Thursday’s Events:

1. The Little Nell Champagne Party
Thursday, June 15 & Friday, June 16, 10:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m, Chair 9 at The Little Nell

With a 20,000+ bottle wine cellar and award-winning cuisine, the iconic Little Nell is pretty much the unofficial headquarters during the Classic. For the second consecutive year, Chair 9 opens its lounge to the public for a trio of late night soirees presented by Dom Pérignon and Veuve Clicquot featuring electric violinist Kat V of Chicago. No cover, no list, no reason not to stay up with The Little Nell. Cash bar with drink specials and bar menu available, thelittlenell.com

2. Rustic Grind
Thursday, June 15, 6:30
–8:30 p.m., Snowmass Base Village

Snowmass Free Concert Series has teamed up with Cochon555 for an ultimate al fresco evening on Fanny Hill to kick-off Food and Wine Classic festivities. Pairing musical guests SEE-I Reggae Funkmasters with culinary experiences curated by the dynamic team behind Heritage Fire, expect wood-fired grills loaded up with heritage breed proteins from animals raised with safe, honest methods on family farms in Colorado. The smoky fare will be paired with premium tipples like Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon Punches and Smoked Old Fashioneds, Courvoisier Cognac slushes, and artisanal wines. $40 wristband (all-inclusive), free (music only), cochon555.com

3. Jimmy’s 20th Anniversary Benefit
Thursday, June 15, 11 p.m., Jimmy’s Bodega

Celebrate 1997, the year that started it all for Jimmy Yeager with a late night bash in support of Share Our Strength and the Helen David Relief Fund. A team of guest bartenders from Occidental in Denver will serve up a special menu of signature craft cocktails and fried chicken. No cover, jimmysaspen.com

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