Welcome to April, when Denver’s culinary scene is heating up as quickly as the temps. With more events than days on the calendar this month, there’s no excuse not to take your tastebuds out to play. We’ve come out of a winter hibernation ravenous and ready to roll, rounding up different ways to feed the cravings that piled up all winter long, like Saturday morning traffic on I-70. There’s much to do, taste, and explore across Denver’s ever-evolving culinary landscape. This means there’s no excuse not to indulge in the season’s fresh flavors, so cheers to you, cheers to us, and cheers to a calendar packed with all sorts of delicious cheer. Now get out there and enjoy it.
Apr. 24: Open Mic Comedy Night @ Epic Brewing
Ready for a barrel of laughs? Join hosts Von Sprecken and Nick Ellis at Epic Brewing’s Open Mic Comedy Night every Monday at 7 pm. If you want to deliver the punch lines, get there early to sign up, secure a spot, and have a pint or two of liquid courage.
Epic Brewing
3001 Walnut St.
epicbrewing.com
@epicbrewingden
Apr. 26: Mighty Cool Pinot—A Wine & Food Pairing Event @ Mercantile Dining & Provision
Uncork a mighty fine evening at Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans’ event celebrating the wine-growing region in coastal Monterey County. Immerse yourself in a velvety sea of coastal-cooled, Californian-grown Pinot Noirs—over 50 shades of red to enthrall your senses. Pair those pours with curated bites designed so the flavors on your plate complement the notes in your glass. Rub shoulders with the winemakers as you indulge in top-notch Pinots from Bernardus, Morgan, McIntyre Vineyards, ROAR, Pisoni, Wrath, and more. Get your tickets via Eventbrite, and let the Mighty Cool Pinot experience paint your night with the boldest strokes of red.
Mercantile Dining & Provision
1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
mercantiledenver.com
@mercantiledenver
Apr. 26: Luncheon by Design @ Denver Art Museum
Step into the world of sneaker culture at this year’s Luncheon by Design at the Denver Art Museum. From designers’ creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to iconic collaborations uniting athletics, celebrity, fashion, and art, this event celebrates the sole of sneaker culture.
Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver
denverartmuseum.org
@denverartmuseum
Apr. 27: Wines Under the Sea @ Downtown Aquarium
Dive into a fin-tastic sip & stroll adventure at the Downtown Aquarium’s enchanting Wines Under the Sea event. Feel like you’re part of Ariel’s world as you explore a treasure trove of wines and spirits from distant shores like France, Italy, New Zealand, and even the icy realms of Iceland. As you wander the briny deep, delight in exclusive tastings, light appetizers, and live animal interactions that’ll make you want to be where the people are. With a wine glass in hand, immerse yourself in an under-the-sea soirée featuring live entertainment and a lineup of wineries that would make even King Triton raise his trident in approval. More details and tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Downtown Aquarium
700 Water St., Denver
aquariumrestaurants.com
@aquariumdenver
Apr. 28: Chef’s Counter—The Strawberry Moon @ Beckon
As April heralds the start of Quarter II, Beckon in Denver swaps out the frosty flavors of Quarter, I’s Cold Moon menu for the sun-kissed Strawberry Moon menu, served from April through June. On Apr. 28, indulge in Beckon’s intimate chef’s counter dinner experience, where the culinary team’s admiration for Colorado’s bountiful summer harvest shines. Savor ripe berries, fragrant herbs, and charred nuances woven into a multi-course masterpiece. The two-and-a-half hour dining experience comes with a hefty price of $175 per person before drink pairings, and it’s gotta be paid upfront. But it’s totally worth it if you can score a seat at the table. As of this writing, two seats are open this Friday night but move quickly if you want to claim them. They will go quickly.
Beckon
2843 Larimer St., Denver
beckon-denver.com
@beckon_denver
Apr 29: The Big Stir Festival @ Tivoli Turnhalle
Cheers to philanthropic feasting—and to stretchy pants. You’ll want to have that on when you give the Big Stir Festival a whirl. Colorado’s culinary luminaries gather at Tivoli Turnhalle to whip up some treats to sample from the 25+ tasting tables from Biker Jim’s Dogs, Brad B Jammin’ preserves, Farow Restaurant bites, and Bibamba Chocolate. Wash it down by sipping on Wagner Family of Wine, Montanya Rum, 3rd Bird Kombucha, and Casa del Sol Spirits. Attend seminars, book signings, and mystery grab-bag fun between indulgences. Highlights include Tanya Holland’s book signing and Cheesemaking 101 with Kate Johnson. And it’s all for a good cause: the $65 ticket supports Les Dames d’Escoffier’s scholarships.
The Big Stir Festival
Tivoli Turnhalle on the Auraria Campus
900 Auraria Parkway
thebigstirfestival.com
Apr. 30: Mason Jar’s Cannabis Yoga Brunch @ The Barn
Bend, blaze, and elevate your senses at Mason Jar Event Group’s sophisticated cannabis-infused yoga brunch near Boulder. Unwind with an all-levels yoga flow led by local instructor Lauren Lewis, and embark on a terpene-rich Moksha Chocolate tasting journey with Jen Caines. Sway to Roma Ransom’s melodies while relishing Wildcraft Kitchen’s seasonal cuisine by Tori Hartsoe and Keef Brands Mocktail Bar libations. Linger for the afternoon festivities, exploring the Mason Jar Marketplace, aura photography, ceremonial cacao, sound bath, and tarot readings. Marketplace partners include 1906, Leiffa, Mighty Melts, O.Pen, Star Buds, Wana, and more. More details and info on how to register here.
Mason Jar Event Group
masonjareventgroup.com
@masonjareventgroup
