Yes, we know that the Great American Beer Festival is here from October 4-7, and with it, a gazillion events at breweries, restaurants and more (which you can read about here). But outside of these sud-soaked festivities, there are plenty of events going on around town, many of which benefit the victims of the recent hurricanes and earthquakes. Simply put, dine out and do good this October.
1. Support Irma Victims
When: From now until October 13
Where: The Post Brewing Company and The Post Chicken & Beer {multiple locations}
What: The Post Brewing Company is helping raise money for Hurricane Irma relief. Over the next month, 100-percent of proceeds from the sale of every Dark ’N’ Stormy at The Post Brewing Company in Lafayette and The Post Chicken & Beer locations in Rosedale and Longmont will go directly to the “Love for Love City” Foundation, which is currently helping the devastated U.S. Virgin Island of St. John. Chef/Partner Brett “ Smitty” Smith spent several years in St. John before moving back to CO to open The Post, and his family still considers the tiny island their second home. Many of his closest friends’ houses and businesses were destroyed by Irma and they have a long road ahead to recovery. “Hurricane Irma has absolutely devastated the island. This little 5-mile by 9-mile piece of paradise will take many years to recover. Peoples lives and business’ are in for some tough times—but we can help”, said Smith in a letter to The Post customers.
2. Sushi Den Rooftop Party
When: October 3 and 4, starts at 5pm
Where: Rooftop of Pearl Street Parking Garage {across from Ototo}
What: Sushi Den and 5280 Magazine are expanding the reach of their annual rooftop party to assist other places that have been hit by natural disasters. In addition to aiding Kumamoto—the Japanese hometown of Yasu and Toshi Kizaki—this year’s event will also benefit victims in Houston, Miami, and Mexico. Celebrate a feast of the senses with twenty Japanese guest chefs from Southern Japan, serving signature ramen and street foods known as Yatai with sake and beer. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased here.
3. Briar Common One Year Anniversary Party
When: Tuesday, October 4, 4-10pm
Where: Briar Common Brewery + Eatery {2298 Clay Street, Denver; 720.512. 3894}
What: With a new chef, a new menu, and new beer releases, Briar Common Brewery is ready to celebrate their one-year anniversary with a big party. Come enjoy the new menu from Chef David Nagle, four limited edition beer releases, free food and beer samples, a fabulous raffle with fun prizes, and a special ten-dollar anniversary burger and beer! 
4. Todd Leopold’s Straight Bourbon Distillery Experience
When: Saturday, October 7, 6pm
Where: Leopold Brothers {5285 Joliet Street, Denver; 303.307.1515}
What: Be the first to experience the long-awaited Leopold Brothers Straight Bourbon at a private release party. Each guest will receive a personal bottle of Leopold Bros. Straight Bourbon with a specialty collector’s label, pulled from the first barrel, and signed by the Leopold brothers. Guests can also enjoy an in-depth tour and tasting with Todd Leopold in addition to whiskey cocktails and a first chance to purchase additional bottles. Tickets are $175 and can be purchased here. The evening is limited to thirty guests, so book your spot now.
5. Harvest Pumpkin Festival
When: Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8 10am-4pm
Where: Four Mile Historic Park {715 South Forest Street, Denver}
What: Visit an old-time fall festival on twelve historic acres—without leaving the city! Build your own scarecrow, select your favorite pumpkin from the patch, and tour the Park in a horse-drawn wagon. Explore how 19th-century Coloradans lived and prepared for the season, with historic demonstrations and tours of the Four Mile House Museum. Try your luck with county fair games, and enjoy delicious treats from the beer garden (21 and up) with local food vendors on site. Admission is free. Additional charges apply for refreshments and some activities. No pets or smoking is allowed on park grounds.
6. Vesper Lounge Second Annual Pig Roast
When: Sunday, October 8, 4-8pm
Where: Vesper Lounge {233 East 7th Avenue, Denver; 720.328.0314}
What: The wait is over—Vesper Lounge is hosting their 2nd annual pig roast! They are celebrating the beginning of fall with live music from 4-8pm, a plate of pork and two sides for $10, and plenty of drinks to go around. 
7. Beer, Cheese, and Charcuterie
When: Monday, October 9, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Alpine Dog Brewing Company {1501 Ogden Street, Denver; 303.832.1245}
What: Join Alpine Dog Brewing Company and The Truffle Cheese Shop for an evening of beer, cheese, and charcuterie led by a brewer and a truffle cheesemonger. For only $20, guests will get four pairings—two with cheese and two with charcuterie—with additional pours and bites available for purchase. Tickets are available here. 
8. Giving Light to Puerto Rico Fundraiser
When: Tuesday, October 10, 11am-10pm
Where: Sloan’s Lake Tap and Burger {1565 North Raleigh Street, Denver; 720.456.6779}
What: Sloan’s Lake Tap and Burger has brought together leaders of the local Puerto Rican community in Denver to help raise money for relief in Puerto Rico. The chapter is collecting funds to purchase solar lanterns to help aid with the electricity crisis. Simply stop by for lunch or dinner and enjoy some delicious Puerto Rican fare and some fabulous music for a minimum of $25. 100-percent of the proceeds will be donated. If you cannot attend but would like to donate, please visit their website.
9. WhiskyX
When: Friday, October 13, starts at 7pm
Where: Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum {7711 East Academy Boulevard #1
Denver}
What: Discover some of Colorado’s finest at WhiskyX. Taste and learn about 60 plus whiskeys paired with world-class tunes from alternative country/Southern rock band, Drive-By Truckers. VIP goers can alsom sample next-level culinary treats from some of Denver’s favorite chefs including Jennifer Jasinski, Elise Wiggins, and Max Mackissock. Food trucks will also be on site with food available for purchase. Tickets are $75 for GA and $125 for VIP; buy your tickets here.
10. Farmers Market Pumpkin Luncheon with Chef Paul C. Reilly
When: Saturday, October 14, 10am-2pm
Where: Union Station Farmers Market {1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver}
What: Join Beast and Bottle and Coperta Chef Paul C. Reilly and a local farmer for a tour of the Union Station Farmers. Tour the market through a chef’s eyes, while collecting produce and meeting farmers and producers. Afterwards, guests can head to Coperta and enjoy a three-course luncheon featuring pumpkins. Space is limited to twelve people; call Coperta at 720.749.4666 to reserve your spot.
11. The Grand Coffee Bazaar
When: Saturday, October 14, 9am-1pm
Where: 3003 Larimer Street, Denver
What: The 4th Annual Grand Coffee Bazaar is primed to be the grandest coffee expo in Denver to date. The bazaar offers coffee aficionados a chance to meet roasters and sample new coffee styles, all while indulging in brunch cocktails and bites. This year, The Grand Coffee Bazaar will be taking over the outside grounds of Oz Architecture with the new addition of a housewares market so you can shop while you sip. Tickets are $40; buy your tickets here.
12. Joy Wines and Spirits Chili Cook-Off
When: Sunday, October 15, noon-4pm
Where: Parking Lot behind Joy Wines and Spirits {1302 East 6th Avenue, Denver; 303.747.6219}
What: Denver’s top restaurants and amateur chefs will be going head to head to see who has the best chili recipe in Denver. Exciting wine, craft beer, and local spirits will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit Project Worthmore, a non-profit that helps assist refugee families in Denver. Tickets are $15 now, but the price increases to $20 on Monday, October 9 and can be purchased here.
By Elizabeth L. Woessner
The post 12 Must-Do Events in October appeared first on DiningOut Denver/Boulder.
