Many U.S. cities have a strong culinary scene. Denver, Colorado is among the best of them, I’m proud to say since it’s my home city and state. One of the best and easiest ways to experience it is during the annual Denver Food + Wine Festival. Visit this wonderful city and, over the course of four days, enjoy a variety of ways to take in the best of the vibrant restaurants and bars, chefs, bartenders, purveyors and food truck owners. Plus, there are fun ways to learn and give back. Learn everything you need to know about the Denver Food + Wine Festival’s August 2026 event below plus get our exclusive discount code, thanks to our sponsored partnership with the event.

Save this article to help you plan to attend the Denver Food + Wine Festival. Photos courtesy of the Festival. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

2026 Denver Food + Wine Festival: Everything to Know Before You Go

When is it?

August 26-29, 2026

Where is it being held?

The event returns to the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus in Downtown Denver.

The Festival is held on the Tivoli Quad, on the Auraria Campus in the heart of downtown Denver.

What is the Denver Food + Wine Festival?

The event is created by and for restaurant lovers. Over the course of the four days of the Denver Food + Wine Festival, there are four elements, all of which are for ages 21+ (note, children and pets are not allowed):

The Riedel Wine Glass Seminar, Wednesday, August 26, 6-7pm
There’s the wine. And then there’s the glass. Find out how the two, together, make the perfect pairing when Sommelier Shelley Sale of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits demonstrates the relationship between the shape of Riedel’s Veloce wine glasses and your enjoyment of the wine. After the tasting and learning experience, attendees take home their own four-glass Riedel Veloce kit, valued at $198.
Tickets: From $95 (discount code does not apply to this event)

It’s learning, tasting and fun at the Riedel Wine Glass Seminar.

The Shake + Brake Showdown, Thursday, August 27 (bigger than ever and at a new time, 6-9pm)
Immerse in a lively, friendly competition as Denver food trucks and bartenders vie to win “People’s Choice Best Food Truck” and “People’s Choice Best Cocktail.” Attendees are the big winners, enjoying all-you-can-drink beverages plus ample appetizers from 10 top food trucks.
Tickets: From $75

Sample food from area food trucks and cocktails from local bartenders at the Shake + Brake Showdown event, part of the Denver Food + Wine Festival.

The Dine Out Auction, Friday, August 28 (and future dates)
Bid on special dining experiences, trips, tickets and culinary happenings you can’t get anywhere else. The online auction will be available from July 29 – August 21. Place your bids and help raise funds for local restaurant workers! 

The Grand Tasting, Saturday, August 29, 12-4pm
Enjoy bites from more than 50 restaurants, hundreds of drink options from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits portfolio, and opportunities to chat with Colorado’s culinary leaders, including local Top Chef alumni. Get to know, or re-discover, the best of our state’s food and beverage scene in this stroll-about food + wine tasting event.
Tickets: Three levels are available

Enjoy great food while connecting with local chefs and restaurantsat the Grand Tasting of the Denver Food + Wine Festival.

VIP – Get in at noon, an hour early, access the VIP Lounge where there will be reserve wines; food from exclusive high-end restaurants; tasting seminars; and early access to the Grand Tasting tent offerings. Tickets start at $195.

First Taste – Arrive at noon, an hour before General Admission for early access (and fewer people) to the Grand Tasting lineup of food and drink. Tickets start at $125.

General Admission – The fun starts at 1pm with access to the full Grand Tasting lineup of small bites, wine and spirits. Tickets start at $90.

What is the charitable aspect of the Festival?

The Colorado Restaurant Foundation hosts this event that is Colorado’s biggest restaurant industry fundraiser. The organization provides access to the education, skills and financial means to pursue a successful career in the food service and hospitality industries through the Colorado ProStart® program, the Registered Apprenticeship program, scholarships, ServSafe® certifications, and the Angel Relief Fund.

What was that discount code again?  

Tickets for the Denver Food + Wine Festival go on sale June 9, 2026. Use our exclusive discount code “TRAVELER10” to receive 10% off ALL ticket types, except group ticket packages which are already discounted and the Riedel Wine Glass Seminar which includes a great takeaway gift.

How can I learn more?

Visit the Denver Food + Wine Festival website.

VIP ticket holders can enjoy dedicated lounge areas.

BONUS: Tips for making the most of the Denver Food + Wine Festival

What should I wear?  Watch the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Because the festival takes place on grass, wear flats so your fab heels don’t get ruined. Be sure to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen if sun is in the forecast.

Is there a certain strategy for experiencing the events? At the Shake + Brake Down Showdown, get in line for the most popular food trucks first! Same goes for the Grand Tasting. But keep this in mind: sometimes people get in a long line just to follow the crowd. Don’t forget other food trucks or tables that might not have as long a line but that have something delicious waiting for you (with no wait!).

Also, you’re going to be discovering some new restaurants you’ll want to try for a full-fledged meal. Be sure to download the interactive Denver Food + Wine Festival map during the event to keep track of your fave spots. Same with wines and spirits you try – download the map and take a picture of the label of ones you love so you can purchase a bottle later.

There’ll be a lot of food and drink. How should I pace myself? Come hungry and stay hydrated. VIP ticket holders should explore the VIP area first for all that it has to offer and then head to the General Admission tents; VIP closes around 3 pm, an hour earlier than GA. First Taste and GA ticketholders should go slowly and choose what really looks good to you; you can always go back for seconds of what you love.

Also, during the Shake + Brake Showdown, when you vote for your favorite cocktail (via a poker chip in buckets), you’ll receive a full pour so allow for that! Otherwise, cocktails are in tasting portions. There’s so much food and drink, you don’t want to tire yourself out too quickly.

Go slow. Take breaks. And have fun!

 -By Courtney Drake-McDonough, RealFoodTraveler.com. Photos courtesy of Denver Food + Wine Festival

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