Since moving outdoors in front of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum three years ago, Taste of Pikes Peak has become the Colorado Springs food event of the summer for foodies and restaurants in Colorado Springs. Hosted by the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association the food festival showcases the vibrant local food culture and the talents of local chefs, restaurants, caterers and culinary artisans. With this year’s Taste of Pikes Pike happening on July 17, you do not want to miss it.
“It’s the party of the summer — and a true celebration of Colorado Springs’ vibrant, independent restaurant scene,” says Jenny Sherman, president of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association and owner of downtowns Odyssey Gastropub and Nacho Matrix.
This year, more than 80 local restaurants, breweries, distilleries and more will come together to line the streets at Sierra Madre and Vermijo in front of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum to offer an enticing array of food and beverages.
It will be the 28th year of the food festival, representing a long evolution of the gathering of Colorado Springs restaurants. Through the years, the event happened in various venues and in various sizes.
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing was right to move the event outdoors with an excellent Olympic City USA location. The shift elevated the food festival, making room for more vendors and adding views of the downtown skyline and sunset over Pikes Peak, not to mention the exceptional architecture of the Olympic & Paralympic Museum and Park Union Bridge.
The addition of live music added to the celebration. This year The Goonies, a high-energy ’80s cover band will perform, and Sherman says they are “going to keep the dance floor packed all night.”
The food festival scene features open-air tents and booths filled with local chefs, restaurants, breweries, distilleries and more in a grand tasting style event. Attendees can roam freely to enjoy unlimited samples of a wide variety of dishes and drinks all evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The food and drink samples include everything from gourmet creations to classic comfort foods, sweet treats, local craft beers and creative cocktails.
“This year, I’m especially excited about the elevated VIP experience — it’s next level — with Chef Brother Luck behind the DJ booth!” Sherman says.
There are other new additions across the board. “We’ve also added some exciting new elements to Taste of Pikes Peak: a dedicated Sober Area to make sure everyone feels welcome, an early entry option for non-VIPs, and some seriously elevated food and drink in the VIP lounge,” Sherman says.
VIP access includes an hour of early access, table seating, private bathrooms and exclusive tastes from the Side Dish Dozen. And, yes, we’re giving away a pair of VIP tickets to a lucky winner. You can enter here to win them by July 11.
The unlimited tastes for everyone span the range from local tacos and burgers to craft beers and spirits to culinary innovations from some of the leading fine dining restaurants.
The food dishes are judged, and the restaurants step up with delicious and generous servings. Last year, My Neighbor Felix won Best Taste for their Conchonita Pibil Tacos.
The beauty of Taste of Pikes Peak is that it celebrates all the Colorado Springs dining scene has to offer and introduces people to its wide range of offerings.
“Taste of Pikes Peak is a big deal for us in the industry. It’s more than just another tasting event — it’s created by restaurants, for restaurants, with proceeds going right back into supporting the local hospitality community,” Sherman says. “Unlike many fundraisers where restaurants are asked to donate their time and product, this event honors and uplifts the very people who make the food scene so special.”
Taste of Pikes Peak serves as a fundraiser for the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, to support initiatives including the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and ProStart programs in regional high schools, which help nurture future culinary talent in the Pikes Peak region.
As for insider tips, Sherman offers this advice: “Expect anything when it comes to Colorado weather — layers are your friend. Come with your crew. Travel light, and keep your hands free for all the incredible bites and sips you’ll want to try. Most importantly, plan ahead with a designated driver or rideshare. This is one party you’ll want to enjoy to the fullest!”
Taste of Pikes Peak happens on Thursday, July 17. The event sold out last year, and tickets are available now at tasteofpikespeak.com.
