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Denver, and all of Colorado really, is about to get about to get triple-festive this week.
In honor of Battle of Puebla Day (May 5, 1862), otherwise known as Cinco De Mayo, tacos and margaritas will overflow from every corner of the state Thursday — including treats from empanadas and Mezcal findings to food-film musings.
Then on Saturday, comes Kentucky Derby Day, perhaps one of the best-dressed days of the year that Denver has swiftly turned into a “holiday.” The copper-mug cold cocktails await, with costume contests and more, from Boulder to Denver.
Last but never least, find any variety of Mother’s Day specials on Sunday, including ongoing throughout the month. There will be plant sales paired with drinks, picnics to-go paired with wine, jazz wine-and-dine nights, as well as plenty of classic brunches.
Cinco de Mayo – Thursday, May 5
Kachina Cantina will celebrate Cinco de Mayo all day, with authenticities from empanadas to pozole rojo. Head back monthly, for the cantina’s Flight of Tequilas from around the world.
Stanley Beer Hall will celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Thursday with margaritas and activities for kids.
Starting Friday, will also be discounts for Nurses Week, a Family-style Derby Party on Saturday, complete with a Mother’s Day mimosa brunch with wall-tapped specials.
Que Bueno Suerte is celebrating all week — with Taco Tuesday, Bachata dancing Wednesday, and festivities all day Thursday with live mariachi music and a chile pepper eating contest.
Can’t make the events this week?
Denver media namesakes Stephan Werk and Tony White are just some of the masterminds behind “Sons of Mezcal,” a documentary rooted in Oaxaca, México about tequila’s smoky cousin, mezcal. The film got big buzz upon its release last August of 2021, and will be featured at The Ramble Hotel’s Vauxhall May 13.
Then, learn more behind the story of how mezcal is crafted and the legacies behind the agave gem at The Hangar at Stanley on May 15.
Kentucky Derby – Saturday, May 7
Dazzling the infamous Dairy Block, Poka Lola Social Club will host a Derby Day Watch Party starting at 1pm on Sunday. Expect creative cocktails, and a dress-to-impress contest to win a night’s stay at The Maven Hotel. Return May 25 for National Wine Day for charcuterie and wine.
Boulder’s historic St Julien Hotel & Spa rings in the annual “Run for the Roses” Derby party, with live bluegrass music, hat-crafting, a silent auction, drink specials, and vast race viewing. And, if you’d like to join for Mother’s Day, Jill’s Restaurant will host an impressive brunch.
LoDo’s famed farm-to-table dining city-style, Urban Farmer hosts Run for the Races, with Woodford Reserve-dressed cocktails, Brown Palace-inspired sandwiches, and more. The hotel-restaurant hotspot will also host a Brunch Buffet on Mother’s Day, and launches a Zero Waste cocktail program starting next week to raise awareness of reducing food waste.
Denver’s treasure, The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection, welcomes the dress-to-impress to sip on Mint Juleps, enjoy food by rockstar Executive Chef Kim Moyle, music by Hazel Miller Live, and more. Goers can choose, GA and VIP, each with unique and exclusive offerings. Doors open at 1pm, tickets purchased at: Eventbrite.
Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 8
Nothing better than planting new plants with mom come spring — shop for succulents and other greeneries plus a mimosa brunch at The Red Barber, in partnership for the event with Reroot.
How about a picnic? Pick up a takeout package from Noble Riot in RiNo, complete with grilled breads, accoutrements, even a fried chicken bucket. The quaint, wine-centric bar has bottles of wine to-go as well.
If you’re near DTC, land on the culinary delight that is Le French. Chef-prepared and owned by Senegalese-French sisters, Aminata and Rougui Dia, you’ll find the best croque monsieur and madames in town, pastries, and a strawberry-themed brunch on Mother’s Day.
Up it a notch, and treat mom to a dinner-and-a-show at Denver’s jazz supper club, Nocturne, with a three-course dinner and Latin American jazz, including a new internationally-inspired spring menu.
The Grand Valley along the western slope, known for celebrating all things wine and community in Grand Junction and more, will host a Mother’s Day brunch at Devil’s Kitchen. Head back on first-Tuesdays for chef-curated Pairing Dinners.
Venturing to celebrate mom after this weekend?
LoDo’s recent installation in McGregor Square, The Original (aka the “OG”) brings brunch during weekdays including bottomless mimosas (personal day, anyone?), and welcomes a new drag queen brunch series, The Saturday Serve, on select Saturdays May 21-June 11.
Morrison’s notable southwestern gem, The Fort, is always up to something — from a Mother’s Day coursed menu, a new spring menu, Buffalo Steak + Quail specials in May, to a murder-mystery night on May 27.
However you decide to celebrate, consider: now that businesses and social spots are opening up and spring is here, there’s no better time than to support our local hospitality and arts scene while ringing in long-awaited new memories. Cheers!