Picture this… A warm summer evening downtown at Park Union in front of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Cocktail tables. Umbrellas. And some of the best chefs and drink establishments in the region, serving up their specialties.
The region’s largest food and beverage event is back. Mark your calendar for July 27 from 5-9 pm.
Taste of Pikes Peak Returns
“(The year) 2023 will mark the 26th year of Taste of Pikes Peak and a triumphant return from a … two-year hiatus,” says Rebecca Taraborelli, president of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association.
Formerly called the Food and Wine Expo, this event once functioned more as a trade show for restauranteurs and the vendors that support that industry.
Over the years, it became a public event – an opportunity for restaurants, chefs and food and beverage vendors to share their best as a tasting event. These days, it showcases the region’s restaurant industry and fundraises for the PPCRA.
In 2020, there were 90 vendors, including 45 restaurants. Organizers expect at least that many this year. Expect heavy hitters like Four by Brother Luck, Bristol Brewing Company and Black Hat Distillery alongside other well-known and up-and-coming names.
“It’s a celebration of chefs and artisans and the service workers in Colorado Springs,” says Lauren Ripko, event producer.
Samples, Samples + More Samples
These businesses are here to show their stuff with a whole street full of local restaurants, breweries, distilleries and more, dishing out samples to the lucky folks with tickets.
“Go to each table. Grab a sample,” Ripko says. “It’s all included in that ticket price.”
The event is family friendly, but don’t expect these chefs to have mac-n-cheese on hand for the kids – these samples are designed for foodies.
“What makes Taste of Pikes Peak special is that it is the only food event in Southern Colorado that is BY restaurants FOR restaurants. … all proceeds from the event benefit the programs and the people of our local restaurant industry,” Taraborelli says.
New Twists
This year’s event will bring a few changes, including a shift to Thursday night and live music for the first time. Local fan favorite SofaKillers will take the main stage at 7 pm.
And the new location? It comes with a bonus. Buy a ticket to Taste of Pikes Peak and receive a special offer for $15 tickets to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. Win-win.
“Taste of Pikes Peak 2023 will be the best food and beverage event our region has ever experienced,” Taraborelli says. “After 3 years of unprecedented challenge, local restaurants are ready to … show the Pikes Peak region what they are about!”
Website: https://www.tasteofpikespeak.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @tasteofpikespeak