Jam Packed Weekend: Wine, Arts, Special Dinners

PALISADE — From Friday to Sunday, the Colorado Mountain WineFest takes over Palisade its 2016 festival. The "Festival in the Park," the state's largest and oldest wine festival, takes over the park on Saturday, September 17 with a grape stomp, live music, seminars, and demonstrations by local chefs. Tickets to Saturday's festivities range from $25 to $50 for general admission tickets and $190 for the VIP treatment. For more information about transportation options and the weekend's celebrations, visit the event Facebook page or website.

AURORA — If you haven't had a chance to check out the new Stanley Marketplace yet, stop by the hub on Saturday and Sunday for the Cherry Arts Festival. The free event will feature seven Denver-based food trucks - including local favorites Comida and Lobster Bliss - along with art exhibitions, family activities, interactive installations, and more. For more information, visit the event website.

SOUTH BROADWAY — This weekend at Gary Lee's Motor Club & Grub, honor all things that the late and great Gary Lee, the former owner and namesake, loved and enjoyed. Pretty Mouth and The Trade-Ins kick off the jams on Friday starting at 8 p.m. while The Royal Aces take over on Saturday before a pin-up fashion show, pompadour and hair pin-up contest, all-day silent auction, and the arrival of Gravity Tapes. The same evening, a live auction will offer rare creations from the man himself to benefit MaxFund. Kerry Pastine and the Crime Scene along with The Nuns of Brixton will close out the first annual Gary Lee Days into Sunday morning. For more information about the weekend celebration, check out the event page.

ALL LOCATIONS — On Friday, September 16, celebrate National Guacamole Day with any of Denver's three R Taco locations in Arvada, Littleton, Aurora. On Friday, the franchise will donate $1 from every order of guacamole to Rachel's Challenge, a local non-profit based in Littleton.

RINO — Beloved local bands Little Fyodor & Babushka, Sparkle Jetts, and The Limbs take the stage at Globe Hall on Friday, September 16. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $5 - $10 online. Before the sets, enjoy the Central Texas-style barbecue from the kitchen or $2 beers at the bar.

LARIMER SQUARE — Dine with some of the best restaurants along Larimer Square al fresco on Saturday, September 17 for a special evening extending into the streets of downtown. Corridor 44 opens its doors and enlarges its patio starting at 5 p.m.. To reserve your spot, call 303.893.0044. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit here.

DOWNTOWN — On Saturday, September 17, the Second Annual EatUp! Denver dinner from Denver's Extended Hands of Hope comes to the Curtis Hotel to benefit survivors of sex trafficking in Colorado. Special guests from the political and culinary world including Attorney General Cynthia Coffman and celebrity chef Alex Guarneschelli will be featured at the event. Tickets to the dinner start at $150 per person and sponsorship begins at $1750. The Corner Office Martini Bar will host the after party. For more information, visit the Facebook page or the event invitation.

ARVADA — The Bluegrass hosts a patio party in honor of the end of the summer season this Sunday, September 18. The hot dog hoedown starts at 5 p.m. and will feature live music. There is no cover charge for the event.

LONGMONT — Spend one of the last nights before fall starts with a view of the Flatirons at Oxford Gardens on Sunday, September 18. The dinner -  with featured courses like fried okra and roast carrot hummus and wood-fired beef ribeye - will be prepared by Boulder chef Dakota Soifer from Cafe Aion. Tickets to the dinner are available online for $95 (including drinks).