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THE HEAT IS ON
BRAVO, MAESTRA
Meet the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra’s first female music director, Chloe Dufresne.
He’s tried much of the green chili in Colorado. He picked his 15 favorites, exclusively for Thirst Colorado.
GET OUT OF TOWN
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Design & Layout
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Johnny Burkin, Steve Graham, Malena Larsen, Jay McKinney, Chris Stark, David Young
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Digging deeper Explore Colorado’s under-experienced state parks
Boreas Pass
High-altitude two wheeling from Breck to Highway 285
Quirky festivals
Plan a staycation fest for every month of the year
Elevate
Colorado Mountain Winefest celebrates 35 years with smaller, more intimate format
thirst covered Find every brewery, distillery, winery, cidery and meadery in the state
courtesy of Colorado Parks
Contributors
JOHNNY BURKIN
In addition to writing and copyediting for Thirst Colorado, Burkin writes screenplays and breaks down the chances of the Denver Broncos and Denver Nuggets returning to championship glory. And he’s been known to bend a few ears with a history lesson.
STEVE GRAHAM
Graham is the digital media manager and assistant editor for Thirst Colorado. He graduated from CU Boulder with a journalism degree, and he can’t bear to move away from Colorado’s people, mountains, music and craft libations. Steve has been a contributor to Thirst Colorado since our first issue, and he is a former Colorado newspaper reporter and editor.
MALENA LARSEN
Larsen is a writer and Minnesota-to-Colorado transplant. Her favorite subjects to write about are craft beer, outdoor adventures, and any topic where she gets to learn something new. In her free time, she enjoys trail running, taking photos of mountain goats, and checking out breweries with her pals.
JAY MCKINNEY
McKinney is a Colorado native who grew up south of Denver in Sedalia. In 2020, he graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Shortly after, he began contributing to Thirst Colorado. He is passionate about promoting the Colorado lifestyle and the independent craft businesses that make the state a magnet for creative people. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.
CHRIS STARK
A Colorado-based photographer with a rich history in photojournalism, sports and wedding photography, Stark now focuses on capturing cherished family moments that allow you to relive your most significant milestones. When not behind the camera, he enjoys brewing seasonal beers, exploring Colorado’s backroads and hiking with his wife Jane.
DAVID YOUNG
Young is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins who specializes in beer, whiskey and outdoor writing. Young has been published in SKI Magazine, GearJunkie, 5280 Magazine, USA Today and The Denver Post. Learn more at davidyoungcommunications.com.
Be sure to wander a new park this year
By Jay McKinney
Photos courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildife
Colorado is home to some of the most stunning national parks in the country, and there are numerous state parks that are just as beautiful. Between the landscapes of the Western Slope, the Continental Divide and the Eastern Plains, the variety of scenery in the state is unrivaled. Tourists and locals alike often flock to frequently visited destinations such as Rocky Mountain National Park and the easily accessible state parks that dot the Front Range. But there are plenty of other offerings that Colorado Parks and Wildlife maintain that are off the beaten path and well worth visiting.
FISHERS PEAK STATE PARK
While Fishers Peak has always towered over the town of Trinidad, the prominent butte and surrounding land wasn’t always accessible to the public. The land used to be privately owned, and its secluded wilderness was seen only by those invited to explore the area by the property owners. But thanks to its sale in 2019, Fishers Peak State Park became the 42nd state park in Colorado. The park allows hiking and biking with more than 13 miles of designated trails. Unfortunately, dogs and other domestic pets are prohibited in the park. Hiking to the top of Fishers Peak is permitted but visitors must plan accordingly as certain parts of trails are closed for peregrine falcon and golden eagle nesting during portions of the year.
CRAWFORD STATE PARK
Located just 12 miles from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crawford State Park is a popular destination for a variety of activities. The park has 337 acres of land to explore and a 400-acre reservoir that is wildly popular for water activities. In the summer, visitors will flock to the reservoir to partake in fishing, boating, paddleboarding, water skiing and even scuba diving. During the winter, ice fishing and cross-country skiing become popular activities. Crawford State Park also allows camping with more than 60 campsites across its two campgrounds. Amenities like showers, power connection and picnic tables make the stay comfortable after a long day on the water.
JOHN MARTIN RESERVOIR
STATE PARK
This state park is in the southeast portion of the state in the Lower Arkansas River Valley near the town of Hasty. It is appropriately referred to as a sapphire in the plains and is a haven for all sorts of wildlife including deer, coyotes, striped bark scorpions, tarantulas and more. It’s also a common destination for bird watching with nearly 400 species of birds documented in the area. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, golden eagles, turkey vultures and other impressive species of birds while fishing on the shoreline.
COLLARD RANCH STATE WILDLIFE AREA
In spring 2024, Colorado Parks and Wildlife worked with Western Rivers Conservancy, Great Outdoors Colorado and other groups to purchase and open Collard Ranch in Park County. The 1,860-acre property is about 60 miles southwest of Denver and surrounded by Pike National Forest. The land is known as a State Wildlife Area, which means it is not developed with established trails, campgrounds, restrooms or a visitor center. Rather, the land is pristine and primarily used for hunting and fishing. Others might find a great place to check out migrating elk, deer, pronghorn and beaver that frequent Tarryall Creek, which runs through the property.
STAGECOACH STATE PARK
Nearly 16 miles south of Steamboat Springs lies Stagecoach State Park. With its picturesque 820-acre reservoir located in the beautiful Yampa Valley, it’s a great place for fishing and water activities. It has 92 campsites and serves as the perfect place to set up camp for those interested in exploring the Yampa Valley. During the winter, visitors frequent the park to ice fish, snowshoe and ride fat tire bikes. The visitor center also loans out battery operated ice augers, ice fishing poles, fat tire bikes and snowshoes during its operating hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. For anyone who doesn’t own this gear but would like to try something new, it’s a perfect opportunity.
NAVAJO STATE PARK
On the state’s southern border, outside the small town of Arboles is Navajo State Park. It’s approximately 35 miles from Pagosa Springs and 45 miles from Durango and well worth visiting for those seeking an expansive reservoir to explore. The reservoir stretches 35 miles and it has been deemed Colorado’s answer to Lake Powell, despite the majority of the reservoir actually being located in New Mexico. While the water activities are an obvious attraction for most visitors, the park is also popular for camping, hiking, hunting and stargazing. In addition to the 142 campsites, it has three cabins available to rent for a more luxurious glamping experience.
A BUCKET LIST BIKE ROUTE
Boreas Pass is a great gravel grind that follows the rail route out of Breckenridge
Photos and cycling tips by Chris Stark
Boreas Pass Road winds uphill from Breckenridge along a former railroad route to become a seasonal route for vehicles, hikers and cyclists.
Once it opens in late fall, it offers beautiful views while climbing over the Continental Divide and dropping down to the
historic railroad community of Como, which is on U.S. Highway 285, about 10 miles north of Fairplay.
It has become a favorite of gravel grinders. Given the railroad grade it follows, the route is not especially steep, but is still a challenge because of the elevation and surface. Veteran Colorado news and feature photographer Chris Stark took on the challenge, lived to tell the tale and shared his images.
Fitness – Boreas Pass from the trailhead to Como and back is nearly 35 miles. The difficulty of the ride will depend on your fitness level and ability to ride at altitude. The average grade is around 3 percent so it may seem easy at first glance, but the entire ride is above 9,850 feet and tops out near 11,500 feet, so it’s no joke. Riding at altitude makes it difficult to recover even after short efforts, so moderate your pace and take breaks. If you’ve never ridden at these altitudes, consider attempts at lower altitudes first.
Equipment – A well-maintained gravel bike or mountain bike is recommended. You’ll encounter some rough patches so tire width is a consideration to avoid flats and the rougher ride of skinny tires. I rode a 40-millimeter tubeless tire setup and had no difficulties, but always prepare for the worst. Have a spare tube or two, tools for trailside repairs and a pump.
Timing – Weather in the Rockies is always a question mark. Check the forecast and plan around storms and fires if possible. Prepare for colder weather by bringing layers and rain gear. Check the fire forecast. The day I went, smoke from a nearby fire filled the valley below. Winds quickly blew out the smoke before my start but be ready to postpone if it’s unsafe or weather makes the ride miserable.
Hydration/Food – Drink lots of water before you ride at higher elevations. More importantly, drink lots of water while at elevation. Efforts like this require 20-30 ounces of water per hour. You will be out in nature for hours so bring all the water you need in a hydration pack or be prepared to filter and treat water from a nearby creek if you have the means. Eat tried-and-true food that you know works for you and eat consistently throughout the ride. Trying out a new energy bar on a ride like this might lead to stomach problems, which is not what you want miles from home.
Reason – Something to consider is the reason you’re doing a trip like this. For me, it was a chance to revisit a route I’d done five years previous to see how well I would do solo. If it’s just for fun, consider bringing friends along who are of a similar fitness level and you can share the views and adventure together. Boreas Pass is relatively busy during the summer and some vehicle traffic should be expected. Weekdays offer a more serene experience so if you’re looking for a quiet outing, avoid weekends. Camping along the road is allowed so consider an overnight option to test out your bike packing skills. ■
A year of funky festivals
Plan a Colorado staycation each month around these quirky events
MARCH
MONTE VISTA CRANE FESTIVAL
Every spring, Sandhill Cranes migrate north from their winter homes in New Mexico, stopping in southern Colorado on the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge to roost, feed and impress their partners with an elaborate courtship dance. The spectacle peaks in early March, when Monte Vista hosts a craft and nature fair, as well as education talks, tours and workshops.
APRIL
BIGFOOT DAYS IN ESTES PARK
Sasquatch. Bigfoot. Whatever you want to call the hairy and elusive beasts, this festival takes them seriously (but not too seriously). Bigfoot experts and celebrities share stories and films, but there is also live music, outdoor activities, a Bigfoot calling contest and more. Like any good Colorado event, it also includes a half marathon and 5K run (costumes optional).
MAY
MIKE THE HEADLESS CHICKEN FESTIVAL IN FRUITA
In the 1940s, one of the biggest celebrities from Colorado was Mike, a chicken that apparently ran around with its head cut off for 18 months. Fruita still celebrates Mike with a large statue and a spring festival that includes a 5K run, live music, chicken show, community chicken dance and Peep- and wing-eating contests.
JUNE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN STAR STARE IN GARDNER
The dark skies of southern Colorado lend themselves to a different kind of star-studded party. Early each summer, astronomers gather outside Gardner (about an hour south of Pueblo) at Starry Meadows for four nights of stargazing, sky tours, games and expert lectures. Note that
a ban on white light (including vehicle headlights) after dark is strictly enforced alongside other event rules.
JULY
BURRO DAYS IN FAIRPLAY
For more than 75 years, the central Colorado town of Fairplay has celebrated the role of burros in Colorado’s mining heritage. Athletes compete to “Get Yur Ass Up the Pass” in 29-mile World Championship Pack Burro Races. Meanwhile, festivalgoers in town enjoy a parade, outhouse races, art, activities, cowboy church and live music. For more racing action, the Western Pack Burro Association also hosts several other Colorado events.
AUGUST
TELLURIDE MUSHROOM FESTIVAL
Telluride is known for its music festivals, but it becomes the center of the mycology world each August, celebrating everything mushroom. A mushroom costume
parade and dance party? Check. Mushroom foraging, identification and dining? Yep. Lectures and discussions about psychedelic and medicinal mushroom research and legislation? For sure. There are even beginner mushroom classes and activities for kids.
SEPTEMBER
LA JUNTA TARANTULA FESTIVAL
Across the vast Comanche National Grassland, male tarantulas crawl out of their burrows en masse to mate each fall. Pick the right late September weekend to see the phenomenon and enjoy guided bus tours. In the town of La Junta, there also will be a two-day festival with a parade, expert talks, entertainment, art, classic car show, a hairy leg contest and, of course, a screening of “Arachnophobia.”
Monte Vista Crane Festival
Photo courtesy of Christine Franzen
OCTOBER
EMMA CRAWFORD COFFIN RACES IN MANITOU SPRINGS
The nation’s original coffin races commemorate Emma Crawford, who wished to be buried atop Red Mountain. Colorado weather had different plans, and a series of freeze-thaw cycles and some heavy spring rains sent her coffin racing down the mountainside in 1929. Nearly a century later, teams gather shortly before Halloween to build a coffin and race it through Manitou Springs.
NOVEMBER
TURKEY TROTS (ACROSS COLORADO)
New York may have staged the first turkey trot, but Thanksgiving fun runs (with some competitors using a very intense definition of fun) now take place all over Colorado and can draw big crowds. Plenty of athletes like to burn calories before the feasting begins. After all, it’s very on-brand for Coloradans to sweat in the cold until warming up with some homecrafted food and Colorado-crafted libations.
DECEMBER
ULLR FESTIVAL IN BRECKENRIDGE
to turn the tossing into a sport. Each January, when many of the dense desserts have become sufficiently stale, they are thrown and launched in competitions of distance and accuracy. Also look for a fruitcake-balancing race and a fruitcake bakeoff.
FEBRUARY
HIGH PLAINS SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL IN LAMAR
White snow geese flock to southeastern Colorado in February on their northern migration. Lamar welcomes them with a festival that includes tours around dawn and dusk to see the geese, as well as raptors and other birds. The event also includes other field trips and seminars about local wildlife and history.
Colorado skiers offer a unique annual toast to Ullr, the Norwegian snow god who taught the world to ski, according to ancient legend. In Breck, more than 1,400 Ullr fans line up every December to take a drink from the world’s largest shotski in his honor and in hopes of a snowy winter. Other highlights of Ullr Fest include a bonfire and the Main Street parade.
JANUARY
GREAT FRUITCAKE
TOSS
Tons of (thoughtfully?) gifted fruitcakes are tossed in the trash each holiday season, so some folks in Manitou Springs decided
Emma Crawford Coffin Races
Photo courtesy of Visit Manitou Springs
Photo courtesy of Ullr Festival
Photo courtesy of Big Foot Days
Connect.Educate.Empower.
2026 Dates
Denver • Sunday, June 14
Colorado Springs • Saturday, September 12
Fort Collins • Saturday, September 19
epilepsycoloradowyoming.org/walk
EXPERIENCE COLORADO’S MOST EYE-OPENING GROW TOUR, WHERE WE SHOWCASE OUR PROCESS FROM SEED TO SALE.
SEED TO
Step behind the scenes and experience the full journey from seed to sensation. Our immersive tours take you through our state-of-the-art grow facility—where innovation meets intention, and every plant tells a story. Smell the terpenes. See the process. Meet the people behind the product.
SHIFTING GEARS Colorado Mountain Winefest elevates the experience in 2026
By Jay McKinney
When summer closes and fall takes hold, the Colorado Mountain Winefest is the perfect way to grapple with the transitioning season. The wildly popular event attracts people from across the country and showcases some of the state’s best wines. In 2026, the festival will celebrate its 35th year while also making some changes to the format that are aimed at elevating the overall experience for guests.
Held at Riverbend Park in Palisade, Colorado Mountain Winefest takes place during the middle of harvest season on the third Saturday in September. Over the years the event has been relished for bringing growers, winemakers and wine aficionados together for an unforgettable day of wine tasting, delicious food and live music.
Before COVID the festival saw between 6,0008,000 attendees but since then it has attracted roughly 4,000-5,000 attendees. However, this year’s gathering will be significantly smaller in size with a capped capacity of less than 2,000 attendees. While it may seem like a counterintuitive measure to take for an industry that is eager to keep growing, the new format will make the event more exclusive, allowing wine lovers to interact with the industry leaders in a more intimate setting.
Cassidee Shull is the executive director for the Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology (CAVE) and oversees the Colorado Mountain Winefest. Despite the festival’s vibrant atmosphere that has made it so popular, Shull says CAVE has received feedback that attendees often wish there were more meaningful engagement opportunities with winemakers.
The new format for Colorado Mountain Winefest was partly inspired by Barrel Into Spring, another event put together by CAVE in April and May. For Barrel Into Spring, a maximum of 350 attendees tour seven different wineries during two separate two-day sessions in April and May. Attendees meet with winemakers over barrel tastings and curated food pairings by chefs. The 2026 Winefest will have that elevated educational component that people love about Barrel Into Spring along with the fun atmosphere of the festival’s previous format.
“We’ll still have the live music and plenty of lounges and shaded seating, but it will just offer more room to connect with each other as well as our winemakers,” Shull says. “It really reflects the broader mission of our organization, which is championing the quality of wine, not just the volume of attendees at the event.”
Some of the most notable wineries across the state are regularly featured at the festival and Carboy Winery is one of them. Carboy CEO Kevin Webber has participated each time the winery has been involved and while he has enjoyed the event every year, he is looking forward to the upcoming changes in 2026.
“I’m excited that we’re elevating the experience and breaking away from the buttoned-up, rinseand-repeat version of wine festivals,” Webber says. “This feels less like standing in line with a glass and more like an adventure – exploratory, engaging, and actually fun. It’s a fresh way to experience Colorado wine, and that’s exactly where things should be headed.”
James Blanchard is co-owner of Blanchard Family Wines and agrees with Webber’s enthusiasm for the new format. Blanchard notes the significant decrease in alcohol consumption across the country as being an indicator for a new trend. While people are drinking less wine, they are seeking quality over quantity and really value connections to the brands they enjoy. A festival like this is a great opportunity for brands and consumers to build lasting relationships.
“Consumers are no longer interested in standing in long lines in order to quickly sample a dozen wines, only to be moved along to make room for the next person,” Blanchard says. “They desire a more intimate, elevated and connected experience to the names and faces behind the products they are purchasing.”
Tickets for the 2026 Colorado Winefest are currently on sale through the festival’s website with the reserve tickets costing $325, while the signature tickets are $200. Both options provide a great opportunity to learn about Colorado wine while building a lasting connection to some of the state’s leading brands. ■
Photo courtesy of Colorado Mountain Winefest
SPRING EVENTS GUIDE
MARCH
“DECADENT DESIRES”
An original dance production with live music by the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra Wonderbound, Denver, through March 8
“BROOKLYN LAUNDRY”
The Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company’s regional premiere of a new play by the Pulitzer-winning writer of “Doubt” Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, through March 15
“ROMEO AND JULIET”
Shakespeare’s timeless and poetic love story Arvada Center, through March 29
“HELLO DOLLY”
Timeless musical with humor, romance and dance numbers
Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown, through April 4
“DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS”
A comic reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic novel
Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, through May 10
OWLS STRING QUARTET
Friends of Chamber Music presents creative classical music, including a world premiere Lakewood Cultural Center, March 1
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: UNCOVERING OUR CONCRETE JUNGLE
Photos and presentation with urban wildlife photographer Chris Schell Lone Tree Arts Center, March 1
DURANGO INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
A showcase of all genres of independent film
Three Durango venues, March 4-8
“1812”
Lakewood Symphony Orchestra performs compositions by Rossini, Brahms and Bizet Lakewood Cultural Center, March 5
CIRQUE MECHANICS: “TILT!”
Modern circus acrobatics and machines, with a story set in the backlot of a theme park Lone Tree Arts Center, March 6
YACHT ROCK REVUE
Music from the “world’s premier soft rock party band”
Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 6
MONTE VISTA CRANE FESTIVAL
Celebration of migratory sandhill cranes that travel through the San Luis Valley Monte Vista, March 6-8
BEETHOVEN’S THIRD “EROICA”
Colorado Symphony with Markus Stenz and James Ehnes
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, March 6-8
THE BANG ON A CAN ALL-STARS
The genre-defying Bang on a Can All-Stars will play a Ryuichi Sakamoto
“OKLAHOMA”
CU student production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical Macky Auditorium, Boulder, March 6-8
“A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM”
Colorado Ballet performs Shakespeare’s comedy with Felix Mendelssohn’s score Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, March 6-15
HUU BAC QUINTET
Performing a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese and North American music
Lakewood Cultural Center, March 7
DEMITRI MARTIN
Standup comedian and author performs Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 7
DENVER BRASS: CELTIC MANIA
Annual musical St. Patrick’s Day celebration
Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver, March 7-8
SKI JORING AND CARNIVAL WEEKEND
Horse-drawn skiing, live music, mountain bike and Nordic ski races, etc.
Leadville, March 7-8
“BIRTHDAY CANDLES”
Play about “five generations, an infinity of dreams and one cake baked over a century” Curious Theatre, Denver, March 7-April 5
tribute show at Boulder’s Macky Auditorium on March 28. cupresents.org
TRISHA YEARWOOD
Grammy-winning country singer performs Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 8
TAKÁCS QUARTET
Grammy-winning chamber music ensemble Grusin Music Hall, Boulder, March 8-9
KAKI KING
Guitar virtuoso presents adult concert and kids’ musical
Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 9-10
DANÚ: TRADITIONAL MUSIC OF IRELAND
Traditional Irish ensemble from historic County Waterford
Macky Auditorium, Boulder, March 11
CIRQUE KALABANTÉ
A blend of circus arts with West African traditions
Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver, March 12
BEATS ANTIQUE
Musical fusion group with cinematic shows
Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 13
“A CHORUS LINE”
Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical staged by Performance Now Theatre Company
Lakewood Cultural Center, March 13-29
Photo courtesy of CU Presents
SPRING EVENTS GUIDE
CHEYENNE JACKSON
Grammy-nominated singer covers music ranging from Elvis Presley to Chappel Roan
Lone Tree Arts Center, March 14
LANG LANG WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY
International piano superstar plays Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto and more Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, March 14
DRUMS OF THE WORLD
Colorado Symphony plays a vast array of percussion instruments in a family-friendly concert
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, March 15
LANG LANG
Pianist labeled ““the hottest artist on the classical music planet” performs Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 17
“THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA”
Revitalized production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway classic Buell Theatre, Denver, March 18-April 5
DREW & ELLIE HOLCOMB
Married musicians celebrate first duet album Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 20
AN EVENING WITH MATISYAHU
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Live at Stubb’s” and the release of his eighth studio album, “Ancient Child”
Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 21
PROKOFIEV’S“ROMEO AND JULIET”
Colorado Symphony performs with Peter Oundjian and Yumi Hwang-Williams Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, March 20-22
DENVER MARCH POW WOW
49th annual Native American cultural festival Denver Coliseum, March 20-22
“THE WIZ”
A soulful and fun reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz”
Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, March 20-April 19
SOLAS
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with acclaimed Celtic ensemble
Lone Tree Arts Center, March 21
COMPASS RESONANCE
A scandinavian-inspired night of music from Grieg, Mozart, Bach and more Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, March 21
MOMIX: ALICE
Dance and acrobatics reimagining Alice in Wonderland
Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver, March 21-22
BOULDER PHILHARMONIC W/ JENNIFER KOH
Violinist joins orchestra for works by Copland, Barber and Dawson
Macky Auditorium, Boulder, March 22
AN EVENING WITH CHRISTOPHER CROSS Career retrospective from singer-songwriter who has sold 10 million albums
Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 22
“CLUE” LIVE ON STAGE
Based on the cult favorite 1985 movie and inspired by the classic board game
Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, March 23-25
BALLETS JAZZ MONTRÉAL
An exclusive creation inspired by artist and songwriter Leonard Cohen
Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 26
Visit ThirstColorado.com for more calendar listings. Email your upcoming event listings to joe@thirstcolorado.com.
SPRING EVENTS GUIDE
BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY: THE WALL
Orchestra performs Pink Floyd’s classic album
Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, March 27
DUDE DAD’S PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Viral sensation and Colorado resident
Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 27
JAZZ EXPLORED
The Boulder Philharmonic’s deep dive on the roots and influences on jazz music
Roots Music Project, Boulder, March 27
FROZEN DEAD GUY DAYS
A celebration of the cryonically frozen Grandpa Bredo with live music, coffin races and games
Estes Park Events Complex, March 27-29
“THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS”
Film screening with live score by the Colorado Symphony
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, March 27-29
COME FROM AWAY
Musical based on a true story of a small Canadian town in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks
Arvada Center, March 27-May 10
BANG ON A CAN ALL-STARS
Innovative music ensemble performs tribute to Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto Macky Auditorium, Boulder, March 28
STÉPHANE WREMBEL QUARTET
Acclaimed guitarist with his jazz band
Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 31
APRIL
TASTE OF VAIL
Showcase of chefs and wineries from the Vail Valley and around the world
Various locations, Vail, April 1-4
“NEXT TO NORMAL”
Pop-rock musical exploring how a family navigates their darkest hours
Wolf Theatre, Denver, April 3-May 3
COLLABORATION FEST
Beer festival that only pours beers made in collaboration among Colorado breweries Westin Westminster, April 4
RANKY TANKY & LISA FISCHER
Grammy-winning fusion group performs with Rolling Stones backup singer Lisa Fischer Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver, April 7
Award winning, local mead in the heart of a delightful mountain town. Stop by our tasting room for samples or sip a glass in the mead garden. Enjoy the adjacent Miner Street Market and strains of live music. The Mead Garden is open May-October.
SHORTSFEST
Oscar-qualifying short film festival with public screenings, panels and workshops Three venues, Aspen, April 7-11
“1932”
Lakewood Symphony Orchestra concert including Beethoven, Jolivet and Price works Lakewood Cultural Center, April 9
BOULDER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Film showcase that also includes gourmet dinners, galas, happy hours and live music
Various venues, Boulder, April 9-12
“STEEL MAGNOLIAS”
Classic Southern play that was adapted into an iconic 1989 film
Lone Tree Arts Center, April 9-19
SAN JOSE TAIKO
Japanese drumming group combines global influences in “Rhythm Journey” show Lakewood Cultural Center, April 10
APRÈS AT THE AMP
Concerts with Tiësto, BUNT., Aspens and more Gerald Ford Amphitheater, Vail, April 10-11
DURANGO BLUEGRASS MELTDOWN
Shelby Means, Lonesome Ace Stringband and Michael Prewitt are among the headliners
Various venues, Durango, April 10-12
COLORADO BALLET: “MASTERWORKS”
With dance pieces by George Balanchine, Glen Tetley and Yoshihisa Arai (world premiere) Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, April 10-19
“THE PROM”
CU student musical theater production Roe Green Theatre, Boulder, April 10-19
ZIKR DANCE ENSEMBLE: “RUNES”
Dance performance featuring works by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Tomm Ruud and David Taylor
Lakewood Cultural Center, April 11
CARDBOARD CLASSIC
Downhill race with homemade sleds
Stampede Run, Steamboat Springs, April 11
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
Famed singer performs “Big Band Broadway” with the Carnegie Hall Ensemble
Macky Auditorium, Boulder, April 11
THE WAILERS
Free concert celebrating the Wailers’ 50 years of positive vibrations
Steamboat Square, Steamboat Springs, April 12
SPLASHDOWN POND SKIM
Skiers and snowboarders compete in pond skimming championships
Steamboat Resort, Steamboat Springs, April 12
SPRING EVENTS GUIDE
BIG TROUT BREWING is a family-run brewpub in downtown Winter Park, serving award-winning craft beer, house-made meals and pizzas, and hand-selected wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks. Join us as we host the 20th Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour, returning for its third year in our taproom on June 6, 2026. See our website for details. bigtroutbrewing.com
JAZZ EXPLORED
The Boulder Philharmonic’s deep dive on the roots and influences on jazz music
Wild Provisions, Boulder, April 15
“ANYTHING GOES”
Cole Porter classics in a musical set on an ocean liner
Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown, April 16-June 14
BARREL INTO SPRING
A weekend of wine tastings and food pairings across the Grand Valley Palisade, April 17-18
“ENGLISH”
Pulitzer winner about the foibles of language and miscommunication
Singleton Theatre, Denver, April 17-May 31
“THE TOYMAKER’S DOLL, COPPELIA”
Ballet Ariel’s reimagined family ballet Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre, Denver, April 18
“WAR AND PEACE”
Colorado Symphony performs Haydn, Vaughan Williams, and Mazzoli
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, April 18-19
FLAGSHIP FESTIVAL
Showcase of adventure films, with live music, guest speakers and workshops
Various locations, Carbondale, April 23-26
“RUBYFIRE: SHARED VISIONS”
Ars Nova Singers’ interdisciplinary collaborative project with visual artists, poets and composers
Lakewood Cultural Center, April 24
MOUNTAIN PLOVER FESTIVAL
Celebration of a small migratory bird that arrives in Colorado’s Eastern Plains in April Karval, April 24
“THE MAKING OF OUR PLANET: FROZEN WORLDS WITH SOPHIE LANFEAR”
Producer and director of Netflix’s “Frozen Worlds” talks about the vitality of the Arctic Lone Tree Arts Center, April 24
DURANGO WINE EXPERIENCE
Wine tastings and seminars and the wine walkabout through downtown Durango Various locations, Durango, April 24-25
GERSHWIN’S “RHAPSODY IN BLUE”
Colorado Symphony with Peter Oundjian and Michelle Cann
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, April 24-26
COLORADO GOVERNOR’S ART SHOW
Juried fine art show with all Colorado artists Loveland Museum, April 24-June 6
BOULDER PHILHARMONIC PERFORMS
PROKOFIEV
Acclaimed pianist Stewart Goodyear performs Macky Auditorium, Boulder, April 25
LUCA STRICAGNOLI
Acoustic guitarist playing distinctive takes on rock classics
Lakewood Cultural Center, April 25
DJANGO JINGLES
Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra and Jazz
Manouche’s tribute to Django Reinhardt and gypsy jazz
Lakewood Cultural Center, April 25
MAY
“AMERICAN SPIRIT”
Lone Tree Symphony performs American classics with the Spirituals Project choir
Lone Tree Arts Center, May 1
HESTIVAL
Camping festival with cider, stargazing, live music and more
Hotchkiss, May 1-3
STRAVINSKY’S “THE RITE OF SPRING”
Colorado Symphony with Kevin John Edusei and Jess Gillam
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, May 1-3
“SOMEWHERE”
Music- and dance-filled portrait of a tight-knit Puerto Rican family striving to make it in show business
Kilstrom Theatre, Denver, May 1-31
ELVIN BISHOP AND CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE
Musical legends perform “100 Years of Blues” Lone Tree Arts Center, May 2
“THE TOYMAKER’S DOLL, COPPELIA”
Ballet Ariel’s reimagined family ballet
Lakewood Cultural Center, May 2-3
FRUITA FAT TIRE FESTIVAL
Mountain bike festival with demos, guided rides and live music
Two locations, Fruita, May 2-4
“MADAMA BUTTERFLY”
Opera Colorado performs Puccini’s classic Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, May 2-10
SPRING EVENTS GUIDE
“FURLOUGH’S PARADISE”
Regional premiere of a play about family, grief and memory
Curious Theatre, Denver, May 2-31
“HADESTOWN”
Tony and Grammy Award winner that weaves together two mythical tales
Buell Theatre, Denver, May 5-10
“THE SANDMAN”
Gritty Western told through contemporary ballet, with music by the Gasoline Lollipops Wonderbound, Denver, May 7-17
BARREL INTO SPRING
A weekend of wine tastings and food pairings across the Grand Valley Palisade, May 8-9
“AVENUE Q,”
The comedy musical known as the “R-rated Sesame Street” returns Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, May 8-June 7
“ALOHA FROM VEGAS”
Award-winning Elvis tribute show Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown, May 12-14
NNENNA FREELON AND THE COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA
Jazz vocalist’s tribute to Count Basie, with favorites from the Great American Songbook
Lone Tree Arts Center, May 13
“MJ”
Relive the making of the Michael Jackson’s Dangerous tour
Buell Theatre, May 13-17
KEITH ANDERSON
Country singer celebrating the 20th anniversary of his breakout hit “Pickin’ Wildflowers”
Lone Tree Arts Center, May 14
TABLAO FLAMENCO
Authentic flamenco dancers recreate an intimate nightclub in Andalusia, Spain
Lone Tree Arts Center, May 15
“PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION”
Colorado Symphony with Christopher Dragon and Albert Cano Smit
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, May 15-17
GARDEN OF THE GODS ART FESTIVAL
150 juried fine artists and craftsmen offer art in a wide variety of media
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, Colorado Springs, May 16-17
PORGY AND BESS
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic presents Gershwin’s classic opera Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 16-17
“1840”
Lakewood Symphony Orchestra concert with compositions by Liszt and Tchaikovsky Lakewood Cultural Center, May 21
MOUNTAINFILM
Documentary film festival focusing on adventure, activism and the environment Various venues, Telluride, May 21-25
IRON HORSE BICYCLE CLASSIC
Cyclists racing against each other and, in some cases, against a steam train Durango, May 22-24
GRAND OLD WEST DAYS
Rodeo, tractor pulls, live music and more celebrating Western heritage Moffat County Fairgrounds, Craig, May 22-25
DENVER ARTS FESTIVAL
Large celebration of Colorado fine artists Conservatory Green Park, Denver, May 23-24
TERRITORY DAYS
50th anniversary family festival celebrating Colorado’s 1st Territorial Capital Historic district, Old Colorado City, May 23-25
MAHLER’S SECOND
Colorado Symphony with Peter Oundjian and the Colorado Symphony Chorus Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, May 29-31
“TWELFTH NIGHT”
William Shakespeare’s comedy performed as part of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, Boulder, May 30-Aug 2
“THE IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY”
Watch a theater company craft a new, fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece live Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, May 27-July 26
SAMBA SWING
Big band rhythms from Brazil, performed by the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra Arvada Center, May 30
ANIMAS RIVER DAYS
Water activities, a river parade and retro rodeo events
Animas River, Durango, May 30-31
MIKE THE HEADLESS CHICKEN FESTIVAL
Quirky party celebrating the legend of a chicken that reportedly survived beheading for months
Downtown Fruita, dates TBA
Photo by Jennifer Hanna
LITTLE MORGAN COUNTY OFFERS BIG-TIME FUN
By David Young
Take the road less traveled this year and add Morgan County to your list of places to check out in Colorado. Don’t know anything about Morgan County? Well, that’s the point. This corner of Colorado is the ideal spot for a day trip or long-weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the Front Range.
Fort Morgan is the county seat, and the original fort was named in honor of Colonel Christopher A. Morgan, who served as the commanding officer in the 1st Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry in the 1800s.
Morgan County sits in the northeast portion of the state, just over an hour’s drive from Denver, and is home to about 30,000 people. The sparse landscape around the towns of Brush and Fort Morgan might seem barren upon arrival; however, there is plenty of adventure to be found.
THE WEST COMES ALIVE
The rodeo is one of the highlights to check out each summer in Morgan County. It doesn’t get more western than the Brush Rodeo, which takes place every Fourth of July weekend at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. The sharp clatter of hooves on the dirt, intermixed with the smell of popcorn and dust floating in the air is Colorado summer to the core.
Step into your best boots and grab a cowboy hat to get into the spirit of the threeday event filled with booths, good food, music, fireworks, and real-life cowboy and cowgirl action. From mutton bustin’ and bull riding to entertaining clowns, the rodeo delivers something for everyone in the family.
The weekend after the rodeo, check out the Bobstock Music Festival. Set for July 11 and 12 at Glen Miller Park in Fort Morgan, the show features a lineup of artists playing under the wide-open Colorado skies. Accommodations can fill up quickly for this event, so plan ahead to secure a place to stay. The lineup for the free festival has yet to be announced, but you can count on more than 20 bands showcasing great local music across five different stages. The stages are flanked by a beer garden, local food trucks, vendors, and plenty of kids’ activities for the young’uns.
WIDE-OPEN SKIES
Perhaps the best way to view Morgan County’s landscape is from above. Skydiving is a great way to experience everything that this countryside has to offer. Orange Skies Free Fall Center provides jump opportunities for visitors looking to skydive from thousands of feet above the Colorado plains.
From first-time skydivers to those looking to get their official licenses, Orange Skies has expert instructors to guide the way through the skies.
If jumping out of a plane is a bit too much of an adrenaline rush, there’s also a way to catch the skies while keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground. Thanks to Morgan County’s remoteness, the region is home to a certified Dark Sky Park. Jackson Lake State Park provides a deep, dark canvas for the stars to shine bright by night. Thanks to minimal light pollution, the park provides prime viewing to spot a shooting star or two while naming all the constellations in the vast Colorado sky.
By day, Jackson Lake is ranked one of the “Top 15 Park Beaches” by Reserve America. The beach gives way to excellent fishing and boating on the large 3,000-acre reservoir. The lake also makes a great home for wildlife, including all types of winged creatures. Bird watchers will love the array of species that congregate around the lake. A few other great locations to spot some birds include nearby Riverside Park, Brush State Wildlife Area, and Jean K. Tool State Wildlife Area. ■
PLANNING TIPS
• Summers in Morgan County can get hot on the eastern plains, and conditions can change quickly, so consider morning and evening activities to avoid the heat of the day. Drink plenty of water, and keep an eye on the weather forecast.
• Before setting out, be sure to pack essentials like sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and extra bottles of water.
• A lightweight jacket can also be handy, as temperatures can drop in the evenings. By preparing accordingly, you ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. Event calendars are a planner’s best friend, so make sure to check out local tourism sites like VisitMorganCountyColorado.com for the latest updated event schedules.
BONUS CYCLING
• Cyclists should bring bikes and spend 45 minutes driving from Fort Morgan over to Sterling. This spring, the tourist center is releasing the Logan County/Sterling Gravel Adventures Field Guide, which will provide maps, photos and stories about where to ride. Look for 10 curated routes covering hundreds of miles.
Photo courtesy of Brush Rodeo
Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Morgan
Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Morgan
Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Morgan
LEARN MORE
SEASON NO. 39
JUNE 25 - AUGUST 6, 2026
ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS • JUNE 25 - 28, 2026
DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA • JULY 2 - 8, 2026
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA • JULY 10 - 17, 2026
NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC • JULY 22 - 29, 2026
CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES • JUNE 30 - JULY 27, 2026
IMMERSIVE SERIES • JULY 13 - 14, 2026
CLASSICALLY UNCORKED • AUGUST 5 - 6, 2026
CHARACTERS OF THE CRAFT
Age: 37
What do you love about your job? It’s never boring, that’s for sure. I enjoy the fact that every day is a little different and the amount of people I get to interact with is constantly evolving. The beer aspect is pretty cool too, seeing something go from an idea, to production, to people smiling while drinking it, brings me joy.
What is the hardest part of your job? Inventory is probably the most annoying part of my job, but I would say the hardest part is constantly finding things and ways to bring people in. Whether it’s a cooking class, a chocolate pairing, a book or game club, or an open mic night. We are constantly hosting events and throwing things at the wall to see what our customers are enjoying and interested in.
What gets you out of bed in the morning? A very fluffy, very loving husky/German shepherd, who likely has to go to the bathroom. But all jokes aside, I love what I do, and I love the people I get to do it with. When you build a team and relationships forged on mutual respect and trust, it’s easy to come to work and enjoy the squad you’ve compiled.
What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I come from a large Italian family. I think part
of my customer service skills were forged watching my Nana cook and take care of our entire family every Sunday for Sunday Dinner. I’ve tried to emulate that with the way I do things at Renegade. Take care of your people, your family, and they will take care of you.
What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? I played a hockey tournament on Lake Georgetown a few years ago, and really enjoyed staying out there. Truthfully, I would be happy almost anywhere in Colorado, with my dog, some good vibes and my lovely girlfriend Samantha.
What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Carmine Lonardo’s Italian Deli in Lakewood. If you are not familiar, do yourself a favor and get some of the sausage. Or, if you are just in the mood for a sandwich, grab the Italian. I highly recommend it. King of Wings in Wheat Ridge and Little Arthur’s Hoagies in Denver are in my weekly rotation as well.
Age: 43
What do you love about your job? I prefer catering to being a restaurant chef (which I did for over a decade) because I get to personally meet guests and talk to them about the experience they had.
What is the hardest part of your job? I’m lucky enough that I get to hire whoever I want, whenever I want and I love working with my friends. But sometimes managing your friends is difficult because finding the line between friendship and boss is sometimes difficult.
What gets you out of bed in the morning? Powder days!
Steven J. Burge
What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? If they are in your circle there are no secrets.
What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? Steamboat Springs. It’s my hometown so I always like being there.
What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? The Wolf’s Tailor in Denver.
Marketing for Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton; Playwright for Local Theater Company in Boulder; Actors’ Equity Association Actor
Age: Old enough that I don’t talk about that anymore. (How dare you?)
What do you love about your job? The people.
What is the hardest part of your job? The people.
What gets you out of bed in the morning? I have to pee.
What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I’m colorblind. Red-green deficient and blueyellow deficient.
What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? A couple years ago, I spent a few winter days in Glenwood Springs, floating in the Hot Springs. My favorite was the Dead Sea inspired pool. I’d love to go back!
What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Just one? Impossible! You know what? I can do this with a little bit of a cheat. One of my favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado is Main Street Littleton. We’ve got Cencalli Taqueria – delicious Mexican cuisine, prepared and served by THE KINDEST people on Main Street. Then there’s Black + Haus Tavern – delicious American fare, also prepared and served by THE KINDEST people on Main Street. And last but certainly not least, Grande Station – a social bistro! Brunch. Lunch. Or dinner. You can’t go wrong. And believe it or not, everything is prepared and served by THE KINDEST people on Main Street.
Chris Lane Jack of All Beer, GM, Renegade Brewing, Denver
Hunter Smith Executive Chef/Owner, Big Delicious Catering, Vail
KEEP THESE RESTAURANT PATIOS IN MIND FOR SPRING DINING
Sometimes it feels as if we have to earn our spring outdoor dining experiences. Even after a mild winter of snow and ice, those first warm afternoons bring a collective urge to get outside for a gathering with friends, family or coworkers.
When jackets become optional, suddenly every empty patio table looks like an invitation to gather for a meal and drinks. Across Colorado, restaurants and breweries are throwing open their doors and pushing their dining experiences into the sunshine, welcoming locals and road-trippers alike with great food, tasty cocktails, and some of the best views in the country.
From neighborhood patios in Denver to mountain towns and historic downtowns, outdoor eating in Colorado is more than a seasonal option, it’s part of the fun. No matter where you find yourself this spring, there’s a patio or streetside dining option that can satisfy the need to breathe fresh air and enjoy great company.
On the Western Slope, Bin 707 Food Bar in Grand Junction has long been a standard-bearer for farm-driven cuisine paired with an inviting outdoor space. As spring brings longer days to the Grand Valley, the patio becomes a hub for locals and travelers exploring wine country.
Back on the Front Range, Leven Deli Co. brings a Mediterranean-leaning menu to Denver patios with fresh salads and house-baked breads that feel tailor-made for warm weather.
Black Sky Brewery in the Denver Arts District on Santa Fe offers a small patio and hardy menu with wraps, pizzas, calzones
and a variety of hot sandwiches. Black Sky features a fine selection of beers and a location that blends perfectly with the area’s artisans.
Southern Colorado delivers its own version of open-air dining magic. Phantom Canyon in Colorado Springs pairs housebrewed beer with a sprawling, multi-level space that includes outdoor seating. Also in the Springs, Red Leg Brewing Co. offers a relaxed, community-oriented patio that feels especially alive when warmer weather arrives.
Colorado’s mountain towns may still have snow clinging to the peaks, but
spring patios come alive quickly. In Summit County, Timberline Craft + Cocktails in Silverthorne offers a polished alpine setting where creative drinks and contemporary cuisine meet crisp mountain air. Nearby, Dillon Dam Brewery provides one of the most iconic patio experiences in the region, and that makes every beer taste just a little better once the sun starts shining.
Winter Park leans into outdoor comfort in all seasons, and Big Trout Brewing is a standout example. The brewery offers outdoor seating, including two patios outfitted with fire pits and heaters, plus a heated gondola car for truly unique al fresco dining.
Back along the Front Range, breweries double as springtime gathering spots. Denver Beer Co.’s Lowry location is a neighborhood favorite, known for its spacious patio and relaxed, family- and dog-friendly atmosphere. Nearby, Lowry
BLACK SKY BREWERY
Black Sky Brewery, located at 490 Santa Fe Drive in Denver’s Art District, is a heavy metal-themed brewery opened in September 2013 by Harry Smith. Known for its “rocking” atmosphere, it features 23 taps of house-made ales, lagers, and stouts alongside New Haven-style pizza, arcade games, and local dark art. 490 Santa Fe Dr Denver, CO 80204 (720) 708-5816 blackskydenver.com
Beer Garden delivers a European-inspired outdoor experience that feels tailor-made for spring, complete with long tables, classic beer styles, and easygoing social energy.
Farther south, Littleton Brewing Co. anchors its historic downtown with a welcoming patio that encourages passersby to stop, sit, and stay awhile. It’s the kind of place that turns a day trip into an unplanned afternoon.
North of Denver, Acreage Restaurant in Lafayette elevates the patio experience with sweeping views of the Front Range. Perched above fields and open space, Acreage feels especially alive in spring, when the menu leans into seasonal ingredients and the landscape begins to green.
In northern Colorado, Odell Brewing in Fort Collins remains a magnet for patio culture. Its expansive outdoor space is legendary, filling quickly with cyclists,
families, and friends eager to enjoy fresh beer and tasty food under blue skies.
Mountain towns farther west bring their own spin. Mountain Tap Brewery in Steamboat Springs combines craft beer with a casual patio scene that fits perfectly with the town’s laid-back ethos.
Southwestern Colorado offers some of the most memorable open-air dining in the state. James Ranch Grill in Durango pairs rustic food with wide-open views. It’s a reminder that great outdoor dining simply requires good ingredients and fresh air.
In Trinidad, The Hive brings energy and creativity to the city’s revitalized downtown, with outdoor seating that invites exploration and conversation. And in the San Luis Valley, The Friar’s Fork in Alamosa offers a refined dining experience where springtime patios feel especially welcome after long winter months. ♦
BIG TROUT BREWING COMPANY
Big Trout Brewing Company, nestled in the heart of Winter Park, is a family-owned and operated brewpub known for award-winning craft beer and a crave-worthy menu. From in-house smoked wings and signature sauces to personal pizzas, sandwiches, appetizers, and our famous green chili, there’s always something perfect to pair with your pint. Guests can also enjoy wines, hand-selected spirits, ciders, non-alcoholic and alcohol-free beers, and our wildly popular homemade root beer. Our High Efficiency Brew House produces gluten-reduced beers, and we offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly options. Family-focused and community-driven, Big Trout is Winter Park’s go-to gathering place.
50 Vasquez Road Winter Park, CO 80482 970-363-7362
bigtroutbrewing.com
The Blue Beryl Winery
Courtney Kiel, Owner (970)852-7387
theblueberylwinery@gmail.com
The Blue Beryl Winery is now open for our Winter/Spring hours, Friday through Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Join us in the tasting room to sample our newest Spring releases alongside our best-selling red and white favorites. We’re excited to debut our first vintage of dry Orange Muscat, and our fan-favorite Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé is back for a very limited run. These wines sell out quickly — stop by while they’re here! Cheers!
A sampler of fresh Colorado drinks
Here are some libations options from the evolving craft scene
Photo courtesy of Gunslinger Brewing
ALIDADE BREWING
FABRIC HOP FIZZ
FALLEN MOUNTAIN WINES
A group of industry veterans opened Alidade in the former Burly Brewing space in Castle Rock. They serve creative brews alongside lagers and various IPAs. A recent menu included a bellini blonde, a Baltic porter with espresso and a vanilla milk stout. The brewery also offers wine, cider and house-made batch cocktails.
A couple of Australians making “fizzies” moved their operations to Colorado and are now distributing in select liquor stores across Colorado. The three hop fizz varieties — branded as Clarity, Rhythm and Downtime — are alcohol-free, but contain a combination of cannabis compounds, including THC, CBD and CBG. They also contain hops and Australian botanicals.
Alex Castillo-Llamas grew up as a migrant farm laborer, then helped open his family’s prestigious California winery. He brought that experience to the hills above Hotchkiss, where he opened Fallen Mountain Wines with his wife and business partners. The winery produces limited quantities of wine for private tastings, but is gradually moving into wider distribution and into fine restaurants.
GUNSLINGER BREWING
PURE DISTILLING
wine for private tastings, but is gradually moving into wider distribution and into fine restaurants.
Six owners and 15 years in the making, Gunslinger Brewing recently opened in the former Brass Brewing space in downtown Colorado Springs. The seven-barrel brewhouse produces 11 beers and one seltzer. The taproom also offers wine and cocktails.
Two Army veterans recruited an experienced distiller to open Pure Distilling in south Colorado Springs last fall. The distillery is already selling two bourbons, vodka, gin and botanical rum. They have wide distribution across Colorado, and operate a tasting room and cocktail bar next to a gym, near the Broadmoor World Arena.
WESTCO BREWING CO.
Las Colonias Park is a gem of Western Colorado. Right on the Colorado River, it boasts an amphitheater, lake, events and a new brewery. Former employees of HandleBar Tap House and Palisade Brewing Company opened WestCo Brewing last year. The large taproom pours at least 10 beers, plus cocktails, wine and sake. They also have a full kitchen with an AsianSouthwestern fusion menu. ■
Here are some businesses that expect to start pouring drinks soon.
• ZoiglBräu is a German-themed brewery that might be open in the former Dry Dock Brewing location in Aurora by the time you read this.
• Zittzers Brewing hopes to open in Seibert this spring (off Interstate 70 between Limon and the Kansas border).
• Armillary Brewing is coming to Colorado Springs. Check out their Facebook page, as they have been traveling around Colorado tasting a lot of beer (for research, of course).
Photo courtesy of Westco Brewing Co.
Photo courtesy of Fallen Mountain Wines.
COLORADO CRAFT
DENVER
BAKER/SOUTH BROADWAY
Baere Brewing Co ● Denver Beer Co ●
Monolith Brewing ●
Novel Strand Brewing Co ●
Platt Park Brewing Co ●
The Post Chicken and Beer ●
Public Offering Brewing ●
Ratio Beerworks ●
CAPITOL HILL/E COLFAX/ PARK HILL
4 Noses Brewing Co ●
Bruz Off Fax ● ●
Cerebral Brewing ● ●
Crazy Mountain Brewery
Fiction Beer Co ●
Knotted Root Brewing Co
Long Table Brewhouse ●
Pints Pub ●
Renegade Brewing Co ●
Reverence Brewing Co
Station 26 Brewing Co ● ●
Vine Street Pub & Brewery ●
DENVER INT’L AIRPORT
Boulder Beer Tap House ● Denver Chophouse & Brewery ●
Great Divide Brewhouse and Kitchen ●
New Belgium Brewing ● Tivoli Taphouse ●
FIVE POINTS
Odell Brewing Co
Spangalang Brewery ● Woods Boss Brewing ● ●
LODO / BALLPARK
Denver Beer Co ●
Denver Chophouse & Brewery ● Full Frame Beer
Oskar Blues Grill & Brew ● ●
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ● Sandlot Brewery
Westbound & Down Brewing Co
Wynkoop Brewing Co ●
LOHI / AURARIA
Briar Common Brewery + Eatery ● Degree Brewbup (at MSU) ● Little Machine Beer ●
Odell Brewing Sloan’s Lake ● Seedstock Brewery ● ●
Strange Craft Beer Co ● ●
Zuni St. Brewing Co ● ●
NORTHEAST DENVER
Danico Brewing ● FlyteCo Tower ● River North Wash. St. Taproom ● Wanderment Brewing
