Despite last weekend’s particularly warm weather, today marks the official first day of summer. And here in Denver, summer brings with it an outdoor food festival nearly every weekend. Participate in Bike to Work Day and attend a pie and beer pairing during the middle of the week. Once the weekend rolls around, help a local brewery celebrate its birthday and shop local in RiNo.
To help kickoff summer, consider attending these five tasty events this week.
Pedal for Pancakes
When: Wednesday, June 22. 6:30-9 a.m.
Where: Skyline Park
Cost: Free
The Low Down: Pedal your way to breakfast for Bike to Work Day on June 22. The Downtown Denver Partnership will host Pedal for Pancakes for its fourth year. There will be a pancake breakfast, coffee, chair massages and giveaways.
Pie and Beer Pairing
When: Wednesday, June 22. 6-9p.m.
Where: Black Shirt Brewing Co, 3719 Walnut St, Denver
Cost: $20
The Low Down: Black Shirt Brewing is once again teaming up with their friends at The Long I Pie to bring you unique beer and pie pairings. Happening every fourth Wednesday, guests will enjoy four sample size pies along with four beers.
Top Taco 2016
When: Thursday, June 23. 6:30-10p.m.
Where: CU Denver Fields on Auraria Campus, Denver
Cost: $74. Get tickets here
The Low Down: Tequila and taco lovers—you’ll want to be at this event. More than 40 of Denver’s best restaurants will come together to compete for the best taco in four categories: Top Creative Taco, Top Traditional Taco, Top Vegetarian Taco and Top Cocktail. Guests will enjoy unlimited samples of tacos, margs and more than 100 unique tequilas. Participating Denver restaurants include City O’ City, Dos Santos, Illegal Pete’s, Los Chingones, Machete Tequila & Tacos, Rioja, Tamayo and Torchy’s Tacos. Dance the night away to live salsa music at this can’t miss event of the summer.
Renegade’s 5th Anniversary Party
When: Saturday, June 25. 3-10p.m.
Where: Renegade Brewing Company, 925 W 9th Ave, Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: Renegade Brewing is throwing a block party to celebrate its fifth anniversary this weekend. They’re closing down the block outside the brewery to bring you live music, good food and great beer. Snack on food truck grub from Pasty Republic, Ol’ Skool BBQ, Green Tree Stir Fry, Matt’s Snack Shack and Em’s Ice Cream. Featured bands include Holly Lovell, Animal Electricity, Plume Varia and Inner Oceans. Plus, all beers are only $5.
Summer Flea
When: June 25-26. 10a.m-6p.m.
Where: Exdo Event Center, 1399 35th St., Denver
Cost: $5. Get tickets here
The Low Down: Head to RiNo this weekend for a two-day block party full of craft goods, snacks and drinks at the Summer Flea. This indoor-outdoor event takes over the surrounding blocks outside the EXDO Event Center. Explore the crafts of more than 200 Colorado vendors, while enjoying local food and drinks. Sip on beer from New Belgium Brewing Company or cocktails from Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey and other local distilleries. Plan on plenty of food and snacks to choose from, including tacos, sliders, falafel, tater tots, fresh juices and ice cream. If you buy your $5 ticket online in advance, you’ll get a complimentary New Belgium Brew or Flea Margarita at the event.