Every Sunday evening, the City Park Pavilion in Denver transforms into a vibrant hub for jazz aficionados as the City Park Jazz concert series kicks off at 6 p.m.
This free concert series, which showcases the best of live jazz, invites the Denver community to relax, dance, and enjoy lively afternoons amidst the scenic lake of City Park.
Founded in 1882, City Park is well-known for its picturesque setting and diverse activities, including swan boat rentals.
The series runs through August, and attendees can find the complete concert schedule by visiting the City Park Jazz website.
While the music is undoubtedly a highlight, one of the true gems of the event is its abundant food options.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive with an appetite as the food truck lane features over 20 diverse vendors, offering everything from savory sandwiches to refreshing smoothies and delectable desserts like shaved ice.
City Park Jazz not only emphasizes musical talent but also highlights Denver’s dynamic local food scene.
Supporting local businesses is a core part of this community celebration, as every food truck present is locally owned.
Here are some of the standout food experiences from our recent exploration at City Park Jazz:
One of the first stops was Toby’s New Orleans Po’Boys, easily identifiable by its charming streetcar design.
Mary, who warmly welcomed us, provided an enticing look into their tasting experience combo, which comes highly recommended.
This combo features a half po’boy of your choice — our selection was the 10/10 mushroom po’boy — accompanied by a side of Cajun fries that perfectly balanced flavor and seasoning without overwhelming heat.
To top it off, we indulged in a freshly fried beignet, delicately dusted with powdered sugar.
The staff’s passion for their craft was palpable, and Mary’s infectious energy made the visit even more enjoyable.
The mushrooms in the po’boy were expertly fried with an ideal crunch, complemented by layers of lettuce, tomato, and a house-made sauce.
The beignet finished off the meal with a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, all for an affordable $17.
To keep up with Toby’s New Orleans Po’Boys’ upcoming locations, be sure to follow them on Facebook.
Next, we encountered Playa Bowls, an excellent choice for anyone craving something light yet satisfying.
With multiple locations throughout Colorado, this popular chain offers a vibrant menu featuring acai and pitaya bowls alongside smoothies and juices.
We opted for the Nutella Acai Bowl topped with blueberry granola, fresh strawberries, bananas, Nutella drizzle, and a hint of coconut flakes.
Presented beautifully and bursting with flavor, this bowl was packed with some of the freshest produce we had ever tasted.
Priced at $16, it was a delightful treat, especially on a hot summer day.
For those who fall in love with this bowl, Playa Bowls’ various locations in the Denver area make it easy to enjoy beyond festival days.
Continuing our culinary exploration, the delightful aroma from AFC Wings & Fish lured us in.
The enticing smells signaled a promise of deliciousness, and the flavors certainly lived up to the expectation.
Their fried items quickly earned a reputation for being among the best of the afternoon, thanks to a perfectly seasoned batter that achieved a delightful crunch.
We ordered the Catfish Fillet with fries and the Four-Piece Shrimp combo, both served with delicious fries, all for under $25.
Every bite showcased the crispy, flavorful offerings, consistently drawing crowds to this popular food truck.
For fans of golden-fried dishes, following AFC Wings & Fish’s Instagram will keep you updated on where to find them next.
To conclude our evening at City Park Jazz, we couldn’t resist a visit to Happy Cones Co., a creamery offering a sweet end to our foodie journey.
This New Zealand-style ice cream shop serves its treats conveniently in cups, ideal for enjoying in the summer heat.
We tried the New Zealand Style Strawberry flavor, which is a refreshing blend of sweet cream ice cream with real fruit, and it was so delectable that we were tempted to get seconds.
Happy Cones also provides American-style ice cream, vegan options, and fun add-ons like waffle cones and sprinkles, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
For updates on their scoop locations around town, check out their website or social media.
The City Park Jazz event epitomizes a true celebration of music, food, and community spirit.
With a continually rotating lineup of talented musicians and a diverse array of local food trucks, it stands out as one of Denver’s premier free summer experiences.
Don’t miss out on this festive gathering; visit the City Park Jazz website and check the calendar to plan your next outing to the park.
See you at the park, Denver!
image source from：303magazine
