Behind the Scenes of Denver's Most Beloved Food and Drink Festivals with Lacey Spruce from Drink Denver

UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits Episode 3

Brunch, whiskey, ramen—what do they all have in common? They bring people together to share unforgettable experiences. In this episode of UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits, we sit down with Lacey Spruce, co-founder of Drink Denver, to learn how she and her team have created some of Denver’s most iconic food and drink events. From the Whiskey Throwdown & Doughnut Showdown to Brunchfest and Denver Ramen Fest, Drink Denver has become synonymous with bringing people together over great food, drinks, and a shared love of community.

In this conversation, Lacey shares the story of how Drink Denver came to life, the challenges and rewards of organizing massive events, and the magic behind crafting experiences that people will remember for years to come. Whether you're an event enthusiast, a foodie, or someone who loves a good cocktail, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes festival planning and plenty of inspiration.

The Birth of Drink Denver: A Community-Driven Festival Hub

Drink Denver was born out of Lacey’s passion for the Denver food and drink scene. Lacey talks about how the city’s vibrant food and drink festivals in Denver inspired her to create events that celebrate local culture while building connections between food lovers, drink enthusiasts, and the wider community.

Why community matters: Lacey explains how the focus on bringing people together became the driving force behind Drink Denver’s festivals. Whether it's whiskey enthusiasts bonding over a tasting at Whiskey Throwdown or ramen fans discovering new favorites at Denver Ramen Fest, these festivals emphasize the importance of connection, fun, and delicious food.

The Art of Throwing Festivals: Challenges and Rewards

Running large-scale food and drink events in Denver is no easy feat. Lacey shares the highs and lows of curating Denver’s Whiskey festivals and Brunchfest. From selecting the best vendors to ensuring everything runs smoothly, Lacey reveals the behind-the-scenes hustle that goes into these memorable events.

Festival planning: The episode delves into the detailed logistics of managing festivals like Whiskey Throwdown & Doughnut Showdown and Denver Ramen Fest, both of which have become local favorites. Lacey’s experience highlights what it truly takes to pull off a festival that combines the best food, drinks, and entertainment in a seamless experience.

Creating Unforgettable Experiences: What It Takes to Stand Out

What’s the secret behind making an event stand out from the crowd? Lacey explains that it’s all about creating experiences that are both fun and memorable. By combining whiskey tastings, brunch indulgences, and ramen delights, Drink Denver events offer a variety of exciting ways for people to connect.

The recipe for success: Every detail is considered—from the music and atmosphere to the food and drink offerings. Lacey shares her tips for event organizers on how to bring these elements together, making each festival a unique, unmissable experience for attendees.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Drink Denver and New Festivals on the Horizon

As Drink Denver continues to grow, Lacey discusses the future of their food and drink festivals. From expanding on current favorites to introducing new themes, Drink Denver has a lot in store for event-goers.

Innovating the event space: In the final segment, Lacey teases upcoming trends and events that will keep Drink Denver at the forefront of Denver's event scene. With a dedication to community and fun, the future looks bright for those who love great food and drinks.

Your Next Festival Experience with Drink Denver

Don’t miss out on the fun! To hear more about Lacey’s journey and the behind-the-scenes details of creating some of Denver’s most beloved festivals, tune into this episode of UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits. Stream it here or listen on your favorite podcast hosting platform with your favorite Red Rocks Spirits.

Make sure to follow Drink Denver and all their events on social media to stay updated on upcoming festivals:

@drinkdenver @denverbrunchfest @whiskeydoughnuts @denverramenfestival @milehighbeerfest @grilledcheesemacfest @denverminiderby