Fifteen Tastiest Events on Denver's Culinary Calendar, October 21-23

The weather may be cooling down, but this weekend's culinary events are sizzling. From a duo of wine festivals to the first big Halloween events, a Bloody Mary festival and much, much more, here are the fifteen tastiest events over the next few days.

Friday, October 21 

La Loma is celebrating its long-awaited move downtown with a weekend of celebrations at the current location. Today you can enjoy throwback menu specials including the Mexican pizza and the Margarita Azul, both of which will be available all weekend. On Monday, October 24, the restaurant will close its doors after nearly 35 years in Jefferson Park and move to its new location at 1801 Broadway, where it will reopen in early November. Call La Loma at 303-433-8300 for more information. 

The Flatirons Food Film Festival, which got under way on Thursday, continues all weekend with food, film and festivities. The festival lineup includes award-winning movies, guest appearances, dinners, children's films, food-centric parties and more. Ticket prices vary by event; for more information, visit flatironsfoodfilmfest.org.

The Boulder Burgundy Festival poured into Boulder on Thursday and will continue through Sunday with wine dinners, seminars, a Grand Tasting and more. Check out the full schedule of events and find tickets at boulderburgundyfestival.com.  

The 33rd Annual Wine in the Pines in Keystone starts with a Winemaker’s Dinner at Keystone Ranch from 6 to 11 p.m. Tomorrow, the International Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting at the Keystone Conference Center from 6 to 11 p.m. will feature live entertainment, silent and live auctions, nearly 500 wines, food and desserts. You can find tickets to both events as well as more information here. Proceeds benefit the Kelly Smith Employment Center at Ability Connection Colorado. 

Keep reading for more culinary events this weekend.
Saturday, October 22 

Today is your last chance to shop this season's Union Station Farmers' Market. This round includes a demo booth by chef Spencer Lomax of Snooze, food tastings, live music, a market giveaway and more. Check out bcfm.org for more information. 

The 32nd annual Boo at the Zoo event offers more than 25 trick-or-treat stations, creepy-crawly animal demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment. You can get your boo on at the Denver Zoo today or tomorrow, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities are included in the price of regular zoo admission. For all the details, visit denverzoo.org.  

The inaugural Fort Collins Book Fest runs from 9 a.m to 7 p.m. today at several Old Town Fort Collins locations. The free, one-day literary festival, titled "Brewin' Up Books," has a beery edge, with special guests including Governor John Hickenlooper, New Belgium brewmaster Peter Bouckaert and poet Katrina Roberts. You can get the full scoop at focobookfest.org. 

Eco-friendly Colorado clothing brand Kastlfel takes over the American Cultures Kombucha Taproom for a two-day pop-up shopping event. You can stop in and pick up any new clothing item and get 10 percent off any kombucha or gelato. For more information, check out the event's Facebook page. 

Sunnyside Station celebrates its first anniversary with a free chili cook-off from 2 to 6 p.m. today, plus music, beers, kids' games and more. Prizes will be awarded for the winners of five different chili categories, and all proceeds will benefit Bienvenidos Food Bank. The event is free; get all the details on the event's Facebook page. 

Sunday, October 23 

Grab a little hair of the dog during the Bloody Mary Festival at the Exdo Event Center from 1 to 4 p.m. today. Celebrate the iconic brunch beverage by sampling Bloodies from eleven Denver restaurants and businesses, then cast your vote for the “Best Bloody Mary in Denver.” There will also be snacks, food trucks and additional beverage samples. Tickets are $45 for general admission, $75 for VIP; grab yours and learn more here. 

Hosted by Conscious Alliance and chef Hosea Rosenberg of Blackbelly, the Art That Feeds Harvest Celebration will bring food from a dozen Boulder restaurants, live music, a silent auction and more to eTown Hall from 6 to 9:30 p.m. today. Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased here. 

Latigo is throwing a Pet Patio Party and Costume Contest from 3 to 10 p.m. today. The restaurant will provide treats for your furry friends as well as prizes for the best costumes. For more information, contact Latigo at 303-537-7682.  

Pie expert John Lehndorff guides a three-hour tour of all things pie, from history to recipes to pie tastings, during today's Zen and the Art of Pie workshop at the Boulder Book Store. Tickets to the event, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m., are $45. Grab yours and learn more at boulderbookstore.net. 

The Slow Food Farmers Market continues into November at the Source. Starting at 10 a.m. today, RiNo Yacht Club will feature Rosenberg's bagels, with toppings including cream cheese, lox, tomatoes and capers. Additionally, all bottles of champagne are 25 percent off at the bar.


Plan Ahead: 
Plates for the Peak, a benefit for Urban Peak, will take over Vesta Dipping Grill from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday, October 24. Your $85 ticket will get you small plates, specialty drinks, networking opportunities and more. Purchase tickets and learn more here. 

For more Food & Drink events, go to our online calendar. If you know of an event that should be included in that calendar, send information to [email protected].