Eater Denver’s events roundup provides a curated weekly rundown of the area’s most interesting and engaging local dining and drinking festivals, classes, workshops, dinners and more.

Every week, Eater Denver editors weed through tips, emails and listings to bring you the most essential food-related happenings — each and every event listed here is a personal recommendation from an Eater editor, hand-selected because of its intriguing menu, above-the-bar cuisine or drink, or the involvement of an exceptional chef or restaurant.

The focus is on events taking place in upcoming days as well as farther out affairs you’ll want to make reservations or buy tickets for stat (before they sell out). Food and drink events are listed in chronological order.

Have an event you’d like listed here? Send it our way at denver@eater.com.

Denver Oktoberfest

When: Friday, September 20 to Sunday, September 22 and Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29

Where: 2100 block of Larimer Street

What: One of the nation’s most popular Oktoberfest bashes brings stein hosting, keg bowling, polka, Bavarian brunches, and plenty of beer and bratwurst.

Additional Information: The event is free to enter but there are various ticket options available offering access to reserve food and beers, steins and VIP experiences. Check out those ticket options here.

Polidori Oktoberfest Brat Eating Contest

When: 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday

Where: 2100 block of Larimer Street

What: This challenge will crown the champion who can eat the most brats in a five minute period.

Additional Information: Competition is free to watch.

Drink RiNo Oktoberfest

When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, September 21

Where: Bierstadt Lagerhaus

What: RiNo breweries and wineries gather to show off their fall favorites at the annual celebration of German-style beers and food.

Additional Information: Each $20 ticket comes with a half liter mug and a full liter of beer.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Festival

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, September 21

Where: The Ranch Events Complex, Loveland

What: The sweetest chocolate experience near the Rocky Mountains, the chocolate festival is the perfect family-friendly trip for the chocolate lover. Guests can explore the festival at their own pace with tasting tickets or purchase VIP tickets to skip the line and go straight to indulging.

Additional Information: Admission costs $10, which includes 12 taste tickets, and kids under 12 are free; VIP tickets start at $50.

Fiesta De Indepencia

When: 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday

Where: Dos Luces Brewery

What: Dos Luces will celebrate the the September Independence Days of Brazil, Mexico, Chili and other Latin and South American nations with a culinary pop-up in the evening with featuring “Mexiterranean” food from a local chef Raquela “Rocky” Serber, that blends Mexican traditions in the Yucatan Peninsula with Israeli and Middle-Eastern cuisine. The brewery will also release its new Moctezuma III with Prickly Pear beer.

More Information: Free to attend; visit Dos Luces website.

Fall Vegan Harvest Dinner

When: 6 p.m. Monday, September 23

Where: St. Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder

What: St. Julien will celebrate the fall equinox with a vegan harvest dinner featuring menu items that highlight vegetables and herbs grown on the hotel’s property. Beginning at 6 p.m., guests will enjoy a cocktail reception in the St Julien Garden while they receive an insider’s look at the garden. Then, an intimate prix fixe dinner will be held on the Spa Terrace while the sun sets behind Boulder’s iconic Flatirons.

More Information: Tickets are $49.99; call 720-406-7399 for reservations.

Musical Chairs Dinner: Elton John

When: Thursday, September 26

Where: Beast + Bottle

What: The restaurant’s beloved musical chair dinner series is back with an ode to Sir Elton John. Four courses will highlight the musician’s legacy, including the “Rocket Man” spaghetti and “Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters” rose water semolina cake.

Additional Information: Reservations start at $50 per person with the option of additional wine pairings for $30 more. Call the restaurant to reserve.