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Photo courtesy of Collective Mind Technologies.
Photo courtesy of Collective Mind Technologies.
Denver Food + Wine Festival returns August 26-29
ColoradoBiz Staff //August 12, 2026//
In Brief:
- Denver Food + Wine Festival runs august 26-29
- Proceeds support Colorado Restaurant Foundation programs
- Grand Tasting at Tivoli Quad on august 29
- Events include wine seminar, food truck showdown, and auction
The Denver Food + Wine Festival will return Aug. 26-29, raising money for Colorado Restaurant Foundation programs that support hospitality workers.
Proceeds will fund education, workforce training, mental health resources and emergency grants. The foundation operates the Colorado ProStart high school culinary program, a statewide apprenticeship program and the Angel Relief Fund for hospitality workers facing emergencies.
“The festival is the largest fundraising event of the year for our restaurant community,” foundation President Laura Shunk said.
The festival’s Grand Tasting will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 29 at Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus, 1000 Larimer St. More than 50 Colorado restaurants will participate, along with wine, spirits and beverage producers.
Colorado ProStart students will prepare and serve dishes with former “Top Chef” contestants Manny Barella of Riot BBQ, Brother Luck of Four by Brother Luck and Travis Masar and Darren Chang of Pig & Tiger.
Other events include:
- Riedel Wine Glass Seminar from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26. Tickets are $95.
- Shake + Brake Showdown from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 27 at Tivoli Quad. The food truck and cocktail competition will include 10 food trucks and nine bartenders. Advance tickets are $75 and door tickets are $85.
- Dine Out culinary auction, which is open for online bidding through Aug. 21. Many of the restaurant, travel and dining experiences will take place Aug. 28.
Grand Tasting admission begins at noon for VIP and First Taste ticket holders and 1 p.m. for general admission. Regular ticket prices are $300 for VIP admission, $225 for First Taste and $175 for general admission. Door prices range from $200 to $325.
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