Colorado's Taste of Ethiopia Festival

Come join us at Denver City Park Pavilion and Bandshell for a day filled with delicious Ethiopian cuisine, vibrant cultural performances, and traditional music. This in-person event will showcase the rich flavors and traditions of Ethiopia right here in Colorado. Bring your friends and family along for a day of fun, food, and festivities. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience Ethiopia in the heart of Denver!

Denver’s love affair with Ethiopian food is no secret, with more than 20 Ethiopian restaurants in the metro area. Ethiopian cuisine has become an integral part of the Mile High City’s culinary scene, captivating foodies and newcomers alike. “Denver is mad for Ethiopian food,” declared the Denver Post — and the festival proves it every year. Visitors can feast on rich, spiced stews, sizzling grilled meats, savory vegan dishes, flavorful street snacks, and the world-famous coffee from the birthplace of coffee itself, complete with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

Beyond the food, guests will experience live music, energetic dance performances, artisan vendors, cultural demonstrations, and children’s activities.

For over a decade (since 2013), Colorado’s Taste of Ethiopia Festival has grown into one of the state’s largest cultural gatherings, drawing people from across the region. The Ethiopian community — the second-largest immigrant population in metro Denver — has become an integral part of Colorado’s identity, weaving ancient traditions into the state’s vibrant cultural tapestry.

After 10 years of unforgettable celebrations in the far northeast Denver, the Taste of Ethiopia Festival is making a bold move to City Park, Denver’s most iconic green space. On Sunday, September 14, 2025, thousands will gather at the historic Pavilion and Bandshell for the 11th Annual Taste of Ethiopia Festival — a free, family-friendly, and dog-friendly event celebrating food, music, and culture.

For the past decade, the festival has been held on the first weekend of August, but this year’s date has been chosen to align with the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash), which falls on September 11. As Ethiopia celebrates the start of the year 2018 in its own calendar, Colorado’s Ethiopian community will share its traditions with the entire city, adding deeper meaning to the celebration.

Did You Know?

While the rest of the world is already living in 2025, Ethiopia is still in 2017 — because it follows its own ancient calendar, which runs 7–8 years behind the Western Gregorian calendar and includes 13 months. This unique system makes celebrating Enkutatash in Denver even more remarkable.

About the Taste of Ethiopia Heritage Foundation

Organized by the Taste of Ethiopia Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit community-led organization, the festival celebrates Ethiopian culture through food, music, dance, art, and community service. In addition to the annual festival, the Foundation supports year-round initiatives in health equity, mental wellness, and cultural awareness across Colorado. In 2024, Taste of Ethiopia was named “Nonprofit of the Year” by the Colorado African Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.tasteofethiopia.org