With summer just kicking off, there is no better time to take advantage of the long days and the blazing sun. Here in Denver, there is no shortage of beer and summer festivals. Support the Colorado Symphony with wine or fill your belly with beer and cheese to help you get through hump day. On Friday, be sure to call in sick because there are beer soaked events that cannot be missed.

Check out our listings for everyday or just our weekend highlights. We have it all here for whenever you want to bathe in the Colorado colors of summer.

Monday, June 27

Firkins from Stem Ciders

Firkins from Stem Ciders. Photo Courtesy of Stem Ciders.

What: Firkin Monday Mint Lime

Where: Stem Ciders, 2811 Walnut St., Ste 150

When: 4 p.m.–10 p.m.

Cost: $5 a drink

Low Down: A firkin is a tiny keg used for an array of liquids. In Stem Ciders’ case, they will be brewing up some Mint Lime Cider. Get it while it’s cold, because there is only one firkin available of this limited batch. They do a new firkin batch every Monday, so be sure to check for their next creation.

Tuesday, June 28

Sip with the Symphony

Photo courtesy of Sip with the Symphony

What: Argonaut Wine Tasting: Grape & Hops

Where: Park Hill Golf Club, 4141 E 35th Ave

When: 5 p.m.

Cost: $30-$35

Low Down: This tasting is a great value and it supports the astonishing music of the Colorado Symphony. This month’s topic is wine and hops featuring Washington and Oregon wines paired with Colorado craft beer to ensure a full of experience of the West’s wonderful alcoholic beverages. The tasting involves hundreds of wines and loaded appetizers. Tickets at tickets.coloradosymphony.org.

Wednesday, June 29

WestFax Brewing Company

Photo Courtesy of WestFax Brewing Company.

What: Beer and Cheese Pairing with MouCo Cheese Company

Where: WestFax Brewing Company, 6733 W Colfax Ave

When: 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Low Down: Survive this hump day with a classic duo of beer and cheese. A ticket includes four, 5-ounce servings of beer samples and four, 1-ounce servings of cheese paired for your palate. Buy online or at the Brewery. Tickets at brownpapertickets.com

Thursday, June 30

Photo courtesy of Mile High Spirits.

What: Denver Happy Hour Summer Series

Where: Mile High Spirits, 2201 Lawrence St

When: 5 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Cost: Free admission, drinks 

Low Down: Celebrate summer with Mile High Spirits. Special happy hour pricing and a downtown location make this the ideal spot for thirsty Thursday. The first 200 people receive one free drink, so head there to get in on the summer series (and savings).

Weekend Staff Picks

View of Viewhouse

Photo courtesy of ViewHouse.

What: Summer Beer Fest: Odell vs. New Belgium

Where: Viewhouse Eatery, Bar & Rooftop, 2015 Market St

When: Friday, July 1. 5 p.m.–8 p.m.

Cost: Free admission.

Low Down: Colorado breweries Odell Brewing Company and New Belgium Brewing will be competing for the day’s favorite brew. Attendees get six free samples from the breweries and will vote for his or her favorite of the day. The winner will be on tap at the ViewHouse all month long!

Former Future

Photo courtesy of Former Future.

What: Black Project Tap Takeover and Launch of the Brewer’s Table

Where: Former Future Brewing Company, 1290 S. Broadway

When: 2 p.m.

Cost: Free for Tap Takeover, $75 a person for Launch of Brewer’s Table

Low Down: All taps at Former Future Brewing Company will be stocked with the Black Project’s “100-percent wild, spontaneous, and isolated yeast beers.” The Launch of the Brewer’s Table is a coinciding event including a tour, tasting from the barrel, one bottle of Black Project beer, two 10-ounce pours of any beer on tap, charcuterie board from the Truffle Cheese Shop and one bottle of Black Project beer to take home. Head in for a tap or the whole shebang.

Photo courtesy of C Squared Ciders.

Friday, July 1–Saturday, July 2

What: First Anniversary Party for C-Squared Ciders

Where: C-Squared Ciders, 2875 Blake St. Unit C

When: Friday, July 1. 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, July 2. 2 p.m.–8 p.m.

Cost: Free

Low Down: C-Squared Ciders is celebrating their first anniversary. The event is a First Friday Art Show, Market and Circus featuring artists such as Denver artist Dacia Struck and Wisconsin’s Nancy Hatlestad. RiNo’s Moth Circus will be performing acrobatics all evening and the market will showcase vendors such as Colorado Mountain Soap Company and jewelry maker Geri Sneed. Saturday caps off the big week with an all day party featuring a car show and anyone with a pre-1969 automobile, any customized chopper or classic motorcycle, or any modern era car that is heavily customized can bring it on down, Live music by the Atomic Drifters and the Hot Apostles, BBQ from the Rackhouse and many small-batch cider releases! Come down and grab a draft of Lila or the famous Alma!