Fourth of July Margaritas at Kachina Cantina | July 2 & 3

In celebration of all that is red, white, and blue, happy hour will last all day at this Coors Field-adjacent watering hole. Imbibe $6 margaritas and nosh on a range of food specials. Bonus: Kachina’s patio offers un-obscured views of the fireworks going off at this week’s Rockies games. 1890 Wazee St., 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Try Distillery 291’s New E Whiskey | Starting July 3

Toast the season and the holiday with this Colorado Springs distiller’s new “E” Colorado Whiskey, Batch 6. The “E” stands for experimental, referring to the seven-month finishing process that aged the spirit in cherry and peach wine barrels used by local Fowler Wine Company. The result? According to distiller Eric Jett, it’s a sweet, cherry-cola-smelling whiskey with notes of peach skin and Aspen trees. Grab one of just 300 bottles from Distillery 291’s tap room and limited quantities at select restaurants, bars, and liquor stores across Colorado starting July 3—just in time to kick off America’s birthday a little early. Multiple locations

Highland Neighborhood Fourth of July Picnic & Parade | July 4

If you’re looking for an excuse to chow down on a 200-foot-long ice cream sundae—who isn’t?—ride a bike, and smash a piñata, look no further than this Independence Day celebration in LoHi. The kids can pedal in the morning parade, then all can snack on free hot dogs from Leevers Locavore, take in a live performance by American rock band Kicked to the Curb, and watch the Little Man Ice Cream sundae being built… before it’s devoured. The fireworks display will be the cherry on top. Free; Hirshorn Park, 3000 Tejon St., 8 a.m.–noon

The Bindery Celebrates Independence Day | July 4

Still not sure where you’ll watch the Coors Field fireworks? Head to the patio at the Bindery, where the restaurant will be shucking oysters ($2 each) and grilling oysters ($2 each), lamb sliders ($6), and Oaxaca-style street corn ($4) with a perfect view of the show over the stadium. 1817 Central St., starting at 6 p.m.

Friday Night Bazaar at Ironton Distillery | July 5, 12, and 19

The eclectic selection of goodies at this outdoor market is enough to kick off your next three weekends. On Ironton Distillery’s gorgeous patio, you’ll find more than 35 booths selling locally-made goods, including the latest women’s fashions from Wilde Merrion boutique. Fuel your shopping with cocktails made by Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse, and delectable wood-fired cuisine from Mountain Crust Catering. The new eatery’s cracker-crusted pizzas are enough to warrant back-to-back visits, ranging from classic margarita to inventive iterations like the peanut sauce-based Telluride Thai. Free; 3636 Chestnut Pl., 5–10 p.m.

CancerBlows Charity Jazz Night at Lone Tree Brewing Company | July 5

This do-good soirée boasts a live jazz performance and a special beer—the Cancer IPA—brewed by the evening’s host, in collaboration with Cannonball Creek Brewing Company, in order to raise funds and awareness for cancer. Denver trumpet player Al Hood kicks the evening off at 5 p.m., followed by a silent auction brimming with goodies including tickets to the Nutcracker at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Brisket from Woodhills Small Batch BBQ and cupcakes from Suga Me Sweet will be on hand to fuel the party-goers. Free; 8200 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree, 5–8 p.m.

Laws Whiskey House 8th Anniversary Celebration | July 5–7

Eight years ago, Laws Whiskey House owner Alan Laws made his first barrel of Four Grain bourbon. In celebration of the successful years since, the distillery is offering samples from that inaugural barrel to tour-goers for the entire weekend. Attendees can judge the spirit against Laws’ current batch, which will also be sampled. $10; book your tour here; 1420 S. Acoma St., times vary

Little Man Ice Cream Factory Grand Opening | July 6

Little Man fans have been waiting for the doors to the brand’s West Colfax factory to open for months, and the day is finally here! Take a tour of the incredible space to see where the magic happens; listen to live music by swing band Bianca and the Flyboys; watch ice cream being made; sample bites from the bakery; and maybe even win a few prizes. Bonus: Guests who come dressed as ice cream “factory workers” will receive a Golden Ticket for the chance to win a “Factory Takeover” ice cream-making party for 20 people. Free admission, prices vary; 4411 W. Colfax, noon to 10 p.m.

Cosmic Charlie Brunch at Jill’s Restaurant | July 6

Dead & Company is performing at Folsom Field Saturday evening, and Deadheads can make an entire day of it with this themed brunch. Colorado-based Grateful Dead cover band Peak2Peak will perform on the terrace as onlookers imbibe “bloody Jerry’s” and try special menu offerings like “Friend of the Devil” egg frittatas with goat cheese, grilled asparagus, and roasted tomatoes. $25-$50; 720-406-7399 to make your reservation; 900 Walnut St., Boulder, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Cured de France at Cured Boulder | July 6–28

This cheese and wine package is almost exactly like racing in the Tour de France—except, you know, instead of avoiding heavy foods and pedaling furiously, you’ll be consuming mass quantities of cheese and wine (ideally, while horizontal on your couch). But hey: The cheeses and wines will come from the same French and Belgian regions that make up the race route—such as Alsace and Burgundy—so you’ll be virtually right there with the riders. The pairings have eight different stages, each corresponding to 3-4 days of racing, and offer luscious combinations like Petit Muenster and Domaine Ostertag Sylvanner. Partake in the entire tour package for $350 or go for individual stages for $50 each; 720-389-8096 x1 to purchase; 1825 Pearl St., Boulder

Hot! Hot! Hot!: Sizzling Food, Film, and Fun Benefit for the Flatirons Food Film Festival | July 9

As they raise money for Colorado’s only food film festival (October 10–13), attendees of this benefit will also be privy to a sneak peak of the showcased films and a plethora of food and drinks to savor as they do both (because even snippets of movies require snacks). Stop by the Bougie Spirits tiki cocktail station for drinks like “the Director’s Cut,” made with Altitude Spirits rum, peach liqueur, and orange and lime juices, or try a beverage from one of 10 participating restaurants including Boulder favorites Basta and Flagstaff House Restaurant. You won’t find popcorn at this shindig, but the same spots will also offer true foodie fare like savory cherry churros with smoked duck mole and créme fraîche mousse. $75; 6185 Arapahoe Rd., 6-9:30 p.m.

Yucatan Do It Pop-Up at Spuntino | July 10

Inspired by his recent travels in Tulum, Mexico, chef Bo Porytko (formerly of Rebel Restaurant) collaborates with chef Cindhura Reddy at Spuntino for this one-of-a-kind dinner, showcasing the masterful cuisine of the Yucatan peninsula. If dishes like braised octopus with fermented pineapple aguachile and pink snapper ceviche don’t inspire you to book a reservation, nothing will. $75; 303-433-0949 to book; 2639 W. 32nd Ave., 6–9:30 p.m.

Denver International Wine Festival | July 10–12

Sip your way through three vino-centric days anchored by varieties from around the world… and around the block. Choose from a plethora of events, such as the Pairsine Food and Wine Pairing Competition, during which ten chefs compete with their best small-plate complement to two award-winning wines. Don’t miss the Grand Tasting, featuring several hundred samples from acclaimed vineyards including Hungary’s Nimrod Wines and Littleton’s Black Arts Cellars. Prices vary; Omni Interlocken Hotel, 500 Interlocken Blvd, Broomfield, times vary.

Craft Beer Summer School | July 11, 18, 25

Spice Trade Brewing, Alpine Dog Brewing Co., and ten more Colorado craft breweries are joining forces to educate the drinking masses this summer. The second track of the series takes off on July 11 at the Intrepid Sojourner Project and will explore non-German beers and brewing styles. The third and last track goes from August 8–29, and will touch on beers from all over the world, including a session on Mexican beers hosted by Dos Luces Brewery. Starts at $149; multiple locations

23rd Annual Colorado Brewers Rendezvous in Salida | July 12–13

Picture this: the rushing Arkansas river, resplendent mountain vistas, and refreshing brews from more than 75 Centennial State breweries. Sample hundreds of drafts including a raspberry blonde ale from 4 Noses Brewing Company and a French saison from Ratio Beerworks. If you get hungry, there will also be a gaggle of food trucks and ice cream vendors to choose from. $15–$110; Riverside Park, 110 Sackett Ave., Salida, 1–5 p.m.

The Real Dill Pickle Party | July 13

Pickles can be polarizing, but for those who love them, their versatility is unmatched. Take the pickles at this bash, which you’ll find garnishing epic Snooze bloody Marys, as the main ingredient in a collaborative beer from the Real Dill and Odell Brewing Company, and (if you’re brave) in spicy pickle eating contest. For those who hate them: There will also be pickle-free fare from Adobo Food Truck and Radical Sasquatch Dumpling Company, live music from Guerrilla Fanfare and the Raritans, and the feel-good knowledge that the evening benefits the Growhaus, a non-profit farm serving the Elyria-Swansea community. $20; 33 S. Fox St., 4–9 p.m.

Bastille Day Party at the Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project | July 13

Celebrate France’s national holiday with all its best imports at this day-long bash. There, you can check out the wares of local makers like Sasa’s Ceramics, play lawn games, and explore the beer garden. Intrepid Sojourner will even release a specialty saison beer for the occasion, brewed with a blend of French herbs and spices. Sample it alongside camembert and brie cheeses from Truffle Cheese Shop, or (if the beer filled your French “food” quota) opt for dumplings and such from Ninja Ramen food truck. Free; 925 W. 8th Ave., 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival | July 13–14

If you’re looking to unwind this month, you’ll be delighted with this shindig’s heavenly pairing: jazz and wine. Admire the Independence and Tenderfoot Mountains and take in live jazz from bands like Denver-based Dotsero as you sample vino from wineries such as Jackson Family Wines. For the ultimate send-off, don’t miss the Sunday morning brunch at Warren Station, where Ruffino prosseco will flow like, well, wine. Gilchrist Catering chef Bill Gilchrist will also prepare a buffet-style feast with a variety of pancakes, like a peach and pecan version with raspberry sauce. $60–$120; multiple times and locations in Keystone

Beer vs. Wine Dinner at TAG Restaurant | July 18

Limiting yourself to just wine or beer is a real Sophie’s Choice at pairing dinners (hint: you’re always going to miss one). Not so at this dinner, where guests will be treated to both a Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project sipper and a glass of wine (selected by TAG’s wine director, Todd Rocchio) with each of the five plated courses. There will even be dessert—so, unlike that aforementioned tear-jerker, there should be happy endings all around. $75; TAG, 1441 Larimer St., 6–9:30 p.m.

Slow Food Nations | July 19–21

Attention, foodies! Come celebrate good, clean, and fair food for all at the third-annual Slow Food Nations festival—the biggest hosted in our fair city. Tens of thousands will pour into downtown Denver to meet the star-studded list of attendees from near (Ash Kara’s Daniel Asher, Urban Farmer’s Chris Starkus) and far (beekeeper Jennifer Holmes). Stroll around the Taste Marketplace for free samples from sustainable local (and international) producers, listen to talks addressing topics like food sovereignty and climate change, or attend a zero-waste community supper made from the weekend’s leftover food. Prices, times, and locations vary, but most events take place near or on Larimer Square

Dinner on the Divide Wagyu Symposium | July 21

Taste juicy, buttery wagyu beef that was humanely raised at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in three dishes prepared by chef Andy Ribelin at this al fresco dinner. Apart from the evening’s roasted marrow bone and six-ounce ribeye, you’ll also be treated to wagyu bresaola in an arugula and melon salad. Only dessert—a sweet corn panna cotta—will be meat-free. Call 970-726-7000, ext. 716 to make your reservation; $145; Devil’s Thumb Ranch, 530 County Rd 83, Tabernash, 5:30–9 p.m.

Fortified Collaborations Heart of Summer Dinner | July 21

The first of a three-part dinner series, this collaboration joins the forces of Fort Collins’ most talented chefs, farmers, and businesses for a community-oriented meal. Johnstown farm Colorado Stock and Grain will host as Jay’s Bistro chef Rhys Edmunds prepares a family-style feast. The dinner will feature a whole-roasted hog that was raised on the farm, complemented by local produce; wash it down with beer from Verboten Brewing and a special cocktail mixed by Old Town Distilling. $90; Colorado Stock and Grain, 503 S. County Road 1, Johnstown, 5–9 p.m.

National Tequila Day at Que Bueno Suerte | July 24

If there’s an indisputable occasion for tequila, the agave spirit’s national holiday would be it—but also every Monday, if you ask us. For the occasion, this Platt Park joint is pouring shots from a special tequila selection for $5 all day. Bottoms up! 1518 S. Pearl St., 4–10 p.m.

Beer Pairing Dinner at Dos Luces Brewery | July 25

Gluten-free-beer lovers rejoice: The pesky allergen will be completely absent at this six-course pairing event. The dinner—celebrating the Platt Park brewery’s first anniversary—will be prepared by Thistle & Mint and paired with six Dos Luces brews. (You can also celebrate in a more free-form manner on July 27 from 12–10 p.m., when the brewery throws its one-year birthday party.) Buy your tickets here; $80 for one seat, $150 for two; 1236 S. Broadway, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Digestive Health Plant-Based Cooking Class | July 28

Learn about your gut health at this nutrition-focused cooking class with dietician Heidi Dietz. She’ll guide attendees through dishes like ginger miso soup and focus on cooking with spices and herbs that ease digestion. Students will also learn how to incorporate healthy bacteria into their diets with fermented foods like kimchi. $55; Human Universal Education Center, 455 S. Hudson St., Ste. 201, 12:30–2 p.m.

West End Tavern Jul-IPA Rooftop Party | July 28

West End Tavern is concluding its month-long celebration of India Pale Ales with this open-air, rooftop bash, which will include barbecue delights from executive chef Jeff Whitney, Breckenridge Bourbon samples, and a live auction. The titular beer will be available from eight Colorado breweries, including Bonfire Brewing and Good River Beer. $35; purchase tickets here; 926 Pearl St, Boulder, 1–4 p.m.

Friends of James Beard Garden Series Dinner at Uchi | July 30

Indulge in a multi-course meal prepared by Uchi chefs Alex Astrani, Chris Davies, Joe Zoccoli, and pastry whiz Ariana Quant. Expect nigiri platters with the likes of king crab, corn, and strawberries. Proceeds benefit the James Beard Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Programs, which work to acknowledge and advance women in the culinary industry. $150–$175; please call Julie Calabrese at 303-444-1922 to secure your seat; Uchi’s Garden (behind the restaurant), 2500 Lawrence St., 7 p.m.