For those of us who can't get enough of the spicy stuff, these four events celebrate the beloved green chile.
What’s bright green, smells delicious, and is in high demand in Colorado? You guessed it, the green chile. Colorado’s favorite pepper is about to hit harvest season and that means one thing: green chile festivals.
It’s that time of year when the air around Colorado starts smelling so good it makes your mouth water and your mind fixates on getting some of the spicy green stuff. The versatile ingredient kicks cooking up a notch and is a favorite on restaurant menus and kitchen tables across the state.
These four festivals coming up in September are all about celebrating green chile.
Nick's Chile Fest 2019
Courtesy of Nick's Garden Center (Facebook)
When: September 7, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Nick’s Garden Center 2001 Chambers Road, Aurora
Price: FREE
A favorite of area locals, Nick’s Garden Center will host its annual Chile Fest on Saturday, September 7. The celebration kicks off the chile season at Nick's with a day of family fun, live music, cooking demonstrations, and plenty of spicy food. Spin the prize wheel when you order your peppers and you might just win them for free! There are also salsa and green chile competitions if you're the competitive type.
Westwood Chile Fest
Courtesy of BuCu West Chile Fest (Facebook)
When: September 7, from 12–7 p.m.
Where: 3738 Morrison Road, Denver
Price: FREE
Celebrating creativity and community, along with green chile, the Westwood Chile Fest has food, drinks, art, live music, and family-friendly activities all day long. Celebrating the Hispanic-centric cultures that make up the neighborhood, this festival brings the community together in a celebration of local culture. This year’s theme is "Dia y Noche" (the day and night), with celebrations planned for both. A bounce house and carnival, chile roasting, and pepper eating contests are part of the daytime activities, which give way to dancing and live entertainment for the evening.
Brighton Chile Festival
Courtesy of Lulu's Farm (Facebook)
When: September 7, 12–6 p.m.
Where: Lulu’s Farm, 13201 East 144th Avenue, Brighton
Price: FREE
Formerly known as the Denver Chili Fest, the Brighton Chile festival is one event you are not going to want to miss! They are offering pre-ordering of chiles this year, and you can pick them up and smell as they are freshly roasted to perfection. Roasting will start at 6 a.m., so call (303)-659-3300 to get your order in. Live music from Narrow Gauge, a petting zoo, kid’s zone, face painting, food trucks, local brews, craft cocktails, and of course, lots of green chile can all be found in this day-long celebration.
Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival
Courtesy of Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival (Facebook)
When: September 20-22
Where: Union Avenue Historic District, Pueblo
Price: $5 daily admission; kids 12 and under are FREE
Pueblo’s most loved crop is none other than the green chile and this weekend festival is all about showing that love. Cooking competitions, live music, vendors, a Chihuahua parade, eating contests, chile and salsa showdown, farmers' market, local dining, shopping, and so much more, all celebrating Pueblo Chile. Hosted by the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, this festival brings in people from across the state and beyond, because who doesn’t love delicious green chile?
Looking for where to find Colorado's best green chile? We've got just the list for you!
What is your favorite green chile recipe? Do you know of any other events in the state that are all about green chile that we should know about? Give us the scoop in the comments, and as always, keep it spicy, Colorado!
