6 Food & Drink Festivals in Colorado You Can’t Miss

Colorado’s food and drink culture is shaped by its mountain towns, farming communities, and craft brewing heritage. Throughout the year, festivals across the state celebrate local flavors, from fresh produce and chili peppers to beer, wine, and spirits. These gatherings combine tastings with live music, cooking demonstrations, and community events, making them both culinary and cultural experiences.

This guide highlights six food and drink festivals in Colorado that consistently attract both locals and visitors interested in exploring the state’s diverse flavors.

1. Denver Food + Wine Festival

Each September, Denver transforms into a gathering place for food lovers, winemakers, and culinary experts during the Denver Food + Wine Festival. The city becomes a tasting ground, where guests can encounter everything from locally sourced specialties to international favorites. The event’s workshops and chef-led demonstrations make it as educational as it is flavorful.

Local and national chefs share their insights in interactive seminars, offering guests a rare chance to learn plating techniques and wine pairing strategies. The festival’s layout spreads across various venues, providing a different experience at each location and encouraging exploration throughout the city.

One notable aspect is its emphasis on collaboration between restaurants and beverage producers. As a result, visitors enjoy thoughtfully paired tastings that highlight Colorado’s unique culinary identity. In 2025, festival dates are September 3-6 and more information can be found on official Denver event pages.

2. Great American Beer Festival

Beer enthusiasts from across the nation look forward to the Great American Beer Festival, held annually in Denver. Recognized as one of America’s largest beer gatherings, it features hundreds of breweries and thousands of unique brews. The festival’s size and breadth create an environment of discovery for newcomers and connoisseurs alike.

Tastings are complemented by educational seminars and competitive judging, where brewers receive recognition for their craft. Visitors can observe the medal ceremonies, which are highly anticipated within the industry and add excitement to the event’s atmosphere.

Hosted at the Colorado Convention Center, the 2025 festival runs from October 9 to 11. Its scale and reputation continue to reinforce Colorado’s status as a leader in craft brewing, making it a significant stop for anyone interested in the country’s beer scene.

3. Vail Craft Beer Classic

Set in the heart of Vail Village, the Vail Craft Beer Classic invites guests to enjoy mountain air alongside a curated selection of beers, wines, and ciders. This early summer event is known for its inclusive tasting sessions, with more than 50 breweries represented. Outdoor activities create a relaxed, open-air experience for visitors.

Between sips, guests find live music performances and the aroma of local food trucks wafting through the festival space. The event’s all-inclusive nature allows attendees to move freely between tastings, encouraging discovery and conversation.

Scheduled for June 13-14 in 2025, the festival offers an inviting blend of craft beverages and scenic views. The setting and diversity of drinks make it a memorable event for both casual and seasoned festivalgoers.

4. Lake Dillon Beer Festival

Few beer festivals boast a location as picturesque as the Lake Dillon Beer Festival, nestled along the shores of Dillon Reservoir. This single-day event brings together over 30 Colorado breweries for a celebration of craft beer set against mountain and lakeside scenery. Guests often remark on the festival’s relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.

The festival typically features live music and local food vendors, adding to the vibrant outdoor environment. Paddleboarders and kayakers can be seen gliding across the lake, while festivalgoers sample seasonal ales and lagers.

Held on June 7 in 2025, the event is popular among both residents and travelers seeking a laid-back beer tasting experience. Its unique lakeside location provides a distinct sense of place within Colorado’s festival landscape.

5. Denver Oktoberfest

Denver Oktoberfest stands out as a lively tribute to Bavarian tradition in the heart of downtown Denver. Each year, the city’s streets fill with music, laughter, and the aromas of bratwurst and freshly baked pretzels. The event draws both German heritage enthusiasts and those new to Oktoberfest customs.

Attendees can participate in keg bowling, stein-hoisting contests, and other classic Oktoberfest games, fostering a spirit of friendly competition. Long communal tables encourage conversation among strangers who soon become festival friends.

The 2025 celebration occurs over two weekends in September, 19-21 and 26-28. For anyone interested in cultural festivals rooted in food and drink, Denver Oktoberfest provides a welcoming and festive environment.

6. Aspen Food & Wine Classic

The Aspen Food & Wine Classic is often described as a premier culinary gathering that attracts chefs, sommeliers, and epicureans from around the country. Its mountain setting and sophisticated programming make it a highly anticipated annual event. Cooking demonstrations and wine seminars are led by prominent industry figures.

Guests have opportunities to engage directly with culinary professionals, learning about new food trends and tasting techniques in a relaxed yet refined setting. The festival’s ticketed events offer intimate experiences with winemakers and renowned chefs.

Taking place June 20-22 in 2025, the Classic has built a reputation for quality and exclusivity. The combination of gourmet tastings, educational seminars, and Aspen’s natural beauty makes this festival unique among Colorado’s food and drink events.