Every summer, the City Park Pavilion transforms into a lively gathering place for jazz enthusiasts from across Denver. Beginning at 6 p.m. every Sunday afternoon, the park hosts City Park Jazz which is a free concert series that promotes live jazz performances and invites the community to unwind, dance and enjoy blissful afternoons of the season. Established in 1882, City Park is centrally located and set alongside a scenic lake, where visitors can even rent swan boats and enjoy activities as the music plays. The series runs through August, and you can find the full concert schedule at by visiting the City Park Jazz website. Beyond the music, there is another major attraction – the food. Join us as we make our way down the food truck lane and share the evening’s tastiest finds.
First things first – make sure to arrive hungry. With over 20 food trucks, there is no shortage of options to explore. You can find anything from savory sandwiches, fresh smoothies, or sweet treats like shaved ice and beyond. City Park Jazz is more than just a celebration of music as it is a celebration of community. That includes Denver’s vibrant local food scene. The best part? Every truck on site is locally owned, meaning you can support these businesses again even after the event is over.
Here are some of our highlights from the afternoon:
Easily recognizable by their streetcar setup, Toby’s New Orleans Po’Boys was a true standout on our City Park Jazz foodie journey. We were warmly welcomed by Mary, who guided us through their tasting experience combo, which we highly recommend. The combo includes a half po’boy of your choice (our pick: the 10/10 mushroom po’boy), a side of fries (definitely go for the Cajun which was flavorful and perfectly seasoned without overwhelming heat), and a freshly fried beignet dusted in powdered sugar. The passion behind the counter was undeniable. Mary’s energy was infectious, and the entire staff’s pride in their craft came through in every bite. The mushrooms were expertly fried for that ideal crunchy yet soft effect. The sandwich was packed with flavor and layered with lettuce, tomato, and a house-made sauce, and the beignet? A fluffy, cloud-like finale that melted in our mouths. As a charming touch, every combo came with Mardi Gras beads. All of this for just $17. Be sure to follow Toby’s New Orleans Po’Boys on Facebook to track its next stops.
Next on our list was the healthy and refreshing Playa Bowls. A great selection for those craving something lighter but still satisfying. With locations across the country, we are lucky to have a few right here in Colorado. Its vibrant menu ranges from acai and pitaya bowls to smoothies and juices, making it a go-to for anyone seeking a nutritious yet indulgent option. We opted for the Nutella Acai Bowl, topped with blueberry granola, fresh strawberries, bananas, Nutella drizzle and a dash of coconut flakes. It was beautifully presented, bursting with flavor, and packed with some of the freshest produce we have tasted. At $16, it was well worth it especially on a sizzling summer day when something cold and sweet hits just right. You can find Playa Bowls at various locations throughout the Denver metro and suburbs, so it is easy to enjoy this treat beyond festival days.
With so many tempting options along the food truck lane, we let our noses lead the way and they brought us straight to AFC Wings & Fish. The aroma coming from its setup was impossible to ignore, and we are happy to report the flavors absolutely lived up to the hype. Its fried offerings were some of the best of the afternoon, thanks to a well seasoned batter that delivered the ultimate crunch. We ordered the Catfish Fillet with fries and the Four-Piece Shrimp combo, also served with fries. All for under $25. Crispy, flavorful, and satisfying, every bite was a reminder of why this truck attracts a crowd. If you are in the mood for golden fried goodness, keep an eye on AFC Wings & Fish’s Instagram to see where they will be cooking up next around Denver.
To wrap up our evening at City Park Jazz, we could not resist a stop at Happy Cones Co., a New Zealand-style creamery that brought a sweet finish to our foodie adventure. Served conveniently in a cup (ideal for less mess in the summer heat), we tried the New Zealand Style Strawberry flavor. This is a refreshing blend of sweet cream ice cream and real fruit. It was so good, we were tempted to hop back in line for seconds. Happy Cones also offers American-style ice cream, vegan options and plenty of fun add-ons like waffle cones and sprinkles, so there is truly something for everyone. Be sure to check out their website or social media to see where they will be scooping next around town.
The City Park Jazz event, hosted every summer, is truly a celebration of music, food, and community spirit. With a rotating lineup of talented musicians, an impressive list of local food truck vendors, and a laid-back atmosphere, it is easily one of Denver’s best free summer experiences. Be sure to visit the City Park Jazz website and check the calendar to plan your next visit.
See you at the park, Denver!
