Leonardo da Vinci Vegetarian Tasting Menu at Il Posto | May 1–31

Sure, Leonardo Di Vinci probably never got to taste risotto with a pistachio-truffle emulsion, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do so in his memory. To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the vegetarian painter’s death, Il Posto has collaborated with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to create a meatless four-course tasting menu that it will offer all month long. After experiencing the innovative flavors, head over to the museum for its newest exhibition, “Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius” (tickets cost $6-$9 plus the price of admission), and learn even more about da Vinci’s legacy. $45; 2601 Larimer St.

Golden Moon Distillery Reopening Festivities | May 2

After a huge expansion, Golden Moon Distillery is re-opening its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Once those giant, ceremonial scissors have been put away, attendees are invited inside for free tours, live music, $5 cocktails, authentic Brazilian barbecue from Copacabana Grill food truck, and samples of the distillery’s signature spirits, including its bold single malt whiskey. Free to attend; 5-8 p.m., 412 Violet St.

Marczyk Celebrates 17 Years | May 4

Thank goodness the fine people behind Marczyk Fine Foods have found success at their two gourmet markets, both the original shop in Uptown and the outpost on E. Colfax. Where else can you find specialty imported pantry items, freshly baked breads, from-scratch ice creams, and the world’s best chicken noodle soup, all under one roof? In thanks, both locations are offering 15% off everything in the store to celebrate its 17 years of deliciousness. There will also be $2 oysters, butchery demos (a whole Niman Ranch pig and a tuna, too), local vendor tastings, and even free cake. Times and events vary, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; 770 E. 17th Ave. and 5100 E. Colfax Ave.

Warrior Goddess Dinner at Comal Heritage Food Incubator | May 5

Indigenous chef Andrea Murdoch and her company, Four Directions Cuisine, have teamed up with Comal  for a special dinner on May 5, which is recognized as the National Day of Awareness for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement. Proceeds from tickets to the four-course dinner (which includes inventive dishes like wild rice orecchiette with roasted squash alfredo) will benefit the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, a non-profit that provides education about and brings awareness to MMIW. $65; 6 p.m., 3455 Ringsby Ct. #105

Mags on Mags Party at The Ramble Hotel | May 5

For its one-year anniversary, the trendy RiNo hotel is throwing a day-to-night party at its rooftop bar. The celebration, which also marks the re-opening of the Garden (the Ramble’s rooftop bar), will feature a set by DJtontonFTE, Death & Co Denver cocktails, and half-price magnums of rosé and sparkling wine. Free to attend; 3 p.m., 1280 25th St.

Bug Banquet at the Welsh Rabbit Cheese Bistro | May 5

Lauded as a delicacy in many parts of the world, proposed as the future of sustainable farming in our own—come see what all the buzz is about at an edible insect dinner, prepared by Rocky Mountain Micro Ranch. The wine-and-spirit-paired, four-course menu boasts a bevy of bugs, including silkworms and scorpions, incorporated into dishes like polenta cakes with roasted tomatoes. All proceeds from the evening will be donated to Farms for Orphans, a Colorado non-profit fighting hunger in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where its groundbreaking insect farms help feed malnourished orphans. $55; 5-8 p.m., 200 Walnut St.

Educators Get a Free Drink at Spanky’s Roadhouse | May 6–10

Given this very eventful academic year, Denver teachers deserve a drink now more than ever. And Spanky’s Roadhouse is giving them exactly that, at no charge. For all of Teacher Appreciation Week, educators can belly up to the revamped hangout’s bar and show their school IDs for a free glass of wine, beer, or a cocktail. We think Spanky’s refreshing Moscow Mule is the perfect way to toast that $23 million pay raise. 1800 E. Evans

The American Homebrewer’s Association Big Brew Event | May 7

Home brewing has gone from a niche hobby to an obsession pursued by thousands in Colorado alone. If you’re one of them—or simply have aspirations to be—join the American Homebrewers Association (an amateur branch of the national Brewers Association) for this interactive event to honor National Homebrew Day. You can bring your own brewing equipment to make your beer, or check out one of the free demonstrations. Free; 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 15120 E. Hampden Ave.

Corrida x Bodegas Muga Wine Dinner | May 7

Journey to Spain via Boulder at this exceptional dinner, hosted by Juan Muga of Bodegas Muga winery in La Rioja, Spain. The evening features a four-course meal from Corrida executive chef Amos Watts and paired wines selected by Muga from his family cellar. Call 303-444-1333 for reservations. Tickets start at $175; 6:30 p.m., 1023 Walnut St., #400

Wine & Oyster Tasting at the Infinite Monkey Theorem | May 8

Slurp a variety of fresh oysters from the Shuck Brothers in between sips of this urban winery’s smooth vinos. Your curated combination will include three wine varieties and three types of oysters. $22; 6-8 p.m., 3200 Larimer St.

Arcana Graduation Menu | May 8–10

Celebrate your graduate with this limited-time, customizable meal. Diners will have three to four options for each of the three courses, including the likes of a peanut butter pretzel bar, chocolate sorbet, or a slice of pineapple-vinegar ice box pie for dessert. Be sure to toast your grad’s accomplishments with a glass of grower Champagne ($15 per glass) or the gin, elderflower, and blood orange “Cap & Gown” cocktail ($14). $55 per person; 909 Walnut St.

Author Elizabeth Karmel: Steak & Cake at BookBar | May 10

Do you want to learn how to make Elizabeth Karmel’s bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin? What about her chocolate-coconut cake with fluffy white frosting? Pick up the chef/author’s newest mouth-watering manual, “Steak & Cake: More Than 100 Recipes to Make Any Meal a Smash Hit”, at this signing, where you’ll also find recipes for delights like Karmel’s whiskey buttermilk bundt cake. Free to attend; 5-7 p.m., 4280 Tennyson St.

Fire Terrace Kickoff Party at the ART, a Hotel | May 10

Warm weather sips abound at this party celebrating the arrival of patio season. Along with such specialties as GH Mumm Champagne, you’ll also taste bites from executive chef Michael Wright’s new menu. Deviled eggs and ahi poke tacos are meant for enjoying with bubbly, after all. Free to attend; 5-9 p.m., 1201 Broadway

Flowers on the Vine Mother’s Day Pop-Up at Denver Central Market | May 10–11

If you’re deciding whether to buy your mom flowers or chocolates this Mother’s Day, you might want to remember how she talked you out of frosted tips in middle school and spring for both (plus a bottle of wine). Conveniently, you’ll find all three in Denver Central Market, which will host Flowers on the Vine inside Temper Chocolates for a one-stop-shop pop-up. Pair a beautiful bouquet with treats like Temper Chocolates’ french-style bonbons ($40). Prices vary; 2669 Larimer St.

Denver Bacon and Beer Classic | May 11

Over 5,000 pounds of bacon will be sizzling at Broncos Stadium during this celebration of everyone’s favorite pork product. Depending on the whims of more than 30 Denver chefs from top restaurants such as Tap Fourteen and A Southern Soul, the cured-and-smoked meat will be used liberally in delights like donuts and grilled cheese. Between bacon-y bites, sip on your choice of over 100 beers and ciders from local establishments such as Zuni Street Brewing and Barnett & Son Brewing Company, or watch contestants test their gastric limits at the bacon-eating contest. $69-$125; noon-9 p.m., 1701 Bryant St. 

Nomad Taqueria & Beer Garden Yoga on the Rocks Pre Party | May 11

It’s nearly that magical time of year when yogis take their flow to Colorado’s most awe-inspiring concert venue; get excited for it at this bash. The River Yoga will lead a session on Nomad Taqueria & Beer Garden’s patio at 3 p.m., followed by the party replete with a taco bar, live band the Huffy Boys, giveaways, and beer, wine, and cocktails. $20-$30; 3-6 p.m., 18485 W. Colfax Ave.

Denver Vegan Restaurant Week | May 13–19

Whether you’ve gone full-vegan or you’re simply curious about the lifestyle, let Denver Vegan Restaurant Week facilitate a tasty, animal-product-free meal. Enjoy creative dishes from restaurants and food trucks like veggie tacos from Migration Taco and plant-based burgers at Hopdoddy Burger Bar. Prices vary; multiple locations

Seasonal Charitable Dinner at 12@Madison | May 14

The first in 12@Madison’s recurring seasonal charitable dinner series, chefs Jeff Osaka and Toby Prout will prepare 12 exquisite courses to benefit the Gathering Place, a Denver nonprofit aiding women, children, and transgender people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Expect intricate dishes like herb-crusted prime strip loin with ramps and bacon crème fraiche. $150-$225; 6:30 p.m., 1160 Madison St.

High Point Creamery Five-Year Anniversary | May 16

High Point Creamery has been charming Denverites with its inventive, seasonal ice cream flavors for five years straight. In celebration, the ice creamery (which boasts three locations, a food truck, and a catering cart), is gifting $5 gift cards to each of the shops’ first 55 customers. If you’re unlucky number 56, don’t fret: You can still savor a $5-flight of five curated selections from High Point Creamery’s original flavor lineup. Multiple locations 

DU Vin Festival | May 16–18

The University of Denver’s Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality is home to some seriously knowledgeable winos—join them and guests like Charles Phan, chef-owner of San Francisco’s the Slanted Door, for this gourmet weekend. The festivities kick off on Thursday with a pairing dinner prepared by chef Phan, served with Foley Family Wines. Don’t miss Saturday’s VIP bubbly brunch, which is followed by a grand tasting that includes 100 wines for sampling, live music, seminars, and cuisine from around the Denver metro area. Ticket prices vary; times vary, 2101 S. University Blvd.

The Colorado Spirits Trail Festival | May 17

Colorado craft distilleries from all over the Centennial State will pour samples at this celebration of local spirits. Littleton’s Rocker Spirits, Palisade’s Peach Street Distillers, and over 40 other makers will pour locally-made vodka, whiskey, and more. Many distilleries will also create cocktails for the Wild West-style cocktail competition, which attendees judge. $45-$65; 6-10 p.m., the McNichols Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave.

Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa Garden Dinner With Guest Chef Alex Seidel | May 17–18

James Beard Award-winning Alex Seidel’s masterful cooking is worth crossing state lines for, which is exactly what you’ll have to do to attend this garden dinner. Against the tranquil backdrop of the Colorado River in Moab, Utah, Seidel will prepare a five-course dinner at the resort’s Homestead Garden. Alongside delightful dishes like Columbia River salmon and Maple Leaf duck breast, guests will savor curated wine pairings from Coloradan John Sutcliffe of Sutcliffe Vineyards. $162 per person; 6-9 p.m., Mile 17, Utah 128

Praise the Lard! Six-Course Dinner at Julep | May 18

Renowned charcuterie experts Brian Polcyn and Michael Ruhlman will join Julep’s Kyle Foster at his RiNo eatery to curate a six-course meal. The dinner, which will feature different cuts and preparations of pork, will alternate between plated and family-style courses. $95 per person; 7-10 p.m., 3258 Larimer St. 

Opening Day of “Beer Here! Brewing the New West” | May 18

First-date dilemma: brewery or museum? Thanks to History Colorado Center’s newest exhibit, you don’t have to choose. Opening on May 18, the interactive exhibit covers the Centennial State’s sudsy past, featuring artifacts like a sketch of the first Coors label, equipment from New Belgium Brewing Company, and even a four-beer flight at the museum’s cafe. Ticket prices vary; 1200 N. Broadway

Sparkling Cocktail Class at Coperta | May 18

Savor polenta fritters, seasonal crostini, and olives as you learn to make four different sparkling cocktails at this interactive class. Coperta’s beverage director JP Taylor Jr. will walk you through libations like a gentiane spritz and a negroni sbagliato to prepare you for patio season entertaining. Call the restaurant for reservations at 720-749-4666; $45; 3-4:30 p.m., 400 E. 20th Ave.

Two Parts Truck Stop at the University of Denver | May 18

To kick off Truck Stop, Two Parts’ traveling series of community block parties, dozens of food trucks will gather at the University of Denver’s central green for an all-day celebration. Culinary offerings will span everything from seafood to Asian cuisine with trucks like Clamato Time and Ba-Nom-a-Nom. 1-8 p.m., 2199 S. University Blvd.

The Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project Second Anniversary Bash | May 18

Help the Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project celebrate two years of making globally-inspired brews at this all-day extravaganza. Revelers will sip on signature brews such as the Turkish Coffee Stout or the Chardonnay-barrel-aged cherry sour. The beers will flow long after the party ends too: The brewery will be renewing its Intrepid Sojourner Beer Club, which, for $50, gives its members unlimited, $1-off pours and early access to monthly bottle releases year-round. Free; 11 a.m.-11 p.m., 925 W. 8th Ave.

RiNo Spring Bazaar | May 18–19

Discover local treasures at this vibrant, dog-friendly market. Over 100 Colorado vendors will showcase their unique wares, including the Electric Dream Boutique mobile shop, which shoppers can peruse drink-in-hand after a visit to Stem Ciders or Spice Trade Brewing. Attendees can also check out culinary offerings from food trucks like Dos Gringos after shopping up an appetite. $5-$18; noon-6 p.m., 2845 Walnut St.

Feed the Children Dinner at Safta | May 21

Some of Denver’s most renowned chefs are joining forces to create a special, multi-course dinner and auction to fight hunger in the Mile High City. Proceeds from the meal—which will be hosted by Safta’s Alon Shaya and Liliana Myers, Annette’s Caroline Glover, Mercantile Dining & Provision’s Alex Seidel, and Rosenberg’s Bagels’ Joshua Pollack—will be used to deliver $100,000 of food and essential supplies to local families in need. The live auction will be hosted by Billy Harris. Buy your tickets here. $125-$5,000; 6-9 p.m., 3330 Brighton Blvd. 

Author Steven Raichlen: The Brisket Chronicles at BookBar | May 21

In his new book, the Brisket Chronicles, author and BBQ master Steven Raichlen showcases his best recipes and tips for preparing the titular cut of meat. At his BookBar signing, attendees will get their own copy of the book, which they can have signed. Raichlen will also give a talk on the history of brisket as admirers enjoy samples from Post Oak Barbecue (which will open in Berkeley this summer) and paired beers. $30; 7 p.m., 4280 Tennyson St.

Lotería Celebration at Big Trouble | May 23

Lotería, a Mexican, bingo-like game of chance, will serve as this bash’s theme, with different iterations sprinkled throughout. Attendees will also enjoy traditional mariachi performances, music from DJ Simone Says, and authentic Mexican cuisine from Comal Heritage Food Incubator. Best of all, proceeds will aid Focus Points Family Resource Center and its mission of strengthening families in the Globeville-Elyria Swansea community. $60-$100; 6-9 p.m., Zeppelin Station, 2501 48th Ave.

All Day Rosé at the Kitchen | May 24–September 2

It’s officially rosé season and the Kitchen is showing its reverence for the blush-colored vino with a dedicated menu. The special offerings, which will be available through Labor Day weekend, include French and Austrian iterations and the Sunshine Spritz cocktail with sparkling rosé, Galliano aperitivo, pineapple, lemon, and mint. Prices vary; 1560 Wazee St. 

Boulder Creek Festival | May 25–27

This celebration combines everything we love about summer on the Front Range against the dazzling backdrop of the Boulder Creek. Lively tunes will sound from musical acts like Colorado reggae band Green Buddha as attendees oscillate between the many activities, shopping opportunities, and food and drink options. Boulder’s dynamic dining scene will be represented by Centro, West End Tavern, and more, while beer, wine, and cocktails will be on offer from vendors including Avery Brewing Company. Be sure to peruse the wares of local vendors such as Filosophy Jewelry in between fitness classes in the wellness area or carnival games at the Creekside for Kids area. Free to attend; times vary

National Burger Day at SK Provisions | May 28

Ease your post-Memorial Day transition with this $5 burger deal at SK Provisions inside Denver Central Market. The Central Market Burger comes with all the classic fixin’s (lettuce, tomato, onion, white Cheddar, and a pickle) along with a quarter-pound beef patty from LoDo’s the Local Butcher on an airy Izzio’s Bakery bun. $5; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., 2669 Larimer St.

CHROMA Culinary and Cocktail Experiences | May 29 (and June 5), May 31 (and June 1)

“Eat your colors” is the new “eat your vegetables,” and this immersive, sensory event is proof positive of the trend. Get ready to explore color through all of your senses as you dine on a special seven-course Uchi Denver menu on May 29 (and June 5) and sip on rainbow of cocktails amidst an art installation while silent DJs spin tunes on May 31 (and June 1). Tickets go on sale May 6, and both events take place at the Uchi Annex at S*Park, 2530 Lawrence St. $175 for the Uchi Culinary Journey; May 29, 7-9 p.m. Free to attend the Chroma Mixology event; May 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.