As we enter May, Denver is heating up with plenty of fun events. This Saturday, several places will offer a variety of deals and activities in honor of the Kentucky Derby. Also, the South Denver Beer Festival and TheBigWonderful are back with food and fun for everyone. And if you’re looking to do something a bit more low-key the underground cocktail joint, Bar 1 at Green Russell, kicks-off its monthly pop-up series this Wednesday.
Kentucky Derby Deals
Derby Party at ViewHouse
Where: 2015 Market St., Denver, & 7101 S Clinton St., Centennial
Neighborhoods: LoDo & Centennial
The Low Down: This Saturday, both ViewHouse locations will host a free Kentucky Derby party. It will partner with Stella Artois to offer a mint julep and Stella open bar from 2 to 3 p.m. where the first 100 people will receive a free drink. There will also be contests and giveaways including tickets for the 2016 Kentucky Derby.
The Corner Office
Where: 1401 Curtis St., Denver
Neighborhood: Downtown
The Low Down: Located inside The Curtis Hotel, The Corner Office will celebrate the Kentucky Derby with specials all day long. The $6 Derby-themed drinks will include “At the Wire” made with Grey Goose Le Melon, lemon, simply syrup and soda water, a mint julep punch made with Woodford Reserve and more. Also on the menu will be a rendition of traditional “hot browns” for $3.
Derby Party at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Where: Denver’s Performing Arts Complex & 14 th St., Denver
Neighborhood: Lodo
When: 1 – 6:30 p.m.
The Low Down: Jax Fish House will host a derby viewing party on Saturday with a champagne and oyster tent. There will be champagne and fresh-shucked seafood while the game plays.
Stout Street Social
Photo by Lindsey Bartlett
Where: 1400 Stout St., Denver
Neighborhood: Downtown
The Low Down: Stout Street Social will broadcast the race this Saturday. Along with traditional mint juleps for $6.95, it will also give away prizes to the best derby outfits.
Other Events
TheBigWonderful
Photo courtesy of TheBigWonderful’s Facebook page
Where: 2500 Lawrence St., Denver
Neighborhood: RiNo
When: May 2nd, 12 – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Low Down: TheBigWonderful is back this Saturday with more drinks, food and entertainment for all ages. The venue will be a large outdoor beer garden with beach volleyball, an urban farm, live music and more. The theme will be the Kentucky Derby, complete with bourbon and a bluegrass playlist.
South Denver Beer Festival
Photo courtesy of Brewtally Insane
Where: 306 West Bowles Ave., Littleton
Neighborhood: Clement Park
When: May 2nd, 2 -5 p.m.
Cost: $40-85
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased here
The Low Down: This Saturday, Imbibe events presents the South Denver Beer Festival. The festival brings 80 breweries from around the world giving guests the chance to sample over 150 different beers with unlimited tastings. A special VIP section will also include craft spirits and VIP only beers and one hour early entry.
Bar 1 @ Green Russell Pop-up
Photo by Roman Tafoya
Words by Brittany Werges
Where: 1422 Larimer St., Denver
Neighborhood: LoDo- Larimer Square
When: Wednesday, April 29 ( final Wednesday of every month)
The Low Down: Bar 1, the standing room only entrance to the underground cocktail joint, Green Russell, will host a monthly pop-up series. This Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. award-winning chef and owner of Green Russell, Frank Bonanno, will serve sushi at the bar. The menu will feature offerings such as ahi tuna nigiri with Ponzu & Serrano Chile ($7), syake (salmon) with tarragon, crème fraîche and caviar ($9), Aburi diver scallop with sweet & spicy sauce, sesame seeds ($8) and more. Next month’s theme will host The Denver Botanic Gardens, which will transform the space into a “plant sanctuary” on May 27 for a night of ” garden inspired” cocktails. In addition, Bar 1 will also be open on Thursdays, extending its regular operation from Fridays and Saturdays. To get more information and to be the first to hear about the theme of each pop-up, join Bonanno Concepts e-mail newsletter here.
MiJo Pop-up at Denver Fashion Weekend
Words by Brittany Werges
Where: 1144 Broadway St, Denver
Neighborhood: Golden Triangle
When: Saturday, May 2
Tickets: $14- $60.
The Low Down: This week marks the start 303 Magazine‘s Denver Fashion Weekend presented by Schomp Automotive. In addition to the four nights of fashion, a cocktail segment will proceed each show. This year’s line-up includes some of Denver best restaurants such as Lower 48, Leña, Glaze and a special menu preview from MiJo.
MiJo, a micro-restaurant in the soon-to-debut Avanti Food & Beverage, comes from the culinary team at beloved noodle bar, Bones. Guests will be the first to sample a taste from its new Asian-fusion menu with a specially crafted sashimi offering. Tickets are available for purchase here.