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Boulder County Farmers Market Harvest Festival | October 2
This Wednesday market will have all of the usual gleaming produce and tempting products from talented local makers—and some additional autumn-related fun. Pick up caramel apples, hot cider, and other seasonal delights, and participate in family-friendly activities such as pumpkin and face painting, a corn toss, and a themed photo booth. Free; between Canyon Blvd. and Arapahoe Ave., Boulder; 4–8 p.m.
Bird & Jim’s Second Anniversary Party | October 2
Celebrate two years in business for Estes Park farm-to-table pioneer Bird & Jim with a cozy lounge party. Savor craft brews from Lumpy Ridge and Rock Cut breweries, sip whiskey from Elkins Distillery, and taste a variety of wines, all while nibbling on cheese from Longmont Cheese Importers and swaying to the musical stylings of Denver’s Adam Bodine Jazz Trio. Free; 915 Moraine Ave., Estes Park; 5–8 p.m.
Plates for the Peak at Vesta | October 3
Chefs from Vesta, Steuben’s, and Ace Eat Serve will combine their unique culinary talents at this annual fundraiser. Delight in specialty cocktails, music, and a silent auction to benefit Urban Peak, Denver’s only nonprofit exclusively dedicated to providing services to local youth experiencing homelessness. Tickets start at $85; Vesta, 1822 Blake St.; 6:30 p.m.
The Jacquard’s First Anniversary Celebration | October 3
Guests to this birthday bash are invited to toast with Ferrari Champagne, enjoy B-12 shots from Hydrate IV Bar, and dig into cupcakes from Yours Truly Cupcakes at Dabble, adjacent to the hotel’s lobby. The event will also feature pop-up shops from local partners, including Kendra Scott, Reverie Living, and Revampt. Free; 222 Milwaukee St.; 3–6 p.m.
Great American Beer Festival | October 3–5
The country’s largest beer festival returns to Denver with three days of more beer than you could ever drink. Sip on brews from hundreds of brewers and rub elbows with industry professionals as the GABF panel of judges identifies the best-represented beers in each style category. Tickets start at $85; Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St.; Thursday–Friday 5:30–9 p.m., Saturday 5:30–10 p.m. (Prefer to attend a lower-key beer bash? Here are other parties taking place in and around Denver.)
An Evening with Samin Nosrat | October 6
Take a break from Netflix-ing on your couch to spend an in-person evening with critically acclaimed Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat documentary series host and cookbook author, Samin Nosrat. Learn more about the show’s eponymous elements of cooking and participate in a discussion about diversity and inclusion in the culinary world, moderated by 5280’s food editor, Denise Mickelsen. Tickets start at $29.50; Paramount Theater, 1621 Glenarm Pl.; 7:30 p.m.
Briar Common Brewery Third Anniversary Party | October 5
Tradition states that the third anniversary gift should be something durable, to highlight the permanence of a partnership. Briar Common Brewery takes tradition to the next level at its brews-and-tattoos-themed party. Pair burgers with beers on tap, and consider some ink from Dedication Tattoo. Better yet: A percentage of proceeds from the afternoon will be donated to SafeHouse, a Denver nonprofit dedicated to providing support to victims of domestic violence. $20; 2298 Clay St.; 1–5 p.m.
Steamboat Food & Wine Festival | October 3–6
Urban winemaking, a butchery demonstration, and dinners hosted by award-winning chefs are happening at this year’s Steamboat Food & Wine Festival. Visiting culinary talent will convene for a weekend in the Yampa Valley to collaborate with local industry champions on inventive bite and beverage pairings. Tickets start at $45; various locations and times
Pizzeria Locale Boulder Menu Takeover with Loro | October 8
Pizzeria Locale in Boulder will host a full menu takeover with chefs Tyson Cole of Denver’s Uchi and Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas. Look forward to dishes such as Thai pork sausage pizza, wonton chips and dip, and candied kettle corn at this Asian smokehouse-meets-pizza feast. Prices vary (call 303-442-3003 to make a reservation; walk-ins available on a first-come, first-serve basis); 1730 Pearl St., Boulder; reservations start at 3 p.m.
ChoLon Ninth Anniversary Party | October 9
LoDo’s modern Asian bistro is turning nine this month. To celebrate, savor nine off-menu dishes; toast with unlimited beer, wine, and Champagne; and learn about the upcoming opening of the beloved Denver restaurant’s second location in Stapleton. $99; ChoLon, 1555 Blake St.; 5:30–10 p.m.
Santiago’s Breakfast Burrito Day | October 12
Treat yourself on what is arguably Denver’s most anticipated holiday of the year—Santiago’s Breakfast Burrito Day. Visit any Santiago’s location for a breakfast burrito that costs what it did in 1991, when the beloved Mexican joint opened: $1.25. Bonus: Three percent of sales will be donated to Santiago’s Charity’s ongoing campaign, which helps family-focused, grass-roots nonprofits that have a direct impact on local children’s lives. Multiple locations; 6 a.m.–8 p.m.
Ironton Fall Festival | October 12
Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse is ringing in autumn with flair after a hot Front Range summer. Expect a chili cook-off, pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving station, axe throwing, and a whiskey raffle. Be the first to sample the limited release of Ironton’s Wheat Whiskey and groove to music from Ghost Town Drifters. Free; 3636 Chestnut Pl.; 12–8 p.m.
Flatirons Food Film Festival | October 10–13
This year’s Flatirons Food Film Festival provides the flavors, flicks, and insight that all foodies crave. Through screenings, discussions, and tastings galore, journey to Mexico, Morocco, and Zimbabwe this year alongside recognized chefs, artists, and filmmakers. Tickets start at $13; multiple locations across Boulder; times vary
Flaviar Presents the WhiskyX | October 18
This traveling whiskey event series brings tastings from more than 60 brown-spirit brands—including bourbon, scotch, Irish, and rye varietals—to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. St. Paul & the Broken Bones will take the stage, and food trucks will be on-site to keep the revelry in check. Tickets start at $85; Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd.; 6–10 p.m.
Fort Collins Book Fest: Food For Thought | October 18–19
James Beard Award-winning chefs, acclaimed authors, and food innovators unite at this literary feast through discussions, writing workshops, and more. Among the headliners are chef Sean Sherman (the Sioux Chef) and writer and activist Rick Bass (All the Land to Hold Us, For A Little While, and more). Free; venues throughout Old Town Fort Collins; Friday 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Chocolate, Cheese, and Wine Event at Garrett Estate Cellars | October 19
Colorado wine and two of its greatest companions—cheese and chocolate—will star at this event at Garrett Estate Cellars, a 35-acre vineyard in Olathe. Mingle with the winemakers, tap your toes to live music, and take advantage of specials on new releases. Free; 53582 Falcon Rd., Olathe; 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Leopold Bros. Distilling 20th Anniversary Party | October 19
Ring in 20 years of Leopold Bros.’ smooth gins, whiskeys, and liquors with a tour of the award-winning distillery and its new 23,000-square-foot malthouse. Guests can also chat with company founders Todd and Scott Leopold about their spirits while sipping on signature cocktails. Free; 5285 Joliet St.; 12–6 p.m.
First Annual Southern Spooktacular at Julep | October 19
Julep chef-owner Kyle Foster will prepare a hog roast with all the fixings for a Southern-inspired Halloween extravaganza, complete with spooky treats and drinks, a costume contest, live music from blues and rock band the Raritins, and a haunted side show with carnival games. Tickets start at $25; 3258 Larimer St.; 6–11 p.m.
Fortified Collaborations Bounty and Brews Beer Dinner | October 19
Toast with farmers everywhere to the most wonderful time of the growing season: the harvest. Enjoy six farm-to-table courses from eight local chefs partnered with beers from area breweries at this garden-style benefit for the Fort Collins-based food justice nonprofit, the Growing Project. $100; the greenhouse at Gulley Greenhouse and Garden Center, 7029 S. College Ave., Fort Collins; 5–9 p.m.
Cupcake Decorating & Pumpkin Painting Party at Olive & Finch | October 19
Let your kiddos partake in a cupcake- or pumpkin-painting activity while you enjoy cocktails or wine and appetizers at Olive & Finch in Cherry Creek (added perk: no mess to clean up at home). Each adult and child will receive one dozen cupcakes with icing and decorations or three pumpkins with painting supplies, along with drinks and snacks. $85 or $120 for both activities; call 720-257-4763 to RSVP; 3390 E. 1st Ave.; 4–5:30 p.m.
Punch Class at Coperta | October 19
Coperta wine director JP Taylor, Jr. will share recipes for large-batch punches that are perfect for holiday entertaining. Learn how to make three beautifully balanced punches: cucumber lemon with tequila; violet-herb with vodka; and a fall-inspired spiced rum number. The class includes a welcome spritz and bites from chef Paul Reilly. $45; call 720-749-4666 to make a reservation; 400 E. 20th Ave; 3–4:30 p.m.
Bloody Mary Festival | October 20
This zesty fest gives Denverites the chance to sample iterations of the tomato cocktail from an array of local establishments, including Highland Tavern, Snooze, Steuben’s, and Sassafras American Eatery. Spiced with grated horseradish, garnished with a mini sandwich, or made with secret recipe tomato juice—we guarantee you’ll find your new favorite version of the famed brunch beverage. Tickets start at $45; EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St.; 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
5280 Dines | October 20
The local chefs featured on 5280’s 25 Best Restaurants list will show off their culinary prowess at this epic foodie affair. Dine on an assortment of tasty bites while sipping unlimited wine, beer, and craft cocktails and dancing to live tunes at the sprawling Hangar at Stanley Marketplace. $78; the Hangar at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St. #135, Aurora; 6-9 p.m.
An Ode to Squash Dinner with Altius Farms | October 22
Il Posto is teaming up with Altius Farms to present a four-course, fall-themed dinner with wine or mocktail pairings by sommelier Tony Lima. Tour the greenhouse with a drink in hand and learn about how the urban farm produces non-GMO greens, herbs, and edible flowers, then walk two blocks to Il Posto to dine amid views of the city. $100; meet at 2500 Lawrence St., #200; 6–9 p.m.
Dave Query & Janos Wilder’s Gold Hill Inn Dinner | October 22
Big Red F, the restaurant group behind the Post Chicken & Beer, Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, and many more, is turning 25 this year. To celebrate, the company is paying tribute to founder Dave Query’s mountain roots with a special anniversary dinner at the Gold Hill Inn. The evening will include a cocktail hour, hors d’ouvres and dinner starring local produce and foraged mushrooms, and live music. $100; 401 Main St., Boulder; 6 p.m.
Frasca Food and Wine Cookbook Dinner with Walter Manzke | October 23
Walter Manzke, chef and owner of famed République in Los Angeles, will cook a French-inspired multi-course meal alongside Frasca executive chefs Eduardo Valle Lobo and Kelly Jeun, with pairings from République wine director and Frasca alum Sam Rethmeier. Guests also receive a signed copy of pastry chef Margarita Manzke’s new cookbook, Baking at République, which provides a deep dive into the techniques that make the restaurant’s pastries so legendary. $180; 1738 Pearl St., Boulder; reservations start at 5 p.m.
Bookcliff Vineyards Harvest Extravaganza | October 27
Raise a glass to this year’s grape harvest at north Boulder’s Bookcliff Vineyards, a winery and tasting room that produces vino from grapes grown in western Colorado. Guests will be able to sample new vintages still fermenting in tanks as well as others that have made it to the bottle, all complemented by light food pairings. $25; 1501 Lee Hill Rd. #17, Boulder; 3–6 p.m.
Italian Harvest Wine Dinner at Hickory & Ash | October 30
Chef Ryan Taylor and sommelier Kevin Arndt present a four-course meal inspired by the Italian countryside, complete with wine pairings. Courses include gamberi shrimp crudo, beef shank with black truffle, and butternut squash semifreddo. $150; call 720-390-4400 to make a reservation; 8001 Arista Pl. #150, Broomfield; 5:45 p.m.
ViewHouse Murder Mystery Dinner | October 31
Throw on your spookiest (or silliest) garb and participate in a whodunnit presented by the Murder Mystery Company at the ViewHouse in Littleton or Centennial. Tickets include a three-course supper with the choice of salmon, chicken, or bacon-wrapped tenderloin, and the chance to win prizes in a costume contest. $45; multiple locations; 6–8 p.m.
