Meat Festivals Take Over the Mile High City

Meat seems to be the word this season, considering the great events coming up focusing around it. The soon-to-come events will not only provide education but allow guests to taste some of the best animal proteins Denver has to offer.

Right around the corner is Meat Matters, hosted by the national nonprofit Chefs Collaborative on Sunday, May 31 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Wurstkuche. Attendees will be given the opportunity to learn about the issues surrounding the production and consumption of meat while enjoying craft beer from Prost Brewing, five types of locally prepared artisan sausage, and a bumping DJ. VIP tickets allow guests to take a sausage making class from Western Daughters from 1 to 2 p.m. General admission tickets are going for $40 with VIP tickets at $60 and can be purchased online.

The first-ever Slow Meat Fair will take place on Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Auraria Campus MSU Club Sports Field and Hospitality and Learning Center. There will be culinary and taste workshops featuring charcuterie, cheese, craft beer and more, words of wisdom from animal science expert, Dr. Temple Grandin, and a pop-up from Tattered Cover bookstore and author signings. Entry is mostly free except for a few ticketed workshops that can be purchased online.

If a single day event just isn't enough to get your fix of sustainable meat, make a few reservations at participating restaurant during Charc Week from June 1 - 6. Charcuterie specials and beer pairings will be offered at venues like Colt & Gray, Nickel, Vesta Dipping Grill, and The Plimoth throughout the week. The highlight of the week is the Charc Bites tasting party on June 4 at the Taxi event space (3350 Ringsby Court), where for a $45 ticket guests can enjoy an evening of charcuterie and beer parings. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Slow Meat Denver.