by Mark Smiley | Feb 13, 2026 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Tasting Glass: A Mile High Beer Fest tasting glass catches the light as attendees sample unique pours from local and regional breweries, highlighting the relaxed, discovery driven atmosphere of the festival.
Five Iron: Representatives from Five Iron Hard Seltzer share their offerings with festivalgoers during Mile High Beer Fest, highlighting the growing variety of craft and non-alcoholic beverage options in Colorado’s evolving beer scene.
The Mile High Beer Fest is returning to Denver on March 7, 2026, bringing nearly 50 breweries together for a celebration of Colorado craft beer, community, and creativity.
This year’s festival will take place at Denargo Market in the RiNo Arts District, a new development featuring expansive public spaces, green lawns, and one of the neighborhood’s most recognizable landmarks, the giant climbing rhino.
Festival organizer Lacey Spruce said the move to Denargo Market offers both flexibility and a fresh experience for attendees. “We’re really excited to partner with Denargo Market,” Spruce said. “The space is beautiful, and it gives us the ability to create a fun, easy to navigate festival while keeping the spirit of Mile High Beer Fest the same.”
The 2026 festival is expected to draw approximately 1,500 attendees and will feature breweries from across Colorado and beyond. Registration for breweries filled quickly, prompting organizers to cap participation at nearly 50 vendors.
Spruce credits the festival’s continued success to its strong focus on local breweries and community connection.
“This event is about celebrating local beer,” she said. “A lot of the time, the people pouring the beer are the brewers or the owners themselves. That personal connection is really special for attendees.”
While the craft beer industry has faced challenges in recent years, including brewery closures and shifting consumer habits, Spruce believes events like Mile High Beer Fest continue to resonate.
“Trends change, but there will always be people who enjoy beer,” she said. “We’re also seeing a big increase in non-alcoholic options, and we’re embracing that by offering more variety every year.”
New breweries joining the festival in 2026 include Goldspot Brewing and Fiction Beer Company, adding to a lineup that blends well known favorites with new discoveries.
In addition to beer, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Hopscotch, a new beer garden opening this spring at Denargo Market. Operated in partnership with Drink Denver, Hopscotch will feature 16 taps, local beers, canned options, non-alcoholic drinks, wine, and cocktails.
Tickets to Mile High Beer Fest are all inclusive, with no tokens or drink tickets required. Attendees can sample freely throughout the event, a feature Spruce says helps maintain a smooth flow and relaxed atmosphere.
With fewer beer festivals taking place in Denver, Mile High Beer Fest has become a standout event for both brewers and enthusiasts.
“Our goal is to keep delivering a great experience,” Spruce said. “We want people to have fun, discover something new, and feel connected to the local beer community.”
For tickets and event details, visit milehighbeerfest.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2026 | Travel
Show Features World Premiere Of Sean Schafer Hennessy’s ‘Guardians Of Time’
Photo credit: The Denver Brass
The Denver Brass, one of the finest large brass ensembles in the world, presents “Rhythms of the Cosmos” on Saturday, February 7 at 2:30 p.m. at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Denver campus. The show will take the audience on a journey into prominent rhythmic textures and expansive sound featuring bold percussion and intricate meters. The program will feature the world premiere of “Guardians of Time” by local composer and The Denver Brass trumpeter, Sean Schafer Hennessy.
“For me, music makes the world go round, and rhythm is the engine that keeps it moving,” said Kathy Brantigan, artistic director and founder of The Denver Brass. “Our deep dive into how rhythm moves music, will be one of the most interesting and exciting concerts The Denver Brass has tackled. We’re going to take our audience on an out-of-this-world journey as we fulfill our role as Guardians of Time!”
“From the beginning of the universe, rhythm has been a force shaping everything we know,” said Sean Schafer Hennessy, composer of Guardians of Time. “This piece explores the connections that have bound us from the start, and reflects on how, even as we may at times drift apart, remain connected by the enduring rhythm of love and the universe that binds us together.”
The show will feature the following pieces:
- Mars & Jupiter from The Planets, Gustav Holst
- Journey to the Red Planet, Sean Schafer Hennessy
- Guardians of Time (World Premiere), Sean Schafer Hennessy
- Danza Final from Estancia, Albert Ginastera
- Quest for the Golden Blade of Truth and the Hunt for the Beast Beyond the Wall, Andrew Wolfe
- Clair de Lune, Claude Debussy
Denver Brass shows combine world-class performance with engaging insights from the stage. Spoken commentary and brief pauses are a natural part of each program, allowing musicians to care for their embouchure and deliver the highest level of artistry — while inviting audiences deeper into the music.
Kabin Thomas from CPR Classical’s Colorado Spotlight will serve as the concert host.
The Denver Brass’ 45th season continues with Celtic Mania on March 7 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and March 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the Newman Center for Performing Arts, followed by Pulse of America on May 17 at 2:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church.
Tickets for “Rhythms of the Cosmos” range from $5 to $54 (plus tax and fees). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.denverbrass.org or call 303-832-4676. The Newman Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2344 East Iliff Avenue in Denver.
by Mark Smiley | Dec 15, 2025 | Travel
Grinch Adventure, More Runs Through January 2
by Mark Smiley
Beautiful Decorations: The inside of the Gaylord Rockies features millions of twinkling lights and more than 200 decorated trees.
Gaylord Rockies: Twinkling lights drape the massive timber beams of Gaylord Rockies like a Colorado winter wonderland
A team of 40 master ice artisans from Harbin, China, arrived at Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, to transform two million pounds of ice into a breathtaking winter wonderland. The group has spent more than 12,000 hours hand-carving intricate sculptures for this year’s ICE! experience, themed around Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Hailing from Harbin — famously known as “Ice City” and home to the world’s largest ice and snow sculpting festival — the artisans have traveled more than 5,700 miles to Colorado. Since 2001, Gaylord Hotels has partnered with these highly skilled carvers to bring their centuries-old craft to life for American audiences.
Using tools such as chisels, tongs, hand saws, grinders, and chainsaws, the team begins with over 6,000 blocks of ice, each weighing about 300 pounds. Working from a 300-page design book, the artisans sculpt everything from coin-sized details to 30-foot-tall scenes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday tale.
Guests visiting ICE! at Gaylord Rockies will be transported through the classic story — journeying from the Grinch’s snowy mountaintop lair and his sneaky sleigh ride into Whoville, to the Whos’ joyful celebration and the Grinch’s heartwarming transformation. Brilliant colored ice, dazzling LED lights, and a precisely maintained 9-degree environment combine to create a mesmerizing display. Visitors can borrow signature blue parkas to stay cozy during the experience.
Artisans: Armed with chisels, tongs, hand saws, grinders, and chainsaws, the artisans begin with more than 6,000 blocks of ice to create ICE! at Gaylord Rockies.
The attraction also includes two-story ice slides, sparkling tunnels, and live carving demonstrations in the Carver Showcase. ICE! concludes in a serene Nativity scene, sculpted entirely from crystal-clear ice. The display runs through January 2, 2026.
While ICE! is the crown jewel of Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, the holiday spirit extends throughout the resort, which features millions of twinkling lights and more than 200 decorated trees. New this year is the Sugar Snow Station, a whimsical area featuring Candy Cane Mountain Indoor Snow Tubing, Gumdrop Gliders Ice Puck Challenge, and the Sugar N’ Spice Bar offering festive treats.
Other seasonal highlights include:
Feast with the Grinch, a family dining event where guests can meet the famously grouchy green guest of honor and his dog, Max.
Sippin’ Santa, a tropical tiki pop-up bar serving island-inspired holiday cocktails in collectible mugs.
Gingerbread Mountain Cabin, a life-sized creation built from over 1,400 pounds of gingerbread, icing, and candy.
Festival of Trees, an annual fundraiser benefiting Lantern (formerly Bright by Text), supporting early childhood development.
Guests can also enjoy festive favorites like the Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt, the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, Photos with Santa, the Elf Training Academy, Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, and the Yuletide Street Market in Mistletoe Village.
For those looking to extend the holiday magic, overnight guests receive special perks such as “Chill Pass” front-of-line access to ICE! and entry to the resort’s indoor Arapahoe Springs Waterpark.
Tickets for ICE! and other Christmas at Gaylord Rockies attractions must be purchased in advance, as peak weekends often sell out. For details, overnight packages, or reservations, visit ChristmasAtGaylord Rockies.com
by Mark Smiley | Nov 17, 2025 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Ice Slides: Guests can take rides down the two-story-tall ice slides, traverse through ice tunnels and arches, and visit the carver showcase to watch artisans perform live carving demonstrations.
Ice Sculptures: Colorful ice sculptures recreate scenes from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! inside the ICE! exhibit at Gaylord Rockies Resort.
A team of 40 master ice artisans from Harbin, China, has arrived at Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, to transform two million pounds of ice into a breathtaking winter wonderland. The group has spent more than 12,000 hours hand-carving intricate sculptures for this year’s ICE! experience, themed around Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Hailing from Harbin — famously known as “Ice City” and home to the world’s largest ice and snow sculpting festival — the artisans have traveled more than 5,700 miles to Colorado. Since 2001, Gaylord Hotels has partnered with these highly skilled carvers to bring their centuries-old craft to life for American audiences.
Using tools such as chisels, tongs, hand saws, grinders, and chainsaws, the team begins with over 6,000 blocks of ice, each weighing about 300 pounds. Working from a 300-page design book, the artisans sculpt everything from coin-sized details to 30-foot-tall scenes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday tale.
Guests visiting ICE! at Gaylord Rockies will be transported through the classic story — journeying from the Grinch’s snowy mountaintop lair and his sneaky sleigh ride into Whoville, to the Whos’ joyful celebration and the Grinch’s heartwarming transformation. Brilliant colored ice, dazzling LED lights, and a precisely maintained 9-degree environment combine to create a mesmerizing display. Visitors can borrow signature blue parkas to stay cozy during the experience.
The attraction also includes two-story ice slides, sparkling tunnels, and live carving demonstrations in the Carver Showcase. ICE! concludes in a serene Nativity scene, sculpted entirely from crystal-clear ice. The display runs from November 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026.
While ICE! is the crown jewel of Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, the holiday spirit extends throughout the resort, which features millions of twinkling lights and more than 200 decorated trees. New this year is the Sugar Snow Station, a whimsical area featuring Candy Cane Mountain Indoor Snow Tubing, Gumdrop Gliders Ice Puck Challenge, and the Sugar N’ Spice Bar offering festive treats.
Ice!: Guests will embark on a journey through hand-carved ice sculptures depicting iconic scenes from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Other seasonal highlights include:
Feast with the Grinch, a family dining event where guests can meet the famously grouchy green guest of honor and his dog, Max.
Sippin’ Santa, a tropical tiki pop-up bar serving island-inspired holiday cocktails in collectible mugs.
Gingerbread Mountain Cabin, a life-sized (12 foot high) creation built from over 1,400 pounds of gingerbread, icing, and candy.
Festival of Trees, an annual fundraiser benefiting Lantern (formerly Bright by Text), supporting early childhood development.
Guests can also enjoy festive favorites like the Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt, the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, Photos with Santa, the Elf Training Academy, Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, and the Yuletide Street Market in Mistletoe Village.
For those looking to extend the holiday magic, overnight guests receive special perks such as “Chill Pass” front-of-line access to ICE! and entry to the resort’s indoor Arapahoe Springs Waterpark.
Tickets for ICE! and other Christmas at Gaylord Rockies attractions must be purchased in advance, as peak weekends often sell out. For details, overnight packages, or reservations, visit ChristmasAtGaylord Rockies.com.
by Amber Wyatt | Oct 20, 2025 | Travel
by Amber Wyatt
The Skinny Dip: A classic cocktail with a lemon twist, known as The Skinny Dip, awaits at The Bar Car, where the vintage ambiance and neighborhood camaraderie make every sip feel like home, no matter where you’re from.
Cozy Patio: The Bar Car at 819 Colorado Blvd. welcomes locals with its cozy patio, signature menu, and the promise of good times where “friends and neighbors meet.”
Neighborhood Favorite: With a lineup of craft beers, top-shelf spirits, and hearty pub fare, The Bar Car continues to be a favorite neighborhood stop for both drinks and bites.
On a stretch of Colorado Boulevard better known for fast traffic than lasting community, BarCar has carved out something rare: a true neighborhood bar that doubles as a second home. For majority owner Victor Muñiz and part-owner Andrew Callahan, the mission is clear — create a space where locals feel seen, safe, and connected.
“Working at BarCar is working at a neighborhood spot that is truly a neighborhood spot,” Callahan said. “It is for the neighborhood, by the neighborhood. Most of us live close by.” For Callahan, who has lived in the neighborhood for over a decade, the bar is both a livelihood and a love letter to the community.
That grassroots spirit is built into the very structure of the business. Unlike most establishments, BarCar is largely employee-owned. “We are a mostly employee-owned bar,” Callahan explained. “Almost all of the investors, except for I think one right now, are employees of the bar. We’ve told our entire staff that if they work with us for a couple years and want to become an investor, we’re open to that. That is a path they can take.”
This model has given the bar an unusually high level of buy-in from its team, especially from veteran bartenders who appreciate the stability and the opportunity to shape the place where they work. “Having the opportunity to become financially invested is a big plus,” Callahan noted. “Not a lot of places always offer that.”
That sense of ownership translates directly to hospitality. Muñiz, who also owns the Owl Saloon, describes BarCar as nothing short of a dream realized. “It’s my dream come true,” he said. “Everything about it — friends, family — it’s just a great place to be all the time.”
For Muñiz, the family feel isn’t a metaphor. It’s the guiding principle. “We created a community where we have your makeshift family here,” he explained. “That’s what it’s about. That’s what bars are about in my opinion.”
That philosophy manifests in everyday moments. Neighbors use BarCar as a meeting place before concerts, after games, or just to catch up on life. “A lot of people come before they do other things in life and meet up here or afterwards,” Muñiz said. “Honestly, I think that’s the best thing we do — we keep the neighbors together.”
The idea of BarCar as a community hub is reinforced by personal milestones. When Callahan married his wife, who also works in the hospitality industry, they hosted their wedding reception at another venue — then, naturally, the celebration moved to BarCar. “At around 9:30 or 10, most of the people at our wedding, who were industry workers as well, showed up here,” he recalled. “It became quite a big party to have the neighborhood people getting married, you know?”
Muñiz, who spent years as a bartender and server before stepping into ownership, says that lived experience informs his leadership. “I believe in a bartender-driven industry,” he said. “I know we could have extra staff, but at the end of the day, it’s a staff of people that care and like doing what we do.”
That tight-knit crew has weathered challenges together, particularly during the pandemic. “Coming out of COVID, we had a lot of employees that we needed, and we’re back to the hardcore seven,” Muñiz said. “That’s how we built this bar before COVID, and then we’re back to that again. It’s seven people that give a shit.”
And that’s exactly the vibe patrons notice. BarCar feels less like a business transaction and more like a gathering in someone’s living room — with better cocktails. “We want to be there for everybody that’s looking to have a good time in a cool, comfortable environment,” Muñiz said. “We’re all about being a safe place for people to come and hang out and not worry about the bullshit life has.”
The menu reflects that same spirit of neighborhood hospitality. During my visit, longtime bartender Brandy mixed me a Skinny Dip — a smooth, subtly sweet cocktail built with Deep Eddy sweet tea vodka, a squeeze of lemon, and just enough water to keep it light. It was the kind of drink made for conversation, and sure enough, I enjoyed it while chatting with Callahan and the cook, Will, who proudly shared that the kitchen rotates its cheese curd flavors. The current favorite? Dill pickle. Naturally, I had to try them. Crisp, golden, and tangy, the curds carried just enough bite to spark a round of laughter as the basket quickly disappeared among us.
That theme of comfort and camaraderie carried right into lunch. I went for a proper Chicago dog, stacked with the traditional fixings, and paired it with sidewinder fries that were as hearty as they were shareable. To balance it out, Brandy slid across the bar a Jabroni Negroni — the house’s playful take on a classic. Made with Hendrick’s gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the cocktail leaned pleasantly bitter and sour, a bold counterpoint to the rich food and the easy banter flowing through the room.
As Callahan put it, “This neighborhood bar — we focus on just making sure everyone’s taken care of. Everyone knows each other around here. And everyone that’s new to the neighborhood, we always welcome them in.”
On Colorado Boulevard, where strip malls often outnumber handshakes, BarCar has become something enduring: a place where the beer is cold, the people are warm, and the neighborhood spirit is alive and well
by Jeff Shultz | Sep 22, 2025 | Travel
by Jeff Shultz
The South Metro Fire and Rescue will seek voter approval for a 3 mill property tax increase in hopes the increase will help the emergency agency overcome a huge anticipated budget shortfall in 2026 and beyond.
The proposed ballot question will appear on the November 4 general election ballot for voters in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson counties.
Currently the district has a property tax rate of 9.25 mills but changes in the law has created a potential budget shortfall for the fire and rescue district.
The SMFR Board of Directors discovered the budget shortfall when the board met last year to plan its 2025 budget.
“That timing followed the passage of HB 24B-1001 in the special session, which significantly reduced property tax revenues for fire protection districts like ours,” said Jim Albee, SMFR Board Chairman.
“As we reviewed our long-term financial projections, it became clear that without action, South Metro would face a $16 million shortfall by 2026 and a projected $270 million gap over the next decade.”
In addition to the budget shortfall created by HB 24B-100, SMFR would need an extra $34 million annually to maintain its level of service to communities and retain staff.
Albee has served on the SMFR Board for five years and has been the board chairman for the same amount of time.
“My commitment has been driven by a deep belief in the importance of the life-saving services we provide and a responsibility to ensure we remain financially sustainable for the future,” he said.
According to Albee, the property tax increase would provide the needed $50 million to give SMFR the needed funds to maintain its current levels of service while also giving SMFR additional funds to operate from.
Plane Crash: On Friday, August 22, 2025, South Metro Fire Rescue and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-engine biplane crash at Centennial Airport. The pilot safely evacuated the plane.
“While a portion would cover necessary administrative functions that support public safety, the majority would go toward critical service delivery, equipment, apparatus, maintenance, and facilities to ensure we can meet our community’s expectations.”
Albee said the district’s staffing and equipment costs are the district’s two highest budget items.
“Over 80 percent of our budget is tied to personnel,” Albee said, noting that if additional funding is not secured staff reductions would be “unavoidable.”
“Reductions could impact personnel, which would directly affect response times and service delivery, and programs.”
Equipment costs and maintenance would have to be prioritized, he added
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen cost increases ranging from 40 percent to nearly 80 percent on critical gear and apparatus.”
Grass Fire: On August 12, 2025, South Metro Fire Rescue and Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a vegetation fire near 11032 Cottontail Lane in unincorporated Douglas County.
The rising costs for equipment is one of the biggest reasons for SMFR seeking additional funding. Some equipment cost increases include:
- The cost of a new fire engine has risen from approximately $725,000 in 2019 to $1.3 million today. Our fire engines, medic units, and other apparatus are replaced according to our Fleet Capital Replacement Schedule that looks at useful service life and the age of our fleet to determine the appropriate time for replacement.
- A 100-foot hose has increased from about $660 to nearly $930.
- Bunker gear, which includes a helmet, jacket, protective pants, boots, and gloves, is essential to protect our firefighters from carcinogens encountered during emergency responses.
“Each firefighter is required to have two full sets of bunker gear, and these must be replaced every five years for safety compliance,” Albee noted.
“The cost of one set has risen from $3,660 six years ago to over $5,120 today — a 40 percent increase.”
“Ensuring our teams have the proper protective equipment, reliable apparatus, and advanced medical tools is fundamental to maintaining safety for both our personnel and the public.”
House Fire: South Metro Fire Rescue and Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies recently responded to a single-family residential house fire on Eagle Valley Way in Highlands Ranch. Engine 20 arrived to find smoke coming from the roof and quickly pulled a hose line to extinguish the fire.
As part of their long-term planning, the SMFR board is identifying areas of growing populations within the district for possible new stations. “We anticipate adding two new stations over the next five to 10 years to help maintain appropriate response times and meet community needs,” Albee said.
Meanwhile, Albee says there are no expansion plans by the district. “Our immediate priority with any new revenue is to stabilize and sustain current services for the communities we serve today.
“While future expansion could always be considered, it is not in our current plans and would only be done with careful planning, ensuring we can maintain our high standards of service without compromising financial sustainability.”
Albee and the board see the property tax increase as an investment in the three counties (Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson) the district serves.
Currently, the fire district’s ISO rating, which is used in determining property insurance premiums, is at its best level and passage of the property tax increase will ensure the rating to stay where it is at now.
“Our current ISO rating is Class 1, the highest possible, which reflects the strength of our operations. “Additional funding will provide the best opportunity to maintain this rating through continued investment in staffing, training, equipment, and facilities.
“Maintaining a strong ISO rating helps keep insurance costs lower for residents and businesses and reinforces our commitment to excellence.”
If the ballot measure fails this November, then the board will have some difficult decisions to face.
“Those difficult decisions could include slower response times due to fewer firefighters on crews, potential delays in station openings, and closure of some existing stations.”
Further cost cutting measures could include a reduction in specialty services such as wildfire, water rescue, hazmat, and technical rescue
photos courtesy of SMFR
