Sneaker Con Denver Recap | May 7, 2022

The world of sneaker collecting, selling, trading has become a world phenomenon. In a multi-billion dollar industry the hobby turned cash cow has evolved over the years. Sneaker Con brings together and gives this culture a place where grails are found, heat is sold, and collections are traded. This past weekend the Denver Convention Center played host to the revolving sneaker exhibit. From city to city Sneaker Con brings some of the most recognized sellers, collectors and You Tube celebrities to hang out for a day and exchange all the latest in the sneaker world.

This year vendors from all over set up shop luring those in wanting to cash out for some of the most sought after shoes on the market. A market that has been scrutinized by the resellers, from backdooring to fake sneakers the sneaker industry can be a slippery slope for those who value the old school style of purchasing and collecting. Sneaker Con gives ordinary people a chance to negotiate prices without the middleman. It is a safe place where even companies like Ebay provide authentication to pairs between sellers and buyers. This year provided for a well organized and friendly atmosphere for all. We came to take in all the action (we left our credit cards at home) and see what’s hot and upcoming trends. You Tube celebrities such as Chance D, Gigamas, Romy, Blazendary and more. GOAT sellers included PRVT Collection, PHX Soles, Urban Necessities, Retro Kicks and more. The event hits the road and arrives in Los Angeles next week and we already have FOMO. Thank you to Sneaker Con for having us out. Catch you next time.

Global Break-Dancing Competition Returns to Mile High City: Red Bull BC One

Denver!!!!!! Break out your Adidas velours suits and Superstars for this amazing event coming to the Mile High City!

Global breaking competition Red Bull BC One returns to Denver after a seven-year hiatus for a qualifier at the iconic Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex on Saturday, May 28th. The Red Bull BC One Denver City Cypher event welcomes breakers of all levels from across the region to register and compete, in hopes of becoming the next global champion this November.

This open cypher will be hosted by Ivan the Urban Action Figure with DJ A-L spinning breakbeats. Break icons Neguin, ruleone.ilc and B-Girl Bonita will serve as judges. The top two B-Boys and top two B-Girls from the event will advance to the regional cypher quarterfinal taking place in Philly on July 23rd.

WHAT: Red Bull BC One City Cypher, Denver

WHEN: Saturday, May 28th

  • 11:00 AM: Doors Open

  • 12:00 PM: Preliminary Rounds

  • 2:00 PM: Main Event

WHERE: Sculpture Park – Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1736 Speer Blvd, Denver, CO 80204

REGISTER TO SPECTATE AND/OR COMPETE: https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/bc-one-america/bc-one-city-cypher-schedule

  • Select “General Admission” or “Participants” button to make your selection for the Denver City Cypher

Sneaker Con Taking Over The Mile High City This Weekend

Sneaker heads rejoice the traveling Sneaker Con makes its way to our city this weekend! We will be there and looking for you if you are rocking some heat.

The saga continues! The Sneaker Con fam is on the move bringing the Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth to the Mile High City - Denver, Colorado Saturday, May 7th. We’ll be delivering the most sought out heat to cop. Hang with your favorite collectors, resellers and influencers under one roof! You know the drill Buy-Sell-Trade and as always FREE authentication! See you soon!

Tickets - $29

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS

https://www.axs.com/events/429980/sneaker-con-tickets

ThriftCon Denver Coming In Hot This Sunday!

What has grown and become the largest gathering of thrift vending is returning home to Denver this Sunday. Hailed as the Mecca of thrifting, ThriftCon returns this Sunday April 24th to the National Western Complex. Vendors from all over will be in attendance slanging vintage threads and rarities for this one day event. From classic rap tees, to hard to find vintage toys, you will find just about anything at Thrift Con. Over 100 vendors are set to be on-site with numerous installations and activations to take place on the grounds. Tickets for this event are sure to sell out so we highly recommend grabbing your pair. Tickets can be purchased here!!!

Stay tuned next week as bring you some of the most fashionable fits from the event.


Evergreen Music Festival Rebrands to ‘Hops Drops’ with new Leadership Team, new Vision, and Massive Expansion Plans for 2022 Music and Craft Beer Festiva

Hops Drops, previously known as Evergreen Music Festival, is proud to announce the new brand identity, leadership team, and vision for this year's 2022 Music + Craft Beer Festival, taking place on June 25, 2022, from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm MT at Buchanan Park in Evergreen, Colorado. This will be the festival's 32nd year of musical celebrations in the heart of Evergreen.

Evergreen Music Festival celebrated its first year in 1966. The festival initially started with an intent to bring classical music to the mountains and has since been looked at as the beloved 4th of July fireworks celebration at Evergreen Lake. Thirty-two years later, the festival's leadership team has passed the reins to Evergreen hometown heros and long-standing local business owners Logan & Riley Boone, owners and operators of Boone Mountain Sports + Evergreen Brewery. Alongside the Boone family, local business owners Marcus Durante (Founder of Kree8), Bobby Everett (Co-Owner of Evergreen Brewery), and Colin Kerr (Owner of The Wildflower Cafe) have joined forces with the festival to better encapsulate the refreshed, modernized potential for Evergreen to be looked at as a go-to spot on the Colorado music and entertainment scene.

“Our Hops Drops team is made up of Evergreen locals, a team truly passionate about marrying music, craft beer, and the mountains, all to better our community and support local nonprofits while having fun,” said Logan Boone, new Executive Director of Hops Drops. “It is an honor to lead and grow this festival. We are incredibly excited at our potential to expand Evergreen’s entertainment offerings and bring a great music and beer festival to our picturesque mountain community.”

Attendees of the 2022 ​Hops Drops Music + Craft Beer Festival can expect to be submerged into a never-seen-before experience in Evergreen, filled with internationally known music legends as headliners (to be announced), numerous stages, various food vendors, kid-friendly activities, and an epic lineup of Colorado’s premier breweries, a craft beer lovers paradise if you must.

In addition to elevating Evergreen’s mountain entertainment, Hops Drop continues to support and give back to the local community and has committed to donating 10% of ticket sales to Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen.

“For 32 years, this festival has always been committed to supporting local artists and arts programs by donating proceeds to local schools supporting their music, art, and dance programs,” said Boone. “That is not changing this year. We will proudly continue the spirit of supporting artists and bettering our community any way we can.”

Early bird tickets are now on sale for $30 at www.hopsdropsevergreen.com. To stay up-to-date on all future Hops Drops announcements, please follow Hops Drops on Instagram @HopsDrops_Evergreen.


About Hops Drops:

Hops Drops is an all-day Music Festival that will feature nationally and locally celebrated musical acts alongside a beer festival showcasing a variety of Colorado’s premier craft breweries. There will be specialty food vendors, activities for the kiddos, and much more. Rooted in Evergreen’s long history of supporting the arts, Hops Drops (Evergreen Music Festival) is a non-profit organization. Ten percent of the proceeds will benefit Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen. For more information, please visit https://hopsdropsevergreen.com.

Early bird tickets are now on sale. All ticket options include:

  • General Admission: Starting at $30

    • Entry into the festival

  • GA + Beer Fest Admission: Starting at $55

    • Entry into the festival

    • Souvenir tasting glass

    • Unlimited tasting from 12-4 pm

  • VIP Bergen Peak Club: Starting at $150

    • Entry into the festival + Beer Fest

    • Premier viewing of main stage

    • Designated area with private bar

    • Private bathrooms

    • Free food & beverages

    • A photo booth and gifts from our partners

MEOW WOLF’S NEXT ADULTI-VERSE (21+ NIGHT) IS THEMED ALIENS VS ROBOTS 5-10 PM AT CONVERGENCE STATION

Artificial intelligence or intelligent life? Meow Wolf is calling all cyborgs, bionic humanoids, intergalactic organisms, and cosmic beings for the ultimate throw-down of the eon–with drinks! 

Convergence Station’s wildly popular Adulti-Verse night is expanding upon the theme of letting adults roam kid-free through the exhibition, cocktail in hand; on Wednesday, April 6th, travelers will also be highly encouraged to arrive in costume representing their life form of choice: alien or robot. Expect far out fashions, epic dance battles, cosmic surprises, and hyperfuturistic delights scattered across the Converged Worlds. Also, bars. Multiple bars. 

The Adulti-Verse is Meow Wolf’s invitation to enjoy a not-so-hyper space – with a cocktail and without the little ones – from 5 to 10pm on every first and last Wednesday of the month through May. Don’t miss out before it’s too late! 

Adulti-Verse Dates:

April 6th, 2022

April 27th, 2022

May 4th, 2022 

May 25th, 2022 

Just because we’re all adults here doesn’t mean we don’t have rules:
Earthers must be 21 and older, C Street residents must be 84 quantrons +/-, Kaleidogoths 

are all welcome because they've been frozen for decades, and Ossuary librarians are ageless so it doesn't matter. IDs will be checked at the door. 

Tickets available in advance online.

 

About Meow Wolf & Convergence Station
Recognized in Fast Company's 2020 list of The World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, Meow Wolf is a Santa Fe-based arts and entertainment company that creates immersive, interactive experiences to transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. The company's first location in Santa Fe opened in 2016 and showcases the THEA Award-winning, international sensation, House Of Eternal Return, where two million visitors have now discovered a multidimensional mystery house with secret passages, portals to magical worlds, and surreal, maximalist and mesmerizing art exhibits. In 2019, Meow Wolf expanded beyond Santa Fe and opened Kaleidoscape, the world’s first artist-driven ride at Elitch Gardens in Denver. Meow Wolf recently opened their second permanent installation, Omega Mart, at AREA15 in Las Vegas and their third permanent installation in Denver opened on September 17th, 2021. Meow Wolf is proud to be the only certified B-Corporation in the themed entertainment industry, with a team dedicated to social impact and building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. 

Convergence Station, Meow Wolf’s third permanent installation, is the first stop on a quantum journey of exploration and revelation. Curious wanderers will discover psychedelic, mind-bending art and an underlying rich narrative: when a cosmic event merged four distinct worlds from unparalleled universes 27 years ago, the inhabitants were left with only fragmented memories, beckoning them to unearth what really happened. The immersive art exhibition is brought to life by more than 300 creatives and 110+ Colorado-based artists who have woven their own personal stories throughout the converged worlds. Travelers of all ages will be carried into the unknown as they uncover the mystery. Convergence Station features four floors of immersive experiences, dozens of installations, infamous portals, secret wormholes and is Meow Wolf’s most ambitious project to date. 


Leave The Kids At Home: Meow Wolf Announces Adult Nights for January and February

We had a chance to check-out Meow Wolf earlier this year and came away in awe. The immersive experience has just announced a series of Adult nights

Here is a light at the end of the holiday tunnel (and it’s not just the neon signs on C Street). In January and February, Meow Wolf’s newest Denver immersive art exhibition, Convergence Station, will open up the multiverse exclusively for those 21 years or older to enjoy some adult beverages & explore the worlds in a grown-up dimension.

>> Purchase Tickets Here <<

Meow Wolf invites adults to The Adulti-Verse to enjoy a not-so-hyper space – with a cocktail and without the little ones – from 6 to 10pm on the first and last Wednesdays of the month.

Nights in The Adulti-Verse:

January 5, 2022

January 26, 2022

February 2, 2022

February 23, 2022

Just because we’re all adults here doesn’t mean we don’t have rules:

Earthers must be 21 and older, C Street residents must be 84 quantrons +/-, Kaleidogoths are all welcome because they've been frozen for decades, and Ossuary librarians are ageless so it doesn't matter. IDs will be checked at the door.

Masks are required (but no proof of vaccination is required). Masks may be pulled down to take a sip or a bite, but otherwise must cover your nose and mouth at all times.

Tickets available in advance online.

About Meow Wolf & Convergence Station

Recognized in Fast Company's 2020 list of The World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, Meow Wolf is a Santa Fe-based arts and entertainment company that creates immersive, interactive experiences to transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. The company's first location in Santa Fe opened in 2016 and showcases the THEA Award-winning, international sensation, House Of Eternal Return, where two million visitors have now discovered a multidimensional mystery house with secret passages, portals to magical worlds, and surreal, maximalist and mesmerizing art exhibits. In 2019, Meow Wolf expanded beyond Santa Fe and opened Kaleidoscape, the world’s first artist-driven ride at Elitch Gardens in Denver. Meow Wolf recently opened their second permanent installation, Omega Mart, at AREA15 in Las Vegas and their third permanent installation in Denver is slated to open September 17th, 2021. Meow Wolf is proud to be the only certified B-Corporation in the themed entertainment industry, with a team dedicated to social impact and building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Convergence Station, Meow Wolf’s third permanent installation, is the first stop on a quantum journey of exploration and revelation. Curious wanderers will discover psychedelic, mind-bending art and an underlying rich narrative: when a cosmic event merged four distinct worlds from unparalleled universes 27 years ago, the inhabitants were left with only fragmented memories, beckoning them to unearth what really happened. The immersive art exhibition is brought to life by more than 300 creatives and 110+ Colorado-based artists who have woven their own personal stories throughout the converged worlds. Travelers of all ages will be carried into the unknown as they uncover the mystery.Convergence Station features four floors of immersive experiences, dozens of installations, infamous portals, secret wormholes and is Meow Wolf’s most ambitious project to date.

Ultra5280's Top Picks For Thanksgiving Eats And Drinks

Thanksgiving can be a busy week for many, with friends and family coming into to town sometimes the last thing we want to do is cook. Lucky for us these amazing Denver restaurants are willing to put in the hard work for us. Check out some of our favorite spots and what they have to offer this week.

Thanksgiving Eve – gather with friends on Weds night: 

  • A meetup with old friends before the crush of family obligations on the holiday means an energetic bar, open-air rooftop, and free-flowing drinks. Federales (2903 Larimer St) checks all the boxes: a vibrant bar and restaurant with tacos, tortas, tequila and cocktails in a high-energy environment, just the thing for catching up with your friends before the holiday. Don’t miss the green chile nachos or the Pork & Pineapple tacos, Federales’ take on al pastor, and be sure to finish your night with the Choco Taco before heading home.

  • Energy and drinks are the name of the game at Barcelona Wine Bar (2900 Larimer St., Denver). Though known for their eclectic and easy wine lists, Barcelona is also a hidden-gem cocktail bar with Mediterranean-inspired cocktails, traditional + creative gintonics, and wine/port-based beverages – and a lively, U-shaped bar anchoring the space and tailor made for socializing, casual conversations, or intimate catch ups before the haste of the holiday. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, don’t miss the seasonal flavors in the Bourbon Spice Rack like Cardamaro, maple syrup, cardamom and lavender; or the Dos Peninsulas with joven tequila, sherry, lemon + agave and finished with nutmeg.

Thanksgiving Day – Kick back at home with these meals to-go:

  • Don’t slave in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day; instead head to Mondo Market at Stanley Marketplace (2501 N. Dallas St., Aurora) pick up a full Thanksgiving meal for groups all sizes from 2 all the way up to 8 and including classic turkey, sides, smoked hams, and cheese boards, as well as also offering a holiday breakfast option for take and bake. Meals come with turkey and traditional sides along with gourmet optional add-ons; the Mondo team also tucks in a sheet with turkey roasting and sides reheating instructions for you. Consider adding on the holiday breakfast items, including Quiche Lorraine, breakfast potatoes and croissants for bake-at-home, and you can also order cheese/charcuterie boards from Mondo Market to round out your holiday meal. Order online or call 303-248-3983.

  • Whole Sol​ (multiple locations) is known for delicious vegan dishes and drinks, and this year they are serving up a to-go Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner for a healthy celebration at home. Bonus: Solo diners can order the dinner for one if you happen to be the only vegan in the family. The dinner options feed 1 or 4-6 people and includes vegan takes on favorites like green bean casserole, butternut squash and herb stuffing, spiced pumpkin mac and cheese, french fried onion tofu, and more. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with vegan and gluten-free desserts like the oreo cream pie, classic pumpkin pie with coconut whipped cream, and cranberry tart. All dishes are vegan, gluten-free, and organic. Order online wholesol.com; orders close Monday, November 22nd at 8:00 am and will be available for pickup at the Pearl St and RiNo locations on November 24th or November 25th.

  • Chef Bill Espiricueta at Smok (3330 Brighton Blvd., Denver) is offering a few take home ways to enjoy the regionally-inspired barbecue at home this Thanksgiving. For those looking for a bird-only option, the $50 4lb smoked turkey breast for the table is the go-to choice for those looking small and comes with instructions for reheating; or go big with the Take Home Thanksgiving Meal ($75). Dinner serves 6-8 people and includes 4lb smoked turkey breast, one shareable pan of jalapeño cornbread with honey butter and fluffy mashed potatoes with housemade gravy. Reheating instructions are included for every item, and don't forget to add Smok's individual pecan pies to the order to share with guests or hang on to for post-holiday treats. Please call 720-452-2487 to reserve your dinner by 11/18.

 

Black Friday – take a break from the shopping craze:

  • Number Thirty Eight (3560 Chestnut Place) knows exactly what to do the day after Thanksgiving. Whether it's from all the food, all the fun or all the family - it's a day for recovering. Why not lounge in your PJs with your friends at the RiNo hotspot's Post-Thanksgiving Pajama Party? Roll out of bed, step into your slippers and head to Number Thirty Eight where you can cozy up to three new winter beverages - the Hot Chocolate Toddy made with Idlewild Vanilla Vodka and caramel; a Hot White Russian made with coffee, vodka and Kahlua or add Telluride Peppermint Schnapps to your hot chocolate for spiked cold-weather classic - all festively topped with whipped cream.

  • Give your feet a break after a Black Friday shopping spree and visit Bellota (3350 Brighton Blvd) for a pick me up at the hopping bar: choose from the famed frozen margarita with milagro blanco tequila, house orange liqueur, agave and fresh lime; the La Perla with tequila, fino sherry, St. George pear, and strongwater cocao bitters; or the holiday-festiveRum-Chata with flor de cana rum and housemade horchata. Don't miss Chef Manny Barella’s trio of salsas – smoky morita, spicy verde and chile de arbol – to kick off your visit.

Go Karting On Ice.....Yes Please.

Screen Shot 2021-08-07 at 2.39.15 PM.png

Add this to your list of things to do this winter.

Level up from regular karting to Ice Karting this winter and drift your way to victory on our custom-made ice track! Ice Karting is coming to a secret location in Denver from 7th - 23rd January 2022. Experience the thrill of ice driving during an exhilarating kart session, an experience out of this world! Ice Karting is the perfect way to have some high speed competitive fun.

Test yourself and practice driving around the ice rink whilst navigating a variety of fun and challenging obstacles. Our expert team will be on hand to give you some tips on how to glide at speed and navigate the course. We’ll have plenty of dress-ups for you to pick and wear on the day so you can race around the track in style.There will also be lots of off rink activities including winter themed bars dishing out your favourite cocktails and traditional winter games like curling, hockey shooting and ice luges so you'll be entertained even when you're not in the kart.Tickets are available now for just $75pp, so whether you’re a regular go- karting enthusiast or a newbie looking for some fun, it will definitely be worth switching things up and testing your skills on a new surface.

Get your tickets now as is this is sure to sell out quickly.

Van Gogh Alive Delivers A Unique Immersive Experience Like No Other

Van Gogh Alive at The Stanley Marketplace (Photo: Robert Castro)

Starry Night is the whimsical, expressive painting and one of the recognized pieces of art in modern times. The painting depicts swirls and vibrancy, a very emotional and surrealist perspective of a night sky. Van Gogh invites viewers to dive into his imagination and find unusual beauty in everyday things. Unfortunately, viewing experiences of the Starry Night used to be limited to the painting hanging on a museum wall in Amsterdam. 

Van Gogh Alive has changed this and brought this painting to life with its traveling exhibit. A Starry Night and Van Gogh’s art collection is no longer confined to its picture frames. It moves across rooms and walls, allowing viewers to get one step closer to Van Gogh’s imagination. 

The exhibit is currently hosted at The Stanley Marketplace here in Denver and it does not disappoint. It made us wonder, “why is all art not celebrated in this way?” and “do most gallery curators even know what they are doing?” 

The exhibit takes us on a journey through the art of Vincent Van Gogh with a unique timeline filled with art and quotes from the Dutch artist. With his works projected on walls, the colors and shapes come to life as they flow through different pieces of his era. As you walk into the dark room the walls are alive with bright colors and accompanied by music that creates the holistic experience Van Gogh wished for his viewers.

Sunflower heaven (Photo: Robert Castro)

Sunflower heaven (Photo: Robert Castro)

The exhibit concludes in a room full of sunflowers, vividly reminiscent of some of Van Gogh’s favorite subjects. Influencers delight!! The room is a dream come true as sunflowers adorn the floor and ceiling while being reflected by a 360 degree mirror putting you right at the center of it all.

The exhibit is put on by The Denver Center for Performing Arts and runs until September 26th. Tickets for specific time slots can be purchased here. Health and safety measures are put into place so be sure to checkout their website for more information.

Words: Abbe Glasser

Images: Robert Castro

Van Gogh’s “The Bedroom” is one of the highlights from this exhibit. (Photo: Robert Castro)

Meow Wolf Denver Prepares For Its Debut Coming September 17th

Meow Wolf Denver (Photo Credit: Kate Russell)

One of the most anticipated events of 2021 is finally happening. Take it from us, you won’t want to miss out on this one.

Meow Wolf, an immersive arts and entertainment company, announced today the highly-anticipated theme and opening date for its third permanent installation: Convergence Station will be coming to Denver September 17, with tickets on sale today at meow.wf/denver-tix.

Convergence Station is the first stop on a quantum journey of exploration and discovery as passengers traverse new worlds, and like all Meow Wolf locations, labyrinthine mysteries beckon from its vibrant walls, portals, and wormholes.

Twenty-five years ago, a freak cosmic event merged four worlds from different universes, erasing the memories of all residents and spawning the mystifying disappearances of four women. The Quantum Department of Transportation serves as the gateway to these diverse worlds: kaleidoscopic cathedrals, Corinthian catacombs, lush alien habitats, and dazzling and gritty cityscapes. In this hotbed of interplanetary cohabitation, memories serve as both currency and the key to unlocking the story behind the women's disappearances and cause of the convergence--as do multimedia clues that reveal themselves to all of the senses.

“Denver’s art scene is active and vibrant, making it the perfect place for our next exhibition,” said Chadney Everett, Executive Creative Director of Meow Wolf Denver. “Convergence Station is Meow Wolf’s third permanent immersive experience, and it will truly change the way you look at art. This exhibition is unlike anything you’ve ever seen...from The Swamp to The Cathedral - there’s a strong narrative to be uncovered should you choose, alongside truly mind-bending art from the many talented creatives that have worked so hard to bring the vision to life. We can’t wait for everyone to explore.”

Meow Wolf has worked with 110+ Colorado-based collaborating artists and more than 200 internal artists for over three years to bring the 79 unique projects within Convergence Station to life. These muralists, sculptors, fiber artists, and technologists to name a few have come together to create a one-of-a-kind installation that will leave visitors appreciating what it really means to be immersed in a narrative. Notable collaborating artists working on this project include Kalyn Heffernan, Christopher Nelson, Everything is Terrible!, Molina Speaks, Sofie Birkin, along with Moment Factory and many others.

Meow Wolf Denver (Photo Credit: Kennedy Cottrell)

An evolving hive of creativity, Meow Wolf has been creating experiences that challenge the perception of reality, with three locations to explore in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, and soon Denver. Backed by top creators like Games of Thrones’ George R.R. Martin, Meow Wolf is recognized globally as a leader in the immersive space and was ranked on Fast Company's 2020 list of the ‘World’s Most Innovative Companies’, and awarded the #1 spot for Live Events. Following the success of their flagship location in Santa Fe, the arts and entertainment company launched their second permanent exhibition in Las Vegas in February this year which was an instant success, selling 517,000 tickets to date.

Opening on September 17th, Convergence Station will be open from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 10:00 am until 12:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours are subject to change.

Tickets are available for pre-purchase for $45 for General Admission ($40 Children / Seniors / Military), and $35 for Colorado Residents. Visitors are required to pre-book a time slot for entry.

Breck Brewery Launches Howler Crowlers to Fuel Coloradans’ Howls; Benefits Project C.U.R.E.

Just in time for the Full Moon tomorrow...Breckenridge Brewery has created the Howler Crowler to celebrate the nightly howl and 100% of proceeds go to charity. See below the details and the cool image of the can.

You can hear it every night: Coloradans letting out howls at 8PM for a variety of reasons, from giving thanks to healthcare heroes’ selfless acts during the pandemic to finding joy in feeling united as a community.

Breckenridge Brewery wants to keep fueling those nightly howls across Denver-area communities, so they are releasing Howler Crowlers: custom crowler cans (32 oz) filled with your Breck beer of choice! 100% of Howler Crowler profits will be donated to Project C.U.R.E., which supports our local healthcare system by donating medical supplies to hospitals in need.

Howler Crowlers will be available for delivery or pick up from the Farm House starting on 4/22 in the afternoon, just in time to celebrate Howloween, the night of the new moon. This Howloween, Coloradans can celebrate by dressing up in costume and standing (safely) outside to howl for healthcare workers, sipping on a cold beer that gives back!

Denver Beer Festivus: A Timely Classic Returns

Although the temperatures are dropping here in Denver, there is no short supply of your favorite beer festivals. The Denver Beer Festivus celebrated eight years this past Saturday afternoon. We have always maintained this one of our favorites, nothing changed as a slew of local breweries were on hand to sample some of their favorite brews. Beer drinkers were decked out in their favorite ugly sweaters and holiday attire making for some amazing outfits (we even saw multiple Cousin Eddie’s from Christmas Vacation). This years edition spread out over several rooms making it easy to navigate from brewery to brewery with little to no lines. Food was a plenty as a food court had everything from warm pretzels to pizza for you to enjoy. A silent disco was on site providing for some amazing tunes by some of Denvers best DJ’s. It’s hard to name favorites with a festival like this as all the breweries showcase their best, but if we had to…..some of ours included brews from Denver Beer Co, Black Project Spontaneous, Great Divide, Zuni Street, and Ratio Beerworks. If you have never been to one of these we highly suggest you put it on your radar for next year.

-Words and Images-Robert Castro

Denver's Best Restaurants For A Night Out With Friends

Denver’s Best Restaurants for a Night Out with Friends

There are very few things in life better than a great meal shared with your closest friends. One of the best places to grab dinner with your buddies is in Mile High City, known for its rich and thriving food culture. Indeed, Denver has slowly morphed into a culinary melting pot, giving you a unique multitude of dining experiences that can satisfy pretty much every craving. Given the number of choices, where would one even begin? We've got you covered. Read on to discover the best restaurants in Denver for your next night out with friends!

Acorn

Acorn Facebook Page

From the creative minds of the people behind Boulder's OAK at Fourteenth restaurant, Acorn is one of the city's must-try culinary stops. This restaurant seamlessly blends together local Colorado fare grounded in a strong Southern tradition, sending all who dine there on a culinary trip you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the city — or even the country. Be sure to try the cured Rocky Mountain Trout and the 14-day dry-aged Hudson Duck Confit.

Other than the great food, another reason to stop by here with a couple of friends is its proximity to the Mission Ballroom. Acorn is located in the Source Hotel, so be sure you and your friends stop by the next time you go out to see a show.

Mead St. Station

M

If you're looking for something a little more casual, USA Today recommend restaurant Mead St. Station. The restaurant, established in 1994, is a Coloradan institution. They specialize in rustic no-nonsense American food where everything is made from scratch. Be sure to grab their famous Mead Street Burger with a healthy serving of sweet potato fries.

As an added bonus, if you and your friends happen to drop by on a Tuesday night then you should enter their weekly rock n' roll bingo night. Foxy Bingo’s guide on how to play 75-ball points out how it's especially fun for groups – the more friends you convince to join, the bigger the prize pool! So, be sure to grab some friends before heading on over to the Mead St. Station for a night of fun and food.

Root Down

Root Down

From culinary whiz Justin Cucci, who also happens to be behind culinary hotspots Linger and Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, Root Down is your one-stop-shop for good conscious eating. Root Down prides itself on its sustainability practices that both benefit the environment and produce delicious food. They have a 4,000 square-foot garden in the middle of the city that accounts for 20% of the seasonal vegetables they use in their restaurant. They provide diners with non-GMO fed cows, and all their seafood is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, assuring that their diners get the best and most humane products. Their menu also indicates where the ingredients on the items are sourced, letting you know just what you're eating and how it was grown.

Be sure to try the Three Chile Chicken and their Flat Iron Steak with meat sourced from Callicrate Meats.

Denver Food + Wine 2019 Grand Tasting

Denver’s annual food and wine week just wrapped up and we were part of the fun at Saturday’s Grand Tasting event. This six-day culinary takeover is courtesy of Food & Wine Magazine and brings Denverites various opportunities to eat and drink, meet celebrity and local chefs, and enjoy exclusive experiences. The festivities begin each year on a Wednesday in mid-September with a curated “Dinner Under the Stars”, continue Thursday with the “Bartender’s Bash” cocktail competition and sampling, Friday you’ll find a fun happy hour at a top restaurant, and Saturday afternoon we recommend attending, “The Grand Tasting.”

With multiple covered tents full of food & booze, taking a moment in the sun to soak it all in.

The main event of DF+WF weekend is Saturday’s Grand Tasting where over 40 top restaurants showcase their best bites and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits provide over 700 wines and spirits to sample! Every type of wine is available to taste at the Grand Tasting, from high end reserves, rare wine regions, French Champagnes, to affordable favorites. DF+WF is the most comprehensive “wine tasting” in the state (aside from the prestigious annual Aspen Food + Wine Classic). For the true oenophiles, Denver Food and Wine created a Tasting App to help one navigate and take notes on all the fine wines. There are also QR Codes placed next to each wine for guests to learn more and take screenshots for later, and of course the educated Reps are there ready to tell you all about their products too.

If that weren’t enough to keep you entertained and buzzed all day, the Grand Tasting also features over 200 different spirits ranging from straight samples, liqueurs, and cocktails. We saw the following brands showcase their products with full footprints complete with a branded bar, tables, and decor: Aperol, Atlos Tequila, Chloe Wine, Five Farms Irish Cream, Grey Goose Vodka, Jagermeister, and TX Whiskey.

The food is of course the complimentary component to the copious beverages and one will find bites for all palettes created by Denver’s best chefs. This year’s favorite bites included Avelina’s truffle anglonotti, Kachina’s Fry Bread Taco & guacamole shooters, Hank’s Texas Barbecue Brisket, and the bruschetta from the high school students enrolled in the Colorado ProStart Program. These kids get involved every year manning their bites booths or assisting the celebrity chefs at the Culinary Stage. The Colorado ProStart Program is a two-year foodservice and hospitality management, culinary arts, and business entrepreneurship curriculum offered to high school juniors and seniors in Colorado.

Hanks Texas Barbecue

The Team at Kachina

Another big draw to the Grand Tasting is the opportunity to watch and learn from the masters; celebrity chefs and master sommeliers and mixologists hold seminars throughout the day. This year’s Wolf Sub Zero/Specialty Appliance Culinary Stage favorite was Jet Tila, a Culinary Ambassador of Thai Cuisine and Food Network star. Recently, Jet partnered with the Wynn Resorts to open Wazuzu, a groundbreaking take on Pan-Asian dining, at the Encore Casino and Resort on the Las Vegas Strip. Jet has also inspired and cultivated multiple concepts in partnership with the largest foodservice company in the world, Compass Group. Jet, along with his wife Ali, showed their captive audience how to make fried chicken and waffles complete with room temp butter, maple syrup and Sriracha!

Jet Tila with wife Ali and a few Colorado ProStart students

Proceeds from the event always benefit various charities and this year’s recipients are Kroenke Sports Charities, Denver Post Community Foundation and Colorado Restaurant Foundation as chosen by Southern Glazer’s because, “… they are an integral part of our community and reflect our core values while supporting the people that live, work and enjoy our Colorado lifestyle.”

DF+WF events are so much fun and generally more enjoyable than the other food & booze events that have taken over Denver. Everything is top notch, from the food and drink offerings, to the Riedel wine glasses everyone gets, to the layout, the quality interactions with vendors and attendees, and minimal lines (even for the restrooms!)

If you do it right, you’ll end up in bed early after the Grand Tasting. If you’re up for it, the final event is a Sunday Rise + Dine Brunch the next morning with bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s and tasty breakfast bites to wrap up the week.

https://denverfoodandwine.com/

Written by Tiffany Candelaria @TCdoesFnB & Photographed by Josh Stephens @freezerfilmfoto

Cochon555's Heritage Fire Culinary Experience

Heritage Fire is a live-fire, open-air culinary experience crafted by Cochon555 and visits 15 major cities across North America annually since 2009. The Cochon555 Tour executes a yearly host of authentic, hyper-local food events focused on raising awareness for heritage breed pigs through an innovative nose-to-tail pig cook-off.

Smoked Tomahawk Ribeye from Chef Will Nolan

Heritage Fire graced Colorado back in June during the acclaimed Aspen Food + Wine Classic and this past Sunday Denverites had their chance to indulge in this meat-based feast at Stem Cider’s Acreage Farms in Lafayette which is perched against a beautiful backdrop of Longs Peak. The whole event was wonderful with various creations and dishes highlighting the farm raised meats in a beautiful setting with limited tickets which meant quick lines and plenty of food and wine.

Heritage Fire always features an all-star cast of chefs and butchers who specialize in whole animal cookery and spend the afternoon grilling heritage-breed animals and serving them up to guests. Guests are able to see the chefs cooking and the animal in its entirety, so there is no doubt they are getting farm fresh food. The list of heritage and heirloom foods includes dry-aged beef, whole pigs, lamb, goat, squab, rabbit, duck, fish, chicken, artisan cheese and heirloom vegetables.

The meats are cookin’

Our favorite dishes were a Buffalo Empanada with Chimichurri from Chef Padillo at Social Fare in Cherry Creek. Shrimp & Grits and a smoked Tomahawk Ribeye by Chef Will Nolan. The charcuterie board by Cured Boulder, a gourmet grocery store & cafe with upscale decor offers hand-picked cheese, charcuterie, & wine. Speaking of wine, Blanchard Wines and Tenuta from Italy were pouring along with Stem Ciders, Wheatley Vodka, El Tosoro Tequila, and premium whiskeys and bourbons and LaCroix Sparkling Waters.

Charcuterie by Cured Boulder

Whiskey & Bourbon tastings

There was one booth dedicated to dessert, an unlikely restaurant to be at this meat-focused event. Uchi is Denver’s hottest sushi restaurant serving incredible Japanese delicacies from James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole. Japanese tradition and culinary innovation fuse at this RiNo restaurant, read our full review here. Uchi’s head pastry chef prepared donut puffs filled with smoked vanilla cream and topped with bacon bits that were irresistible.

Creme filled donuts with bacon bits and raspberry puree from Uchi

The event’s ultimate aim is to provide education to consumers and provide guests with honest food from real farmers. Every event is a fundraiser for Cochon555's sister charity, Piggy Bank — a start-up farm in Missouri that serves as a kickstarter for new family farms and a safety net for those in the wake of a disaster.

For more information, visit www.cochon555.com or follow @cochon555 on Twitter and Instagram.

Article by Tiffany Candelaria @TCdoesFnB

Seawell Ballroom Teams Up with Phantom Circus for Two Show Run

Phantom Circus is back after a year plus hiatus of its full-length spectacles in the Mile High City, and the troupe will be taking over Seawell Ballroom in the Denver Performing Arts Complex for two all-ages shows on July 13th. Seawell Ballroom, who has signed on as presenting sponsor, will transform into a circus ring and will feature a variety of acts and performances from Colorado’s best aerialists, acrobats, hoopers, stilt walkers, and much more. Phantom premiered in 2016 at the Oriental Theater, and grew audiences over a span of five shows in the succeeding years, filling the theater by the third show and selling out in advance by the fifth.  Phantom set their sights on a larger, more centrally located venue to host their show. “We were bursting at the seams,” Phantom owner and director Natalie Brown explains. “Our acts needed more space, our aerial corps needed more rig points, and our fans needed more seats.”


Phantom Circus and Seawell Ballroom have enjoyed a collaborative working relationship over the past two years on a multitude of private and corporate events.  “We love Seawell; it’s our favorite venue and favorite crew to work with when we’re on the gig circuit,” says Brown. “We’re excited to design this project together.”

Brown has been on a mission to grow her circus since moving to Denver in 2013 and is excited to get back on stage for a public circus performance this summer. “Denver is a big girl city now, and I realized when I moved here that it needed a big girl circus company.” Focusing on diversity of performers, diversity in the style of acts and ensuring that all of her performers are treated well, Brown has made a name for herself across the country for creating a one of a kind experience for attendees and performers alike.

Brown was working in New Orleans as a journalist when Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Permanently displaced in Columbia, South Carolina, Brown started her first circus in a bar parking lot a block from the Confederate Flag on the Statehouse steps in 2007, and began advocating for performing arts legislation. After diligently working to build the arts community, she set her sights on Colorado and creating a new and improved circus experience. She completed Pro Track "circus school" aerial intensive training at Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance in Boulder in 2015, and started her dream company The Phantom Circus in 2016. Phantom has performed all over the state privately and publicly and has become a favorite among locals and event planners. Their most recent endeavor had Natalie and aerialists dancing off the roof and on the side of the new Hilton Garden Inn Union Station for their grand opening.

The Seawell ballroom show will feature their VIP ticket packages, which includes aerial bartending at intermission. VIP Ringmaster gets you premier seats, a goodie bag from sponsors and drink tickets to aerial bartending. The shows at will run 2 hours long and has a 2pm matinee for families and an 8pm evening showing. Tickets: $30-$35 (GA) $50- $100 (VIP) Kids: $12 www.phantomcircus.com




Sips N’ Cinema - A Tasteful Experience

Our friends at the Oriental Theater are cooking up some pretty awesome Summer events. Curated drinks and some cult movies, count us in.

Come experience a very special tasting and you favorite movies at Sips N’ Cinema. Working with some awesome liquor brands we have created a experience like you have never tasted before. Every month we will be showcasing one brand and pairing it with a movie. For just $20 a ticket you get access to taste each brand’s portfolio, a cocktail, and a movie showing. There are a very limited number of tickets to this event.

The Summer Series includes the following pairings.

- July 11: Fernet & Dr. Strangelove

- August 15: Ilegal Mezcal & Nacho Libre

- September 19: Barr Hill Gin & Honey I Shrunk The Kids

Breckenridge Brewery and Pop Culture Con Launch 2019 Pop Culture Con Beer: Bocks Machina

Breckenridge Brewery and Pop Culture Con (PCC) will officially launch the 2019 Pop Culture Con Beer, Bocks Machina, on May 25th at Monkey Barrel with music, games, cosplay, and the first collectible pint glass giveaway. The beer’s name was the winner of the annual “Name the Beer” contest which beat out hundreds of submissions during the online contest. “Bocks Machina” is a play on the adventure group Vox Machina from the widely popular web series “Critical Role.” The entire cast of the series will be appearing at Pop Culture Con (Critical Role is not affiliated with this promotion).

The 2019 PCC beer features Breckenridge Brewery’s Maibock recipe, which won a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival. The party is challenged with concocting a malty lager that casts a joyful spell on all whom taste it. Maibock  is a refreshing golden liquid which tastes of honey and grain and smells of sweet fruit.

For the eighth straight year, Breck will be releasing the beer along with limited edition PCC pint glasses. This year’s glass features artwork by local artist Nick Hughes.

After the launch party, Bocks Machina will stay on tap at Monkey Barrel through Pop Culture Con. Other pubs within walking distance to the Colorado Convention Center will serve the beer leading up to and during the event. Follow Breckenridge Brewery on Facebook and Twitter for information on other pint glass giveaway events during Pop Culture Con. This information will also be posted on breckbrew.com in the weeks prior to the PCC.

WHAT:  

For eight Breckenridge Brewery has brewed a special beer exclusively for Pop Culture Con (formally Denver Comic Con). The first 200 people to this FREE event will receive a limited collector’s series “Bock Machina” pint glass featuring custom design by Colorado artist Nick Hughes. The event will feature an LED Dance Floor, Cosplay contest and a DJ.

WHERE:

Monkey Barrel

4401 Tejon St.

Denver, CO

When:

Saturday,  May 25th

- Doors 7pm

-Cosplay Contest: Winners will get tickets to Pop Culture Con  

- LED Dance Floor

About “Bock Machina!”

Past winners of the "Name the Comic Con Beer" contest are Razznarock, The Fantastic Pour, The Caped Brewsader, Brews Wayne, Hulk's Mash, Snape-ricot, and I Am Brewt.

Denver Mini Derby Review

In our opinion, Denver’s best KY Derby party is the Denver Mini Derby. This event started a couple years ago by Eleven Creative, the same group who created the Mile High Beer Festival, Whiskey+Doughnuts, and RiNo Prom (to name a few). This year’s Mini Derby moved from its former location at Stanley Marketplace to the bigger Conservatory Green Park in Stapleton.

Proceeds from the ticket sales helped support their charity partners Next Step Horse Rescue and Minds Matter of Denver. The Mini Derby is names such because the event actually has a mini horse race: mini-sized race course with mini-sized horses! The horses are all rescue horses from Next Step Horse Rescue and guests could visit with them before and after the race and take photos with the little cuties.

 

One of the best parts is all tickets included open bar access complete with Bulleit Frontier Whiskey mint juleps, Smirnoff vodka cocktails, Avery Brewing Company beer, wines, champagne, Red Bull and KeVita kombucha! I’d argue this open bar was better than at most events and kept everyone refreshed, energized and extra-cheery. 

 

Petting the ponies

And boy was there plenty to cheer for! The 145th annual Running of the Kentucky Derby was just one of the races at the Denver Mini Derby. The real reason people pick this Derby party over any other is to see the live mini horse race and Corgi race take place on the greens right in front of them! Guys and gals alike we’re so excited to see these races and exuberantly cheered the cute animals on. It was adorable. 

 

The Corgis line up

Prizes were awarded for Best Dressed Woman, Best Dressed Man, Best Hat, and Cutest Couple which made for a beautiful event. Rollin Smoke BBQ and Infinitus Pie’s food trucks sold tasty eats and Groove ‘N Motion provided the live music before the race.  We had a fantastic time and we highly recommend you join in the fun next May!

Live music before the race!