Colorado’s Culinary Stars & Weekend Magic ✨ | | Hey there, Denverites! 🌇 | Big news for Colorado’s dining scene—our culinary stars are shining bright with the James Beard semifinalist announcements. Whether you’re exploring award-worthy eats, catching live music, or soaking in some winter vibes, we’ve got your weekend plans covered. Let’s dig in! | | | 2025 James Beard Semifinalists | Colorado’s food and drink scene is bringing the heat, and the 2025 James Beard semifinalists prove it! Here’s a roundup of our local culinary heroes who are making waves: | | | | Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY) | • Erasmo Casiano and Diego Coconati, Lucina Eatery & Bar | • Bo Porytko, Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails | • Paul C. Reilly, Coperta | • Hosea Rosenberg, Blackbelly (Boulder) | • Kenneth Wan, MAKFam | • Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton |
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| | Mile High Happenings: Weekend Events (January 24–26) | | 21 Below | 📍 MCA DENVER — Museum of Contemporary Art Denver | ⏰ 6:00 PM Jan 24 | Join us Friday, January 24 for 21 Below, featuring teen bands, a burrito bar, games, and art (duh) on the third floor of the museum. This year's event is 80s/90s themed. Bring your friends and be there! | |
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| Friday, January 24 | 🎻 Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More | 📍 St. Cajetan’s | ⏰ 6:15 PM & 8:30 PM | Experience a magical evening of classical music by candlelight. | 🎶 Ship Wreck | 📍 Ogden Theatre | ⏰ 8:00 PM | Dance the night away with Ship Wreck, No Thanks, Kandy Shop b2b Murra, and Phatjazz. |
| 🎸 Max McNown | 📍 Globe Hall | ⏰ 8:00 PM | Singer-songwriter Max McNown hits the stage with Jonathan Hutcherson. | 🎤 Chappell Roan Night | 📍 Fox Theatre | ⏰ 8:00 PM | Catch Chappell Roan’s vibrant and dynamic performance in Boulder. |
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| Saturday, January 25 | 🐉 Colorado Chinese New Year Celebration | 📍 George Washington High School | ⏰ 10:30 AM | Experience Denver’s largest Chinese cultural event with music, dance, and acrobatics! | 🌕 Lunar New Year | 📍 Town Center Aurora | ⏰ 2:00 PM | Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with cultural performances, crafts, and giveaways. |
| 🥃 Denver Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival | 📍 Zeppelin Station | ⏰ 2:30 PM | Calling all whiskey lovers—sample some of the finest craft and world-class whiskies. | 🎸 The Browning | 📍 Marquis Theater | ⏰ 6:00 PM | Get ready for a high-energy show with The Browning. |
| 🎧 Loud Luxury | 📍 Mission Ballroom | ⏰ 8:00 PM | Dance to the beats of this electronic music duo at one of Denver’s hottest venues. | 🎶 Snakehips | 📍 Ogden Theatre | ⏰ 9:00 PM | Feel the groove with Snakehips, Covex, Dreambay b2b Clrblnd, and Levi Double U. |
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| Sunday, January 26 | 🐉 Lunar New Year Celebration | 📍 Havana Street | ⏰ All Day | Enjoy global vendors, cultural performances, lion dancing, and international cuisine. | 😂 Shannon Fiedler Stand Up | 📍 Summit | ⏰ 6:00 PM | Don’t miss this hilarious comedy show to cap off your weekend. |
| 🎤 Ballpark! | 📍 Globe Hall | ⏰ 5:00 PM | With Everlasting Everything, number 9, and Sunshowers. | 🎶 Face Vocal Band | 📍 Boulder Theater | ⏰ 7:00 PM | Catch this talented vocal group at a special benefit concert for Boulder Theater. |
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| Plan your weekend, Denverites! 🎉 Whether it’s comedy, culture, or concerts, there’s something for everyone | | Denver Weather This Week | | Friday, January 24☁️ Partly Cloudy🌡️ High: 44°F | Low: 16°💧 15% chance of precipitation | 🌬️ N winds at 7 mph - A crisp and cool start to the weekend—layer up for outdoor fun! | Saturday, January 25 ❄️ Snow🌡️ High: 21°F | Low: 8°F💧 84% chance of snow | 🌬️ ENE winds at 6 mph - Expect a snowy Saturday, perfect for cozy indoor plans or hitting the slopes. | Sunday, January 26 ☁️ Partly Cloudy 🌡️ High: 31°F | Low: 15°F 💧 11% chance of precipitation | 🌬️ NE winds at 3 mph - A chilly but clear day to wrap up the weekend—ideal for a casual stroll or a local event. | Monday, January 27☀️ Sunny🌡️ High: 43°F | Low: 19°F💧 3% chance of precipitation | 🌬️ NNW winds at 4 mph - Start your week with plenty of sunshine and milder temps. |
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| 💡 Heads-Up: Snowy Saturday ahead—keep those snow boots and shovels ready! 🧤❄️ | | Explore More Denver Magic 🌟 | Looking for more ways to dive into all things Denver? Check out these curated guides to make the most of your Mile High adventures: | • 🏔️ Top Things to Do in Denver: Your ultimate guide to the city’s must-see spots and hidden gems. | • 🍴 Best Restaurants in Denver: A foodie’s dream list of top eats in the city. | • 🏨 Best Hotels in Denver: From boutique stays to luxury escapes, find your perfect basecamp. | • ❄️ Winter Things to Do in Colorado: Embrace the snow with outdoor adventures and cozy retreats. | • 🌟 Unique Hotels in Colorado: Stay somewhere unforgettable with these one-of-a-kind accommodations. | Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these guides are here to help you uncover Denver’s best. Happy exploring! 🗺️✨ | | See You Around the Mile High City! |  | Photo by: u/swain_ryan |
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| That’s it for this week, Denverites! 🌟 Whether you’re tasting your way through our city’s culinary gems or enjoying a snow-dusted weekend adventure, make it a memorable one. | Got a favorite James Beard pick or event you’re heading to? Hit reply and let us know—we might feature your story in next week’s issue! | Until next time, stay warm and stay curious. | -What’s Happenin’ Denver Team |
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