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Virtual happy hours, celebrations, dinners, and more are keeping us entertained (and sane) at home as we settle into a new socially-distant reality. Join in on the fun at these upcoming local events, thanks to Colorado businesses and the magic of digital platforms like Zoom and Facebook Live.
Denver Beer Co. Virtual Pairing Series: Beer & Chocolate | April 22, 5–6 p.m.
Denver Beer Co.’s third socially-distant pairing event features a guided tasting of Chocolate Lab’s truffles and bonbons alongside a selection of matched brews. The $40 package include enough chocolate and suds for two, but you can also purchase additional chocolate for $7 (because you deserve it).
Where/How: Facebook Live; pick up your tasting kit at the Platte Street or Arvada taprooms between 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on April 22. Delivery is available to addresses within a 10 mile radius of the taprooms for a $5 fee.
What to Drink: Denver Beer Co.’s Tart Delight Citrus Sour, Maui Express Coconut IPA, and Dry Irish Stout
Dialed In With Weldwerks Brewing Company | April 23, 6–7 p.m. and April 26, 2–3 p.m.
Greeley’s Weldwerks Brewing Co. is uniting Colorado beer industry veterans and craft beer devotees in a series of free virtual events. Upcoming sessions include a State of the Industry Roundtable Discussion about how current events have impacted the brewing industry (April 23) and Takin’ Flight with Neil Fisher, during which the co-founder and head brewer will lead a 55-person tasting of a custom beer flight (April 26).
Where/How: Zoom; register for the April 23 event here and the April 26 event here; pick up the beers below at Weldwerks in Greeley (if you live in northern Colorado) or from your local liquor store
What to Drink: Weldworks Tank 11, Juicy Bits, Advanced Fluid Dynamics, or Froot Camp: Pineapple, Orange, Banana
Virtual Jiggy Friday at Bar Helix | April 24, 8:30–11 p.m.
This $5 dance party hosted by the fabulous RiNo cocktail bar is exactly what you need to amp up your Friday night; all ticket sales go to DJ Chris Milly, who will be spinning Caribbean-influenced dance beats all night long. The bar will also host a virtual mocktail-making class on May 1; find out more here.
Where/How: Zoom; get tickets for the April 24 dance party here; pick up liquid courage from Bar Helix
What to Drink: Bar Helix’s Chicharita (Espolòn blanco tequila, jalapeño, lemon, Curaçao, and chicharrón salt), Snake in the Bush (Tullamore DEW, lemon, cucumber-mint syrup, and Strongwater Native Floral Bitters), and a classic negroni are just a few options
Howl Fest | April 24, 4 p.m.
Denver-based ukulele company Uku Global and Handoff, a locally-based beer, wine, and spirits delivery app, will host a virtual music fest to benefit Colorado’s COVID-19 Relief Fund through Mile High United Way. Headliners include Stelth Ulvang of the Lumineers, Luke Mitrani, Zach Heckendorf, and LVDY; viewers can donate to the fund through a GoFundMe page for the chance to win prizes from sponsors like Infinite Monkey Theorem and Ratio Beerworks.
Where/How: Instagram Live; RSVP here
What to Drink: You call it—but please, support Colorado breweries, distilleries, and wineries if you can.
Colorado Brewers Guild 25th Beerthday Party | April 25, 1–6 p.m.
Since the Colorado Brewers Guild’s two largest fundraisers—Collaboration Fest and Colorado Pint Day—were suspended due to the pandemic, the nonprofit organization will host a virtual 25th birthday celebration instead. Pick up beer from your favorite local brewery and connect with an all-star panel of brewers, including Dave Bergen of Joyride Brewing and Keith Villa of Ceria Brewing Co. A $20 ticket gains you access to the virtual celebration (for $25, you’ll also receive a special-edition koozie). All proceeds go toward the guild’s efforts to support Colorado’s independent craft breweries.
Where/How: Zoom; register here
What to Drink: A growler, crowler, or six pack from a Colorado Brewers Guild member brewery
Digital Retreat to Costa Rica with Lacuna Juice and Yoga | April 25 and 26
Join Lacuna founder and co-owner Megan Whiteside for a Costa Rican-themed weekend packed with twice-daily yoga and meditation and nourishing culinary experiences—without leaving your house. For $100 ($75 for Lacuna members), enjoy two days of workshops on the elements of Katonah Yoga (a blend of Hatha yoga practices and Chinese Taoist principles), a live cooking class from executive chef Carrie Shores, and a digital care package with recipes, journal prompts, and more.
Where/How: Zoom; register here
What to Drink: Anything your little heart desires
Carboy Winery Live Tasting | April 27, 4 p.m.
The team at Carboy Winery will host a virtual guided tasting of three of its best wines. The $75 tasting kit, available this week at the Denver location on Seventh Avenue, includes three bottles and two-ounce tasters of each selection so you don’t have to open the bottles to sip along (unless you want to). Add a charcuterie board for $10 to complete your party spread.
Where/How: Zoom; RSVP here; order online here and pick up your bottles (listed below) as early as April 23 and no later than April 27
What to Drink: Carboy’s 2017 Grand Valley Viognier, 2016 Sonoma Valley Syrah, and 2016 Lodi Malbec
Crystal Springs Brewing Co. Virtual Happy Hour | April 27 and May 4, 5 p.m.
The beertenders at Crystal Springs Brewing Co. are broadcasting from their taproom in Louisville to connect with the community. Download one of the brewery’s Zoom images to look like you’re inside the taproom, and raise a glass from a distance.
Where/How: Zoom; RSVP here
What to Drink: Crystal Springs Blood Orange Kolsch, Thirteen IPA. Naughty Marilyn Belgian, and more; order them for pick up here
Restaurant Olivia’s Battle of the Master Sommeliers Wine Dinner | April 30, 6:30 p.m.
Maverick Wine’s Damon Ornowski and D&E Fine Wine’s Doug Krenik, both Master Sommeliers, will battle to provide the best pairings for a three-course feast from Restaurant Olivia (with an extra amuse bouche thrown in for good measure, complemented by a bourbon cocktail from Olivia co-owner Austin Carson). Attendees will vote for the winning sommelier’s picks, and $10 from each ticket sale will go to a charity of that somm’s choice. The $95-per-person meal includes the amuse; three courses, including baked rigatoni with spicy Italian sausage; six half glasses of wine; and a cocktail.
Where/How: Zoom (a link will be sent to those who purchase a dinner); email info@oliviadenver.com or call 303-999-0395 to place your order by 4 p.m. on April 28 and pick it up on April 29 or 30
What to Drink: Selections from Master Sommeliers Damon Ornowski and Doug Krenik
Fetch Markets Community Happy Hour | Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 4 p.m.
Fetch, known for celebrating local makers and community through its shopping experiences, hosts conversations with small business owners three times every week. Upcoming sessions feature Zach Johnston of the Spice Guy (April 22) and Courtney Mamuscia of JuJu Be Gone (April 23).
Where/How: Instagram Live
What to Drink: Up to you
Flatiron Film Festival Dinner And A Movie | Every Friday, 6:30 p.m
Every Friday, the Flatiron Food Film Fest will stream a culinary film and offer recommendations for takeout meals from participating local restaurants to pair with the presentation—the perfect reason to put your Netflix queue on pause. The $5 viewing fee also includes a film introduction from a speaker and a post-film discussion via Zoom. The inaugural affair on April 24 is a screening of Tazzeka, a coming-of-age tale about an aspiring Moroccan chef, paired with Moroccan-inspired takeout from Fruition in Denver; Blackbelly or Cafe Aion in Boulder; or Eat at Community in Lafayette.
Where/How: Streaming device of your choice and Zoom (instructions will be sent to you via email prior to the start of the event)
What to Drink: This week, pick up old fashioneds from Fruition, negronis from Blackbelly, handmade sangria from Cafe Aion, or Moscow mules from Eat at Community
Curio Live Happy Hours | Every Saturday, 4 p.m.
To complement their curated cocktail kits and online drink-making tutorials, the team behind Curio Bar, Brass Tracks, and Roger’s Liquid Oasis invite you to show off what you’re drinking at home and connect with co-owners Stuart Jensen and Stephen Julia, who are holed up at their respective home bars.
Where/How: Zoom (a link will be sent to anyone who has purchased a cocktail kit); schedule a kit pick up ($25–$50; each makes about eight to 10 drinks) at Denver Central Market on Tuesdays and Fridays between 2-6 p.m. or Saturdays between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
What to Drink: Curio’s whiskey sours, Tom Collins, mai tais, hurricanes, and more
Bonus: Handmade Mixers For Your Cocktails
Upgrade your home-bartending game by joining Cocktail Caravan’s Community Supported Cocktails club, a CSA-style program offering fresh-pressed cocktail and mocktail mixers handcrafted from locally-grown ingredients. A $96 share gets you six weekly deliveries of a single-share bottle (enough for five to 10 drinks).
