On The Menu This August

The Front Range foodie events we’re watching this month

Denver burger Battle | Aug. 1 | 5-9:30 p.m.

Chefs from across the city will gather at Tivoli Quad for the ultimate grill-off in an effort to crown the best burger in Denver. Burger lovers far and wide are invited to taste the competition and help name the burger that beats them all. Tickets range from $84 to $154. denverburgerbattle.com

Boulder Van Leeuwen Ice Cream | Aug. 6

This Cali-based ice cream company known for its unique variety flavors — think: honeycomb, marionberry, Earl Grey tea, and macaroni — is opening its very first Colorado location in Boulder. The brand even has plans to unveil a limited-edition Colorado-inspired flavor called Rocky Mountain Road. It will be a green spruce ice cream with a fudge swirl, marshmallows, candied pecans, and pistachios. The new store will open to customers Aug. 6. vanleeuwenicecream.com

Olathe Sweet Corn Festival | Aug. 6 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

The Olathe community celebrates its delightfully delicious namesake with the 30th annual Olathe Sweet Corn Festival. The fun will include local live music, food vendors, games, a parade, and of course, all the sweet corn you can eat. olathesweetcornfest.com

VegFest Colorado | Aug. 6-7 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

At this vegan-only food event, vendors and attendees honor health, environment, and animal welfare. Hosted at Denver’s Improper City, pre-sale tickets are on sale now and range from $11 to $50. vegfestco.com

Colorado Wine Walk Denver | Aug. 7 | 1-5 p.m.

Together, Blanchard Family Wines and Dairy Block host the first annual Colorado Wine Walk showcasing 12 of Colorado’s best urban and Western Slope wineries shaking up the scene. Tickets are $35 and include unlimited wine samples, live music, and a commemorative wine glass. deeprootswine.com

Palisade Peach Festival | Aug. 11-13 | Times vary

It’s the juiciest time of the year in Palisade — peach season! Celebrate with a full weekend of fruity fun filled with orchard tours, live music, chef demos, peach-eating contests, and more! Tickets range from $5 to $25. palisadecoc.com/events/palisadepeachfest/

Vail Wine Classic | Aug. 11-13 | Times vary

Master winemakers and wine connoisseurs from across Colorado will gather in Vail for a weekend of premier pours, sommelier seminars, wine workshops, and elevated culinary experiences as part of the annual Vail Wine Classic. Tickets for individual events range from $110 to $225. vailwineclassic.com

Estes Park Wine Festival | Aug. 13-14 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Indulge in unlimited wine tastings, live music, local artisan vendors, and food trucks all against a stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop at the 7th annual Estes Park Wine Festival in downtown Estes. Personal snacks, chairs, wagons, and blankets are welcome. General Admission tickets begin at $35; Designated Driver tickets are $10 at the gate. estesparkwinefestival.com

Cherry Creek Al Fresco | Aug. 17-20 | Times vary

This south Denver food and wine event spans four days and includes a vast lineup of tastings, seminars, demos, and dining events made to explore the diverse and sophisticated culinary scene of Cherry Creek North. Proceeds from this event benefit Food For Thought Denver; tickets range from $100 to $225. ccnfoodandwine.com

RARE, The Denver Steak Championship | Aug. 18 | 6-10 p.m.

Presented by DiningOut Events, the top steakhouse chefs in town will go head-to-head to cook the juiciest, tenderest steak in the city. Carnivores from across Colorado are called to the cause to name the “Best Steak in Denver.” Choose from General Admission, First Taste, and VIP experience options; ticket prices range from $145 to $275. raresteakfest.com

Snowmass Cidermass Festival | Aug. 20 | 1-4 p.m.

The Snowmass Mall will celebrate all things cider (hard and non-alcoholic!) with the Cidermass Festival. Beloved cider vendors making an appearance will include Talbott’s, Colorado Cider Company, Schilling, and Anna’s Cider. Tickets are $55 and include a commemorative glass and unlimited tastings. cidermass.com

Sushi Den Summer Rooftop Party | Aug. 23-24 | 6-9:30 p.m.

Take a culinary tour of Japanese street food at Sushi Den’s annual summer rooftop party featuring 20 chefs flown in from Japan to share their homeland’s most beloved bites, including ramen noodles, okonomiyaki, gyoza, sake, and more. This event raises money for local charity We Don’t Waste. Tickets range from $100 to $125. sushiden.net/rooftop

Fort Collins Peach Festival | Aug. 27 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Enjoy a lineup of live music, craft brews, food trucks, and a celebration of all things peach at the Fort Collins Holiday Twin Drive-In. This festival is a fundraiser for local nonprofits sponsored by Rotary Clubs of Fort Collins. fortcollinspeachfestival.com

Summer Whiskey Tasting Festival | Aug. 27 | 2:30-6 p.m.

Treat your taste buds to 20+ beloved whiskey brands from around the city, around the country, and around the world. Choose from General Admission, VIP, Premium, or Exclusive ticket options, ranging in price from $50 to $105. eventbrite.com