Boulder’s best food, a film fest, a Brazilian symphony tribute, and more things to do this weekend

Taking a bite out of Boulder’s food scene

Friday-Oct. 9. Take a big bite out of Boulder starting today as the city’s restaurants roll out “exciting menus and unique dining experiences” as part of the two-week long First Bite foodie celebration, organizers say. A few of this year’s participants include newcomers Farow, Boulder Social, The Sink, Busey Brews & Smoke House, Gemini, Spruce Farm & Fish, and Frank’s Chophouse with returning favorites such as Ash’Kara, Corrida, OAK at Fourteenth, Japango, Dagabi Tapas Bar, Cafe Aion and Bohemian Biergarten.

Boulder’s version of restaurant week has expanded the price structure, “doing away with a set price point” so that diners have “a wider price point to choose from while also giving chefs the flexibility they need in designing their menus,” according to a statement. Restaurant weeks like this give diners inspiration to try out places they haven’t been to before. For details on the restaurants and other information about First Bit, which continues through Oct. 9, visit firstbiteboulder.com/restaurants. — Jonathan Shikes

Free Brazilian beats, symphony-style

Thursday. For this year’s sixth “Sonidos de las Américas” concert, the Mexican Cultural Center and Colorado Symphony will focus on the musical traditions of Brazil — including contemporary ones. Look for a fusion styles and eras, “augmented by the Colorado Symphony;s soaring orchestrations with guest artists Bateria Alegria, Murciano Chamber Ensemble, Fiesta Colorado Dance Company, Gui Kroneberger, Luciana da Silva Dance Company, Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra and Raquel Garcia,” organizers said.

Did we mention it’s entirely free and family-friendly? The event returns at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, at Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St. in Denver. The concert celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, and tickets are required for admission. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. While the website declares “sold out,” this is a free show, so last-minute seats are often available and unfilled. tickets.coloradosymphony.org — John Wenzel

Baking with the city’s finest

Saturday. This is no ordinary bake sale. Twenty of Denver’s finest chefs donned their aprons to create special treats that will be sold to raise money for Planned Parenthood. The list includes: Caroline Glover of Annette (Plum and Cream Cheese Kolaches; Lillian Lu of Noisette (pain au chocolat; Liliana Myers of Safta: (bourbon pecan pie); Alberto Hernandez of Frasca (Miso Chocolate Chip Cookie); Jake Alexander of Native Foods (plant-based Oatmeal Creme Pie; John Broening of Three Saints Revival (Coconut Macaroons); Oliver Finkel and Gabby Yezbick of Good Bread (sweet and savory pastries); and Erika Flores of Rioja (Flan de Queso).

From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 1, attendees can purchase tickets for $5 each, then visit tables and buy baked goods. Guests can also purchase $5 raffle tickets to win restaurant gift cards and special merchandise; 100% of the proceeds goes to Planned Parenthood. The Pro Roe Bake Sale takes place at The Infinite Monkey Theorem, 3200 Larimer St., in Denver. theinfinitemonkeytheorem.com — Jonathan Shikes

Fall Film Fest marks 27 years

Saturday. Compared to most film fests in town, Denver’s free Fall Film Festival is a modest affair.

Celebrating its 27th showing in 2022, the event returns on Saturday, Oct. 1, with screenings of director and festival founder Davon E. Johnson’s award-winning 2015 documentary “Ujamaa Holiday Market” — which explores the struggle to keep Black businesses open in challenging times — as well as 2008’s “Meemo,” street photography by Jeff Tidwell, Ira Frederick Aldridge’s “Othello,” Johnson’s “Civil Rights Peaceful Protests in Washington, D.C.,” and live music.

The event takes place from 1-4 p.m. at Denver Public Library’s Sam Gray branch, 2961 Rosyln St. Admission is free. denverlibrary.org/category/branches/sam-gary — John Wenzel

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