Colorado Best Food and Drink Festivals
Food, Wine, Spirits and Beer Festivals listed also include surrounding areas that host signature events.
Breckenridge Big Beers Festival
January
Vail Colorado Taste of Vail
April
Denver Colorado Chocolate Festival
May
Boulder Creek Festival
May
Steamboat Springs Red White & Blues
June
Aspen Food & Wine Classic
June
Telluride Food & Vine Festival
June
Taste of Fort Collins
June
Manitou Springs Wine Festival
June
Keystone Bacon & Bourbon Festival
June
Vail Craft Brew Classic
June
Breckenridge Summer Beer Festival
July
Telluride Food & Wine Festival
July
Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival
July​
Crested Butte Wine & Food Festival
July
Breckenridge Food & Wine Festival
July
Westminster Top Taco Festival
July
Westminster Westy Craft Brewfest
July
Denver Burger Battle
August
Boulder Taco Fest
August
Denver Top Taco Festival
August
Vail Wine Classic
August
Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival
August
Denver BrunchFest
August
Breckenridge Wine Classic
August
Parker Brewfest
August
Breckenridge Hogfest
August
Keystone Oktoberfest
August
The Great Central City Beer Festival
August
Chicken Fight Food Festival
August
Evergreen Big Chilli Cook-Off
September
Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
September
Whiskies of the World Denver
September
Denver Food & Wine Festival
September
Breckenridge Oktoberfest
September
North Glenn Pirate Fest
September
Vail Oktoberfest
September
Aspen Mactoberfest
September
Palisade Colorado Mountain WineFest
September
Snowmass Wine Festival
September
Denver Oktoberfest
September
Pueblo Chili & Frijoles Festival
September
Denver USA Today Wine & Food Experience
September
Steamboat Food & Wine Festival
September
Denver Great American Beer Festival
October
Denver Whiskey Riot
October
Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival
October
The Bloody Mary Festival
November
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Colorado's Culinary and Libation Extravaganza: The Best Food, Wine, Spirits, and Beer Festivals
Colorado is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and vibrant culture. But it's not just the mountains that draw visitors; the Centennial State has also cultivated a remarkable food and beverage scene.
Throughout the year, Colorado hosts a variety of festivals that celebrate the finest in gastronomy and libations. Whether you're a foodie, oenophile, spirits enthusiast, or beer connoisseur, there's something for everyone. Let's dive into the top food, wine, spirits, and beer festivals across the state.
Aspen Food & Wine Festivals: Where Culinary Excellence Meets Mountain Majesty
Aspen Food & Wine Classic: June
The annual culinary festival in Aspen brings together food enthusiasts, chefs, and wine experts for a weekend of indulgence and education. Held at various venues throughout Aspen, including the Grand Tasting Pavilion in downtown, the event attracts over 4,000 attendees. This year, the festival showcased more local vendors than ever, with up to 50 local businesses participating in the Grand Tastings. Notable local participants included Tuesday Foods, Bosq, Sundae, Pollinator Chocolates, and Madame Ushi.
Attendees can sample a wide variety of dishes and beverages, from tikka masala and Thai green curry to fine wines and artisanal chocolates. The event also features cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, and special dinners, with celebrity chefs like Andrew Zimmern, Bobby Flay, and Guy Fieri making appearances.
Aspen Mactoberfest: September
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The annual celebration of macaroni and cheese returns to Aspen's Restaurant Row on East Hopkins Avenue. Local restaurants will compete in the Ultimate Mac & Cheese Showdown, vying to create the most innovative and delicious dishes. Laura Werlin, known as Aspen's "Cheese Lady," will serve as the VIP judge, while attendees can also cast votes for their favorite entries. The event, which drew nearly a thousand people last year, is free and open to the public. Beer and seltzer will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Mother Pucker women's hockey team.
Vail Craft Beer & Wine Festivals: A Mountain Retreat to Enjoy Some Great Vino and Brew
Vail Craft Brew Classic: June
This annual beer festival in Vail Village, Colorado, has become a beloved summer tradition for craft beer enthusiasts. Featuring over 50 breweries from across the state, the event offers an all-inclusive tasting experience of beers, wines, ciders, seltzers, and spirits. Attendees can sample a wide variety of craft beverages while enjoying live music performances, though specific lineup details for the upcoming event have not yet been announced. Food trucks are on-site to provide sustenance alongside the libations, creating a well-rounded culinary experience.
The festival includes a competition element, with breweries vying for the People's Choice and Judge's Choice 'Best Beer of Summer' awards. As Colorado's highest altitude beer tasting event, it offers a unique opportunity to savor craft brews against the backdrop of stunning mountain views.
​Vail Wine Classic: August
A true classic wine festival in Vail that brings together over 100 wineries from around the world, offering attendees a chance to sample fine wines from regions like Napa Valley and Tuscany. The event features Grand Tastings held at the picturesque Vail Mountain Resort, where wine enthusiasts can meet vintners and expand their palates. Beyond the tastings, the festival includes expertly paired dinners and lunches, as well as unique experiences such as wine hikes and lifestyle events. Classroom-style seminars hosted by winemakers and sommeliers provide opportunities for attendees to deepen their wine knowledge.
The festival attracts over 2,500 visitors, who can enjoy a variety of food pairings alongside the extensive wine selection. While specific musical performances are not mentioned, the event offers a perfect blend of mountain beauty and wine appreciation in a resort destination setting.
Vail Oktoberfest: September
Prost! This Bavarian-inspired celebration returns to Colorado's picturesque mountain town this September. Held over two weekends in Lionshead Village and Vail Village, the festival attracts thousands of visitors eager to experience authentic German culture. More than 20 vendors offer traditional fare such as bratwurst, schnitzel sandwiches, pretzels, and pierogies, alongside a variety of German beers. Live entertainment includes performances by Vail's own Helmut Fricker & The Rhinelanders, Denver Kickers Schuhplatters, The Polkanauts, and The Average German Band.
Visitors can participate in various competitions, including stein lifting, keg bowling, and a bratwurst eating contest. The event also features a dedicated children's area with activities like pretzel necklace making and live entertainment for younger attendees.
Denver Food & Drink Festivals: The Mile-High City of Culinary Delights​
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Denver Food & Wine Festival: September
The annual culinary celebration in Denver brings together the finest elements of Colorado's food and beverage scene. Hosted by the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, the event showcases over 40 local restaurants and food trucks, along with hundreds of drink options. The festival takes place at the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus, featuring a Grand Tasting with bites from renowned establishments like Hop Alley and Tavernetta.
Attendees can participate in wine glass seminars, cocktail competitions, and culinary auctions, while enjoying the sounds of local DJs. A unique aspect of the festival is its support for the restaurant industry, with proceeds benefiting the Angel Relief Fund, which provides assistance to hospitality workers facing hardship.
​​Denver Oktoberfest: September
The Denver Oktoberfest has been a staple in Downtown Denver since 1969. Held over two weekends, the event features traditional Bavarian food, beer, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy activities like keg bowling, stein hoisting competitions, and live music performances. The festival offers a variety of German cuisine, including schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels, along with a selection of local and imported beers.
Festival-goers can also participate in costume contests, showcasing their best lederhosen and dirndls. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, private cabanas are available, providing dedicated food and drink service for groups of 8-10 guests.
Chicken Fight Food Festival: August
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Denver's premier fried chicken festival takes place annually at Elitch Gardens Theme Park, offering attendees an all-inclusive experience with unlimited food and drink samples. The event features over 50 local restaurants competing for the title of best chicken dish, showcasing a variety of styles including wings, fried chicken, bourbon chicken, tacos, and sandwiches. Attendees can enjoy craft cocktails from elite bartenders, representing more than 40 different spirits, as well as bottomless beer and refreshments.
The festival boasts multiple stages with live country, bluegrass, and blues music performances throughout the evening. A unique aspect of this adults-only event is that guests have unlimited access to the theme park's rides and roller coasters during the festival. Participating restaurants include Former Saint Craft Kitchen and Taps, Gigi's Betchin Chick-N, GQue Championship BBQ, and The Post Chicken & Beer.
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Breckenridge: A High Country Hideaway for Spirits, Wine and Beer Festival Enthusiasts​
Breckenridge Big Beers Festival: January
This annual beer festival in Breckenridge, Colorado, has become a highly anticipated event for craft beer enthusiasts. Held at the Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center, the festival showcases over 400 beers from more than 150 breweries. Attendees can sample a wide variety of big, Belgian-style, and experimental beers while mingling with renowned brewmasters and brewery owners. The event features educational seminars, beer and food pairings, and a popular commercial tasting session.
Special features include a Brewers Reception, Homebrew Competition, and Beer Yoga sessions. While specific music lineups are not provided, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of craft beer in the picturesque setting of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
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Breckenridge Food and Wine Festival: July
Celebrate summer in Breckenridge at this signature festival that offers a unique wine-tasting experience with over 300 wines from across the globe. Held at Main Street Station Plaza and The Village at Breckenridge, the event transforms these venues into a mountain-side vineyard featuring an array of varietals from top wineries. Attendees can enjoy live music from performers like Spinphony on the Main Street Station Stage, while DJ Murkem entertains at The Village Plaza. The festival includes a VIP Wine Pairing Dinner on Friday, a Grand Tasting on Saturday, and a Brunch and Vines event on Sunday.
Food is available for purchase from specialty vendors, complementing the wine selections and creating a well-rounded culinary experience. The event typically attracts thousands of wine enthusiasts and foodies, making it a highlight of the summer season in Breckenridge.
Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival: October
Breckenridge Colorado hosts an annual celebration dedicated to craft spirits, featuring over 30 distilleries from across the state. Visitors can sample a wide variety of spirits, including whiskey, vodka, and bourbon, from renowned producers like 291 Colorado Whiskey, Montanya Distillers, and Woody Creek Distillers. The festival's main event, "Still on the Hill," takes place at the Riverwalk Center and features artisan snacks from local restaurants such as Blue River Bistro, Breck Distillery, and Rootstalk. Attendees can enjoy live bluegrass music performed by the band Local Folk while sipping on craft cocktails and mingling with distillers.
The three-day event also includes educational workshops, distillery tours, and a scavenger hunt around the historic town of Breckenridge. A unique aspect of the festival is its location in one of the highest elevated towns in Colorado, allowing distillers to create spirits using mineral-rich snow-melt water filtered through the mountains.
These festivals showcase the culinary and libation diversity that Colorado has to offer, with each location offering a unique blend of flavors and experiences.
Whether you're seeking a sophisticated wine tasting or a down-to-earth beer festival, Colorado's food and drink celebrations have something for everyone. So, plan your visit and get ready to savor the tastes and sips of this remarkable state. Cheers!