The weather is getting hotter and Denver has a ton of food and drink events to keep you cool. Kick off your week by sipping on brews at Strange Brews and end it by munching on cookies at a Beer & Cookie Pairing. And in our opinion, you shouldn’t miss one of the two whiskey events happening. Wherever your taste buds lead you, make sure to take a quick peek at this roundup of events in Denver.
Monday, May 14
Strange Brews
When: Monday, May 14, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: The Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project — 925 W 8th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free – $7 get tickets here
The Lowdown: The Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project presents Strange Brews. The event features an in-depth presentation from the owner and brewer of The Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project, Andrew Moore. Moore will give insight into his history and how it has impacted his choices for unusual beer flavors. The presentation is free and if you pay $7 you can try three or four super rare and odd brews that Moore has produced.
Mystery Pie
When: Monday, May 14, 4 – 9 p.m.
Where: Black Shirt Brewing Company — 3719 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Black Shirt Brewing Company hosts Mystery Pie. This Monday you can step into the taproom and taste a mystery flavor pie and a pint of beer for only $13. The chef pairs the brews and pizza to perfectly compliment each other. A vegetarian option and a meat option await your taste buds.
Craft Beer, Cheese and Charcuterie Pairing
When: Monday, May 14, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Alpine Dog Brewing Company — 1505 Ogden St., Denver
Cost: $20 tickets available here
The Lowdown: Let the salivating begin at a craft beer, cheese and charcuterie pairing. You can taste four pairings prepared especially from The Truffle Cheese Shop and Alpine Dog Brewing Company. You can also learn how to create the perfect pairings of beer and cheese to impress your friends at home.
Tuesday, May 15
Trivia and Torchy’s Taco Pairing
When: Tuesday, May 15, 5 – 10 p.m.
Where: Platt Park Brewing Company — 1875 S Pearl St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Platt Park Brewing Company hosts a Trivia and Torchy’s Taco Pairing. You can create a team to compete in trivia and taste a pairing menu of Torchy’s Tacos with in-house brews. The menu features four pairings to keep your mind moving.
Wednesday, May 16
Civic Center EATS
When: Wednesday, May 16, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Denver Civic Center Park — Colfax and Bannock St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Denver Civic Center Park gears up for Civic Center EATS. You can try food from food trucks, take a breath of fresh air and more at the outdoor event. Make sure to stop by the 25 different vendors to sample each truck for the full experience.
Real School Food Challenge: Denver

Zeppelin Station. Photo by Amanda Piela
When: Wednesday, May 16, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Zeppelin Station — 3501 Wazee, Denver
Cost: $100 donation here
The Lowdown: Judge four chefs facing off at the Real School Food Challenge: Denver. The four chefs are Max MacKissock of Bar Dough and Señor Bear, Cindhura Reddy of Spuntino and Namkeen, Paul Reilly of Beast + Bottle and Coperta and Alon Shaya of Safta. They will compete against each other to present a real school lunch that meets the USDA guidelines, with the budget of $1.25 per meal. You can sip on a glass of beer or wine from Big Trouble Bar and sample each chef’s creations to vote for the best dish.
Impact Dinner

Photo courtesy of Comal Heritage Food Incubator on Facebook
When: Wednesday, May 16, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Comal Heritage Food Incubator — 3455 Ringsby Ct. #105, Denver
Cost: $75 – $125 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Comal Heritage Food Incubator is back with an Impact Dinner. Tim Bender, the executive chef of Comal, partners with Silvia Hernandez, a founding member of Comal who is originally from Mexico City. The two have created a menu inspired by tradition Oaxacan food and Hernandez’s mother’s cooking. All proceeds from the dinner will go toward funding Comal’s new on-site garden.
Bites with Butchers
When: Wednesday, May 16, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Blackbelly Butcher — 1606 Conestoga St., Boulder
Cost: $70 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Blackbelly Butcher presents their monthly demo night — Bites with Butchers. Nate Singer, the head butcher at Blackbelly, will demonstrate butchering sections of lamb while you taste prepared meals from Brad Daniels and Hosea Rosenberg. You can taste from the middle section of the lamb and explore how to properly prepare the cuts. The ticket price includes watching the demo, $10 Blackbelly Butcher gift card for your next purchase, heavy appetizers, a welcome beverage and an informational fact sheet. Go hungry and leave informed and satisfied.
Thursday, May 17
Strange Craft Beer Turns 8
When: Thursday, May 17 – 20
Where: Strange Craft Beer Company — 1330 Zuni St. Unit M, Denver
Cost: Free – $25 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Strange Craft Beer is turning eight and it has some great events lined up to celebrate. Thursday you can sip on a release of a Pinon Porter, Friday you can sample a flight of Dr. Strangelove beers and Saturday you can experience a circus alongside tasting 10 local breweries, including Strange Craft. To top it off, on Sunday you can bring a breakfast dish and dive into a breakfast potluck.
Spring Celebration
When: Thursday, May 17, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Museo De Las Americas — 861 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: $35 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Museo De Las Americas celebrates the accomplishments of Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) at a Spring Celebration. You can nibble on appetizers and delight in two complimentary drinks to help support CIRC. The food is provided by Comal Heritage Food Incubator. Profits from the celebration go toward helping to make Colorado a more welcoming place for immigrants.
Razznarok
When: Thursday, May 17, 7 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Stoney’s Bar and Grill — 1111 Lincoln St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Stoney’s Bar and Grill presents Razznarok. The event features the release of Razznarok — a Belgian witbier created with raspberry puree — the official beer of Denver Comic Con. If you are one of the first 200 people, you can receive a limited edition Razznarok glass, designed by Morgan Beem — a local artist.
Growlers for Grotters
When: Thursday, May 17, 5 – 9 p.m.
Where: River North Brewery — 6021 Washington St. Unit A, Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: River North Brewery hosts Growlers for Grotter. The event features a night dedicated to raising funds for Giant River Otter Conservation in Guyana. Pint glasses and otter items (like paintings) are up for auction during the event.
Friday, May 18
The Whisky Extravaganza

Photo courtesy of The Whisky Extravaganza on Facebook
When: Friday, May 18, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel — 1111 14th St., Denver
Cost: $135 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Learn more about whisky and sip on the best pours at The Whisky Extravaganza — a traveling tasting show that’s been around since 2000. You can sample some of the best whiskeys, cocktails, whisky-inspired bites and more during a masterclass taught by industry experts.
Raspberry Apricot Maibock Release
When: Friday, May 18, 3 – 10 p.m.
Where: Factorem Brewhouse — 3845 Lipan St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Factorem Brewhouse presents a Raspberry Apricot Maibock release. The event features the light German-style beer infused with fresh raspberries and apricots to give it a sweet and tart flavor. The small batch release is extremely limited so make sure to arrive early for a taste.
Laughs & Drafts
When: Friday, May 18, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Diebolt Brewing Company, 3855 Mariposa St., Denver
Cost: Free register here
The Lowdown: Diebolt Brewing Company hosts Laughs & Drafts — a comedy night. The event features a comedy show with acts from Shanae Rosse, Allen Strickland Williams, Arielle Kaplan, Harrison Garcia and JD Lopez. You can sip on a chilled glass of beer, dig into food from food trucks and laugh the night away.
Saturday, May 19
The 6th Annual Whiskey Throwdown & Doughnut Showdown
When: Saturday, May 19, 2 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Rock Drill — 1717 E 39th Ave., Denver
Cost: $30 – $65 tickets available here
The Lowdown: If you love whiskey and sugary treats you need to check out The 6th Annual Whiskey Throwdown & Doughnut Showdown. You can sip on local pours, local pastries and raise funds for Minds Matter of Denver. You can sample from more than 25 vendors for a great cause.
5th Annual Upslope Get Down
When: Saturday, May 19, 2 – 10 p.m.
Where: Upslope Brewing Company — 1898 S Flatiron Ct., Boulder
Cost: $15 – $65 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Upslope Brewing Company presents the 5th Annual Upslope Get Down. The event features a free music fest with Orgōne, Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones, Guerrilla Fanfare, Tenth Mountain Division, The Jive Tribe, Steepland String Band, Kessel Run and Boot Gun performing. Plus, there will be flowing beer, food trucks and more. You can dance to live music from three different stages, sip on beer from Upslope and party the night out.
Patio Party
When: Saturday, May 19, 4:20 8 p.m.
Where: Vine Street Pub & Brewery — 1700 Vine St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Vine Street Pub & Brewery celebrates its 10th anniversary with a Patio Party. You can sip on a cold beer and bite on burgers and brats on the patio while listening to live music. The proceeds from the event go towards Project Angel Heart.
Strawberry Rhubarb Milkshake IPA Release

Photo courtesy of Fiction Beer Company
When: Saturday, May 19, 1 p.m.
Where: Fiction Beer Company — 7101 E Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Fiction Beer Company presents a Strawberry Rhubarb Milkshake IPA Release. You can taste the summery sweet beer with hints of Heull melon and Belma hops that deepen the strawberry flavor. The beer will give you the vibes of a freshly baked pie.
Sadler’s Banana Hammock + Hey Diddle Diddle Release!

Photo courtesy of Jagged Mountain on Facebook
When: Saturday, May 19, 3 – 11 p.m.
Where: Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery — 1139 20th St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Sip on a fresh and fruity brew at Sadler’s Banana Hammock + Hey Diddle Diddle Release! Sadler’s Banana Hammock features a combination of bananas, oranges and 100 pounds of donuts to give a super sweet taste to the 12% ABV Belgian Triple. The brew was created as a tribute to Mike Sadler — a man who inspired his friends with “charisma, character and ever-present sense of humor.”
First Anniversary Party
When: Saturday, May 19, 11 a.m. – 11:59
Where: The Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project — 925 W 8th Ave, Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: The Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project celebrates one year with a First Anniversary Party. The party features live music from The Sweet T Band, food from Barbed Wire Reef and more. You can also sample from a bottle release, special tappings and more.
Expecto Bar Crawl
When: Saturday, May 19, 3 – 9 p.m.
Where: Jacksons Denver — 1520 20th St., Denver
Cost: $25 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Don your best house robes and wands for an Expecto Bar Crawl. The witchy themed crawl starts at Jacksons Denver and travels to 14 different bars, all in the downtown area. Each location features a magic-themed drink special and the ticket price includes a souvenir cup, a lanyard with your sorted house, a magic wand and more.
Crawfish Boil
When: Saturday, May 19, 1 – 11 p.m.
Where: Station 26 Brewing Co. — 7045 E 38th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Crack open some crustaceans at a Crawfish Boil. Crawfish is sold by the pound with the traditional fixings of corn, sausage and more. You can also listen to live music from Anthony Russo Band while you crack into your shellfish.
Sunday, May 20
Harvey Milk Boozy Brunch
When: Sunday, May 20, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: There Denver — 3254 Navajo St., Denver
Cost: $55 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Support the local LGBTQ+ community at a Harvey Milk Boozy Brunch. The brunch features bottomless mimosas, brunch, coffee and more. You can help raise funds for LGBTQ+ legislation and hear from local advocates on how to improve Denver and become a better ally to the community.
Pints + Poses
When: Sunday, May 20, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
Where: Monkey Barrel — 4401 Tejon St., Denver
Cost: Free register here
The Lowdown: Monkey Barrel hosts Pints + Poses. You can let go of the weekly stresses with a free vinyasa flow and sip on a free beer, mimosa or bloody mary to refresh after the class. You can also indulge in brunch for $6 and drinks for $4 after the whole shebang.
Alpine Dog Brewery & Johnny Cupcakes Pop-Up
When: Sunday, May 20, 1 – 4 p.m.
Where: Alpine Dog Brewing Company — 1505 N Ogden St., Denver
Cost: Free register here
The Lowdown: Sip on a brew and dive into some sweet bakes at an Alpine Dog Brewery & Johnny Cupcakes Pop-Up. The pop-up feature cupcakes and gear from Johnny Cupcakes as well as cold beers to imbibe on. You can snag some sick finds and delight in a free gift and raffle.
Beer & Cookie Pairing
When: Sunday, May 20, 3 – 5 p.m.
Where: Seedstock Brewery — 3610 W Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: $14 at the door
The Lowdown: What is better than milk and cookies? A beer and cookie pairing, of course. The Pairing features four beers from Seedstock Brewery paired with four cookies from Good Sugar Baking. A portion of the pairing will go towards a nonprofit.
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Mark Your Calendars
Pie & Cider
When: Tuesday, May 22, 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Stem Ciders, 2811 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: $20 at the door
Passionfruit Milkshake IPA Crowler Release
When: Saturday, May 26, 1 – 11 p.m.
Where: Station 26 Brewing Co., 7045 E 38th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free admission