For 25 years, the Glenwood Springs Arts Council has invited the community to mingle, enjoy local flavors and support area organizations at its annual Culinary Arts Festival. 

“We do about three or four productions a year, but this one’s by far the biggest,” Laurie Chase, president of the Glenwood Springs Arts Council, said. “Part of it is to fundraise and part of it is to show off music, food and art, so people can be introduced to different restaurants and help out our vendors.”

As the council’s largest annual fundraiser, the event helps support a variety of initiatives that enrich the local arts scene. Proceeds fund community events like pumpkin carving and the Holiday Craft Show, which showcases goods made by local artisans. The council also creates displays featuring work by local artists, curators and collectors and runs a scholarship program that offers up to $200 annually to children ages 5 to 18 years old for art classes.

This Friday, some of Glenwood Springs’s top culinary talents will gather in the Hotel Colorado’s Devereaux Ballroom for the 25th annual Culinary Arts Festival. Guests can sample dishes from local favorites including Hugo’s, Smoke Modern BBQ and Himalayan Cuisine. Beverages will be provided by businesses including Cooper Wine and Spirits, Marble Distilling and Glenwood Canyon Brewpub. 

A pie bake-off will serve as the evening’s dessert highlight, allowing guests to vote for their favorite from a range of entries. The winning baker will take home a trophy and cash prize. 

Country and rock group  Highway 82 Band will add to the festivities, providing the perfect opportunity for guests to hit the dance floor and learn a line dance or two. Cowboy and Western attire is encouraged, and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. 

Festival attendees can also bid in a silent auction featuring local goods like gift certificates, art, wine and jewelry. 

Last year, the council raised approximately $7,000 at its 24th annual festival, according to Chase.

“That’s what we’re trying to do through all of these events — to make the arts stronger and more visible in our community,” Chase said. “I believe the arts are a really important building block in our community in all their forms.”