Thirst -- Spring 2025

Denver Jazz Fest

New event brings prominent players to prime venues

Plus:

12 can’t-miss Colorado rodeos

Sipping through festival season

lo Cal

LIBATIONS BEYOND &

The seasons of Thirst

One of the things I’ve always loved about living in Colorado is the fact that we get to enjoy all four seasons. The opportunity to embrace the state’s activities in each season provides engagement that is truly unique to Coloradans.

With this thought in mind, Thirst will align its issues with the seasons starting this spring and present four stacked magazines devoted to your interests.

Since launching the magazine and digital offerings in 2015, we’ve continued to bring the stories – momentous and lesser-known – that make Colorado the best place to recreate no matter what month we step outside. We are excited to continue our mission to provide timely, engaging and creative content in each robust issue.

Our goal remains the same: delivering inspiring and relevant content that reflects your passion for adventure, art, movies, food and libations.

And you can get directly involved, too. Please keep giving us feedback and story ideas about everything that’s important to your Colorado lifestyle. If it matters to you, we need to know about it so that our readers can gather a deeper understanding of our state.

I appreciate your continued support as we embrace the four seasons that make this state the best to explore.

Thank you for reading and being part of our community.

Joe Ross Editor and Associate Publisher

Publisher

Paul Johnson paul@thirstcolorado.com

Associate Publisher & Editor Joe Ross joe@thirstcolorado.com

Vice President, Sales

Scott Kaplan scott@thirstcolorado.com

Sales

Linda Battle, Rebel Becker, Mila Gaytan-Campos, Olivia Dodson, Nina Gunther, Christine Werner

Design & Layout

Sandy Birkey Stacey Krull

President & Founder Emeritus Wilbur E. Flachman

Digital & Marketing Manager

Steve Graham

Contributors

Brianna Corrine, John Garvey, Malena Larsen, Natasha Lovato, Jay McKinney, Eric Peterson, David Young

Thirst Colorado is produced by The Publishing House, a division of Colorado Word Works, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. The Publishing House also produces Colorado’s Performing Arts Publications, serving arts venues along the Front Range. 7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, Colorado 80030 303.428.9529

Drink up life in large amounts, but restrict your alcohol consumption. We do not endorse or support excessive drinking.

Except where noted, the content of Thirst Colorado is the property of the magazine and should only be reprinted with permission. Thirst Colorado is not responsible for false or misleading claims made in advertising or editorial materials published herein. Thirst Colorado Magazine is distributed in part by DJM Distribution, Inc., and Community Racks Distribution, LLC.

Thirst Colorado is audited by the CVC Circulation Verification Council (CVC) is an independent, third-party reporting audit company. CVC audits cover: printing, distribution, circulation, websites, digital editions, mobile, email, social media and readership studies to give an accurate picture of reach and market penetration.

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CONTRIBUTORS

BRIANNA CORRINE

Corrine is a part-time poet and full-time audiophile. She is a writer with a penchant for critiquing music and delving headfirst into various art and literary-focused spheres as she contributes regularly to a variety of publications.

JOHN GARVEY

Garvey is a storyteller, freelance writer, illustrator and nerd. He has written for dozens of lifestyle magazines, business publications, and blogs, including Entrepreneur, ColoradoBiz, InnovatioNews, and Thirst Colorado. A Northern Colorado resident, dad, and artist, one of John’s strangest and most notable accomplishments is completing a drawing a day for the entire year of 2023. That creative practice that taught him far more about the human mind than he had expected. You can see John’s writing at clippings.me/johngarvey. His art is at CreativeFollies.com and @CreativeFollies.

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.

NATASHA LOVATO

Lovato graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in journalism and spends her days freelance writing about all things Colorado. As a native of the Centennial State, she thrives on outdoor experiences like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, biking, and enjoying a Holidaily brew or two along the way. She takes any chance she gets to enjoy the outdoors with her partner, Daniel, and their rescue dog, Mazy. On poor weather days, you’ll find her curled up on the couch with a good book next to her cats, Benny and June.

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.

ERIC PETERSON

Peterson is a freelance writer who covers travel, business and real estate as well as Colorado’s craft beverage industry. In his spare time, he likes to create hard listening music, oddball art and psychedelic videos. Eric lives in Denver with his wife, Jamie, and their faithful mutts, Aoife and Ogma.

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.

VISIT US ONLINE

We publish more stories than we can fit into each print issue. Visit ThirstColorado. com (or point your smartphone at the QR code) to see these stories and much more, including our weekly events roundup, food and drink recommendations, ticket giveaways and more.

DENVER JAZZ FEST

City gives Jazz Appreciation Month a

whole new meaning

By Natasha Lovato

Denver’s rich jazz history is about to be recognized on a much larger scale during the inaugural Denver Jazz Fest. In the 1930s, the historically black Five Points neighborhood was a prominent stop for bands on their way from Chicago to the West Coast and was often referred to as the “Harlem of the West.” Jazz clubs like The Rossonian, The Casino Ballroom, and Sonny’s Lounge hosted some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, including the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald.

Now, during Jazz Appreciation Month, Denver’s jazz scene will get the cultural recognition it deserves from Thursday, April 3, through Sunday, April 6.

Denver Jazz, a Colorado nonprofit, was created to shine a spotlight on the art form by hosting jazz performances and educational events throughout the Denver-Boulder area through the Denver Jazz Fest.

The four-day event will show off a wide range of styles and will offer exciting and culturally relevant events for every audience.

Shows will take place anywhere from a neighborhood brewery to major concert halls. Venues include the Boulder Theater, Dazzle,

Cervantes, The Fox Theater, The Galleria at DPAC, Mercury Cafe, The MSU Kalamath Building, The Muse, the Newman Center, Nocturne and Spangalang Brewery.

Denver Jazz Fest will also include educational events for college and high school music students presented by world-renowned musicians: trumpet player Terell Stafford and saxophonist Charles McPherson. Plus, a free community forum on current jazz-related topics with a focus on diversity and equity is planned.

JAZZ IS ALIVE AND WELL IN DENVER

McPherson, 85, said in an interview that jazz is relevant right now because of academia and exposure to the music.

“Nearly every college in the U.S. has a jazz program. There used to be no jazz department so that means there are a bunch of young people engaging in these programs. So just right there, it’s providing a platform,” McPherson said.

In addition to his U.S. teachings, McPherson offers masterclasses in jazz studies around the world, from Japan to Italy, which reinforces his thoughts that jazz is in fact alive and well.

He also said that festivals are a large avenue of exposure where a mass of people will have the opportunity to listen to a variety of styles.

“Some of these people won’t give a hoot at all, but somebody will be moved,” he predicted. “Jazz will always have a percentage of people who like it, but guess what? The largest percentage of people are into pop without a doubt and that’s just the way it is. But in spite of that, people gravitate toward jazz, and more exposure helps with that.”

Stafford, 58, said that he feels grateful to teach and play alongside a legend like McPherson, and that festivals are important when it comes to the essence of jazz.

“When I go to these festivals, it’s like a big family reunion — it’s the most magical feeling, so I am happy for Denver to have this festival,” Stafford said.

“It’s just the beginning of community and collaboration and it will be a destination city for this music. The possibilities are limitless and I feel honored that I’m part of this collaborating force. I think that’s how we keep the arts and education alive and create new opportunities for them for the city, community and the world.”

When it comes to Denver’s rich jazz legacy, jazz guitarist Bill Frisell, 73, also knows a thing or two.

“I grew up in Denver, so this is where everything began for me with music. I don’t even know where to start, I just feel so lucky I’ve been able to spend my life doing this,” Frisell said.

Frisell nurtured his musical education at Denver East High School and later at the University of Northern Colorado before ending up at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

He began playing the clarinet in the fourth grade and got his first electric guitar during his freshman year of high school.

Photo courtesy of Bill Frisell

Photo courtesy of Charles McPherson

Although Frisell doesn’t live in Colorado anymore, every time he returns to play, he says the memories come flooding back of jamming with his friends, covering Wes Montgomery at his high school talent show, and watching Dionne Warwick and The Thelonious Monk Quartet play at Red Rocks.

“In a way, what I’m doing now is an extension of that, just playing with my friends and the people I love,” he said.

Frisell said a festival like this in Denver is certainly overdue, and that even if jazz might look different today than it did decades ago – and its popularity might ebb and flow – jazz will never die.

“It’s such a different experience when you hear music live and the audience and musicians are experiencing this world together,” he said.

“The nature of this music is not set, it’s constantly evolving. Each moment you’re searching, exploring, and discovering and to be able to play off the audience and fellow musicians. I don’t think it will ever die, you can’t kill that stuff off,” he said.

DENVER JAZZ FEST TO SERVE UP DIFFERENT FLAVORS OF THE GENRE

Audience members can expect to find a full spectrum of jazz flavors, such as iconic jazz horn performances by Stafford and McPherson, vocal jazz renditions by Grammy Award-Winner Dianne Reeves, who grew up in Denver, a jazz-funk-rockfusion performance by Garaj Mahal, the Afro-Cuban stylings of Omar Sosa and the Quarteto Americanos, and more.

After traveling the world and studying different traditional forms of music, Cuban jazz pianist Sosa, 59, is excited to return to Denver with a new quartet.

“Over my career, I have searched for deep traditions, so, for example, right now I’m in Japan and I’m looking for Japanese traditions like the taiko drums,” Sosa said. “I use a lot of African-American traditions but a lot of those traditions are African. For me, the art is a lot of different spices, and whatever dish you want to create, you use these spices, but you must know the flavor it should be.”

Sosa believes that the more music people are exposed to, the more people will understand various cultures and traditions. He said that something like Denver Jazz Fest is the perfect way to expose audience members to different musical traditions.

“Jazz is the philosophy of freedom,” Sosa said. “It’s complex and allows you to play as yourself, and the more you know about the other music of the world, the more you can express the freedom, and I think jazz is the only style of music like that.”

Catch McPherson, Stafford, Frisell, Sosa and others at the inaugural Denver Jazz Fest. Tickets and additional information are available at denverjazz.org/tickets/.

Omar Sosa photo by Jos Knaepen

ASPEN ARTS Outdoor mecca draws crowds for movies, live music, theater, comedy and visual arts

By Jay McKinney

Aspen is the crème de la crème when it comes to summer or winter getaways in the U.S. With world-class skiing, fine dining and the picturesque mountain scenery accentuated by the Maroon Bells, there are reasons why people flock to the area. While outdoor recreation might be the biggest tourist attraction in this charming and seductive small town, don’t sleep on the flourishing arts scene.

ASPEN FILM & SHORTSFEST

One of the most notable artistic organizations is Aspen Film. It was founded in 1979 and prides itself on enlightening, educating and entertaining nearly 30,000 people who participate with the organization annually. Aspen Film organizes a major movie event every season, along with hosting various special presentations throughout the year. There are more than 200 films shown annually and they are all regional debuts, giving audiences a chance to see films that they might not be able to otherwise. The organization is also committed to education and most of the programs are free of charge.

Aspen Film stays busy all year but every fall it hosts Filmfest, Aspen’s premier feature film festival. The festival consistently shows thought-provoking films in genres such as documentary, foreign-language, arthouse and comedy. In the spring, Shortsfest is a highly

Wheeler Opera House

Photo by Jordan Curet

Wheeler Opera House

Photo by Jordan Curet

acclaimed short film festival held by Aspen Film. Films screened at the Shortsfest frequently go on to receive Academy Award nominations, and some of Hollywood’s premier filmmakers have had short films screened at the festival. This year’s Shortsfest runs from March 31 to April 6.

“Having a festival of this caliber in a town like Aspen is an incredible experience,” says Susan Wrubel, executive and artistic director for Aspen Film. “We have filmmakers from around the globe who come to town, converse with our audiences, meet with students and share their work; visiting industry executives who intimately know the short film landscape; as well as a prestigious jury of three creatives who adjudicate on our approximately 70-film program.”

WHEELER OPERA HOUSE

The Wheeler Opera House is a landmark in the town that first opened in 1889. More than one hundred years later, after many ups and downs, the iconic theater hosts an assortment of artistic events. From screening films for Aspen Film to theater productions, musical performances, comedy and everything in between, The Wheeler Opera House has something for everyone. Upcoming performances include Judy Collins on April 8, illusionist Leon Etienne on April 23, and an evening with Lee Asher on April 24. Asher is the founder of the Asher House in Oregon that has grown into a prominent animal sanctuary. His live presentation details his struggles and successes and will leave the audience inspired.

HEAVEN PRESENTED BY ASPEN ONE AND ASPEN ART MUSEUM

For skiers and snowboarders, a fresh powder day on the slopes is an earthly equivalent to heaven. However, Heaven is also the name of a unique art exhibit presented by Aspen One and the Aspen Art Museum. From March 7-16, those who find themselves on the slopes of Aspen Mountain can stop by the historic Ruthie’s cabin from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to view the ski-in-ski-out art exhibit showing the work of Alex Israel. Israel is a Los Angeles-based artist who also designed the artwork for this season’s lift ticket, which appropriately reads, “Your ticket to Heaven.”

“My goal is to create an experience that will further enrich the lore of Aspen Mountain,” Israel says. “Aspen, for me, has always been a place of joy and community, something of a heaven due to both its altitude and natural beauty. I learned to ski here as a child, and it has been a happy place for me ever since. ‘Heaven,’ as a destination exhibition, challenges viewers to question

“Having a festival of this caliber in a town like Aspen is an incredible experience.”

–Susan Wrubel, executive and artistic director for Aspen Film

their surroundings and invites them to see the mountain in a whole new light.”

RED BRICK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Located in a brick building that was once a school, the Red Brick Center for the Arts has evolved into a major artistic organization within the community. The center is home to an art gallery with rotating exhibitions, hosts art classes for children and adults, and has resident artists and non-profit organizations working within the building. The center’s exhibitions highlight Colorado artists and especially those who are working in the Roaring Fork Valley. Whether shopping for a painting for the living room or looking to regain some long lost artistic talent through an adult watercolor class, the Red Brick Center for the Arts is a creative base in the community.

BELLY UP

When it comes to live music, the calendar for Belly Up should be studied before any trip to Aspen. In 20 years of operation, the intimate venue has featured a wide variety of talent with some of the biggest names in showbiz gracing its stage. Some of the notable performers this spring include Shakey Graves on March 24, Matt Nathanson on March 26, and Old Crow Medicine Show on March 28. Vieux Farka Touré, who hails from Mali and is often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara,” will visit the Belly Up on April 9. Comedy lovers can occasionally catch some of their favorite comedians at the venue as well.

Billy Idol performed at Belly Up on March 2, 2024.

Photo courtesy of Belly Up

Photo courtesy of Aspen Film

Photo by Avid Visual Imagery,

COLO RODEO

Pull out your boots and hats for these hard ridin’

events

By Eric Peterson

Summer is the season for rodeos stretching from the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope. Thousands of contestants, including members of Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) as well as youth, working cowboys, and assorted amateurs, compete in barrel racing, bull riding, team roping, and all of the other heart-thumping staples.

According to Megan Winterfeldt, exhibits and collections coordinator for the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs, the PRCA helped grow the sport’s professional stature and increased sponsorship dollars. “The PRCA is still considered the elite of rodeo,” she said. Founded in 1936, Winterfeldt said the PRCA moved to Colorado in 1951 and has helped retain the Western heritage. Saddle up for this list of summer events.

CATTLEMEN’S DAYS

JULY 10-12, GUNNISON

Since 1900, Gunnison has celebrated its cowboy culture with this annual PRCA rodeo. The PRCA features 700 sanctioned rodeos each year. Now held at the Fred Field Center, Cattlemen’s Days includes numerous rodeo events, a livestock auction and a carnival. www.cattlemensdays.com

ROOFTOP RODEO ESTES PARK

JULY 5-10, ESTES PARK

Since 1941, Estes Park has commemorated its 7,500-foot altitude and Western heritage with the Rooftop Rodeo. The event comes at the end of the PRCA’s busiest season and often attracts stars looking to cool down after competing in the heat. “It remains popular in part because it falls during ‘Cowboy Christmas’ — the time around the Fourth of July when cowboys can go to multiple rodeos per day,” Winterfeldt said. www.rooftoprodeo.com

COLORADO STATE FAIR & RODEO

AUGUST 22-SEPTEMBER 1, PUEBLO

The Colorado State Fair has been a late summer tradition since 1872. The schedule includes four nights of PRCA rodeo events (August 23-26) as well as concerts, a carnival, and a wide range of agriculture and arts competitions. www.coloradostatefair.com

COLORADO STAMPEDE

MAY 23-25, GRAND JUNCTION

Originally held from the 1950s to the 1990s, the Western Slope event has been revived at the Mesa County Fairgrounds as of 2024. The first year of the comeback drew more than 300 contestants, a good sign for the future of the event.

www.coloradostampederodeo.com

LOGAN

COUNTY FAIR & RODEO

JULY 24-AUGUST 3, STERLING

Held since the late 1800s, the Logan County Fair & Rodeo is one of the biggest annual events in northeastern Colorado. It now includes youth and PRCA rodeos, with bull riding, a carnival, concert, and a demolition derby. www.lcfair.org

DEER TRAIL RODEO

JULY 2025, DEER TRAIL

Nicknamed “Home of the World’s First Rodeo,” (a claim that has been disputed in recent years) the Eastern Plains town of Deer Trail has been hosting its flagship summer event since 1869. Back then, local ranchers brought their horses and other livestock for the competition and the winner got a new change of clothes and bragging rights. Today, it’s pure Americana. www.facebook.com/DeerTrailRodeo

PIKES PEAK OR BUST RODEO

JULY 8-12, COLORADO SPRINGS

Rodeo contestants have helped Colorado Springs celebrate its pioneer heritage at this event since 1937. Now held at the Norris Penrose Equestrian Center, the event’s marquee National Finals Rodeo Open attracts more than 200 contestants from all over North America. Up to $1 million in prize money is on the line, so expect to see some of the best in the business. www.pikespeakorbust.org

GRANBY RODEO SATURDAYS

FROM JUNE 7-JULY 27 AND JULY 4-6, GRANBY

Held at the Flying Heels Arena since 1969, this event spans late spring and early summer weekends with weekly junior and open rodeos. Each rodeo day includes special events like the Motorcycle Barrel Race that’s been a Granby Rodeo tradition for decades. www.granbyrodeo.com

EVERGREEN RODEO

JUNE 14-15, EVERGREEN

Established in 1966, this Father’s Day weekend event includes a Saturday morning parade and PRCA competitions after a kickoff party at the one and only Little Bear on Friday night. www.evergreenrodeo.com

HIGH COUNTRY STAMPEDE RODEO

SATURDAYS FROM JULY 5-AUGUST 16, FRASER

Featuring seven themed events on summer Saturdays, the High Country Stampede is a Grand County tradition. Each night features a barbecue dinner and ice cream, and the Sponsor Appreciation Night (July 26) concludes with a country-and-western dance. www.highcountrystampederodeo.com

GREELEY STAMPEDE

JUNE 25-JULY 6, GREELEY

One of the West’s largest and oldest rodeos, the Greeley Stampede attracts around 500,000 spectators every summer. Beyond the rodeo, there are concerts, parades, an art show, and a demolition derby. More than $500,000 in prize money is available to the winners.

www.greeleystampede.org

DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR & RODEO

JULY 25-AUGUST 3, CASTLE ROCK

With four rodeos that are part of the PRCA’s Playoff Series, the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo has been going strong since 1918. The weeklong event also features a carnival and Friday night concert.

www.douglascountyfairandrodeo.com

Colorado State Fair photos by Steve Bryant

TOAST TO SPRI

A quick look at some of the best upcoming celebrations of beer, wine and spirits

COLORADO WINE WALK

APRIL 13, DENVER

Blanchard Family Wines hosts the next Colorado Wine Walk on Sunday, April 13, at Denver’s Dairy Block. At least 10 local wineries pour samples at the daylong event, which also includes live music and gourmet food samples.

The early session starts at 11 a.m., and a separate afternoon session starts at 3 p.m. Tickets for either session cost $50, and VIP packages are available, including access to a wine and chocolate pairing class.

COLLABORATION FEST

APRIL 19, WESTMINSTER

Every beer at Collaboration Fest is an exclusive blend crafted just for the festival. Every participating brewery collaborates with at least one other craft brewery on a specialty beer, and creative minds can really get wild when they get together. Attendees can expect uniquely delicious brews from hundreds of breweries.

CHALK LINES AND VINES

MAY 34, AURORA

A spring wine and chalk art festival returns to the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. At least 15 Colorado wineries will pour samples while live chalk artists create fresh and limited-time masterpieces. The event also features live music, local vendors, food trucks, games, and opportunities to paint and sip. Daily generaladmission tickets cost $40, and VIP tickets also are available, including food, VIP parking, private restrooms and more.

PINTS, POOLS AND PADDLES

MAY 911, PAGOSA SPRINGS

The 10th Annual Pints, Pools, and Paddles Craft Brew Festival brings craft beer, geothermal soaking and riverside fun to the Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs. The event opens Friday with a beer, chocolate and cheese tasting hosted by Riff Raff Brewery. Saturday brings a day of soaking while watching the Pagosa Paddle whitewater races, followed by samples of craft beer from Colorado, New Mexico and beyond.

SIP INTO SPRING

MAY 17, PALISADE

The Orchard River View outdoor event center hosts a party in May, with Colorado wine, food, art and music. The venue is surrounded by orchards and vineyards, and offers a great view of the Bookcliffs. The event also is a fundraiser for the Food Bank of the Rockies, which also provides volunteers for the festival.

Photo courtesy of Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival

NG DRINKS FESTIVALS

CREEKSIDE BEER FEST

MAY 2425, BOULDER

At least 20 breweries, cideries and seltzer makers will pour samples during two days of tastings. The festival is part of the Boulder Creek Festival, a celebration of live music, art battles, food, family fun and more over Memorial Day weekend.

MANITOU SPRINGS WINE FESTIVAL

JUNE 7, MANITOU SPRINGS

Unlimited samples of exclusively Colorado-made wine, mead and glogg are available, alongside live music and food trucks on June 7 at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs. General admission tickets are available for $65, with an extra 90 minutes of sampling and other perks for an additional $25. Tickets include a tasting glass and sixbottle wine tote bag.

LAKE DILLON BEER FESTIVAL

JUNE 7, DILLON

The Colorado Brewers Guild starts the summer season in Dillon by inviting more than 30 Colorado breweries to the beautiful shores of Lake Dillon. The event also has live music and food.

BELGIAN BREW FEST

JUNE 7, DENVER

Bruz Beers specializes in Belgian beer styles, going back to the motherland each year to tour breweries, sample beers and learn more about traditional methods and styles. Every summer since 2017, they have also hosted a festival for their fellow breweries with Belgian-style beers. Tickets include unlimited pours of dozens of renowned Belgian beers from around the world.

VAIL CRAFT BEER CLASSIC

JUNE 1314, VAIL

The 9th Vail Craft Beer Classic in Vail Village includes unlimited tastings of beer, seltzers, and spirits, as well as food trucks and live music. Attendees also vote for their favorite breweries, which compete for the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice “Best Beer of Summer” awards.

FOOD & WINE CLASSIC

JUNE 2022, ASPEN

Back for a 42nd time, the “unofficial kick-off to the summer” is a deep dive in gourmet food and fine wine. In addition to wine and spirits tastings, the festival consists of cooking demonstrations, seminars and panel discussions led by world-class chefs and beverage experts. Presenters include Emmy-winning TV chef Andrew Zimmern, sommelier and podcaster Amanda McCrossin, wine and spirits writer Anthony Giglio and many more.

REDS, WHITES & BREWS IN THE BOAT

JUNE, TBD, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Breweries and wineries take over Yampa Street in Steamboat Springs for an afternoon in June. The event also includes live music, food and vendors. Advance tickets cost $45, including a collector’s cup and unlimited tastings. VIP tickets also are available, and ticket prices increase the day of the event.

KEYSTONE BACON & BOURBON FESTIVAL

JUNE 2223, KEYSTONE

Well-crafted bacon and bourbon are two of life’s decadent and delicious delights. Both are plentiful at this festival, where attendees sample Colorado whiskies, bacon and bacon-inspired cuisine. Families are welcome, with live music, competitions and Camp Bacon activities and classes for kids. One-day bacon, beer and bourbon tickets cost $75. Food passes cost $30. Kids’ packages, family four-packs, and individual food and drink tickets also are available.

Photo courtesy of

Vail Craft Beer Classic

Photo courtesy of Creekside Beer Fest

Photo courtesy of Colorado Wine Walk

SPRING EVENTS GUIDE

“MEAN GIRLS,” Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, March 3-5

Craft Beverage Lovers, Rejoice! VisitCOS.com/craft-brews

Handcrafted brews are a specialty in Colorado Springs. Here, you’ll find local lovers of spirits breaking the mold with small-batch, hand-crafted drinks at distilleries throughout the region. Beer aficionados can find their paradise at one of more than 30 craft breweries, each creating their own unique concoctions. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a happy hour, support a veteran-owned business or find the perfect pint, Colorado Springs has you covered.

MARCH

“‘NIGHT, MOTHER,” Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, through March 9

“THE RESERVOIR,” Singleton Theatre, Denver, through March 9

“THE SUFFRAGETTE’S MURDER,” Kilstrom Theatre, Denver, through March 9 “GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL!,” Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, through May 4

COLORADO NEW PLAY SUMMIT, Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex, Denver, March 1-2

DENVER YOUNG ARTISTS ORCHESTRA, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, March 2

LETTUCE WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Mission Ballroom, Denver, March 2

LARRY & JOE, Lakewood Cultural Center, March 2

“DIRTY DANCING IN CONCERT,” Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 4

TERENCE BLANCHARD, Community Concert Hall, Durango, March 5

TELLURIDE FRINGE FESTIVAL, Michael D. Palm Theatre, March 5-9

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 6

LAKEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Lakewood Cultural Center, March 6

LONE TREE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: “BOLDLY GO,” Lone Tree Arts Center, March 7

JAKE LEG WITH MARTIN GILMORE, The Colorado Chautauqua, Boulder, March 7

BAROQUE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF COLORADO, Lakewood Cultural Center, March 7-8

THE TEXAS TENORS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, March 7-8

COLORADO SYMPHONY: MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, March 7-9

COLORADO BALLET: “ALICE (IN WONDERLAND),” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, March 7-16

DENVER RESTAURANT WEEK, March 7-16

HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 8

FIRKIN FEST, Ivywild School Gym, Colorado Springs, March 8

THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS, Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, March 8

CHAIN STATION, The Colorado Chautauqua, Boulder, March 8

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT, Lone Tree Arts Center, March 8

“DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL,” Newman Center, Denver, March 8-9

HERITAGE IRISH STEPDANCERS PRESENT “THE LAST DRAGON OF IRELAND,” Lakewood Cultural Center, March 9

ALTAN, Lone Tree Arts Center, March 9

TAKÁCS QUARTET, Grusin Music Hall, Boulder, March 9-10

YACHT ROCK REVUE, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 11

DANCEASPEN, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, March 12

YAMATO: THE DRUMMERS OF JAPAN, Lone Tree Arts Center, March 12

COLORADO SYMPHONY: DENVER YOUNG ARTISTS ORCHESTRA SIDE-BY-SIDE, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, March 12

ANJELAH JOHNSON-REYES, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 12

NURSE JOHN, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, March 13

CANYON CONCERT BALLET: “THE CRUCIBLE,” Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, March 13-15

BOULDER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, various venues, March 13-16

NATALIE CRESSMAN & IAN FAQUININ, The Colorado Chautauqua, Boulder, March 14

G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE, Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge, March 14

“THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE,” Macky Auditorium, Boulder, March 14-16

COLORADO DRAGON BOAT FILM FESTIVAL, Sie Film Center, Denver, March 14-16

“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF,” Lakewood Cultural Center, March 14-30

FROZEN DEAD GUY DAYS, Estes Park Events Complex, March 15

AMERICAN AUTHORS, Community Concert Hall, Durango, March 15

DENVER BRASS: CELTIC AWAKENING, Newman Center, Denver, March 15-16

DVORAK 6, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, March 15-16

COLORADO SYMPHONY: THE FOUR SEASONS WITH AVI AVITAL, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, March 15-16

“DOWNSTATE,” Curious Theatre, Denver, March 15-April 20

RAGGED UNION & TAARKA, The Colorado Chautauqua, Boulder, March 16

PARSONS DANCE, Lone Tree Arts Center, March 16

SPRING EVENTS GUIDE

“LIFE OF PI,” Buell Theatre, Denver, March 18-30

KEVIN NEALON, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 21

KATHLEEN MADIGAN, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, March 21

STAVROS HALKIAS, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, March 21

KILLERS OF KILL TONY, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, March 21

DENVER MARCH POWWOW, Denver Coliseum, March 21-23

BOULDER BALLET: REVIVED, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, March 21-23

COLORADO SYMPHONY: BEETHOVEN’S SEVENTH SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, March 21-24

“THE KITCHEN WITCHES,” Longmont Performing Arts Center, March 21-30

ELI WEST & ANDY MANN, The Colorado Chautauqua, Boulder, March 22

SKI FOR THE NSCD (NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER FOR THE DISABLED), Winter Park, March 22

“THE MINUTES,” The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, March 22-April 19

JOHN CRIST, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, March 28

MANIA: THE ABBA TRIBUTE, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 28

DURANGO CELTIC FESTIVAL, Community Concert Hall, Durango, March 28-29

DRAGONS & MYTHICAL BEASTS, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, March 29

VOCTAVE: THE CORNER OF BROADWAY & MAIN STREET, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, March 30

BOULDER PHILHARMONIC: RACHMANINOFF & STRAVINSKY, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, March 30

COLORADO SYMPHONY: AN AFTERNOON WITH THE DENVER ZOO, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, March 30

APRIL

‘NARUTO,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, April 1

SÄJE, Newman Center, Denver, April 2

JARABE MEXICANO, Community Concert Hall, Durango, April 2

“LABYRINTH” IN CONCERT, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, April 3

DENVER JAZZ FEST, various venues, April 3-6

“BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY,” Lone Tree Arts Center, April 3-13

ZIKR DANCE ENSEMBLE, Lakewood Cultural Center, April 4

SPRING POPS: FANTASTIC TALES, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, April 4

Visit ThirstColorado.com for more calendar listings. Email your upcoming event listings to joe@thirstcolorado.com.

BOOTLEGGER’S BASH, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, April 4-5

COLORADO SYMPHONY: CARMINA BURANA, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, April 4-6

DENVER BRASS: ECHOES IN TIME, St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, Denver, April 5

COLORADO SYMPHONY PRESENTS MINI MÚSICA: THE THREE LITTLE PIGS, Lakewood Cultural Center, April 5

DENVER RAMEN FESTIVAL, Stockyards Event Center, Denver, April 5

SAN JUAN SYMPHONY, Community Concert Hall, Durango, April 5

TAKÁCS QUARTET, Lakewood Cultural Center, April 5

ILLUMINATE, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, April 6

WINDBORNE, The Colorado Chautauqua, Boulder, April 6

JULIA KEEFE INDIGENOUS BIG BAND, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, April 6

DENVER BRASS: ECHOES IN TIME, St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Denver, April 6

ROCKY MOUNTAIN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY, Lakewood Cultural Center, April 6

JUDY COLLINS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, April 7

JULIA KEEFE INDIGENOUS BIG BAND, Newman Center, Denver, April 8

“THE WIZ,” Buell Theatre, Denver, April 8-26

VIEUX FARKA TOURÉ, Belly Up, Aspen, April 9

CIRQUE MECHANICS, Community Concert Hall, Durango, April 9

VIEUX FARKA TOURÉ, Surf Hotel, Buena Vista, April 10

“THE WHITE CHIP,” Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, April 10-May 4

VIEUX FARKA TOURÉ, Newman Center, Denver, April 11

NATHANIEL RATELIFF WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, April 11-12

“PIPPIN,” Community Concert Hall, Durango, April 11-19

COLORADO BALLET’S “MASTERWORKS,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, April 11-20

“SOMETHING ROTTEN,” Roe Green Theatre, Boulder, April 11-20

“LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS,” Wolf Theatre, Denver, April 11-May 25

PALISADE INTERNATIONAL HONEYBEE FESTIVAL, Town Plaza, April 12

GERSHWIN/RICE, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, April 12-13

COLORADO JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA: NAT AND NATALIE, Lakewood Cultural Center, April 13 SATURDAY, JUNE 14 Noon to 4:30pm | Colorado Springs

SPRING EVENTS GUIDE

IMANI WINDS & BOSTON BRASS, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, April 13

COLORADO WINE WALK, Dairy Block, Denver, April 13

TAKÁCS QUARTET, Grusin Music Hall, Boulder, April 13-14

LAKEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: “LET IT B,” Lakewood Cultural Center, April 17

HUMOR FOR BOOMERS, Lakewood Cultural Center, April 18

HAZEL MILLER & THE COLLECTIVE, The Colorado Chautauqua, Boulder, April 18

OUR PLANET LIVE WITH DAN TAPSTER, Lone Tree Arts Center, April 18

GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, April 17-19

GISELLE, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, April 18-20

COLLABORATION FEST, The Westin Westminster, April 19

THE GOSPEL SIDE OF ELVIS, Lakewood Cultural Center, April 19

“THE SLEEPING BEAUTY,” Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, April 19

BRASS & BREWS WITH THE BOULDER PHILHARMONIC, Wild Provisions, Boulder, April 22

CARLY PEARCE, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, April 22

MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, April 24

“BIG FISH,” Music Theatre, Boulder, April 24-27

SCRAP ARTS MUSIC, Lone Tree Arts Center, April 25

DAVID SEDARIS, Community Concert Hall, Durango, April 25

COLORADO SYMPHONY WITH GABRIELA MONTERO, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, April 25-27

“THE HOT WING KING,” Kilstrom Theatre, Denver, April 25-May 25

MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, April 26

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE LIVE! 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, April 26

BALLET ARIEL: A NIGHT IN SPAIN - CARMEN SUITE & THREE CORNERED HAT, Lakewood Cultural Center, April 26-27

SUNSATION, Copper Mountain, April 26-27

DENVER CONCERT BAND, Lone Tree Arts Center, April 27

“THE ADDAMS FAMILY,” Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, April 29-May 1

SERIESFEST, Sie Film Center, Denver, April 29-May 4

MAY

PATTI LUPONE, Newman Center, Denver, May 2

MATT MATTHEWS, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, May 2

COLORADO SYMPHONY: “THE PLANETS,” Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, May 2-4

“THE ADDAMS FAMILY,” Buell Theatre, Denver, May 2-4

MONSTER JAM, Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, May 2-4

“BABY,” Longmont Performing Arts Center, May 2-11

TCHAIKOVSKY’S “ROMEO AND JULIET,” The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, May 3

GRIFFIN HOUSE, The Colorado Chautauqua, Boulder, May 3

DUSTY SLAY, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 3

CHALK LINES AND VINES, Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, Aurora, May 3-4

ILUMINAR AERIAL, Lakewood Cultural Center, May 3-4

PATTI LUPONE, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, May 4

SETH WALKER, The Colorado Chautauqua, Boulder, May 4

“THE BOOK OF MORMON,” Buell Theatre, Denver, May 6-18

VOICEQUEST LIVE, Lakewood Cultural Center, May 8

“EXHIBIT,” Curious Theatre, Denver, May 8-25

LONE TREE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: “ROCOCO AND RHYTHMS,” Lone Tree Arts Center, May 9

MARCUS KING BAND, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, May 9

“STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE” IN CONCERT, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 9-10

PINTS, POOLS AND PADDLES, The Springs Resort, Pagosa Springs, May 9-11

“AGNES OF GOD,” The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, May 9-24

CHANTE MOORE, Lone Tree Arts Center, May 10 THE DOO WOP PROJECT, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 12

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, May 13

LAMAR DAYS, downtown Lamar, May 16-17

BOULDER BALLET: QUEEN OF HEARTS, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, May 16-18

DENVER BRASS: SKETCHES OF COURAGE, Parker United Methodist Church, May 17

STREET CORNER SYMPHONY, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, May 17

SIP INTO SPRING, Orchard River View, Palisade, May 17

“MADAMA BUTTERFLY,” Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 17-18

DENVER BRASS: SKETCHES OF COURAGE, Bethany Lutheran Church, Denver, May 18

LAKEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Lakewood Cultural Center, May 22

INSIDIOUS: THE FURTHER YOU FEAR, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 22

COLORADO REMEMBERS, Colorado Freedom Memorial, Aurora, May 24

MEADOWGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL, La Foret Conference Center, Colorado Springs, May 24-26

TERRITORY DAYS, Old Colorado City, May 25-27

COLORADO SYMPHONY WITH AUGUSTIN HADELICH, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, May 30-June 1

TOAST: THE ULTIMATE BREAD EXPERIENCE, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, May 31

OUTSIDE FESTIVAL, Civic Center Park, Denver, May 31-June 1

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.

Edgewater Music Festival

CARVING IT UP IN CRAIG Shaping works of art at Whittle the Wood Rendezvous

Story by David Young

Photos by Andy Bockelman

hen searching for something fun and unusual to take in this summer, look no further than Craig’s annual Whittle the Wood Rendezvous Some of the best professional wood carvers from the region work their magic in front of visitors in the northwest Colorado town.

use

The gathering takes place in June at Loudy-Simpson Park , where the carvers will use their skills to create new life from dead trees.

From practical beginnings, the Rendezvous has grown into a popular town gathering. It started when trees in the town’s City Park began dying and needed to be removed. Rather than just ripping and chipping the dead tree stumps, local leaders decided to commission works of art.

gathering. It started when trees in the town’s City Park began dying and needed but

Now, 25 years later, the city has moved the gathering to Loudy-Simpson (in 2012) but it’s still providing the setting for artists to carve up unique wood creations. Over the years, the city has added a few more attractions to the shindig.

2025 event was still in the planning stages, but the prior year’s event is a great

Earlier this spring, Parks and Recreation director Ryan Dennison said the 2025 event was still in the planning stages, but the prior year’s event is a great indication of what visitors can expect to see this June.

“Whittle the Wood Rendezvous is a competitive wood carving competition, held in Craig,” Dennison said in an email. “Professional carvers take dead tree stumps and make incredible works of art from them.”

Each year new tree stumps are hauled into the park, creating a blank canvas for the whittlers to work with. Carvers can win $5,000 for a first-place finish.

fun for the entire family. In addition to the whittlers, expect lots of food, a beer

Whittle the Wood runs Thursday through Saturday, June 19-21 and features fun for the entire family. In addition to the whittlers, expect lots of food, a beer garden, craft vendors selling their wares and live music.

There are three different categories in which the wood carvers compete: Judge’s Choice, People’s Choice, and Artist’s Choice. The competition brings together an impressive gathering of artists such as award-winning carver Chad Stratton, who has joined the competition for 17 years.

Throughout that three-day period, carvers use chainsaws, grinders, sanders, and other finishing tools. Visitors can watch the work in real-time and witness a wood carver’s vision come to life. Standout pieces have included likenesses of eagles, bears and even rams.

Finished pieces can be viewed in public spaces around the city. Some residents also have art from the Rendezvous in their yards.

In previous years, the event has included a “Wake the Whittler” 5K Run and Fun Walk, and a Bear River Young Life car show, which takes place in Craig’s historic downtown district. Leave the pups at home for this one, as there are no dogs permitted in the park during the event.

The event is free to the public and Dennison hopes to include additional family activities for this year’s gathering.

CHECK IT OUT

What: Whittle The Wood Rendezvous

When: June 19-21

Where: Loudy-Simpson Park,

600 S. Ranney Street - Craig Cost: Free

Website: whittlethewood.com/home

A SPIN THROUGH TIME

The tale of the tenacious Kit Carson County Carousel

Story and

Tby Malena Larsen

here isn’t much you can get for 25 cents in today’s world. But in Burlington, you can experience a piece of history for just that.

The small town on the eastern border of the state is home to the Kit Carson County Carousel, a National Historic Landmark. All you need is a quarter to take a nostalgic spin.

The carousel that’s nestled within the Kit Carson County Fairgrounds is also known as PCT#6, as it was the sixth carousel built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PCT).

“This carousel is 119 years old this year,” carousel tour guide Kim Driscoll announces to the group of parents, children, a few stragglers, and me.

This carousel’s home wasn’t always Burlington. Originally, it was purchased by Elitch Gardens in Denver and operated there from 1905 to 1927. When Elitch Gardens upgraded to a carousel with animals that jumped rather than remaining stationary, they sold the PCT#6 to Kit Carson County in 1928 for $1,200.

This was a steep price for the time, and it cost the county commissioners who approved the purchase their jobs. They made the decision without the support of the community, which felt the purchase was frivolous. None of the three men were ever re-elected.

“That $1,200 purchased the 46 animals and four chariots that you still see on the carousel to this day,” Driscoll shares. “There are 46 oil paintings encompassing the inner workings of the carousel.”

Within those intricately painted walls is a 1902, 10-horsepower General Electric induction motor. Despite its age, the motor has never been replaced or rebuilt.

Not every piece of the carousel remains as it was originally. It was not operational between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression, when the space was repurposed to store wheat and grain.

“If you know anything about wheat and grain,” says Driscoll, “it brings in mice, rats, pigeons—the whole nine yards.”

In 1936, the carousel was cleaned up and brought back into operation. However, the pests had chewed up the tubing that kept the organ working, so a record player was used instead. It wasn’t until 1976 that the organ was fully restored.

“You’ll be listening to a 1909 Wurlitzer Monster Military Band Organ as we go around,” Driscoll says. The Monster Military Band

Organ contains 255 pipes, including bass and snare drums and cymbals.

In addition to the organ, there have been other restorations and updates to the carousel, including the oil paintings, the paint on the animals, and the building that surrounds it. The restoration was completed in 2001.

During the restoration efforts, the carousel faced further challenges. In May 1981, repairmen discovered that three of its horses and a donkey had been stolen. The animals were later recovered from a warehouse in Salina, Kansas, several months later, and two people were charged in connection with the theft. The stolen animals were returned to the carousel in a horse trailer.

Rehoming, restorations, theft, pest infestations, the Great Depression, taxpayer doubt—the Kit Carson County Carousel has faced numerous trials. Yet today, it stands vibrant, restored, lively, and loved.

“It’s special to me,” Driscoll shares. “I grew up here in Burlington; I grew up riding the carousel.”

Take a trip to eastern Colorado through rolling hills and vibrant fields of sunflowers, corn, and wheat to discover this unexpected treasure. The PCT#6 carousel can be ridden, and the museum is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a dollar to explore the museum, and 25 cents to enjoy a ride on the carousel.

photos

Color photos courtesy of City of Blackhawk; black and white photos courtesy of the Gilpin Historical Society

IT’S NO GAMBLE

Fill up a day or two with Gilpin County’s outdoor adventures, history, food and booze

By the Thirst Colorado Team

After 166 years, people still flock to Gilpin County with hopes of striking it rich. While few people are searching for gold in the mountainsides, as they did starting in 1859, adventurers visit the tiny county for a number of reasons beyond the poker tables.

County and city leaders have wagered that visitor interests extend well beyond the popular casinos.

Recreation, arts, food, libations and history have become an important part of the mix in the state’s second smallest county by land size (only the city and county of Broomfield is smaller). A large chunk of that land was opened up to hikers and mountain bikers in 2020: The Maryland Mountain Quartz Valley Open Space Park is a few miles north of Black Hawk and features the Hidden Treasure Trailhead.

The true upside of the park — in addition to its natural beauty and Front Range views — is a trail system that accommodates those looking for a quick, easy walk, as well as those planning a morning of intense mountain biking. Miles of trails zigzag up the mountain, and a trail map should be a part of the hike or ride for first-timers. While on the mountain, visitors can spend 30 minutes walking the Historic Gilpin Tramway Trail with little elevation gain. Or gear up for the Summit Trail that ascends about 1,000 feet while covering 1.3 miles, one way.

For a more refined experience, the Central City Opera’s season runs during June, July and early August. Built in 1878, the Opera House is the place to experience the fifth oldest opera company in the U.S. The season launches June 28 with “Barber of Seville.” Next

door, the historic Teller House Hotel, which opened in 1872, features the Face on the Barroom Floor and a fun Victorian vibe. Decide for yourself if you like Baby Doe Tabor’s taste in Victorian furnishings. Some of it is on display.

Although some would prefer to self guide their own tour of the area, others might want to hit up the Gilpin Historical Society, which offers inexpensive tours with guides who will provide some of the rich history of the area and its famous and infamous characters.

When one day of fun isn’t enough, plenty of rooms are available at The Ameristar Black Hawk, the Monarch Casino Resort Spa, The Lodge Casino and several other locations with gambling on the premises. The Monarch’s spa was ranked No. 2 by USA Today readers/voters in 2024.

And if mundane beers and drinks aren’t your thing, try out some of the locally produced offerings at Dostal Alley Casino & Brew Pub. The owners are local, they make great pizzas and even use local hops to make at least one of their flagship beers. Or, seek out some 1859 Vodka, made just up the hill from downtown Black Hawk at the Rick Thomas Distillery. The distillery, which opened in 2023, also is barreling its own whiskey.

Because the towns of Central City and Black Hawk offer gambling and a more pampered experience, it’s easy to forget the unincorporated town of Rollinsville, which is about 14 miles north of Black Hawk on the Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway. It has a few businesses, including Toss: Wood Fired Eatery, Howlin Wind Brewing & Blending, and the Gold Dirt Distillery. Camping, hiking, fishing and other outdoor fun surround Rollinsville. The nearby Moffet Tunnel provides access to skiers who have hopped aboard the Amtrak Winter Park Express train. Hikers can park near the tunnel to access miles of trails in the James Peak Wilderness, including the Continental Divide Trail, South Boulder Creek Trail and the Forest Lakes Trail.

Discover

GILPIN COUNTY’S RICH PAST

Hit the mother lode of history in Central City, known as “The Richest Square Mile” in its gold rush days. See the Mountain Submarine at the Gilpin History Museum and tour historic buildings including the famous Teller House and Central City Opera House.

gilpinhistory.org • 303-582-5283

228 E 1st High St • Central City, CO

Financial Clarity & Direction From a Team You Can Trust

Michael Mullen, CFP®, CRPS®, CRPC® Executive Financial Advisor Osaic Institutions, Inc. mmullen.bcu nancial@bellco.org 303-367-9768

Plant the Seeds of a Stronger Financial Future

Osaic Institutions financial professionals are located at select Bellco Credit Union branches. Convenient access to a variety of investment services located right at your local branch. Michael Mullen is located at the following branches: 120th & Huron, Clifton, Grand Junction, and Thornton

FOLLOW THE NORTH STAR TO A PER

FECT STAYCATION IN THE SPRINGS

Story and photos by Brianna Corrine

The recent opening of Hotel Polaris at The U.S. Air Force Academy brings about new opportunities to indulge in a staycation in northern Colorado Springs. As the second largest hotel in the city, the location and its neighboring entertainment venues offer plenty of options for some R&R.

Christened on a sunny day last fall — the kind of day that gliders are seen coasting above the Academy — the new destination hotel at the entrance to the Air Force Academy features state-of-the-art amenities and excellent in-house dining choices.

With several bars and restaurants offering unrivaled views, flight simulators that provide guests with an immersive “real-life pilot experience,” and a luxurious spa and fitness center - it would be easy to stay put for an extended stay.

The carefully crafted space is appealing on all fronts, with references to the Air Force Academy’s legacy and culture evident throughout the clever design choices. According to Kevin Barosso, the director of sales and marketing at Hotel Polaris, the space is intended to be a “gathering place for folks” who want to enjoy the area.

Barosso says, “It provides a place for people to go and enjoy the different food and beverage outlets,” regardless of whether visitors are connected with the Air Force. During home football games the hotel is expected to be wildly popular, as well as during the beginning of classes in the fall and at graduation.

“If you’re looking to do a staycation, come spend some time in the spa, use the flight simulators, go for a hike on the Santa Fe trail, or tour the Academy -- there’s just a lot of really nice things to do here,” Barosso points out.

Hotel Polaris

Beyond the hotel that is second largest to The Broadmoor, there are plenty of entertainment options in the surrounding area to spend time unwinding with family and friends.

NORTH COLORADO SPRINGS ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS

Persons of all ages with a plethora of interests can find something to enjoy — all within about 10 minutes of Hotel Polaris along I-25.

For music lovers, Ford Amphitheater offers itself as the perfect venue to catch a show while looking out toward the Air Force Academy as the sun goes down.

Some visitors have described the venue as a small Fiddler’s Green with a great atmosphere. Since opening in early 2024, it has hosted artists OneRepublic, Cage the Elephant and John Fogerty, and is scheduling bands for this year. Expect to see Leon Bridges in May, or if you’re a classic rock fan, schedule your weekend trip for June to see Styx and Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon.

For a more intimate musical experience, visit the Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers, formerly known as the Boot Barn Music Hall. The venue hosts a range of acts and events in their grand space, such as music and comedy, post-show bashes, and more.

Speaking of Bourbon Brothers, the Colorado-based smokehouse and tavern is one of several spots for the foodies

in your group. From a delectable banana pudding to a range of hearty sandwiches and barbecue options, there are many choices available. With southern homestyle cooking as their foundation, Bourbon Brothers likes to elevate classic American staples.

Among other dining options in the area, Notes Eatery offers a unique environment to catch a bite before a concert. The space is inviting to music fans because the walls are adorned with various artists that have entertained Coloradans. The restaurant can be rented for private events, and they offer a jazz brunch buffet on the weekends, so you can enjoy a meal while being treated to a performance by local artists.

For those with time for additional entertainment, the needs of all ages can be met.

• Topgolf is just across I-25 from Hotel Polaris.

• Overdrive Raceway features electric go karts that you can race on two separate tracks. Bites and beverages are also available.

• Air City 360 is an over-the-top in-door adventure park for kids that includes air trampolines, zip lines, dodge ball and an arcade.

• And nearby iFly gives adventurers a chance to skydive at the in-door facility.

• And of course, for those inclined to get out and enjoy nature, there are great trails near the Air Force Academy. Look for the New Santa Fe Trail, Falcon Trail Loop, or Eagle’s Peak Trail.

Ford Amphitheater

10 QUESTIONS ABOUT CANNABIS CULTURE IN 2025

Humor by John Garvey

How quickly things changed. Over the course of only a few months in late 2012 and early 2013, I went from wide-eyed disbelief at the fact that we had actually legalized cannabis by ballot in Colorado to feeling like driving past a dispensary was no more remarkable than driving past a tire shop. Recreational marijuana has been legal in Colorado and California for 13 years now, and 22 other states have since followed suit.

I’ve followed the culture and industry closely over the years, reflecting and writing a lot about how it all reflects on culture and society. Here’s what I’ve been thinking about lately:

1 CAN SOMETHING PROPERLY BE CONSIDERED REBELLIOUS IF PENSIONERS ARE OKAY WITH IT?

Who cares? You’re too old to be rebellious in the way that worked when you were young. The way to be rebellious as an adult is to sabotage a crypto-mining operation. So do that, instead.

2 WAS PEOPLE’S IRRATIONAL DISMAY ABOUT WEED PART OF WHAT MADE IT ENJOYABLE?

Yes. When I was younger, part of the charm of marijuana was that it offended people who had nothing better to do than get offended. And now you run into a lot of those same people in dispensaries.

3HOW MANY ANNUAL CANNABIS SALES ARE DIRECTLY TIED TO MITCH SAYING “HAPPY TUESDAY” AT THE OFFICE?

The need to cope with the banality of corporate life is estimated to drive 74 percent of all marijuana dispensary revenues. In fact, one third of all industry sales are directly attributable to microaggressions on corporate Slack and email accounts.

If you simply eliminated the words “deliverable,” “UX,” “topof-mind,” “EOD,” “level up,” “best in class,” and “engagement” from America’s corporate lexicon, the cannabis industry would probably fail.

4 DOES DESTIGMATIZATION MAKE CANNABIS LESS FUN?

Without the aura of transgression, weed is less fun by a small margin. But being middle aged makes everything less fun by a large margin, so maybe I’m just getting mixed up.

5 IS THERE EVEN A COUNTERCULTURE ANYMORE?

Hippies are investors, liberals are now squares, and traditional journalism is decaying at a rate that should alarm everyone. There has to be a culture for there to be a counterculture.

6 CAN SOMETHING YOUR PARENTS ENJOY BE COOL?

Your parents used to argue with you about legalization. Now your dad gets high with your adult son. This makes you feel like a grandparent. In response, you have started making abstract art.

7 CAN I HIRE A SERVICE THAT WILL SEND PEOPLE OUT MASQUERADING AS COPS SO I FEEL YOUNG AGAIN?

I asked. It is illegal to imitate a cop, unless you’re a stripper, in which case you get a four-minute window.

8

WHY DO I MISS THE FEAR OF TICKETING AND PROSECUTION THAT USED TO PLAGUE ME?

I’m a white guy, so the fear that used to come with smoking weed when it was illegal was right there in the Goldilocks zone. On the handful of occasions I got high before I was in my late 20s, I always knew my choices were upsetting someone: the same someone who set speed traps and looked down his nose at teenagers: The Man. The Man was petty, officious, and talked to me like I was eight years old, so I felt like I was poking a stick in his eye.

That simple pleasure is over. On several occasions since 2012 I’ve passed cops on the sidewalk while high and we just wave to each other. I miss feeling like I was in a game of cat and mouse.

Pretty sick stuff, but it’s true.

That naturally brings me to my next question:

9 WHERE CAN I GET WEED THAT HAS THAT NOSTALGIC SKUNKY SMELL WITH FAINT NOTES OF GASOLINE?

Scent is the sense most strongly tied to memory, and for some adult consumers, I suspect, the distinct smells of illegal weed from bygone years would really tug on their heartstrings. There has to be a market for middle-age adult cannabis consumers who miss smoking illegal weed.

10 ARE VAPE CARTRIDGES AS BAD AS SINGLE-USE PLASTICS?

The use of vape pens and cartridges is unambiguously harmful to both public health and the environment. We shouldn’t be using these products.

Embrace the minor inconveniences of smoking flower. It’s better for you because it has a natural moderating effect on your own use. It’s better for the environment. Seriously, if one person who reads this stops using vape cartridges that are helping to poison our water and soil, it will make the entire article worthwhile.

(BONUS QUESTION) AM I TOO OLD TO BELIEVE IN THE WEED FAIRY?

I wrote an article a year ago about the relationship between cannabis and creativity, in which I largely deferred to the literature on the topic over my own experience. My conclusion was that cannabis is, at best, overrated as a creative stimulant. But when the Weed Fairy tells me to do something, I listen. If she tells me to run five miles, I run five miles. If she tells me to make abstract art, that’s what I do. If she tells me to play a Gregory Alan Isakov song on guitar, I obey.

No, I am not too old to believe in the Weed Fairy.

Pollard Food and Beverage Manager, Meow Wolf

Age: 36

What do you love about your job? I love the everlasting creativity that we get to embody while working in such a unique environment. I love that we have such creative freedom when it comes to food and drink and that we are forever growing into a space that travelers love to come to.

What is the hardest part of your job? Having to leave it all behind when I leave to go home. Its hard to separate my life with Meow Wolf versus my home life because it holds so much of my passion. What gets you out of bed in the morning? The thought of another day of being creative in the world. I get the opportunity to help people and to guide them in different ways. One being that of the space station that I work in and the other being a part of such a beautiful and flourishing community of people.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I am attempting to learn to play the violin. It is one

Age: 36

What do you love about your job? That it’s a perfect blend between art and science! Winemaking to me is a series of educated guesses. Chemistry can give me hard numbers to evaluate a wine with, and bench trials can give me an idea of what effect an action can have, but wine is not a recipe that can be followed. It must be tended to, and gently nudged in the right direction at the right times.

What is the hardest part of your job? Pushing through the long hours of wine festival season, harvest and fermentations.

of my favorite instruments that holds such a sweet spot in my heart. What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? My favorite staycation would be a cabin in a wooded area where I can go to or hear running water and take a hike. I love being outside with nature and Colorado gives you the option and opportunity to choose which scenery you want to be around. Whether that be lush trees and rivers or rocky spaces, it is all just so beautiful.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? I would be remiss if I did not say Sips (With a Z) is my favorite place to eat and drink. It has such a vibe to it that even on my days off, I would love to be in that space and share the experience within.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? Striving to make some of the best Colorado/Cold-Hardy varietal wine, and knowing that I’m building a legacy that I hope my kids want to continue on this 5th generation farm.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I’m a sucker for a good espresso martini. What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why? Trappers Lake above Meeker. It’s secluded and close to where I grew up. It’s also at the base of the Flat Tops with tons of backpacking and natural lakes to fish.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Chez Maggy in Denver. It’s my go-to spot if I’m in Denver and craving French cuisine!

Kristi Arzola Owner, Fine Art by Kristi Arzola LLC and Art Circle, LLC

Age: 41

What do you love about your job? I love the ability to create beautiful paintings that start with nothing but an idea. The challenge of painting something realistically, whether it’s a moment, person, or pet for a customer, is something I thrive on. I’m also passionate about inspiring others to try watercolor painting, whether they’re children or adults, through teaching. Additionally, I’m incredibly proud of the impact I’ve made in the community by organizing outdoor art festivals.

What is the hardest part of your job? The hardest part is definitely wearing multiple hats. Owning a creative business means I’m not just the artist—I’m also the marketing department, graphic designer, web developer, social media manager, accountant, and customer service representative. However, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? My family. I have a 10-year-old son, and I made the decision to leave the corporate world to be there for him. To make that possible, I needed a job with flexible hours that allowed me to work from home. I have a bachelor’s in fine art, and I want my son to see that hard work and dedication to any craft can lead to living your dream.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? In between my years as an artist, I unexpectedly found myself working in the aerospace industry for several years as a training developer and instructor. My creativity allowed me to excel in developing engaging training materials and courses. I was able to combine my artistic skills with a clear, methodical approach to communication.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Why?My family is passionate about the outdoors and loves spending time by the water. We’ve been avid RV campers for years, and one of our favorite spots is Horsetooth Lake. If we could live by the lake, have a boat, go fishing, paddleboarding and kayaking with the water as our backdrop, we’d be in paradise.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Echo Brewing and Pizzeria is a local favorite of ours. Their brick oven pizza is unmatched, and I particularly love their craft beer, the Paddleboard Barrel Aged Peach Pale Ale. Another favorite is Blake’s Taphouse in Broomfield.

Levi

Lee LaNoue Owner/Winemaker at LaNoue DuBois Winery

Little Shop of Horrors

Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman

Music by Alan Menken

Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith

Directed by Chris Coleman

BREWERIES

DENVER

BAKER/SOUTH BROADWAY

Baere Brewing Co ●

Banded Oak Brewing Co ●

Burns Family Artisan Ales

Denver Beer Co ●

Monolith Brewing ● Novel Strand Brewing Co ●

Platt Park Brewing Co ●

The Post Chicken and Beer ● Public Offering Brewing ●

Ratio Beerworks ● TRVE Brewing Co

CAPITOL HILL/E COLFAX/ PARK HILL

4 Noses Brewing Co ●

Bruz Off Fax ● ● Cerebral Brewing ● ●

Crazy Mountain Brewery

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 ●

SweetWater Mountain Taphouse ●

FIVE POINTS

Spangalang Brewery ●

Woods Boss Brewing ● ●

LODO / BALLPARK

Cervecería Colorado

Denver Beer Co ●

Denver Chophouse & Brewery ●

Full Frame Beer

Great Divide Brewing Co ● ●

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 ● Raices Brewing Co

Seedstock Brewery ● ● Strange Craft Beer Co ● ●

Tivoli Brewing ● Zuni St. Brewing Co ● ●

NORTHEAST DENVER

Danico Brewing ● FlyteCo Tower ●

River North Wash. St. Taproom ● Wanderment Brewing

NORTHWEST DENVER

Amalgam Brewing

Berkeley Alley Beer Co.

Bruz Beers ● ● Call to Arms Brewing Co ●

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project

Diebolt Brewing Co ● ●

The Empourium Brewing Co

FlyteCo Brewing ● Goldspot Brewing Co ● ●

The Grateful Gnome ● ● Hogshead Brewery ●

Prost Brewing Co. & Biergarten●

RINO

Altitude Brewing & Supply

Bierstadt Lagerhaus ●

Black Shirt Brewing Co

Blue Moon Brewing Co ● ●

Brew Dog Denver ● Cohesion Brewing Co ● Dewey Beer Co

Great Divide Brewing Co ● ● Left Hand Brewing Co ●

New Belgium - The Woods at the Source

Odell Brewing Co

Our Mutual Friend

Ratio Beerworks ● River North Brewery

SOUTHEAST DENVER

Bull and Bush Brewery ● ● Comrade Brewing ● comradebrewing.com

720.748.0700

Copper Kettle Brewing Co

SOUTHWEST DENVER

Black Sky Brewery ● Chain Reaction Brewing Co ●

DENVER SUBURBS

ARVADA

Denver Beer Co

LUKI Brewery

New Image Brewing ● Odyssey Beerwerks ● ●

Resolute Brewing Tap & Cellar ● SomePlace Else Brewery

Spice Trade Brewing at Yak & Yeti ●

Stay Tuned Brewing

COLORADO CRAFT

AURORA

A Bit Twisted Brewpub ●

Bent Barley Brewing Co

BJ’s ●

Cerebral Brewing ● ●

Cheluna Brewing Co

Dry Dock Brewing Co ●

Launch Pad Brewery ●

Mileau Fermentation

Second Dawn Brewing

Six Capital Brewing & BBQ ●

BRIGHTON

Big Choice Brewing

Floodstage Ale Works ●

Something Brewery ●

BROOMFIELD

4 Noses Brewing Co ●

Rails End Beer Co ● ● Wonderland Brewing Co ● ●

CASTLE ROCK

105 West Brewing Co ●

The Elizabeth Brewing Co ●

Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse ●

Iron Mule Brewery ● ●

Rockyard Brewing Co ● Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co ●

CENTENNIAL

Bent Barley Brewing Co

Halfpenny Brewing Co ● ●

Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria ●

Resolute Brewing Co

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

Two22 Brew ●

Wild Sky Brewery ● ●

EDGEWATER/WHEAT RIDGE

Barquentine Brewing Co

Brewery Rickoli ● Colorado Plus Brew Pub ●

Joyride Brewing Co ● Mestizo Brew Cantina ● New Image Brewing

ENGLEWOOD AREA

Breckenridge Brewery Ale & Games ● Brewability Lab ● ●

Downhill Brewing ● ●

Lady Justice Brewing

Sanitas Brewing II ●

FREDERICK

Mirror Image Brewing Co ●

GOLDEN

Barrels and Bottles Brewery ●

Cannonball Creek Brewing Co ●

Coda Brewing

Coors Brewing Co

Golden City Brewery ●

Holidaily Brewing Co

Holidailybrewing.com

303.278.BEER 801 Brickyard Cir., Golden

Mad Macks Brewing

Mountain Toad Brewing ●

New Terrain Brewing ● ● Over Yonder Brewing ●

GREENWOOD VILLAGE Spice Trade Brewing Co

HIGHLANDS RANCH

3 Freaks Brewery ●

Living the Dream Brewing Co ● Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria ● Prost Brewing Co & Biergarten

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

LAKEWOOD

6 and 40 Brewery

BJ’s

Great Frontier Brewing Co ● Green Mountain Beer Co ● Landlocked Ales ● Old 121 Brewhouse ● Westfax Brewing Co ●

LITTLETON AREA

Breckenridge Brewery ● Coal Mine Ave. Brewing Co

Comet Brews ● Denver Beer Co ●

Lariat Lodge Brewing ● Locavore Beer Works

Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria ● Wild Sky Brewery ● ● Zymos Brewing

LONE TREE

Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse ● Lone Tree Brewing Co ●

NORTHGLENN

Prost Brewing Co & Biergarten

PARKER

Downhill Brewing Co ● Fiction Beer Co Chapter Two Lone Tree Brewing ● ● Los Dos Potrillos Cerveceria ●

THORNTON

Mother Tucker Brewery ● ● Satire Brewing Co ● ● WESTMINSTER

BJ’s ● Frolic Brewing Co ● Kokopelli Beer Co ● ● Westminster Brewing Co ● Windfall Brewing Co

BOULDER COUNTY

Bambei Brewing - Superior ●

Echo Brewing Co - Erie ●

Fritz Family Brewers - Niwot

Howlin Wind Brewing and BlendingRollinsville

BOULDER

Asher Brewing Co

Avery Brewing ●

Beyond the Mountain Brewing Co

BJ’s ●

Boulder Social ●

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery ●

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Rocks & Hops Brewing

Sanitas Brewing Co ● ●

Southern Sun ● ●

Twisted Pine Brewing ● ●

Upslope Brewing Co ● ●

Vision Quest Brewing Co ● Wild Provisions Beer Project

LAFAYETTE

Cellar West Artisan Ales ● Mono Mono Brewery ●

Odd 13 Brewing Inc ● ●

The Post Brewing Co ● ● Sanitas Brewing Co ● ●

Westbound and Down Brewing Co

LONGMONT

300 Suns Brewing ●

Bearded Brewer Artisan Ales ● Bootstrap Brewing ● ● Collision Brewing Co ● Großen Bart Brewery ● ●

Knuckle Puck Brewing

Left Hand Brewing Co ● Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse ●

Oskar Blues Brewing ● Outworld Brewing ● ●

The Post Chicken and Beer

Pumphouse Brewery ● Shoes and Brews

Wibby Brewing ●

LOUISVILLE

12Degree Brewing ●

Crystal Springs Brewing Co

Gravity Brewing ● ● ●

Mother Tucker Brewery ●

LYONS

MainStage Brewing - Lyons ● Oskar Blues Grill & Brew - Lyons

NEDERLAND

Busey Brews ● ●

Knotted Root Brewing Co

Very Nice Brewing ●

LIBATIONS LISTINGS

S. FRONT RANGE

BierWerks Brewery - Woodland Park ● ●

Black Forest Brewing Co - Black Forest ●

Black Forest Brewing Co East - Peyton ●

Crafty Canary Brewery - Walsenburg

Florence Brewing - Florence

Funky Town Brewing - Florissant ●

Manitou Brewing - Manitou Springs ●

Mountain Merman Brewing - La Veta ●

Paradox Beer Co - Divide ●

World’s End Brewing Co - Cañon City

COLORADO SPRINGS

Atrevida Beer Co ●

BJ’s ●

Brass Brewing Co ●

Bristol Brewing ●

Cerberus Brewing Co ●

Cogstone Brewing Co ● ●

Colorado Mountain Brewery ●

Dueces Wild Brewery ●

Father & Sons Brewery ● FH Beerworks ●

Fossil Craft Beer Co ●

Goat Patch Brewing Co ●

JAKs Brewing Co ●

Local Relic Artisan Ales ●

Lost Friend Brewing ●

Mash Mechanix Brewing ●

Metric Brewing ●

Nano 108 Brewing Co ●

OCC Brewing

Peaks N Pines Brewing Co ●

Phantom Canyon ● ●

Pikes Peak Brewing Co ● ●

Red Leg Brewing ●

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

Storybook Brewing ●

Trinity Brewing ●

Urban Animal Beer Co

Voodoo Brewing Co ●

Wackadoo Brewing

Westfax Springs

Whistle Pig Brewing Co ● ●

PUEBLO

Brues Alehouse Brewing Co ● ●

Reservoir Brewing Co ● Shamrock Brewing ●

Walter’s Brewery & Taproom ●

N. FRONT RANGE

Bulzomi Brewing - Eaton

Timnath Beerwerks - Timnath ●

BERTHOUD

Berthoud Brewing Co

City Star Brewing ●

ESTES PARK

Avant Garde Aleworks

Estes Park Brewery ●

Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co

The Post Chicken and Beer ● Rock Cut Brewing Co

FORT COLLINS

Anheuser-Busch

BJ’s ●

Breckenridge Brewery

Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing ● DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery ●

Equinox Brewing ● Funkwerks

Gilded Goat Brewing Co ● Hello Brewing Co

Horse & Dragon Brewing Co

Intersect Brewing ● ●

Jessup Farm Barrel House ●

Konstruct Brewing ●

Maxline Brewing ● ●

Mythmaker Brewing ●

New Belgium Brewing Co ● ●

Obstacle Brewing and Grill ●

Odell Brewing Co ● ● Peculier Ales

Pitchers Brewery ● Prost Brewing Co

Purpose Brewing

Rally King Brewing

Ramskeller Brewery ●

Salt Road Brewing

Stodgy Brewing Co ● ●

Timnath Beerwerks Fort Collins

Verboten Brewing Co

Zwei Brewing Co ● ●

GREELEY

Crabtree Brewing ● ●

Northern Colorado Brewhouse (at UNC)

Rule 105 Brewing Co ●

Tightknit Brewing Co ● ●

WeldWerks Brewing Co ●

Wiley Roots Brewing Co ●

Yetters Brewing

LOVELAND

Berthoud Brewing Co

Big Beaver Brewing Co ●

Big Thompson Brewery

Crooked Beech Brewing Co

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse

Loveland Aleworks ● Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

Rock Coast Brewery ●

Sky Bear Brewery and Pub ●

Verboten Brewing Co

WELLINGTON

Deppen Brewing

Old Colorado Brewing ●

Soul Squared Brewing

WINDSOR

High Hops Brewery ● Mash Lab Brewing ●

Mighty River Brewing ● ●

Peculier Ales ● ●

CENTRAL COLORADO

Craft Mountain Brewing Co - Bailey

Elevation Beer Co - Poncha Springs ●

T-Road Brewing Company - Crestone

Two Mile Brewing Co - Leadville ●

BUENA VISTA

Browns Canyon Brewing

Eddyline Brewery ●

FAIRPLAY

HighSide Brewing

South Park Brewing Co ●

SALIDA

Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub ●

Salida Brewing Co

Soulcraft Brewing ●

Tres Litros Beer Co ●

SOUTHWEST

Bottom Shelf Brewery - Bayfield ●

Dolores River Brewery - Dolores ● ●

Lake City Brewing Co - Lake City ●

Mancos Brewing Co - Mancos ●

Spare Keg Brewers - Creede

Three Barrel Brewing Co - Del Norte ●

ALAMOSA

The Colorado Farm Brewery

San Luis Valley Brewing ●

Spare Keg Brewers

CORTEZ

J. Fargo’s Dining & Microbrewery ●

Main Street Brewery & Restaurant ●

WildEdge Brewing Collective ●

DURANGO

Anarchy Brewing

Animas Brewing Co ●

Carver Brewing Co ●

Durango Beer and Ice Company ● ●

Ska Brewing Co ● ●

Steamworks Brewing Co ●

GUNNISON/CRESTED BUTTE

The Eldo Brewpub & Venue ● ●

High Alpine Brewing Co ●

Irwin Brewing Co

Zuni West Brewing

MONTROSE

Colorado Boy Pizzeria & Brewery

Horsefly Brewing Co ● ●

Pomona Brewing Co ●

Shelter Distilling & Brewing

Silver Basin Brewing

OURAY

Colorado Boy Southwest Pub ●

Ouray Brewery ●

PAGOSA SPRINGS

The Break Room Brewing Co

Riff Raff Brewing ● ●

PAONIA

Chrysalis Barrel Aged Beer

Paonia United Brewing Co ●

RIDGWAY

Colorado Boy Brewery

Floating Lotus Brewery

SILVERTON

Avalanche Brewing Co ●

Golden Block Brewery ●

TELLURIDE

Smuggler’s Union Brewpub ● Stronghouse Brew Pub

Telluride Brewing Co ●

NORTHEAST

The Horse and Frog - Holyoke ●

Parts & Labor Brewing Co - Sterling ●

NORTHWEST

Grand Adventure Brewing - Kremmling

Never Summer Brewing Co - Granby

Smoking River Brewing Co - Meeker

World’s End Brewpub - Grand Lake

Yampa Valley Brewing - Craig

FRASER

Camber Brewing Co

Fraser River Beer Co

Vicious Cycle Brewing ●

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Mountain Tap Brewery ●

Storm Peak Brewing Co

Yampa Valley Taproom

WINTER PARK

Big Trout Brewing ● ● bigtroutbrewing.com

970.363.7362

50 Vasquez Rd Winter Park

Hideaway Park Brewery

The Noble Buck ●

I-70 CORRIDOR

ASPEN AREA

Aspen Brewing Co - Aspen ●

Carbondale Beer Works - Aspen ●

Mountain Heart Taproom - Basalt

Mountain Heart Brewing - Carbondale

Westy's Tap & Tavern - Aspen ●

BRECKENRIDGE

Breckenridge Brewery & Pub ●

Broken Compass Brewing

HighSide Brewing

CENTRAL CITY AREA

Dostal Alley Saloon & Gambling

Emporium - Central City ●

Very Nice Brewing Co - Black Hawk ●

EAGLE COUNTY

Craftsman Brew Co- Edwards ●

Eagle River Brewing Co - Gypsum ● Vail Brewing Co - Vail ● ●

EVERGREEN

El Rancho Brewery ● ●

Evergreen Brewery ●

Lariat Lodge Brewing ● ●

FRUITA

Base Camp Provisions ●

Copper Club Brewing Co ●

Reckless Roadhouse Brewing ●

GEORGETOWN AREA

Cabin Creek Brewing - Georgetown ●

GLENWOOD SPRINGS AREA

Brewzone Rifle ●

Casey Brewing and Blending

Down Valley Brewing - New Castle

Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub ●

GRAND JUNCTION

Base Camp Beer Works

Edgewater Brewery ●

Gemini Beer Co

Kannah Creek Brewing Co ●

Mama Ree’s Pizza and Brewhouse ● ●

Ramblebine Brewing Co ●

The Rockslide Restaurant and Brewery ●

Trail Life Brewing

IDAHO SPRINGS

Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub ●

Westbound & Down Brewing Co ●

PALISADE

Palisade Brewing Co ● ●

SILVERTHORNE AREA

Angry James Brewing - Silverthorne

Dillon Dam Brewery - Dillon ● ●

HighSide Brewing - Breckenridge, Frisco ● ●

Outer Range Brewing Co - Frisco ●

Pug Ryan’s Brewery - Dillon ●

Steep Brewing & Coffee - Keystone ●

Syndicate Brewing Co - Silverthorne

Upslope Brewing Co - Silverthorne

DISTRIBUTION ONLY

Andiamo Brewing

Backacre Beermakers

Ceria Brewing

Dive Bar Brewing Co

Finkel & Garf Brewing Co

Mad Russian Brewing Co

New Planet Beer

Primitive Beer

Sleeping Giant Brewing

DISTILLERIES

DENVER/BOULDER

52Eighty Distilling - Littleton

Abbott & Wallace - Longmont ●

Ballmer Peak Distillery - Lakewood ●

Bear Creek Distillery - Denver ●

The Block Distilling Co - Denver ●

Boulder Spirits by Vapor DistilleryBoulder

Branch & Barrel Distilling - Centennial

Conflagration Distilling - Wheat Ridge

Copper Sky Distillery - Longmont

Deki Spirits - Lafayette

Denver Distillery - Denver ● Deviation Distilling - Denver

Downslope Distilling - Centennial

Dry Land Distillers - Longmont ●

DV8 Distillery - Boulder ●

The Family Jones Spirit House - Denver ●

Gold Dirt Distillery - Rollinsville ●

Hogback Distillery - Boulder, Estes Park

Laws Whiskey House - Denver

Leopold Bros - Denver

Mad Rabbit Distillery - Westminster

Mile High Spirits - Denver ●

Molly Brown Spirits - Denver

Rick Thomas Distillery - Black Hawk

Rising Sun Distillery - Denver

Rocker Spirits - Littleton ●

Spirit Hound Distillers - Denver, Lyons ●

State 38 Distilling - Golden

Stranahan’s - Denver

Talnua Distillery - Arvada

Tighe Brothers Distillery - Denver ● Turnbuckle Distilling - Westminster

NORTHERN COLORADO

477 Distilling - Greeley ● Coppermuse Distillery - Fort Collins ● Elevation 5003 Distillery - Fort Collins

Elkins Distilling Co - Estes Park

Feisty Spirits - Fort Collins

Gnebriated Gnome Distillery - Fort Collins

The Heart Distillery - Windsor ● Mobb Mountain Distillers - Fort Collins

Mythology Distillery - Steamboat Springs ● ●

NOCO Distillery - Fort Collins

Old Elk Distillery - Fort Collins ●

Overland Trail Distillery - Sterling

Seed & Spirit Distilling - Fort Collins

Spring 44 Distilling - Loveland

Syntax Distillery - Greeley ●

SOUTHERN COLORADO

1350 Distilling - Colo. Springs ● 1874 Distilling - Del Norte ● ●

3 Hundred Days of Shine - Monument ●

Art of the Spirits - Colorado Springs

Axe and the Oak - Colo. Springs

Black Bear Distillery - Green Mtn Falls

Blackhat Distillery - Colo. Springs

Deerhammer Distilling - Buena Vista ● Distillery 291 - Colo. Springs

Dune Valley Distillery - Mosca

Meridiem Spirits - Elizabeth

Snitching Lady Distillery - Fairplay ● Spirits of the Rockies - Pueblo

Wood’s High Mountain Distillery woodsdistillery.com

719.207.4315

144 W 1st Salida

WESTERN SLOPE

10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits - Vail ●

Archetype Distillery - Gypsum, Vail

Breckenridge Distillery - Breckenridge●●

Clarke & Co’s Distilling - Palisade ● Durango Craft Spirits - Durango

Minturn Whisky - Minturn

Fraser Valley Distilling fraservalleydistilling.com

970.363.7792

410 Zerex St Fraser

Highlands Distillery - Grand Junction ●

Honey House Distillery - Durango

Idlewild Spirits Distillery- Winter Park ●

KJ Wood Distillers - Ouray

Marble Distilling Co - Carbondale ●

Montanya Distillers - Crested Butte

Peach Street Distillers - Palisade ●

Peak Spirits - Hotchkiss

Pullman Distillery - Frisco ●

Shelter Distilling - Montrose ●

Stoneyard Distillery - Dotsero, Glenwood Springs

Storm King Distilling - Montrose

Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge - Aspen

Telluride Distilling Co - Telluride

Woody Creek Distillers - Basalt

DISTRIBUTION ONLY

American Woman Spirit Co.

Anders’ Vodka

Arta Tequila

Coyote Gold Margaritas

Deep Roots Distilling

Dirty Dill

felene Vodka

Ironton Distillery

Kure’s Craft Beverage Co.

Locke & Co Distilling

Mystic Mountain Distillery

Red Rocks Spirits

Tincup Whiskey

Tingala Spirits

Uncle Tim’s Cocktails

Vanjak Vodka

Western Medicine Spirits

WINERIES

GRAND JUNCTION AREA

Avant Vineyards - Palisade

The Blue Beryl Winery - Palisade

BookCliff Vineyards - Palisade ●

Carboy Winery - Palisade ●

Carlson Vineyards - Palisade

Carlson Tasting Room - Grand Junction

Centennial Cellars - Palisade

Colorado Cellars Winery - Palisade ●

Colorado Vintners - Palisade

Colterris Winery - Palisade ●

Deroco Cellars - Palisade ● ●

Evolve Wines - Clifton ● ●

Grande River Vineyards - Palisade ●

Graystone Winery - Clifton

Gubbini Winery - Palisade

Hermosa Vineyards - Palisade

Mafia Princess Winery - Grand Junction ●

Maison la Belle Vie Winery - Palisade ●

The Ordinary Fellow- Palisade

The Painted Vineyard - Palisade ●

Peachfork Vineyards - Palisade

Red Fox Cellars - Palisade

Restoration Vineyards - Palisade ● ●

Sauvage Spectrum - Palisade ● ●

Shiras Winery - Grand Junction ●

Talon Winery - Palisade

Two Rivers Winery - Grand Junction ●

TWP Winery & Farmhouse - Clifton ●

Varaison Vineyards and WineryPalisade ●

Vines 79 Wine Barn - Palisade

Whitewater Hill Vineyards - Grand Junction

WESTERN SLOPE

5680' Vineyards - Paonia

Alfred Eames Cellars - Paonia ●

Azura Cellars - Paonia ●

Berkeley Estate Cellars - Olathe

Black Bridge Winery - Paonia ●

Chill Switch Wines - Cedaredge

Cottonwood Cellars - Olathe

Jack Rabbit Hill - Hotchkiss

Lanoue DuBois Winery - Montrose

Mesa Winds Farm & Winery - Hotchkiss ●

Mountain View Winery - Olathe

Peony Lane Wine - Paonia

Qutori Wines - Paonia ●

Stone Cottage Cellars - Paonia ●

Stoney Mesa Winery - Cedaredge ●

The Storm Cellar Winery - Hotchkiss ●

Williams Cellars - Cedaredge

FOUR CORNERS AREA

Durango Winery - Durango ● ●

Flying T Wine - Cortez

Four Leaves Winery - Durango ● ●

Fox Fire Farms - Ignacio ●

Sauvage Spectrum - Ouray ●

Sutcliffe Vineyards - Cortez ●

Yellow Car Country Wines - Cortez

CENTRAL MOUNTAINS

Aquila Cellars - Carbondale ●

Buckel Family Wine - Crested Butte

Carboy Winery - Breckenridge ●

Continental Divide WineryBreckenridge, Fairplay ● IndoVINO - Crested Butte

Mountain Spirit Winery - Salida

Steamboat Winery - Steamboat Springs

Vines at Vail Winery - Wolcott

Vino Salida Cellars - Poncha Springs ●

Winter Park Winery - Fraser

SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Bugling Elk Vineyards - Penrose ● Carbone Winery - Mosca ●

Evergood Adventure Wines - Palmer Lake

Fountain Creek Winery - Fountain ●

Latigo Winery - Black Forest

Legatum Cellars - Canon City

Manitou Winery - Manitou Springs ●

Pop’s Vineyard - Penrose ●

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey - Canon City ●

CENTRAL FRONT RANGE

Allis Ranch Winery - Sedalia

Aquila Cellars - Denver

Aspen Peak Winery & Bistro - Bailey ● ●

Attimo Wine - Denver

Augustina’s Winery - Nederland

Balistreri Vineyards - Denver ● Bigsby’s Folly - Denver ● Blanchard Family Wines - Denver, Golden

Bonacquisti Wine Company - Denver ● BookCliff Vineyards - Boulder ● ●

Carboy Winery - Denver, Littleton ● Colorado Sake Co. - Denver ● ● Creekside Cellars - Evergreen ● Deep Roots Winery & Bistro - Denver ●●

InVINtions - Greenwood Village

Kingman Estates Winery - Denver ● Ladrón Cellars - Englewood

Purgatory Cellars Winery - Parker

Silver Vines Winery - Arvada, Boulder ● ●

Spero Winery - Denver

Taboche Winery - Broomfield

Turquoise Mesa Winery - Broomfield

Vinnie Fera - Boulder

Water 2 Wine - Littleton ●

The Wine Barrel - Parker ●

NORTHERN FRONT RA NGE

Alluvial Farm & Vineyards - Fort Collins

Bad Bitch Cellars - Eaton

Blanchard Family Wines - Fort Collins ●

Blendings Winery - Fort Collins

The OBC Wine Project - Fort Collins ●

Snowy Peaks Winery - Estes Park ● ●

Sweet Heart Winery - Loveland ● Tamburi Wine - Fort Collins

Ten Bears Winery - Laporte ●

PLAINS

Claremont Inn & Winery - Stratton ●

Country Road Vines and Wines - Fort Morgan ● ●

Mummy Hill Winery - Holyoke

Reds Wine Boutique - Sterling

DISTRIBUTION ONLY

Bluejays Winery

Fallen Mountain Wines

Settembre Cellars

Wild Mountain Cellars

CIDERIES

13° Brix Cider Bistro -Palisade ● Apple Valley Cider Co - Penrose

Big B’s Fruit Co - Hotchkiss ● ●

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Clear Fork Cider - Paonia

Climb Hard Cider Co - Distribution Only

Colorado Cider Co - Fort Collins, Lakewood ●

EsoTerra Cider - Durango, Delores ● ● Fenceline Cider - Mancos ● ●

Happy Hollow Hard Cider - Cedaredge

Haykin Family Cider - Aurora

Locust Cider - Fort Collins, Lakewood ●

Handlebar Hard Cider - Erie ●

Red Fox Cellars - Palisade ●

Snow Capped Cider - Distribution Only

St. Vrain Cidery - Longmont ●

Stem Ciders - Denver ● ●

Stem Ciders Acreage- Lafayette ● ●

Summit Hard Cider - Fort Collins ● ●

Talbott’s Cider Co - Palisade ● ●

Vanishing West Ciders - Aurora

Waldschänke Ciders - Denver ●

Wild Cider - Firestone ●

MEADERIES

Alpenglow at the Granary - Hayden ● ●

Antelope Ridge Mead - Colorado Springs

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Cloud City Modern Mead - Leadville

Colorado Cellars Winery - Palisade ●

Dragon Meadery - Aurora

Drekar Meadery - Colorado Springs

Honnibrook Meadery - Castle Rock ●

Hunters Moon Meadery - Severance

Laughing Leprechaun MeaderyDistribution Only

Legends: A Meadery - Berthoud ●

Meadery of the Rockies - Palisade

Meadkrieger - Loveland ● ●

Miracle Stag Meadery - Distribution Only

Queen Bee Brews - Denver

Redstone Meadery - Boulder

Slaymaker Cellars - Idaho Springs

Yellow Car Country Wines - Cortez ●

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