Colorado Best Food and Drink Festivals

Denver Food & Drink Festivals: The Mile-High City of Culinary Delights​

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Denver Food & Wine Festival: September

 

This annual culinary celebration in Denver brings together the finest elements of Colorado's food and beverage scene. Hosted by the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, the event showcases over 40 local restaurants and food trucks, along with hundreds of drink options. The festival takes place at the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus, featuring a Grand Tasting with bites from renowned establishments like Hop Alley and Tavernetta.

 

Attendees can participate in wine glass seminars, cocktail competitions, and culinary auctions, while enjoying the sounds of local DJs. A unique aspect of the festival is its support for the restaurant industry, with proceeds benefiting the Angel Relief Fund, which provides assistance to hospitality workers facing hardship.

 

​​Denver Oktoberfest: September

 

The Denver Oktoberfest has been a staple in Downtown Denver since 1969. Held over two weekends, the event features traditional Bavarian food, beer, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy activities like keg bowling, stein hoisting competitions, and live music performances. The festival offers a variety of German cuisine, including schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels, along with a selection of local and imported beers.

 

Festival-goers can also participate in costume contests, showcasing their best lederhosen and dirndls. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, private cabanas are available, providing dedicated food and drink service for groups of 8-10 guests.

 

Chicken Fight Food Festival: August 

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Denver's premier fried chicken festival takes place annually at Elitch Gardens Theme Park, offering attendees an all-inclusive experience with unlimited food and drink samples. The event features over 50 local restaurants competing for the title of best chicken dish, showcasing a variety of styles including wings, fried chicken, bourbon chicken, tacos, and sandwiches. Attendees can enjoy craft cocktails from elite bartenders, representing more than 40 different spirits, as well as bottomless beer and refreshments.

 

The festival boasts multiple stages with live country, bluegrass, and blues music performances throughout the evening. A unique aspect of this adults-only event is that guests have unlimited access to the theme park's rides and roller coasters during the festival. Participating restaurants include Former Saint Craft Kitchen and Taps, Gigi's Betchin Chick-N, GQue Championship BBQ, and The Post Chicken & Beer.

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Breckenridge: A High Country Hideaway for Spirits, Wine and Beer Festival Enthusiasts​

 

Breckenridge Big Beers Festival: January

 

This annual beer festival in Breckenridge, Colorado, has become a highly anticipated event for craft beer enthusiasts. Held at the Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center, the festival showcases over 400 beers from more than 150 breweries. Attendees can sample a wide variety of big, Belgian-style, and experimental beers while mingling with renowned brewmasters and brewery owners. The event features educational seminars, beer and food pairings, and a popular commercial tasting session.

 

Special features include a Brewers Reception, Homebrew Competition, and Beer Yoga sessions. While specific music lineups are not provided, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of craft beer in the picturesque setting of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

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Breckenridge Food and Wine Festival: July

 

Celebrate summer in Breckenridge at this signature festival that offers a unique wine-tasting experience with over 300 wines from across the globe. Held at Main Street Station Plaza and The Village at Breckenridge, the event transforms these venues into a mountain-side vineyard featuring an array of varietals from top wineries. Attendees can enjoy live music from performers like Spinphony on the Main Street Station Stage, while DJ Murkem entertains at The Village Plaza. The festival includes a VIP Wine Pairing Dinner on Friday, a Grand Tasting on Saturday, and a Brunch and Vines event on Sunday.

 

Food is available for purchase from specialty vendors, complementing the wine selections and creating a well-rounded culinary experience. The event typically attracts thousands of wine enthusiasts and foodies, making it a highlight of the summer season in Breckenridge.

 

Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival: October

 

Breckenridge Colorado hosts an annual celebration dedicated to craft spirits, featuring over 30 distilleries from across the state. Visitors can sample a wide variety of spirits, including whiskey, vodka, and bourbon, from renowned producers like 291 Colorado Whiskey, Montanya Distillers, and Woody Creek Distillers. The festival's main event, "Still on the Hill," takes place at the Riverwalk Center and features artisan snacks from local restaurants such as Blue River Bistro, Breck Distillery, and Rootstalk. Attendees can enjoy live bluegrass music performed by the band Local Folk while sipping on craft cocktails and mingling with distillers.

 

The three-day event also includes educational workshops, distillery tours, and a scavenger hunt around the historic town of Breckenridge. A unique aspect of the festival is its location in one of the highest elevated towns in Colorado, allowing distillers to create spirits using mineral-rich snow-melt water filtered through the mountains.

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Whether you're seeking a sophisticated food and wine tasting or a down-to-earth beer festival, Colorado's food and drink celebrations have something for everyone. So, plan your visit and get ready to savor the tastes and sips of this remarkable state. Cheers!