This weekend’s best bets all over Colorado, from Pagosa Springs to Winter Park
By the Thirst Team
Hotchkiss music series kicks off
The quiet town of Hotchkiss gets a bit less quiet starting this weekend. Big B’s Fruit Company kicks off its summer concert series with the two-day Hestival, featuring Dragondeer, Nikki Lane, The Pink Stones and the Six-Dollar String Band. Big B’s is a 30-acre orchard with camping and a restaurant in Hotchkiss, which is just north of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Chili fest in Florence
The Florence Pioneer Museum and Florence Brewing Company are co-hosting the second annual chili & beer fest fundraiser for Florence Pioneer Museum’s historic building fund on Saturday.
The museum will sell homemade chili in souvenir handmade bowls made by P&G Pottery. Cost is $10 for a bowl and one fill of chili, or $15 for a bowl and all-you-can-eat chili.
Florence Brewing Company has a variety of beer, cider, wine, mixed drinks and sodas available.
Photo courtesy of Rugby’s Rescues.
Brews for Rescues beer fest
Town Park in Pagosa Springs hosts a beer festival and fundraiser on Saturday.
At least 20 breweries will pour samples, and ciders and other spirits will also be available. The event starts with a community dog walk at 11 a.m., and the tasting runs from noon to 5 p.m. There also will be vendors, music, food trucks, dog show, trick contest and more.
The event is a fundraiser for Rugby's Rescue, a small local non-profit that rescues dogs from surrounding Native American Reservations.
Wine extravaganza in Cañon City
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey hosts its Spring Wine Extravaganza from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. The winery will showcase wines produced and hand-selected by winemaker Jeff Stultz.
The Cañon City High School Culinary Arts Program will provide hors d'oeuvres, and Gitan Swing will play jazz music.
Destination of the Week: Winter Park
Jane Beach Saturdays kick off Saturday at Winter Park Ski Resort, with a live DJ, drink specials and giveaways.
If you are heading up for the party, we have plenty of suggestions for other things to do and places to stay, including Devil’s Thumb Ranch in nearby Tabernash. In addition to luxury accommodations and food, the large resort also hosts cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoe tours, fat tire biking, snow tubing, sleigh rides and more.
Taste of the Week: Greeley’s best
Greeley Eats is a showcase of Greeley’s culinary scene. It runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the University of Northern Colorado, with live entertainment and a chance to meet chefs and owners at Greeley-area restaurants and caterers.
As always, please send us your events and announcements. We’re happy to share them. And enjoy your Colorado craft libations responsibly.