Charcuterie Dinner at Panzano; Jazz Brunch at Jax; and More This Weekend in Denver and Beyond

The weekend is full of events and festivals in Denver and beyond ranging from beer-centric bike rides to charcuterie dinners and mac 'n cheese extravaganzas. Here are the highlights:

BRIAN POLCYN DINNER AT PANZANO
When: Sunday, September 8
Where: Panzano, 909 17th Street
What: A charcuterie demonstration and five-course dinner with wine pairings from chefs Paul C. Reilly of Beast + Bottle, Aaron Whitcomb of Ya Ya's Euro Bistro, Bob Blair of Fuel Cafe and Elise Wiggins of Panzano – all of whom attended a two-day Polcyn charcuterie seminar earlier this year.
More info and tickets: Call 303.296.3525

JAX SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH
When: Every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Where: Jax Fish House, 650 S. Colorado Boulevard
What: Ocean-inspired brunch dishes and morning cocktails to enjoy alongside live music entertainment by local band, The Hot Club of Pearl Street Band.
More info: Call 303.756.6449.

VAIL OKTOBERFEST
When: Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8 and the following weekend.
Where: Lionshead Village
What: Two full weekends of Bavarian fun with festivities including oom-pah parties, lively activities, and traditional German fare. Expect Bavarian tunes, keg bowling, Klement's bratwurst eating contests, yodeling and alpenhorn blowing, and more.
More info and tickets: Visit Vail Oktoberfest

ASPEN MAC AND CHEESE FEST
When: Sunday, September 7
Where: Downtown Aspen
What: The third annual Aspen Mac and Cheese Fest in all its gooey goodness. Crowds consume pounds of this favorite food before voting a local restaurant the winner of this competition.
More info and tickets: Call 970.429.2078 or visit AspenRecreation.com

Want more? Check out these events that are also part of Eater's not-to-miss events of September.

9th ANNUAL DENVER FOOD AND WINE CLASSIC
When: September 3 through September 8
Where: Metro State University and other locations
What: A multi-day food and wine experience in Denver with events ranging from Grand Tasting to special dinners and everything in between. Tickets can be purchased for individual events. Among the highlights: a battle of the chefs that includes John Broening of Le Grand Bistro, Tyler Wiard of Elway's, and Mark DeNittis of the Rocky Mountain Institute of Meat, and Art of the Cocktail event featuring some of Denver's best bartenders.
More information and tickets: Denver Food and Wine

TOUR DE FAT
When: Saturday, September 7, parade registration starts at 10 a.m.
Where: City Park – West Side
What: New Belgium Brewing, maker of Fat Tire and other award-winning beers, is bringing the 14th annual Tour de Fat back to Denver. Enjoy eclectic entertainment and stellar beer, all while helping local bicycle nonprofits raise funds. All proceeds from beer and merchandise sales and donations from parade participants will help make Denver a better place to ride a bike.
More info and tickets: Admission is free. There is a $5 or more suggested donation for the parade. Beer will be cheap and plentiful: $5 for a 16 ounce pour. For more information, visit the event's webpage.

FESTIVAL ITALIANO
When: September 7 and 8. Saturday hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Belmar- approximately 464 S Teller Street in Lakewood. The event is held on West Alaska Drive and South Teller Street, Free Parking.
What: The two-day free celebration of Italian culture, food, wine and artisans attracts over 120,000 guests annually. There are homemade Italian specialties, as well as an artisan marketplace, live music on two stages, live chef demonstrations and kids activities like grape stomping! There will also be performances by festival flag throwers flown in from Italy for the weekend (in full traditional festival attire) and the competitive bocce tournament. A portion of paid event elements benefit Project Angel Heart!
More info and tickets: No tickets needed. Check out Belmar for more information.

· Where to Eat Right Now: the September Heatmap [EDen]
· September Beer Calendar: From Boulder Beer Rave to the Oyster & Stout Fest [EDen]
· The Events You Shouldn't Miss in September and Beyond [EDen]
· The 38 Essential Denver Restaurants [EDen]