Cottonwood Institute is known for our fun and creative events, which help raise critical funding to support our programs each year. Check out what we have coming up in 2025, Download our 2025 Sponsorship Opportunities, and reach out to Ford Church, Founder and Executive Director for more information at 303.447.1076 x700.
Want to get notified about upcoming events? Sign up for our monthly e-News!
Want to help behind the scenes? We’re looking for energetic volunteers to assist with event support throughout the summer. Email Sara Grillo to volunteer.
THE THROWDOWN
The Throwdown has become one of the best charity cornhole tournaments in Denver. This event is specifically designed for fun people who want to enjoy an afternoon outside playing cornhole with delicious food and beverages, while supporting a great local educational non-profit.
Whether you’re an expert or you’ve never heard of the game before, it is a great time for all. Relax, no experience is needed to participate!
Register Today: The Throwdown 2025 is set for Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 9am – 2pmish at McGregor Square in Denver, CO.
REGISTER TODAYBEATS ON THE CREEK
Beats on the Creek is a summer concert series put on by Coohills Restaurant to support local non-profits. There will be live music, award-winning wines, craft beer, and cocktails. Admission is a $10 donation that will support Cottonwood Institute.
Coohills Restaurant and bar will be open at 5:00pm. The bar area will have open seating- first come, first served! Patio tables require a reservation and are reserved for the entire evening during Beats on the Creek events. Interested in reserving? Call Coohills at 303-623-5700.
Save The 2025 Dates:
Tuesday, June 24th: Funkiphino (Funk)
Tuesday, July 1st: The Long Run (Eagles Tribute)
Tuesday, July 8: Stone Beat Invasion (Rolling Stone/Beatles Tribute). Sponsored by Kelly Law Partners.
Tuesday, July 15: Ninety 2K (90’s/2000’s). Sponsored by Milgrom Daskam & Ellis
Tuesday, July 22: The Railbenders (Outlaw Country). Sponsored by MegaStar Financial
Tuesday, July 29: Mr. Majestyk’s 8-Track Revival (70’s)
Learn MoreHARVARD GULCH GOLF INVITATIONAL
Join us at Harvard Gulch for drinks, food, prizes, and 9 holes of beginner-friendly par three golf! This tournament is presented by Ryan Feaster with Realty ONE Group Five Star and open to everyone age 21 and over. All net proceeds from the event will benefit Cottonwood Institute in memory of Rivers Stilwell.
Register Today: The Harvard Gulch Golf Invitational is set for Saturday, August 9th, 2025 from 9am – 5pmish at Harvard Gulch in Denver, CO.
REGISTER TODAYHAPPY HOUR
Join Cottonwood Institute for a laid-back evening of brews and community at our 2025 Happy Hour, on Tuesday, September 9th! Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just beer-curious and looking to stumble into something good, you’re welcome to raise a glass with us. $1 from every pint sold during the event will be donated back to Cottonwood Institute, thanks to the generosity of our friends at Woods Boss Brewing Company. No need to mention the cause – just show up, enjoy the vibe, and help us continue to connect students to the outdoors through hands-on environmental education. We’ll see you there!
BEER RELEASE PARTY
Our 2nd Annual Beer Release Party hosted by Woods Boss Brewing Co. and presented by Living a Stout Life (LASL), and Denver Founders Network to benefit Cottonwood Institute was a huge hit! Thank you to all who attended.
Stay Tuned: Stay tuned for our 2025 Beer Release Party date.
20th BASE CAMP BASH
The 20th Base Camp Bash held on April 5, 2025 was a great success! Stay tuned for more info about next year’s event!
The Base Camp Bash is our main fundraising event and annual excuse to get together in person, have fun, celebrate our students and successes, and is a great opportunity to network with the movers and shakers of Denver. This event helps raise the critical funds we need each year to connect students to the outdoors and empower them to take action to improve their schools, the community, and the environment for future generations.
FREE OUTDOOR GEAR REPAIR WORKSHOP
This event took place on April 23rd, 2025 at the Lafayette Public Library. Our Changemaker Alums ran a FREE outdoor gear repair workshop for attendees to learn new skills, meet new people, and repair damaged gear. Click here for more information.
FREE COTTONWOOD SKILLS GATHERING
The 2nd Annual Ancestral Skills Gathering took place on April 26th, 2025 from 10am-6pm at Ollin Farms in Longmont. For those curious about outdoor skills that our ancestors used to survive for thousands of years, our Changemaker Alums organized this event to practice friction fires, natural shelters, natural cordage and knot tying, basket weaving, and more. Click here for more information.
