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Denver's first PorchFest takes over Baker this weekend

Organizers are gearing up to debut the city's porch party.

Things to Do

The porches of Denver&#x27;s Baker neighborhood will transform into stages on Saturday for the city&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PorchFest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverporchfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="e33f0033-c4da-41b8-94b5-775f92c1f3a6" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s first PorchFest takes over Baker this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverporchfest.com/" target="_blank">PorchFest</a>.Why it matters: PorchFest gives local musicians a big new audience, nudges Denverites beyond their playlists and brings thousands of potential customers past Baker businesses.

Colorado candidates refuse to debate

Candidates increasingly view debates as optional, or as a political liability.

Politics

Political debates used to be a campaign staple. Now, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="candidates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="e15f5746-7884-4334-8bf2-e071c42f3f10" data-vars-headline="Colorado candidates refuse to debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" target="_self">candidates</a> increasingly see them as optional — or a political liability.Why it matters: In a midterm cycle dominated by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unprecedented spending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/house-republicans-fundraising-democrats" data-vars-content-id="e15f5746-7884-4334-8bf2-e071c42f3f10" data-vars-headline="Colorado candidates refuse to debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/house-republicans-fundraising-democrats" target="_self">unprecedented spending</a> on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contrast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/19/republicans-midterms-hate-election" data-vars-content-id="e15f5746-7884-4334-8bf2-e071c42f3f10" data-vars-headline="Colorado candidates refuse to debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/19/republicans-midterms-hate-election" target="_self">contrast</a> ads, the candidates are reluctant to challenge each other face-to-face.

Sweet Bloom Coffee in Lakewood wins top coffee prize

The Lakewood-based coffee company has three Front Range locations.

Food and Drink

Coloradans won&#x27;t need to travel far along the Front Range to find some of North America&#x27;s best coffee. Driving the news: Lakewood-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters" data-vars-click-url="https://sweetbloomcoffee.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4UJsR2QyN6YRakUwu-_XKnYnUWBKzRsiIQOKV_oVJgKRzScTz2z" data-vars-content-id="6a42146f-e85f-4f2a-9da6-8a55d1bc63c1" data-vars-headline="Sweet Bloom Coffee in Lakewood wins top coffee prize" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sweetbloomcoffee.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4UJsR2QyN6YRakUwu-_XKnYnUWBKzRsiIQOKV_oVJgKRzScTz2z" target="_blank">Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters</a> recently earned the top prize at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Global Coffee Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://globalcoffeeawards.com/winners-us-canada-2026/" data-vars-content-id="6a42146f-e85f-4f2a-9da6-8a55d1bc63c1" data-vars-headline="Sweet Bloom Coffee in Lakewood wins top coffee prize" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://globalcoffeeawards.com/winners-us-canada-2026/" target="_blank">Global Coffee Awards</a>, winning Best Roaster in the U.S. and Canada, plus a gold and a silver in two additional categories. <ul><li>&quot;We don&#x27;t take any of it for granted,&quot; the company said in a statement. </li></ul>

Denver shelter's longest-waiting duo needs a home

Staff say these "big babies" are often overlooked because of their size and the need to adopt them together.

News

For 2.5 years, Damu and Lupina have been waiting for someone to take a chance on them. The catch: They&#x27;re a package deal.Why it matters: The bonded best friends are the longest-tenured residents at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="True Companions Animal Shelter &amp; Clinic" data-vars-click-url="https://truecompanions.org/" data-vars-content-id="10b8687e-45fa-4feb-86e8-957e9126c71b" data-vars-headline="Denver shelter&#x27;s longest-waiting duo needs a home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://truecompanions.org/" target="_blank">True Companions Animal Shelter &amp; Clinic</a>, a no-kill shelter in Denver&#x27;s La Alma-Lincoln Park neighborhood, staff tell us.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Denver

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="ce88e6cb-31a9-47b4-a1b4-665fc0cd514b" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in Denver&#x27;s Highland neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

4 new (and 1 new-ish) places to try in Denver

Debuts include an Italian-Japanese fusion concept and a natural wine bar.

James Beard Award and &quot;Top Chef&quot; finalist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carrie Baird" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/12/denvers-carrie-baird-competes-as-a-castaway-chef" data-vars-content-id="7be833bd-4288-4b27-85fa-6039e98eb91c" data-vars-headline="4 new (and 1 new-ish) places to try in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/12/denvers-carrie-baird-competes-as-a-castaway-chef" target="_self">Carrie Baird</a> is making a LoHi comeback. Dig in: Baird returned this month overseeing Italian restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bar Dough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bardoughdenver.com/" data-vars-content-id="7be833bd-4288-4b27-85fa-6039e98eb91c" data-vars-headline="4 new (and 1 new-ish) places to try in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bardoughdenver.com/" target="_blank">Bar Dough</a> full-time, with plans to infuse more Colorado ingredients into the menu, including produce from the eatery&#x27;s on-site garden.

Colorado restaurants reveal Michelin's impact

Here's what happens after Michelin comes calling.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin recognition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/15/michelin-restaurants-denver-boulder-colorado" data-vars-content-id="c094c3a9-8faa-49ca-9402-0ace762127e4" data-vars-headline="Colorado restaurants reveal Michelin&#x27;s impact" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/15/michelin-restaurants-denver-boulder-colorado" target="_self">Michelin recognition</a> can flood a restaurant with new diners. Getting them to come back is another story.Why it matters: As 15 Colorado restaurants <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="celebrate their first appearance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/14/colorado-2026-michelin-guide" data-vars-content-id="c094c3a9-8faa-49ca-9402-0ace762127e4" data-vars-headline="Colorado restaurants reveal Michelin&#x27;s impact" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/14/colorado-2026-michelin-guide" target="_self">celebrate their first appearance</a> in the newly expanded statewide Michelin Guide, industry veterans say the honors can be a boon for business — but the shine doesn&#x27;t always last.

All the Michelin-starred restaurants in Colorado

Colorado now boasts 10 Michelin-starred restaurants — and one two-star standout.

Colorado now boasts 10 Michelin-starred restaurants — and one two-star standout.Why it matters: The restaurants honored by the Michelin Guide are the best in the state, and often where it&#x27;s toughest to snag a reservation.

Michelin goes statewide, but its stars don't

The state now boasts more than 60 eateries with Michelin recognition.

Colorado now boasts 10 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin-starred restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/15/michelin-restaurants-denver-boulder-colorado" data-vars-content-id="ccf5f196-339c-443b-b640-d1a977d5f0aa" data-vars-headline="Michelin goes statewide, but its stars don&#x27;t" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/15/michelin-restaurants-denver-boulder-colorado" target="_self">Michelin-starred restaurants</a>, after chef Johnny Curiel&#x27;s Milpero in Denver became the latest to earn a coveted star, the state tourism office announced Monday. Why it matters: The first Michelin guide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to span the entire state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/11/michelin-guide-colorado-expansion" data-vars-content-id="ccf5f196-339c-443b-b640-d1a977d5f0aa" data-vars-headline="Michelin goes statewide, but its stars don&#x27;t" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/11/michelin-guide-colorado-expansion" target="_self">to span the entire state</a> added 15 restaurants — but no new stars outside the guide&#x27;s previous geographic footprint.

Five local spots to watch the Broncos this season  

If you can't make it inside Empower Field at Mile High, try these places instead.

Sports

We found five local places to watch the Denver Broncos open their latest NFL campaign against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the start of a highly anticipated season for Denver, which is carrying <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legitimate title hopes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/11/broncos-2026-season-preview" data-vars-content-id="033cee51-6523-40f5-ada6-9c332843cc1a" data-vars-headline="Five local spots to watch the Broncos this season " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/11/broncos-2026-season-preview" target="_self">legitimate title hopes</a>.

Second-chance coffee shop opens third location 

Convict Coffee donates a quarter from each drink to programs helping reduce recidivism.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Convict Coffee Company&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/05/05/convict-coffee-founder" data-vars-content-id="84532d9c-b479-4ebe-a07c-051191625eb6" data-vars-headline="Second-chance coffee shop opens third location " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/05/05/convict-coffee-founder" target="_self">Convict Coffee Company&#x27;s</a> newest location is a case study in serendipity. Zoom in: Founder Dan Klehm inadvertently opened his third metro-area location this month on Colfax Avenue, next door to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="R&amp;R Head Labs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/02/04/r-r-headlabs-barbershop-formerly-incarcerated-people-employment" data-vars-content-id="84532d9c-b479-4ebe-a07c-051191625eb6" data-vars-headline="Second-chance coffee shop opens third location " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/02/04/r-r-headlabs-barbershop-formerly-incarcerated-people-employment" target="_self">R&amp;R Head Labs</a>, a barbershop that hires formerly incarcerated people.

Broncos add 120 new food items at Empower Field

If you've got Broncos tickets this season, come hungry.

If you&#x27;ve got <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broncos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/04/broncos-release-new-burnham-yard-renderings" data-vars-content-id="ba0c1be1-28b6-4977-aa03-1d9285871c26" data-vars-headline="Broncos add 120 new food items at Empower Field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/04/broncos-release-new-burnham-yard-renderings" target="_self">Broncos</a> tickets this season, come hungry.The big picture: Empower Field at Mile High is adding 11 food vendors — nine of them local — and more than 120 new menu items, building what Broncos officials say is one of the NFL&#x27;s most diverse food programs.

Denver's fall drinks move beyond pumpkin spice

Pumpkin spice isn&#x27;t the only flavor of fall this year.The big picture: Other seasonal standbys are gaining ground in Denver and beyond.

Food and Drink 🍽

Sweet Bloom Coffee in Lakewood wins top coffee prize

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Denver

4 new (and 1 new-ish) places to try in Denver

Colorado restaurants reveal Michelin's impact

All the Michelin-starred restaurants in Colorado