rooftop season atop Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek. The evening will include a complimentary food and beverage tasting, custom pizza box caricature illustrations, music from DJ Hex Kitten, games and more. The event is free to attend but RSVPs are encouraged.
Still in Sound opens at The Clyfford Still Museum. The multisensory exhibition explores how visitors may experience abstract visual language through sound in the Museum’s six largest galleries. In conjunction, they will also open Celebrating 15 Years: 15 New Paintings in 15 Months.
May 17
A Cher Birthday Bash Bingo Brunch at Osteria Marco includes iconic looks, great music, outrageous performances and bingo with a diva twist. Tickets are $25 and include a welcome cocktail and two bingo cards.
Chef & Shucker returns with hands-on oyster classes at Blue Island Oyster’s Cherry Creek location. Guests learn the art of shucking while enjoying chef-crafted bites and perfectly paired cocktails or wines.
Denver Colfax Marathon continues. See May 15.
The Denver Brass presents their final show of the season, Pulse of America. In advance of America’s 250th anniversary, the show is a powerful tribute to American resilience and unity.
May 19
Springing Into Summer is a joint dining experience between Syncopated and Create Cooking School. Chef Alexis Sicklick is returning to Denver in honor of her sister Morgan retiring from Wonderbound ballet. The celebratory meal happens in two sessions with items including Spring Gazpacho, Roasted Romanesco Cauliflower and Chocolate Rugelach.
May 20
Celebrate Sicily at Osteria Marco for $75/person. Guests can choose from items on a four-course menu including pizza, pasta, chicken parm and other entrees, and dessert.
Magic Rat Film Showcase at The Elizabeth: An Iris Wild, features a short film and work-in-progress from Northern Colorado filmmaker Benjamin Hess. “An Iris Wild” follows Iris, a woman struggling with addiction as she navigates one dangerous night that could determine the course of her future.
May 22
AAPI Culture Fest X Civic Center NIGHT MARKET is the Mayor’s official event for AAPI Heritage Month, celebrating and highlighting the diversity and creativity of Denver’s AAPI communities.
Kachina Cantina celebrates World Paloma Day with $8 citrus-forward Palomas all day long.
Rosenburgers are back at Rosenburg’s Bagels in Five Points starting May 22. They’ll be open Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm-2am all summer for Jersey-style sliders, fries, shakes and cold beers.
Memorial Day Weekend Fun The Inverness Denver celebrates with a dip in the pool, private cabanas, and live DJ on Saturday. Come May 22 or 23 with ResortPass.
The Garden reopens for the season at The Ramble Hotel. The mezzanine-level courtyard bar features sessionable cocktails and frozen drinks from Death & Co Denver. The celebration includes a raffle with The Ramble’s current Artist inn Residence, McKenzie Parrott, to include three tote bags and two prints of her original, bold and colorful work. Each Death & Co cocktail purchase earns one raffle ticket.
May 23
Denver Arts Festival returns, May 23-24 with more than 140 artists, live music, food trucks, a beer and wine tent and art zone for kids. The event is held in the Central Park neighborhood.
Denver Margarita Festival at Number Thirty Eight includes a tasting contest, food vendors, beer garden and DJ.
Memorial Day Weekend Fun Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel celebrates with various activities throughout the day including a DJ, Happy Hour at Spritz, Denver Pops popsicle cart, watercolor painting, balloon toss, music bingo, tie-dye and more. The heated rooftop pool is available to hotel guests and locals through ResortPass.
Memorial Day Weekend Fun The Inverness Denver continues. See May 22.
May 24
Acreage BAZAAR happens every 4th Sunday through September at Acreage by Stem Ciders. Shop more than 30 local makers, enjoy food, drink and mountain views.
Editor’s Pick Event: City Park Jazz Fundraiser Brunch at Dazzle. See top of list for details.
Denver Arts Festival continues. See May 23.
Open Fire Cookout at Molino Chido has Chef Michael Diaz de Leon manning the grill from 11am-3pm with specialty wood-fired bites enjoyed on the restaurant’s patio, normally only open for special events. Sponsored by Bozal Mezcal, there will also be specialty cocktails.
May 25 – National Wine Day
Jack’s Modern Steakhouse is offering all-day happy hour pricing on wines at both of their locations.
May 27
Bird Dog Happy Hour, from 4-7pm, is a pup-friendly event with a menu for four-legged friends including housemade peanut butter dog treats, and “Australian Shepard’s” pie. The event is free to attend and open to all guests and dogs. A portion of proceeds made from every event is donated to True Companions.
May 28
Drink Red Wear Red returns with Somebody People serving in the VIP area, Chicken Riot in GA, First Taste and VIP areas (the new restaurant from chef Manny Barella and Patrick Klaiber) and Welton Street Cafe in the GA section. See our Ongoing section above for more details about the event.
Good Times Burger and Frozen Custard celebrates National Burger Day with a Deluxe Cheeseburger for $2.99 (regularly $6.79) for dine-in.
Mezze Bear Fusion Dinner is a one-night collaboration dinner between Chef Reggie Dotson of Ash’Kara and Señor Bear Culinary Director Blake Edmunds. In a $55 multi-course menu, they’ll blend Latin American and Mediterranean flavors on shareable plates.
Tajin & Tahini fusion dinner takes place, a partnership between Señor Bear’s Blake Edmunds and Ash’Kara’s Reggie Dotson. The dinner blends Latin flavor with Mediterranean soul with dishes like Gordo Crunch with hummus and Falafel with creamy salsa verde, Turkish ezma relish and sorrel. The multi-course dinner is $55/person with a curated beverage pairing available for $36 more. Reservations are available here.
May 29|
Denver Municipal Band, the oldest professional concert band in the U.S. celebrates 165 years this year. They’ve announced more than 20 free summer concerts, the first being at City Park in Denver.
Tango Weekend at Savoy Denver runs May 29-31, bringing together artists from Argentina and the U.S. for a celebration of music, movement and connection. It features Sol y Luna, Perfect Pairings, Colorado Boy and Immigrant Voices.
May 30
Tango Weekend continues. See May 29.
Whiskey Throwdown & Doughnut Showdown happens, combining spirits with creative confections.
May 31
Full Moon Party at 54thirty returns. See May 1.
Tango Weekend continues. See May 29.
-Curated by Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher & Managing Editor, InGoodTasteDenver.com
Comments are closed.