A Taste of Colorado

Festival of Mountain and Plain ... A Taste of Colorado stands proud as the end-of-summer celebration of community pride and spirit in the Denver region.

Over 500,000 people make the four-day Festival their Labor Day Weekend celebration and enjoy the offerings of over 50 area food establishments, 280 marketplace artisans and vendors, six entertainment stages, and educational programs promoting the diverse cultural and western heritage of the region - all for no admission fee.

HISTORY

Originally named Festival of Mountain and Plain and established in 1895 as a carnival similar to New Orleans' Mardi Gras, the Festival was created to boost the city's morale and vitality following the silver panic. The event, unsuccessful in ending Denver's depression and declining in attendance, folded in 1902 when organizers were unable to obtain financial support. In 1983, the Downtown Denver Partnership decided to bring back the spirit of the original Festival to commemorate the opening of the 16th Street Mall. The following year, A Taste of Colorado was added to the Festival of Mountain and Plain name and concept and moved back to Civic Center Park in Downtown Denver, where the event first began.

If it's not the food people are coming down for, it's the music! A Taste of Colorado features both national, local and regional, and children's entertainment throughout the week on our five stages. We invite all those interested in performing at this year's Festival to submit an electronic promo pack, including a CD or DVD, band/artist biography, band/artist photo, and contact information, including phone number, e-mail, and website.

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