Denver

Denver Alerts

Alert

Picture of the Denver skyline with DEN written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Denver with Alayna Alvarez, John Frank, and Esteban L. Hernandez.

Axios Denver

Standard

Axios Denver Partners

Axios Denver Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

A guide to fun things to do in Denver this weekend.

Axios Denver Weekender

Weekender

Axios Denver Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Denver Members

Membership

Jeff Bridges wins Democratic nomination in Colorado treasurer's race

The three-way Democratic contest for state treasurer is now a one-candidate race.

Election

The three-way Democratic contest for state treasurer is now a one-candidate race.State of play: State Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) won 44% of the vote at the Democratic Party assembly Saturday in Pueblo.

Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD's board

The bill sponsors' goal is to improve accountability and accelerate decision-making.

News

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) board of directors could shrink by nearly half under a new proposal from state lawmakers aiming to overhaul the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="troubled agency." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/08/05/colorado-state-audit-rtd-financial-problems" data-vars-content-id="941fc7eb-7758-4a0f-afba-9837e5810998" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD&#x27;s board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/08/05/colorado-state-audit-rtd-financial-problems" target="_self">troubled agency.</a>Why it matters: RTD has struggled for years with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safety concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/03/rtd-study-reducing-drug-use-transit-stations" data-vars-content-id="941fc7eb-7758-4a0f-afba-9837e5810998" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD&#x27;s board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/03/rtd-study-reducing-drug-use-transit-stations" target="_self">safety concerns</a>,<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" slumping ridership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/13/rtd-ridership-decline" data-vars-content-id="941fc7eb-7758-4a0f-afba-9837e5810998" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD&#x27;s board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/13/rtd-ridership-decline" target="_self"> slumping ridership</a> and unreliable service across the eight Front Range counties it serves — and lawmakers argue its 15-member board is too large to fix those problems efficiently or effectively.

Colorado's Artemis moment

Colorado companies are playing an outsize role in this week's Artemis II mission.

Colorado&#x27;s aerospace industry is playing an outsize role in Wednesday&#x27;s Artemis II mission — a high-stakes crewed test flight for NASA&#x27;s return to the Moon.Why it matters: Florida may get the glory for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hosting the launch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/30/mosi-to-host-artemis-ii-watch-party" data-vars-content-id="2e63651c-09ea-4d62-bb5b-f96cb50de6e1" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s Artemis moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/30/mosi-to-host-artemis-ii-watch-party" target="_self">hosting the launch</a>, but Colorado&#x27;s status as a hub for space innovation stands to get a boost from the mission&#x27;s ripple effects.

Colorado AG primary remains tight after party assembly

Democrats hold the advantage in Colorado entering the 2026 election.

The Democratic primary for attorney general remains a four-way, competitive contest after two high-profile candidates qualified at Saturday&#x27;s party assembly in Pueblo.Why it matters: Democrats <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hold the advantage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/15/colorado-democrat-2024-election-polls" data-vars-content-id="4766bc9c-d4d9-4b3e-a215-81420febff68" data-vars-headline="Colorado AG primary remains tight after party assembly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/15/colorado-democrat-2024-election-polls" target="_self">hold the advantage</a> in Colorado entering the 2026 election, and the winner of the party primary will start as the frontrunner for the November election.

Best new bites at Coors Field

The two-foot hot dog is meant to shared — but we won't judge you for tackling it solo.

Food and Drink

The glizzy craze is reaching new gastronomical heights at Coors Field.Zoom in: The ballpark debuts a shareable, two-foot hot dog, dubbed the Glizzilla, on Friday.

Colorado lands 5 James Beard finalists

Three chefs and multiple local finalists move forward in the prestigious James Beard Awards.

Three Colorado chefs are finalists for the James Beard Awards, announced Tuesday by the foundation.Zoom in: Grand Junction&#x27;s Josh Niernberg (Bin 707 Foodbar) is among five national finalists for Outstanding Chef.

5 new Denver and Boulder restaurants opening this spring

Colorado's restaurant scene continues to grab our attention with new openings on the horizon this spring.

Local Brief

Colorado&#x27;s restaurant scene continues to grab our attention with new openings on the horizon this spring.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a tough time for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the restaurant industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/09/restaurant-report-tipped-minimum-wage" data-vars-content-id="013c2017-ce10-4fae-aeaf-b61341906f8d" data-vars-headline="5 new Denver and Boulder restaurants opening this spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/09/restaurant-report-tipped-minimum-wage" target="_self">the restaurant industry</a>, but a handful of chefs are making big moves.

Ratio Beerworks is the next big thing in Denver craft beer

Ratio is doubling down on its taprooms and expanding distribution statewide even as others pull back.

Through the window at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ratio Beerworks" data-vars-click-url="https://ratiobeerworks.com/" data-vars-content-id="453bb9d5-d960-4f6c-aedb-9dec60dafaae" data-vars-headline="Ratio Beerworks is the next big thing in Denver craft beer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ratiobeerworks.com/" target="_blank">Ratio Beerworks</a>&#x27; taproom off South Broadway, co-owner Jason zumBrunnen can see the brewery&#x27;s future: a bandstand with a new audio system, a food vendor and maybe even a coffee bar.

Michelin Guide expands to cover all of Colorado

The expansion means restaurants outside Denver and luxury mountain towns are eligible for consideration in the annual guidebook.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The prestigous Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/06/14/colorado-lands-coveted-michelin-guide" data-vars-content-id="6a0d98e0-10cd-4c32-8cf7-051bd2eef136" data-vars-headline="Michelin Guide expands to cover all of Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/06/14/colorado-lands-coveted-michelin-guide" target="_self">The prestigous Michelin Guide</a> to restaurants will expand to cover all of Colorado starting this year, the company announced Wednesday. Why it matters: The expansion means restaurants outside Denver and luxury mountain towns — including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aurora&#x27;s eclectic dining scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/06/aurora-best-restaurants-food-wine" data-vars-content-id="6a0d98e0-10cd-4c32-8cf7-051bd2eef136" data-vars-headline="Michelin Guide expands to cover all of Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/06/aurora-best-restaurants-food-wine" target="_self">Aurora&#x27;s eclectic dining scene</a> — are eligible for consideration in the annual guidebook.

Dim sum and dumplings are having a moment in Denver

Chinese dim sum, dumpling and noodle spots are spreading across Denver — and filling up fast.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a food trend, alongside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a wave of new Italian joints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverpost.com/2026/02/04/new-denver-italian-restaurants/" data-vars-content-id="2973a917-171d-424e-b008-e4acdcf87ba7" data-vars-headline="Dim sum and dumplings are having a moment in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2026/02/04/new-denver-italian-restaurants/" target="_blank">a wave of new Italian joints</a>, defining Denver&#x27;s dining scene right now.

Valentine's date night ideas in Denver

February arrives soon, so it's not too early to start thinking about your Valentine's Day plans.

February arrives this weekend, so it&#x27;s not too early to start thinking about your Valentine&#x27;s Day plans.Why it matters: Whether you celebrate or not, it&#x27;s a good excuse for sending love to those in your life.

Colorado ski resorts elevate on-mountain dining

Without much snow, Colorado ski resorts are turning attention to elevated, on-mountain dining experiences.

Without much <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/13/colorado-snowpack-drought-record-levels" data-vars-content-id="9a95e597-79e5-40df-99b5-3c7f391026a8" data-vars-headline="Colorado ski resorts elevate on-mountain dining" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/13/colorado-snowpack-drought-record-levels" target="_self">snow</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado ski resorts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/07/what-s-new-at-colorado-ski-resorts-this-year" data-vars-content-id="9a95e597-79e5-40df-99b5-3c7f391026a8" data-vars-headline="Colorado ski resorts elevate on-mountain dining" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/07/what-s-new-at-colorado-ski-resorts-this-year" target="_self">Colorado ski resorts</a> are turning attention to elevated, on-mountain dining experiences.State of play: A lift ticket to lunch attracts more than just skiers and riders, luring &quot;phone-eats-first&quot; influencers who can make dishes and drinks go viral on social media.

GABF moves outdoors to Levitt Pavilion in 2026

The organizers want to give the 43-year-old event a jolt of fresh energy amid declining interest in the event and craft beer.

The annual Great American Beer Festival, one of the nation&#x27;s largest craft beer celebrations, is headed outdoors for the first time.Why it matters: Organizers want to inject fresh energy into the 43-year-old event as interest in both <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/11/decline-craft-beer-festival-gabf-2023" data-vars-content-id="76466aa0-ec47-4d19-a83b-4728b91f8340" data-vars-headline="GABF moves outdoors to Levitt Pavilion in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/11/decline-craft-beer-festival-gabf-2023" target="_self">the festival</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="craft beer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" data-vars-content-id="76466aa0-ec47-4d19-a83b-4728b91f8340" data-vars-headline="GABF moves outdoors to Levitt Pavilion in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" target="_self">craft beer</a> declines.

Colorado's 2026 James Beard semifinalists announced

Over a dozen local chefs, restaurants and bars in the running.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/17/colorado-restaurant-james-beard-award-2025" data-vars-content-id="fa2ce3ce-c075-4cbd-902c-f8ffe251cba5" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s 2026 James Beard semifinalists announced" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/17/colorado-restaurant-james-beard-award-2025" target="_self">James Beard Awards</a> named their 2026 semifinalists Wednesday, with over a dozen Colorado-based chefs, restaurants and bars in the running.Why it matters: James Beard recognition remains one of the industry&#x27;s most closely watched honors — often driving where diners and national attention follow.

Food and Drink 🍽

Best new bites at Coors Field

Snooze Eatery offers gas price discount

Colorado lands 5 James Beard finalists

Poulette expands in Denver southeast suburbs

Taste of Pearl returns to downtown this weekend