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16 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Denver

 
 

Our favorite places to enjoy green beer, corned beef, Irish car bombs, and other Emerald Isle–themed fun this St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
It’s practically blasphemous to celebrate St. Patty’s in Denver without attending this iconic parade—said to be one of the largest in the United States. The procession will start on Wynkoop and end on Blake streets (renamed “Tooley Street” for the occasion) near 27th Street. You’ll spot plenty of bagpipes, leprechauns, and rainbows, plus Grand Marshal Sean McNicholas and this year’s Queen Colleen: competitive Irish dancer Mollie Michaud. March 16; 9:30 a.m.; free

St. Patrick’s Day Party at Talnua Distillery
Each year, this Arvada distillery releases a limited-edition whiskey on St. Patrick’s Day to commemorate the anniversary of its opening. It’s turning five this year (but at least 21 in distillery years). During this two-day fete, you can purchase a special bottle of American single-pot still whiskey, then enjoy specialty cocktails, live music from the likes of Duke Justice and Roma Ransom, and grub from G Wagon Food Truck and Kitchen Mouse. March 15–16; 2–9 p.m.; free attendance; 21-and-up

St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Terminal Bar
You won’t even have to lift your arse from your chair to watch Denver’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade from Union Station’s Terminal Bar. While you observe oversize green floats and Irish dancers march by, order frozen (or hot!) Irish coffee, on-tap green tea shots, and fish and chips. After the St. Patty’s procession, stick around for giveaways, a 360-degree photo booth, and music from a live DJ. March 16; 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; free attendance

Shamrock the Block
After the parade, leap to the Dairy Block, where you can swill green drinks at Kachina Cantina, watch dance performances from the WICK School of Irish Dance in the Maven hotel lobby, hear Celtic tunes from violinist Erik Fellenstein and guitarist Payden Widner, and even head home with a lucky charm (dainty permanent jewelry from Love Weld). March 16; 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; free attendance

St. Paddy’s Palooza at Punch Bowl Social
Keep your eyes peeled for gold at this rambunctious bash: There are prizes hidden around the venue that might just earn you a free round. Even if you’re not lucky, you can still enjoy classic Irish songs (Flogging Molly, anyone?), cups of punch made with Tullamore D.E.W., and green beer. Don’t leave without belting “The Irish Rover” during karaoke and going for a high schore in skeeball. March 16; 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m.; free with RSVP

St. Patrick’s Day at Zeppelin Station
Tons of tomfoolery and a huge bar tab seem to go hand in hand, but you don’t have to break the bank to get as full as a bingo bus at this RiNo outfit’s scavenger hunt. Zeppelin Station will be hiding free drink tickets, cash, and other prizes throughout the food hall this weekend. But even if you don’t strike gold, you can snag some Jameson and Bushmills specials on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. March 16–17; times vary; free attendance

St. Patrick’s Day at WestFax Brewing
Swig some on-theme suds at this Lakewood brewery. In addition to WestFax’s large menu of ales, IPAs, and sours, it’ll be offering an Irish coffee cream stout on nitro, which you can enjoy while Denver-based strings band Cottonwood Drifters plucks traditional Irish songs. Seasoned Swine barbecue food truck will be on-site serving up pastrami and cabbage braised in WestFax beer. March 17; noon–9 p.m.; free attendance

Hops ’n’ Hash Beergarden Bash
Bring your wee ones to this family-friendly shindig. While you sip on pints of the ubiquitous green beer and nibble on Irish delicacies at Rocky Mountain Tap & Garden, little lads and lasses can get their faces painted and play lawn games. Adult merrymakers can compete in a beer pong tournament and challenge their mates to a cornhole contest. March 17; 1–5 p.m.; free attendance

Post-Parade Patio Party at Yardbird
Refuel after four hours of Denver’s big parade at this RiNo restaurant located at the end of the procession’s route. Indulge in traditional Irish entrées like bangers and mash and a smoked brisket Reuben, then wash your meal down with a black and tan or Irish coffee. March 16; 1:30 p.m.–6 p.m.; free attendance

Celtic Awakening
For those whose ideal St. Patty’s celebration has more bagpipes and Celtic harmonies than picklebacks, this annual concert will strike the right chord. Local performers, including Denver Brass, Colorado Pipes & Drum, and Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers, will collaborate on a show that will transport viewers to the rolling hills of Ireland. March 16–17; times vary; $35–$55

St. Paddy’s Post-Parade Party at Mile High Spirits
If you forgot your green garb at home, avoid getting pinched by arriving early to this bash; the first 100 guests will be given free shamrock shades and beads. Once you’re inside the festive tasting room, indulge in green cocktails and spirits, hear music from live DJs, and jig the day away at a silent disco. March 16; 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; free with RSVP

Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
Those who prefer to spend St. Patrick’s Day on foot—maybe to walk off all those Irish car bombs—should purchase a ticket to this classic pub crawl. Start at Flight Club, then mosey to watering holes including Milk Market ($5 green Jello shots and $7 lime margs await) and One Shot Back (for $5 Jameson shots and $5.50 green brews). Your ticket earns you up to three drinks. March 17; 2–10 p.m.; $20–$30

St. Patrick’s Day at Cherry Cricket
No matter where in the Mile High City you reside, there’s likely a Cherry Cricket—and its St. Patty’s offerings—nearby. At its Ballpark, Littleton, and Cherry Creek locations, the restaurant and bar will offer all-day live music and specials on sippers such as the Fuzzy Leprechaun (vodka, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, and orange juice), a boozy Lucky Charms milkshake, and Irish coffee. Don’t skip the food menu, either, which features corned beef and cabbage and Irish beef stew. March 15–17; times vary; free attendance

St. Patrick’s Day at Stanley Marketplace
Though Stanley Marketplace’s Cheluna Brewing Company is a Latin-inspired craft brewery, it’ll be paying homage to the Irish holiday with glasses of frosty green cerveza. While you’re at the Stanley, don’t miss a traditional Irish step dance by Celtic Steps School of Irish Dance on the Southeast Plaza. March 17; performance at 1 p.m.; free attendance

St. Paddy’s Day with Kevin Fitzgerald
Irish eyes won’t be the only ones smiling at this Shamrock Day comedy show. Kevin Fitzgerald—of the Late, Late Show and Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me—will take the stage, along with bagpipe players and Irish dancers for a hilarious ode to the Land of Saints and Scholars. March 17; 7 p.m.; $17

Green Solo Cup
Irish music isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, er, pint of Guinness. Luckily, Viewhouse Ballpark is hosting this alternative fest for country music fans that still want to go green. Country crooners Dillon Carmichael and Annie Bosko will serenade you to the South while you sip green beer and munch on corned beef hash. March 17; 10 a.m.–midnight; free with RSVP

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Our Favorite Denver Breakfast + Brunch Spots!

 
 

Welcome to Denver! Whether you’re a long time resident or heading into the city for the weekend, we’ve compiled a list of breakfast + brunch spots to ensure you have the best start to your day! From trendy to classic, there’s something for everyone to love on this list.

Breakfast + Brunch

Corinne

1455 California Street, Denver, CO 80202
With a modern, comfortable design and welcoming neighborhood environment, Corinne Denver provides a place to gather with friends and colleagues over honest food + drink, from hearty to healthy. Drop in + stay awhile.
Breakfast Hours:
Monday-Friday: 6:30 am - 11:00 am
Saturday - Sunday: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Onefold

1919 19th St, Denver, CO 80202
Onefold is a breakfast restaurant that carries locally sourced and organic ingredients. Everything is hand made in-house from their organic flour tortillas to their bone broths. Onefold also carries coffee that is locally roasted.
Breakfast Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday + Sunday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

The Original

1600 20th St, Denver, CO 80202
Whether you're looking to kick-start your day, unwind on the weekends, or simply relish the joys of a leisurely brunch, The OG is your ultimate destination. Their two-toned Terrazzo floor mirrors the South Platte River as it winds through Denver, leading you through the restaurant to an outdoor patio located within McGregor Square for a front row seat to the bustling plaza and expansive outdoor screen.
Breakfast Hours:
Everyday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Three Saints Revival

1801 Wewatta St, Denver, CO 80202
Three Saints Revival is a beverage forward restaurant celebrating old and new world wines and a robust spirit and craft cocktail program. Its culinary backbone is tapas and small plates inspired by every edge of the Mediterranean -- from Spain, Provence, and Italy to Israel, Egypt, and Greece. Home to Colorado's Largest Tap Wine Program Offering Weekend Brunch & Daily Happy Hour.
Breakfast Hours:
Saturday + Sunday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Yardbird

2743 Blake Street, Denver, CO 80205
Yardbird pays tribute to the craveable American classics that bring people together. Guests can indulge in brunch, lunch, dinner and a curated cocktail program highlighting a dynamic collection of bourbons.
Breakfast Hours:
Saturday + Sunday: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Coffee Shops

Little Owl Coffee

1555 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
Little Owl Coffee is a breath of fresh air with a side of caffeine. Embrace the unexpected, soak up the vibes, and let Little Owl Coffee show you a new world of liquid nirvana!
Hours:
Everyday: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

The Wild

1660 Wynkoop St Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202
The Wild specializes in all things caffeine, alcohol, salt and fat — delivering each aspect with remarkably affordable finesse.
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday + Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 am
Sunday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Hello Darling

1610 Little Raven St #110, Denver, CO 80202
With its “peaceful elegance” vibes, Hello Darling is a cozy specialty cafe & cocktail lounge serving espresso drinks & a wide range of craft cocktails.
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday + Saturday: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sunday: 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

Milk & Honey

2401 Blake St Unit 102, Denver, CO 80205
Milk & Honey is a dark and moody craft coffee shop surrounded by natural wood and plants. The perfect place to relax and grab a latte.
Hours:
Sunday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Monday  7:00 am - 2:00 pm
- CLOSED TUESDAY -
Wednesday - Friday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Vibe Coffee and Wine

1490 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202
Whether you're looking for a morning pick-me-up, a happy hour hangout, or a place to catch up with friends, Vibe is your third space in Colorado where everyone is welcome.
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday - Saturday: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sunday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

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How to Commemorate Juneteenth in Denver and Beyond

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Inside this year's Juneteenth Music Festival. Plus, nine other ways to celebrate the holiday and Black Pride, which has a new partnership with Juneteenth Music Festival.

President Joe Biden signed a bill on Thursday making Juneteenth an official federal holiday. But the annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States has long been celebrated in the Mile High City, says Norman Harris, the director of Denver’s yearly Juneteenth Music Festival. In fact, the multi-day fête, which attracted 90,000 attendees in 2019 before moving online in 2020, sprang forth from those early jubilees.

“In 2012, we saw an opportunity to rebrand it, and bring the music theme forward as an anchor to attract people to the celebration,” Harris says (the music festival is organized by nonprofit JMF Corporation, which Harris oversees). “We wanted to build a platform to spread the actual meaning of Juneteenth.”

Raising that awareness was needed—until recently, many in the United States didn’t know much about Emancipation Day. Erica Wright, the events specialist for the Juneteenth Music Festival, says she was 25 years old when she learned the true meaning of the holiday she celebrated each June 19th. On that day in 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas, delivering news of the Emancipation Proclamation to the people still enslaved there—roughly two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the order.

“Juneteenth is my Independence Day in this country,” says Wright, who is Black. “I want to get that message across to people at an earlier age.” That mission got a boost earlier this year, when Denver City Council unanimously voted to make Juneteenth a commemorative holiday, setting aside the Saturday closest to June 19 for the celebration each year.

Following 2020’s virtual-only celebration, revelers will be pleased to learn that most of this year’s festival, which runs June 18–20, will take place in person. However, Harris and Wright agree that livestreamed elements had some perks: “We received messages from people who were just so grateful to participate on a virtual platform because their city or state doesn’t have a Juneteenth celebration,” Wright says.

To continue reaching communities beyond the Rocky Mountains, the festival will start with a Juneteenth Eve broadcast on the 18th from 2 to 8 p.m. Viewable on Denver Community Media TV channels Comcast 56 & 881HD, the six-hour virtual kick-off will be hosted by JMF Corporation and Denver Community Media. Along with a rotation of guests and performances, the broadcast will present the Dream Big Awards, honors presented to members of Denver’s Black community who’ve made a positive impact on the city. Parts of the weekend-long festival will also be livestreamed on the Juneteenth Music Festival’s Facebook page.

The Juneteenth R&B Summer Kickoff at Levitt Pavilion will follow the broadcast. It’s headlined by Grammy Award–winning R&B outfit 112, with opening acts Rachel Bailey, the Grand Alliance, and KDJ Above.

The morning of June 19, more than 100 groups will walk in the Juneteenth Parade beginning at 11 a.m. The procession honors the social progress achieved through marches and demonstrations throughout history, and includes a blend of dance groups like the Platinum Divaz, car clubs, youth sports league teams, and community groups like Colorado Black Health Collaborative, enrichment program Curls on the Block, and more.

Denver dance icon Cleo Parker Robinson will transform her theater into a pop-up Juneteenth Museum called Five Points of Culture on June 19, with three 90-minute panels throughout the day spotlighting different aspects of Black culture in the Mile High City (the topics are Afro-futurism, The Entertainment Industry in Black, and Black Business and Impact of Sports).

The street festival on Welton Street in the Five Points neighborhood is perhaps the best-known attraction of the Juneteenth Music Festival, and will span June 19–20 this year. Catch Colorado salsa band Conjunto Colores, R&B singer Danae Simone, rapper A Meazy, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and more at stages along the Welton Street Corridor, Charles Cousins Plaza, and Five Points Plaza.

Attendees will find plenty of shopping opportunities at the street festival, too. The Habitat for Humanity Home Decor Row will feature Colorado artist Jess E. DuBois, renovation expert Affordable Room Makeover, and Aurora’s Fiddle Leaf Plant Boutique. Browse booths manned by Turner’s Creations, B Fresh Gear, and more for gifts. Stop by Reggae Pot Jamaican Grill and Big G’s Bar-B-Que’s outposts for food.

Of course, the JMF Corporation isn’t alone in its mission to share Juneteenth with Colorado. Its new partnership with the Center on Colfax, the group responsible for organizing Denver PrideFest, has helped both celebrations become more inclusive, and Juneteenth Music Festival is promoting Black Pride, a festival for the Black LGBTQ community, on its website. Denver is the latest city to launch an official Black Pride, following in the footsteps of Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Portland. The festival will feature events throughout the month of June, many of which take place over Juneteenth weekend as well, giving Denverites plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Other Ways to Commemorate Juneteenth and Black Pride in the Denver Area

Silent Disco: Wakanda
If you love the nightlife and love to boogie, hustle your way to Civic Center Park for Silent Disco: Wakanda. The jams start pumping whenever you want them to. June 18, 6–10 p.m.

City of Aurora Juneteenth Celebration
Aurora residents can learn the significance of June 19 from exhibitors like the NAACP and Aurora History Museum while taking in a lineup of spoken word, storytelling, guitar, and rap performances in the Town Center at Aurora. June 19, 1– 5 p.m.

Dazzle @ Baur’s
The Central Business District supper club hosts two outfits this Juneteenth: Purnell Steen and Le Jazz Machine, a band of six dedicated to preserving Five Points’ legacy as the Harlem of the West, take the stage first, followed by Grammy Award–nominated trombonist Stafford Hunter, who will perform with his new group, Freedom Quartet, for the first time. June 19, doors open 5:30 p.m.

Hair Wrapping & Storytelling
Hair wrapping has long been practiced by African, Asian, and Middle Eastern cultures. Visit Urban Sanctuary, a Black-owned yoga studio in Five Points, to learn more about the tradition. (Members of the BIPOC community can also take a free yoga class at 10:30 a.m.) June 19, 4:30 p.m.

Juneteenth Jubilee & Cookout
Revel in Black joy at Tooey’s, off Colfax, where performers of of Sacre’Bleu, Melanated Ménagerie & The Chrysalis House will team up for a cabaret. June 19, 7 p.m.

Juneteenth Sounds of Freedom
Denver gospel musicians, including pianist Soloman Chapman and vocalist Jubilee Renee, gather at Park Hill United Methodist Church for a blend of spirituals, jazz, gospel, R&B, and soul. June 19, 3 p.m.

Pop Up Market: Juneteenth Edition
Peruse produce and other goods from Black purveyors on the Museum for Black Girls patio in Five Points. June 19, 12–5 p.m.

Zarah and the Chocolate Factory
Head over to Tracks nightclub for the premiere of Zarah and the Chocolate Factory, a drag revue featuring an all-Black cast of Denver’s most sickening drag performers, hosted by Miss Zarah. The show’s lineup also includes one of the top queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11, Miss A’Keria Davenport of the Dallas Davenports. June 19, 9 p.m

Gospel Drag Brunch
Let the Holy Ghost and mimosas send your shoes flying during this drag brunch at X Bar’s Saffron Grill (because, you know, Jesus was Mediterranean). The show is hosted by another member of Drag Race royalty: Season one’s winner Bebe Zahara Benet. June 20, doors open at noon

ANGELA UFHEIL, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Angela Ufheil co-creates the Compass, Adventure, and Culture sections of 5280 and writes for 5280.com.

PHILIP CLAPHAM, SENIOR EDITOR

Philip Clapham edits the Compass section.


Thank you to our partners at 5280 Magazine for compiling + sharing this information!

Learn more about Juneteenth: New York Times


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Help Clean Up Downtown Denver On Wednesday, Friday

 
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The Downtown Denver Partnership is asking for volunteers to help clean up the damage after days of protests. The group says it is also a way to spread a message of love and hope during these tough times.

Volunteers can donate their time on Wednesday and Friday to pick up debris, remove graffiti and pass out water to workers making repairs in the heat.

Those who want to help can meet in Skyline Park on Arapahoe Street between 16th and 17th beginning at 7 a.m. on June 3 and June 5 to get a volunteer assignment and pick up supplies.

The vandalism comes after several days and nights of protests in Denver in the wake of George Floyd’s death during a confrontation with Minneapolis police.

Additional Information from the Downtown Denver Partnership:

  • How you’ll be helping: let’s come together to collect trash, remove graffiti, and support our downtown businesses. The Downtown Denver Business Improvement District (BID) team will assess the needs and direct you to places in need of some love.

  • What you’ll need: be sure to wear your mask (and practice social distancing). If possible, please bring along gloves and/or trash bags.

  • What else you should know: the BID team will have done a first sweep, which will include removing any potentially dangerous substances from surfaces. Above all, we’re committed to your health and safety, and that of our entire community.

Those business or propery owners can request help from the Downtown Denver Partnership.


Downtown Denver Partnership Proposes Closing Some City Streets so Businesses can Expand Outside

 
 

A new proposal from one of Denver's largest business advocacy organizations suggests halting vehicle access to select streets downtown, allowing restaurants and retailers to expand their services outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a letter sent to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock the week of May 4, Downtown Denver Partnership requested that the city create an accelerated process to allow for business districts, as well as individual property owners and managers, to submit applications to close some streets in "key downtown and neighborhood commercial districts."

DDP says in the letter that the proposal would allow more retailers and restaurants to reopen safely with social distancing measures in place to curb the spread of the disease, acknowledging that not all restaurants and retailers have the existing space to accommodate social distancing restrictions.

Closing certain streets would also allow pedestrians to more safely keep their distance from each other, and enable other programming features such as seating or landscaping, DDP says in the letter.

Tami Door, president and CEO of DDP, pointed out that such closures wouldn't exactly be new for downtown. Denver has seen occasional closures at Larimer Square, 16th Street Mall and Glenarm Place, among others, for festivals or events.

"There's good data and history for why these are valuable," Door told Denver Business Journal.

But the latest proposal, if adopted in some form by the City of Denver, would likely take place over a longer period of time and under far different circumstances. DDP's letter to Mayor Hancock cites dire statistics for the restaurant sector, noting that Denver restaurants reported on average a 76% year-over-year drop in sales in April.

Colorado's current "safer-at-home" order mandates that restaurants and bars continue to offer food and beverages only for off-premise consumption, as they have been doing since March 17, although Gov. Jared Polis said May 11 he hopes to have in-restaurant dining by the end of the month.

Door told DBJ the recent letter was a follow-up to another letter DDP sent to the Mayor's office in mid-April to begin discussions around expanding restaurant service outside.

"Healthy ground-floor businesses create healthy neighborhoods," Door said. "I think that people understood that immediately. They certainly understood why restaurants need to thrive."

"Operating at 25% capacity of our seating is not even a consideration," Gruitch said. "It's not realistic."

"I think that's where the balancing comes into play," Door said. "You don't close every street in the city. You look at where it provides the most value comprehensively."

DDP is recommending a pilot period for the program beginning Memorial Day and lasting through Oct. 31, with allowances for a continuation beyond the pilot period in areas where it's been deemed successful. Door said that timeline is meant to align with Denver's weather, and to allow time for the program to be adjusted.

DDP is also asking the city to require each location to submit an application to establish a managing entity, provide written support from businesses in the area and give details on how the street closure would work.

To read more, go to the Denver Business Journal.