Sure, we love Mexican food but how about a festival dedicated to it?
Larimer Square will host Taste of Mexico on July 19th – 23rd. This Larimer Square event will showcase the unique historical relationship between these two cities while also celebrating the rich and diverse Hispanic culture prevalent in our metro Denver community. Taste of Mexico guests can enjoy various events featuring Mexican and American talent and an extensive schedule of cultural activities, including language classes, live music, Sotol and Mezcal tastings, Lucha Libre, family-friendly crafts, celebrity chef dinners and a pop-up art gallery.
Taste of Mexico in Denver
A mix of free and ticketed events, Taste of Mexico at Larimer Square will include:
Wednesday, July 19th
Rioja Taste of Mexico Wine Dinner: 6:30 p.m. – TICKETED
- Enjoy an exceptional five-course dinner at Rioja, skillfully crafted by renowned Denver chefs Jennifer Jasinski and Dana Rodriguez, both James Beard Foundation honorees. Mexican winemaker Lulu Martinez Ojeda of Bruma Vinicola will be on hand to pair and describe her spectacular wines. Tickets are $150 per person.
Thursday, July 20th
Pop-Up Art Gallery Opening: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. FREE
- Celebrate the opening of the Taste of Mexico Pop-Up Art Gallery presented by Magpie Arts Collection and curated by Denver artist Moe Gram. The gallery will feature works by Victor Escobedo, Cal Duran and Diego Flores-Arroyo. The show will run through Sunday at 1417 Larimer Street.
Friday, July 21st
Chalk Art by Randy Segura: FREE
- Prepare to be captivated as Denver artist Randy Segura brings a 15 foot x 15 foot 3D chalk art masterpiece to life throughout the weekend. Watch in awe as the vibrant colors and intricate details come together, creating a beautiful illustration inspired by Mexican Talavera tiles.
Taste of Mexico Kick-Off Ceremony: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. FREE
- Kick-off the highly-anticipated Taste of Mexico with entertainment by Mariachi Aguilas and esteemed speakers including city officials, representatives from Denver Sister Cities International, The Mexican Cultural Center and BOK Financial.
Flor Del Desierto Sotol Tasting at Bao Brewhouse: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. TICKETED
- Maverick Wine Co. and High Road Spirits are joining forces to share fascinating insights about the origins of sotol in Mexico and to unveil the wonders of the Flor Del Desierto portfolio. Space is limited to 20 attendees and tickets are $25 each, with 100% of proceeds going to Denver Sister Cities International and The Mexican Cultural Center.
Taste of Cuernavaca Dinner Hosted by Chef Richard Sandoval and Patrón Tequila at Tamayo: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. TICKETED
- Savor a thoughtfully curated 4-course menu that will transport you from Larimer Square to the vibrant city of Cuernavaca and Morelos, Mexico. Each dish emulates the flavors and aromas of this captivating region and is thoughtfully paired with Patrón cocktails. While you immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine, enjoy the soothing sounds of guitarist El Javi amidst sweeping views of the Rockies on Tamayo’s rooftop terrace. Tickets are $150 per guest, which includes gratuity. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to Denver Sister Cities International and the Mexican Cultural Center.
Lucha Libre: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. FREE
- Witness the electrifying action of a full-throttle Lucha Libre experience by the Rocky Mountain Wrestling Co. Plus, you can enjoy Patrón cocktails from the Osteria Marco patio bar! Register for FREE here!
Saturday, July 22nd
Kids Crafts with Crafty Chassis: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. FREE
- The entire family is invited to get craft with the Crafty Chassis, Denver’s mobile art and crafts studio! Crafty Chassis will be offering fun hands-on colorful crafts for all ages to decorate a mini-sombrero or create a mini Ojo De Dios (God’s Eye) decoration. Free and open to all, space is limited.
The Margarita Tour Presented by Patrón Tequila: Noon – 5pm TICKETED
- Sip your way through Larimer Square and enjoy a variety of margaritas, each refreshingly crafted with delicious Patrón Tequila. Participating bars and restaurants will include Osterio Marco, Rioja, Ocean Prime, Corridor 44 and Bao Brewhouse. Tickets are $40 per person, with 100% of proceeds going to Denver Sister Cities International and The Mexican Cultural Center.
Taste of Mexico Music Festival: Noon – 10pm FREE
- Enjoy live music by local Hispanic artists on the Larimer Square Pergola Stage, including Tamborazo Chikoteado from noon – 2 p.m., Gino Rael + The Mighty Nice Band from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., Banda Rockera La Negra from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Lobo Hombre from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Deejay Guz from 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Adult Spanish Class: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. TICKETED
- Esteemed teacher Martha Guadalupe Cline will share basic greetings, Spanish fundamentals and easy-ordering phrases. Tickets are $15 each, with 100% of proceeds going to Denver Sister Cities International and The Mexican Cultural Center.
Artist Panel: 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. FREE
- Through spirituality and genuine curiosity we are able to connect with our ancestors and develop deep connections to our roots. Diego Florez-Arroyo, Cal Duran and Victor Escobedo explore the relationships between ancestry and spirituality. Facilitated by Karma Leigh, the panel will dive into topics around resilience, power and joy through the use of familial language and the reimagined ancient iconography of their Mexican roots.
Sunday, July 23rd
The Taco Twist: Noon – 4 p.m. TICKETED
- Sample a variety of unique tacos from participating restaurants, including Osterio Marco, Rioja, Tamayo, Ocean Prime, Bao Brewhouse and Kachina Cantina. Tickets are $35 per person, with 100% of proceeds going to Denver Sister Cities International and The Mexican Cultural Center.
El Mercado: Noon – 4 p.m. FREE
- A vibrant Larimer Square marketplace featuring 15 local Hispanic vendors showcasing their exquisite crafts, unique merchandise and one-of-a-kind art, along with facepainting and live music and performance by the Nueva Escuela de Música Banda from noon – 2 p.m. and Folklórico Sangre de Mexico from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. on the Pergola Stage.
Kids Spanish Class: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. TICKETED
- Esteemed teacher Martha Guadalupe Cline will share basic Spanish greetings and a Spanish story time experience. Tickets are $15 each, with 100% of proceeds going to Denver Sister Cities International and The Mexican Cultural Center.
Cruz de Fuego Mezcal Tasting at Bao Brewhouse: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. TICKETED
- Maverick Wine Co. and High Road Spirits are joining forces to share fascinating insights about the origins of mezcal in Mexico and to unveil the wonders of the Cruz de Fuego portfolio. Space is limited to 20 attendees and tickets are $25 each, with 100% of proceeds going to Denver Sister Cities International and The Mexican Cultural Center.
For the full schedule of Taste of Mexico events, please visit www.larimersquare.com/events/tasteofmexico/.
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