For 29 years, Taste of Pikes Peak has been showcasing the vibrant local food culture and the talents of local chefs, restaurants, caterers and culinary artisans. Hosted by the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, the event has become the food event of the summer for foodies and restaurants in Colorado Springs.
“It’s the party of the summer — and a true celebration of Colorado Springs’ vibrant, independent restaurant scene,” says Jenny Sherman, co-president of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association and owner of Nacho Matrix.
This year’s Taste of Pikes Peak will feature more than 60 local restaurants, breweries, distilleries, caterers and more. It will take place July 9 with a brand new venue: Hillside Gardens & Event Center.
Food and Festivities
The food fest has been extremely popular the past three years when it was hosted on the streets in front of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. But organizers hope the new location will provide an even better experience for attendees and vendors.
“This was something that we did because Hillside is so incredibly gorgeous,” says Karrie Williams, co-president of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association and owner of Colonel Mustard’s Sandwich Emporium. “It’s 4 acres. We can spread out there. It’s shaded. There are plenty of places to sit under a tree when it’s hot in July.”
Williams says hosting Taste of Pikes Peak by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum downtown was great, but also expensive for restaurants and vendors to cover costs, such as street closures, security and parking.
The festive vibe from live music will continue, and Hillside Gardens has multiple stages for a variety of favorite local bands.
“We’ll have a DJ for dancing in the VIP Pavilion, dancing in the Boneyard and dancing at Cactus Jacks tequila bar,” Willliams says. “It should be a lot of fun. There are different types of music too, so people can enjoy more than just one band.”
Laura Pound-Rupejko will play in the VIP Pavilion at 5-6 p.m. as Taste of Pikes Peak comes to life. Soapdish will bring the dance grooves to the Boneyard Stage at 6:15-8:15 p.m. And Roma Ransom will play the global gypsy jazz on the Cactus Jacks Stage at 7-9 p.m.
As for the food and drinks themselves, the scene will still feature 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. VIP and Early Entry tickets let you in at 5 p.m.
The food and drink samples include everything from gourmet creations to classic comfort foods, sweet treats, local craft beers and creative cocktails. VIP access includes early access to elevated food and wine pairings by Uva Wine Bar and Southern Jewel Hospitality. And, yes, we’re giving away a pair of VIP tickets to a lucky winner. You can enter here to win them by July 7.
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.
Supporting the Industry
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.
Insider Tips and Tickets
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!”
For easy parking and to avoid congestion around Hillside Gardens, complimentary shuttles by High Alpine Transportation will run continuously from Memorial Park from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. PikeRide will also have a bike concierge on site with rental locations at Memorial Park and the Catholic Charities Helen Hunt Campus.
Taste of Pikes Peak happens on Thursday, July 9. Get more details and tickets at tasteofpikespeak.com. Preview the venue at hillsidecolorado.com.
Enter here to win those VIP tickets by July 7!
