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A little dog-centric and foodie heaven
Kiki Ash
June 02, 2025
Monday, June 2, 2025
⛅ Light rain • High: 80°F • Low: 54°F
Inside this issue:
Quick Note from Kiki:
Hi Everyone!
I'm currently on the Croatian coast this week, then I’ll be heading to Slovenia's Julian Alps for the next couple of weeks. While I'm missing all the local fun, I'll still be keeping you posted on local news and events. If you attend any events, please tag me on Instagram @rbdailydenver so I can check them out!
Always feel free to email me at [email protected] with comments, ideas, or any topics you would like to see more or less of.
Hope you enjoy all the news and events.
Kiki ❤️
Where to take your Pup
Denver’s Canine Social Scene
Fuller Dog Park. Photo by Kathryn Rosnack.
In 2025, Denver’s dogs officially outnumber the city’s children, and no one’s happier about it than the local pups. If you are looking for new places to take your furry friend, here are some alternatives:
Fuller Dog Park, at E. 29th and Franklin, is the go-to spot for neighborhood dogs chasing friends (and dirt). Free, fenced, and shaded, it’s the canine version of a coffee shop.
Greenway Park, formerly Stapleton Dog Park at 2002 Spruce, boasts three acres of off-leash space, a famous fire hydrant, and even a playground for kids, so everyone leaves tired.
Lowry Dog Park on Yosemite Way is where agility stars shine. Five acres, three sections (small, large, and obstacle course), but don’t forget to bring your own water.
Railyard Dog Park at 2005 19th Street lights up the city from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Separate zones for chill and energetic dogs make it perfect for late-night zoomies.
If dogs run this city as the numbers say they do, then these parks are Denver’s real town squares.
But what I can say, I have my preferences…
Mosh, who, for the record, would like to come hang out at the dog parks. Photo by me.
What's Happening
Taste of the West Food Festival
Taste of the West Denver. Photography: Mike Thurk/Safta/Courtesy Visit Denver
Foothills Fieldhouse hosts unlimited sampling from local chefs, brewers, and distillers this Thursday, June 5, from 5-8 PM.
General admission is $45 for adults, $25 for kids 12 and under.
You'll get to try dishes from some of Denver's best restaurants alongside local brewery pours and boutique distillery tastings.
Restaurant owners will be there to chat about their food and answer questions.
It's a great chance to discover new spots for your dining list and make connections with fellow food lovers.
Most people leave with several new restaurants to try and some great conversations under their belt.
Belgian Import Festival at Bruz Beers
Bruz is bringing authentic Belgian breweries to Colorado on Saturday, June 7, from 12-3 PM. They're shipping beer selections that don't normally reach our markets.
Belgian brewery owners will attend, offering insight into techniques that distinguish their products from American interpretations. The general admission price is $65. Note: I checked that this event is now SOLD OUT; however, the website has a message that you can stop by the festival, and they may still be able to fit you in. You can pay upon arrival.
Live music accompanies the tasting, though the primary draw remains access to beers unavailable through normal distribution channels.
The event will attract serious beer enthusiasts alongside curious newcomers interested in comparative tasting.
Bruz's expertise in Belgian-style brewing provides context for understanding what makes these imports significant. The imported beers represent traditional brewing methods dating back centuries, executed by families who've perfected specific regional styles.
The afternoon offers cultural education disguised as recreational drinking, or is it the other way around?
Denver Greek Festival
The Denver Greek Festival has a large and authentic menu.
Denver's largest cultural festival returns for its 58th year from Friday through Sunday, June 6-8, at Assumption of the Theotokos church.
The three-day celebration features authentic traditional Greek food alongside live Greek music and traditional dance entertainment.
The festival hours run from 11 AM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday closing at 6 PM.
The event's boutique showcases Greek art, paintings, sculptures, and jewelry imported directly from Greece.
Unique church tours, choir performances, and historical presentations will offer cultural immersion beyond the food experience.
General admission costs $5, seniors 65+ pay $3, and children 12 and under enter free.
Parking runs $5-10 in surrounding lots, with shuttle service available from the adjacent PetSmart parking area.
Wallace & Gromit with Boulder Philharmonic
The beloved stop-animation duo from Aardman Animations comes to life Saturday, June 7, when the Boulder Philharmonic performs live soundtracks at Levitt Pavilion Denver.
The concert features special movie screenings as the orchestra brings the soundtracks of "A Grand Day Out," "The Wrong Trousers," and "A Matter of Loaf and Death" to life.
Doors open at 6 PM with the show starting at 7 PM, part of Levitt's Free Concert Season.
Dr. Shawn Trenell O'Neal will perform an all-vinyl live scoring of the 1930 silent film "Hell-Bound Train" from the African American silent-cinema tradition.
FREE general admission provides open lawn seating, while premium upgrades offer early entrance, reserved viewing, priority bar access, and one free drink.
Food trucks include Bandwagon, Downtown Fingers, Flavor of Tabasco, and Sauvage for dinner before the show.
As always, don’t forget to bring a lawn chair!!
Trails of the Week
Cherry Creek Off-Leash Dog Area – Aurora
This 150-acre fenced paradise inside Cherry Creek State Park at 4201 S Parker Rd features a 2-mile dirt loop plus a dedicated swim beach.
Dogs can romp freely if they're under voice control, great for social pups.
$3 off-leash area pass is required, plus a state park entry fee ($10 daily vehicle pass).
There are multiple water stations, rinse-off hoses, and shaded picnic areas for humans.
The swimming area gets busy on weekends, so early morning visits offer the best experience.
There is also a separate small dog area available for nervous or smaller pups. And, waste bag stations are throughout, but bring extras during busy times.
This place is perfect for dogs who love to swim and socialize with other dogs.
Sloan's Lake Loop – West Denver
The 2.6-mile paved loop at 1700 Sheridan Blvd offers stunning skyline reflections, especially at sunrise. Leashes are required, but the wide, flat path is perfect for morning jogs with energetic dogs.
There are water fountains every half-mile and plenty of benches for rest breaks. The lake is popular with the dog community, so expect to make new furry friends along the way.
Free parking is available on both the north and south sides of the lake.
For a post-walk treat, you can catch food trucks on weekends along the western shore. Sunset views are spectacular, so evening walks are equally rewarding.
It's a great year-round option with minimal elevation gain for older dogs.
Berkeley Dog Park - Leashless
Located at 4800 Sheridan Blvd with friendly dogs and owners, this spot rarely hosts reactive dogs. Do not confuse this park with the one on 4601 Sheridan Blvd which is NOT leash-free.
There is a fully fenced off-leash area with separate sections for large and small dogs. It is adjacent to Berkeley Lake, offering scenic views during play sessions.
The park has a strong community of regular users who help maintain a positive environment. There's ample parking and it's easily accessible from major Denver neighborhoods.
Waste bag stations are well-maintained, with owners generally good about cleanup.
Shade structures provide relief during hot summer afternoons. This popular spot tends to be busy after work hours and weekends.
Business Buzz
Three Dog Bakery Celebrates in LoHi
This locally-owned dog bakery at 1503 Boulder St. has been making tails wag since opening in 2018, specializing in fresh-baked, all-natural treats and custom birthday cakes.
The shop was founded after rescue pup Gracie's sensitive stomach issues led her owners to start baking wholesome treats at home. The shop features premium dog food, treats, chews, natural remedies, CBD products, and stylish dog apparel.
There's a unique self-serve dog wash station with hydraulic tubs that makes bath time stress-free. The service hours are from Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Popular items include "pupcakes," peanut butter treats, and seasonal specialties.
The staff provides personalized recommendations based on your dog's dietary needs and preferences.
Full Frame Beer Finds Its Focus
Full Frame Beer opened in February at 1139 20th St in the former Jagged Mountain Brewery space, bringing together accomplished brewers Alyssa Hoberer and Jacob Kemple.
The duo launched with house-made beers alongside collaborations brewed with industry friends.
Their innovative approach includes hand-mixed seltzer cocktails served on ice, distinguishing them from traditional taproom offerings.
The brewery has plans to add a coffee concept and transition to a full brewpub license for food service.
The Ballpark neighborhood location represents a calculated effort to breathe new life into an established brewing space.
Fiction Beer Company Writes New Chapter
Fiction Beer Company at 7101 E Colfax Ave has reversed its December 2024 closure announcement, reopening under new ownership with plans for a full return.
The literary-inspired brewery was originally founded by Ryan and Christa Kilpatrick in 2014 and earned recognition for early adoption of hazy IPAs and pastry stouts.
The brewery garnered medals at both Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup during its original run.
Multiple fan-favorite recipes are currently being brewed under the new ownership structure.
The reopening represents a rare second chance for a beloved local brewery, with upcoming events including Smutty Book Club (Monday, June 2nd @ 7pm), Pride Themed Trivia (Thursday, June 5th @ 7pm), and Open Mic (Friday, June 6th @ 7pm).
River North Brewery Leads World Beer Cup
River North Brewery continued its awards streak by winning three medals at the 2025 World Beer Cup, leading Colorado's impressive showing across their multiple Denver locations.
The Denver-based operation joined seventeen Colorado beer makers who took home twenty-one awards across diverse categories.
Verboten Brewing and Westbound & Down Brewing each won two awards, while first-time winners included New Terrain Brewing in Golden and Wibby Brewing in Longmont.
The competition featured 8,375 beers from 1,761 breweries across 49 countries, judged by 265 experts from 37 nations.
Colorado has averaged twenty medals per World Beer Cup since the competition began in 1996.
River North's success reflects consistent quality across their multiple taproom locations. Mark your calendars: their RiNo spot is hosting a Singles Social Event on June 26th (6-9pm) for ages 30-50 looking to make real connections over craft beer.
Local News
Denver Budget Challenges Impact City Services
Denver faces a $50 million revenue shortfall this year, with a projected $100 million deficit in 2026, as announced by Mayor Mike Johnston.
This marks the first major reduction in city staff and services since the 2008 Great Recession.
Sales tax revenues are down due to vacant office buildings, reduced downtown foot traffic, and consumer uncertainty about federal policy changes.
The city will implement hiring freezes and graduated furloughs, with higher-income employees taking more unpaid days than lower-income staff.
Johnston's recovery plan focuses on finishing the 16th Street Mall project, increasing downtown security, and maintaining homeless encampment cleanup efforts.
16th Street Mall Construction Nears Completion
The $175.4 million 16th Street Mall renovation project is now 78% complete, with full completion expected by fall 2025.
Six blocks have been finished, though Glenarm and Cleveland will remain closed through spring as the project wraps up.
Denver International Airport's East Security checkpoint will open in third quarter 2025, matching the successful West Security checkpoint launched in 2024.
The final Speer Boulevard bridge restoration will be completed in 2025, ending safety work that began in 2023 near Ball Arena.
West Colfax improvements from Irving to Sheridan will be finished by summer 2025, though East Colfax BRT construction continues until 2027.
Metro Denver Housing Inventory Surges
Denver leads the nation with a 67% increase in homes for sale compared to last year, ending years of tight inventory.
About a quarter of Denver home sellers (24.4%) had to reduce listing prices in March, one of the highest rates nationally.
The condo market is especially challenging, with 77.2% of sellers cutting prices as HOA fees rise and maintenance costs deter buyers.
Average days on market increased from 39 to 48 days, giving buyers more time to find the right property.
Real estate agents say well-staged homes in prime locations still move quickly despite increased competition.
Events
Louis C.K.
Mon Jun 2 • 7:30 PM Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Where: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison. Price: $65+. What: Comedy at Colorado's most iconic venue.
Ryan Bingham & Texas Gentlemen Tue Jun 3 • 8 PM Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Where: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison. Price: $75+. What: Gravel-voiced Americana in canyon acoustics.
Thievery Corporation Wed Jun 4 • 8 PM Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Where: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison. Price: $55+. What: Downtempo legends with Beats Antique, Moontricks.
Denver Fringe Festival Wed Jun 4-8 Five Points/RiNo
Where: Various venues. Price: $20 singles. What: 70+ avant-garde shows, many dog-friendly outdoor venues.
Skiptown Yappy Hour Launch Daily Jun 2-6 • 3-6 PM Skiptown Denver
Where: 3833 Steele St. What: New weekly happy hour for dogs and their humans.
Civic Center EATS Wed-Thu Jun 5-6 • 11 AM–2 PM Civic Center Park
Where: Broadway & Colfax. Price: Pay-as-you-order. What: 10+ food trucks, DJ, outdoor seating.
Big Head Todd & the Monsters Sat Jun 7 • 6:00 PM Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Where: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison. Price: $60+. What: Colorado legends with Cheap Trick, Cracker.
Denver Chalk Art Festival Sat-Sun Jun 7-8 • 10 AM–6 PM Golden Triangle
Where: 12th Ave & Bannock St. Price: FREE. What: 200+ artists, family & dog-friendly street art festival.
Big Head Todd & the Monsters Sun Jun 8 • 5:30 PM Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Where: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison. Price: $60+. What: Night two with Warren Haynes Band, Bill Murray and His Blood Brothers.