The WideFoc.us staff pretty much eats (and drinks) our way through the city on a regular basis (just check out Eric’s food photos if you don’t believe me), so it’s no surprise that three of the events I’m most excited for in July are food-centered. If you don’t like to eat (and if not, who ARE you) you can find plenty of other fun in D-town this month.
Beginning Saturday, July 11: Harry’s Urban Farmers’ Market
The newest farmers’ market in Denver started the season a little later than most. But that’s by design: Harry’s Urban Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday until September 26 because that’s when the bounty of Colorado produce is at its peak. Beyond seasonal fruits and vegetables from Colorado farmers and cottage industry urban growers, Harry’s will also include artisan vendors who make jellies, soaps, fashion, pie, and furniture, with new vendors added regularly. Located at Crofton Elementary, just north of downtown, it’s the perfect spot for folks who live in the city’s Ballpark, RiNo, and Five Points neighborhoods to get to by bike, scooter, or à pied.
What: Harry’s Urban Farmers’ Market
When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Every Saturday, July 11-Sept. 26
Where: Crofton Elementary, 2409 Arapahoe Street (24th and Arapahoe, downtown)
Tuesday and Thursday, Civic Center EATS
Now a Denver tradition, this summer marks the 10th anniversary of Civic Center EATS. Each week, enjoy a round-up of the hottest food trucks and carts. An eclectic assortment of the city’s best is ready to feed hungry workers, residents, and passers-by. (See the full list of vendors here.) Most vendors take cards, but an ATM is also on-site for your convenience. Mosey on down for an al fresco lunch.
What: Civic Center EATS
When: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Every Tuesday and Thursday, through Oct. 8 (excluding Sept. 3 and 8)
Where: Civic Center Park (plaza closest to Colfax end)
July 16: Pluto Party
If this event wasn’t included, I’d never hear the end of it from our office fish—Pluto—for obvious reasons. (See his tweets @WideFocusCO for a taste.) The Denver Museum of Nature and Science’s monthly Science Lounge offers a way to learn more about the world around us, or to get an inside peek at DMNS exhibits. This month, they celebrate all things Pluto! So, what exactly makes this orb a dwarf planet and no longer a planet-planet? You can find out for yourself (assuming you’re over 21) at this month’s event and raise a toast to space, the final frontier.
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m., Thursday, July 16
Where: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Boulevard
Tickets: $10 member, $12 non-member
July 23: The Big Eat
The Big Eat, one of EatDenver’s signature events, returns this month. Wander around the Denver Performing Arts Complex sampling morsels from 46 of Denver’s best restaurants, not to mention cocktails and beer. Sound like fun? Feel even better knowing your dollars go to supporting independent restaurants and local nonprofits. Tickets support EatDenver with additional donations going to Colorado Cooking Matters, Denver Urban Gardens, and Work Options for Women. Ready to eat your way through the booths of some of Denver’s best restaurants?
What: EatDenver’s The Big Eat
When: 6-10 p.m., Thursday, July 23
Where: The Galleria at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1100 13th Street
Tickets: $55
July 31-Aug. 2: Denver County Fair
If you’ve never been to the Denver County Fair, you have to go at least once. Denver didn’t even have a county fair until 2011. Never, ever, never! Beyond carnival games, fried foods, and various items on a stick, the Denver County Fair also has concerts, crazy pavilions, chicken-judging, pie-eating, pancake-making, and famous internet cat Lil Bub. You can even enter a blue ribbon competition for Best Selfie, Best Cat Art, or Best Compost here. It’s a little bit country (as all county fairs are) and the right amount of rock n’ roll.
What: The Denver County Fair
When: 12-8 p.m., Friday, July 31; 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, August 1; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, August 2
Where: National Western Complex, 655 Humboldt Street
Tickets: Prices vary per event
Is something noteworthy missing? Give me grief about it (and keep me in the loop) over on our Facebook page!
—by Leah Charney
Leah Charney is sassy yet classy and is most excited by the things she can't stop writing about, like food, music, and people. She directs operations for the WideFoc.us team, which is just a fancy way of saying she is chief cat herder.
