Father’s Day falls on Sunday June 18th, 2023 and those looking to spoil their dad with an exciting day of good eats, outdoor activities, or a relaxing evening with a cold one should start planning. Colorado has a lot to offer to dads this year, including a variety of festivals, specialized brunch menus, and live music that’s perfect for celebrating your father of the year.
Festivals
If you want to make your dad feel extra appreciated, check out one of these Denver-area festivals going on around Father’s Day weekend. For dads who can’t get enough BBQ, they’re in luck because Colorado’s longest-running barbecue competition is happening just in time for the holiday.
Father’s Day Beer & Grub
Where? Aspen Grove Shopping Center
When? June 18th, 2023
This Father’s Day, treat Dad to a beer tasting and a delicious assortment of food truck fare. At the Father’s Day Beer & Grub event in Littleton, families can enjoy a 9-hole round of mini golf, axe throwing, and a special beer tasting at the BARBOX by Breckenridge. Tickets include $10 off your meal from an assortment of local food trucks, including favorites such as The Pizza Bandit and High Point Creamery. The event runs from 12 PM to 6 PM.
PRO Tip: Tickets to the Father’s Day Beer & Grub event are $20 for adults and $15 for children or those who aren’t participating in the beer tasting. Children under the age of 5 are free. Grab yours through Eventbrite before they sell out!
Colorado BBQ Challenge
Where? Copper Mountain Resort
When? June 15-17, 2023
The Colorado BBQ Challenge relocated from its long-standing home of Main Street Frisco to Copper Mountain in 2023. The event is sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society and attendees will enjoy live music, competitions, and of course — barbecue. The event is free to attend, with food and beverage tickets available to purchase. Copper Mountain has a variety of activities perfect for the summertime, such as the Rocky Mountain Coaster, zip lining, bumper boats, and even go-karts.
PRO Tip: Free parking is available to those attending the event. Weekend lodging options are also available, so families considering making it an overnight trip should book in advance through the Copper Mountain website.
Vail Craft Beer Classic
Where? Vail Village
When? June 16-17, 2023
The Vail Craft Beer Classic allows attendees to taste craft beer from over 50 breweries across the state. In total, over 200 beer, wine, and spirit samples will be available throughout the weekend. Dads are sure to enjoy one of the most adventurous tastings of the summer and who knows, maybe they’ll find their new favorite brew. Those in attendance will be tasked with voting for the best beer of the summer. Food trucks are available throughout the event and many of the tastings have small bites and samples.
PRO Tip: This event is for all ages, though only those 21 and up with a valid ID, ticket, and wristband may partake in the tasting. Pets are welcome as well.
Lake Dillon Beer Fest
Where? Dillon Amphitheater
When? June 17, 2023
This year will mark the 11th year this event has gone on, inviting more than 30 Colorado breweries to present their products. Attendees will enjoy food and live music, all while enjoying the majestic scenery from the shores of Lake Dillon. The beer fest runs from 1 PM to 4 PM and advance admission is $40. Those who don’t plan on partaking in alcoholic beverages have a discounted admission of $10. Some of the participating breweries from this year’s lineup include Ratio Beerworks, Angry James Brewery, Telluride Brewing, and Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery.
PRO Tip: There will be plenty of free parking available in town, as well as in the marina parking lot. No pets are allowed and those allergic to gluten should be aware that at this time, no gluten-free options are available at the fest.
Restaurants
Nobody ever went wrong with a celebratory Father’s Day breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. After all, some of the best memories are created over a delicious meal. These establishments have special Father’s Day themes or deals going on, making them the perfect place to take Dad on his special day.
“Bourbon, Bacon & Brisket” Brunch
Where? The Garden Terrace @ The Club at Inverness
When? June 18, 2023 / 9 AM – 1 PM
The second annual Father’s Day Brunch is being hosted at The Garden Terrace in Englewood. To begin, there will be a bourbon tasting from Law’s Whiskey — a local distiller. The award-winning brunch features selections such as smoked prime rib, sriracha dijon candied bacon, bacon beignets with blackberry jam, bourbon caramel cheesecake, and a signature bourbon cocktail. In total, there are over 100 offers from this immensely popular brunch, including a bottomless champagne bar and a raw bar featuring snow crab legs, oysters, and jumbo shrimp. Pricing is $89.95 for adults, $44.50 for children (6-12), and kiddos 5 and under are free.
PRO Tip: At brunch, dads will have the option to “Chip-in to win” a round of golf good for 4 at the club’s 18-hole championship course.
Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar
Where? 1999 Chestnut Place
When? June 18, 2023
What dad doesn’t love a mouthwatering burger? Woodie Fisher is offering a complimentary draft beer of choice to any dad who orders a burger. Those seeking a more laidback celebration of their pop can enjoy great food and even greater company. The restaurant serves a Saturday and Sunday brunch menu between 10 AM and 3 PM. Apart from the popular Woodie Fisher burger served with smoked bacon, crispy onions, and a Worcestershire aioli, there is also Alaskan king crab Benedicts with potato cakes and crab butter hollandaise, and a classic Denver omelet with local ham, peppers, and onion. It’s not Father’s Day without indulging in a specialty cocktail such as a Maple Manhattan mixed with pure maple syrup or a Mango Sunrise with tequila, orange juice, and mango puree.
PRO Tip: Make a reservation ahead of time so Dad isn’t left waiting in line to dive into his delicious burger and beer.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Where? 5111 DTC Parkway
When? June 18, 2023
Eddie V’s invites families to celebrate Dad this year with an exclusive 11-ounce Snake River Farms Wagyu Strip. The cut has been specially created for the occasion, with a decadent buttery texture and a rich flavor that is sure to leave Dad wondering how he got so lucky. The wagyu steak pairs nicely with a glass of Blanton’s and commemorative bottle toppers are available to remember the date. Other items on the menu include chilled gulf shrimp, morel-crusted lamb chops, and “The Big Eddie” served with king crab, Maine lobster, tuna poke, shrimp, and oysters.
PRO Tip: The steak will be available on both the lunch and dinner menus. The restaurant opens at 11 AM and tables should be reserved in advance to ensure seating. Valet parking is available and private dining can be arranged with advance notice for larger parties.
Fishing & Hiking
If your dad enjoys a day spent outside, the Denver area has plenty to offer in the way of trail exploration and fishing holes. This Father’s Day, take in the scenic views and cast a line. Remember, pack a picnic lunch and plenty of hydration to beat the sunny Denver weather.
Sloan Lake
Sloan Lake is one of Denver’s best urban parks, featuring hiking and biking trails, as well as a rewarding fishing hole that’s regularly stocked with warm water fish such as walleye, muskie, channel catfish, and a variety of trout. If Dad enjoys casting a line, this is an easily accessible destination that’s also great for picnics and catching a sunrise or sunset. There are boating opportunities as well, with a public boat launch ramp located at the northwest corner of the lake.
PRO Tip: Anyone planning on making a day of fishing at Sloan Lake should ensure they have a valid Colorado fishing license.
Cherry Creek Lake
Cherry Creek Lake is an 880-acre reservoir located on the southeastern edge of Denver, in Aurora. With over 5 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of space to find where the fish are biting. Largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, and channel catfish are all known to be swimming in the waters of Cherry Creek. The lake is open year-round, with two public boat ramps available. There are boat rentals at Cherry Creek Marina and overnight camping spots that require a reservation. Those just seeking to stay the day will still need a vehicle pass. Apart from fishing, Cherry Creek State Park has several hiking trails and outdoor amenities.
PRO Tip: Popular bait to use while fishing Cherry Creek includes spinners, gulp worms, mealworms, nightcrawlers, and wax worms.
Rocky Mountain National Park
For active dads, few places can compete with the awe-inspiring scenery and challenging hiking trails found in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is the best of the best of what Colorado has to offer, with enough to do to make an entire weekend out of it. Lodging can be found in nearby Estes Park or at one of the designated campgrounds within the park. Those feeling extra adventurous can attempt to secure a permit for backcountry camping. Dads who love to hike and soak in the views will be thrilled at the opportunity to embrace both at one of the most popular national parks in the country. Stop by one of the visitor’s centers to pick up a map before embarking on a hike. Some of the best trails in the park include Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Alpine Ridge Trail, and Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge.
PRO Tip: Depending on the time you arrive at the park, a timed entry reservation may be required. This is additional to a national park pass. Those who frequently find themselves visiting national parks may consider an America the Beautiful pass, which allows entry for a reasonable annual cost.
Live Music
Does your dad love live music? This year around Father’s Day weekend, multiple concerts are going on in and around Denver. Check out these iconic spots and jam out with the band and create a Father’s Day memory for the books.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater
Colorado natives know that no summer is truly complete without a trip or two to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater to enjoy some live music. Celebrate Father’s Day this year with one of the several concerts the venue is hosting around the weekend. Those looking to kick off Father’s Day celebrations a bit early may want to check out tickets for Whiskey Myers on June 14-15. On June 16 and 17, Umphrey’s McGee with moe is playing and on June 18, Stick Figure with Pepper and The Elovaters is coming to town. The nearly 10,000-seat venue features awe-inspiring rock formations and fantastic acoustics that will pair nicely with a drink and an evening of community and tunes. If Dad isn’t into a late-night concert, there’s a Yoga on the Rocks event being held on June 17 that still allows him to enjoy the iconic venue.
PRO Tip: If Dad has never been to a show at Red Rocks, keep in mind that there is a trek to the venue itself from the parking lots. Accessible parking is available at multiple locations.
Central Park
Each summer, Central Park hosts a series of outdoor concerts. The park has not one but two outdoor concert venues, located on South Green and North Green. This is the perfect place to bring the whole family together and enjoy a picnic. Concerts on the Green begin at 6 PM and on July 17, 2023, That 80s Band is performing. Central Park also hosts Fresh Markets and beer festivals throughout the year, making it the perfect place to come back to time and time again. All concerts are free and open to the public, inviting community members to find seating on a first-come, first-serve basis.
PRO Tip: It’s recommended that families arrive early, so they have time to get settled and check out the many delicious food offerings served by the assortment of food trucks that attend the event.