DENVER'S 2013 SUMMER FESTIVALS
During the summer months in the Mile High City, a week doesn't go by without at least one amazing festival taking place. From Memorial Day in May until Labor Day in September, the weekends are filled with arts, entertainment, food and more, all with a distinctly Denver twist.
MAY
Downtown Denver Arts Festival
When: May 24-27
Where: Denver Pavilions, Downtown Denver
More Info: www.DowntownDenverArtsFestival.com
The Downtown Denver Arts Festival is held Memorial Day weekend and features the best of Colorado visual artists. More than 125 artists from around the state will be exhibiting and selling their art all weekend long. Come meet the artists and join the 150,000 people that visit this show.
Denver Day of Rock
When: May 25
Where: Downtown Denver
More Info: www.DenverDayofRock.com
Downtown Denver will be transformed into a massive free rock concert when 25 bands take to five stages for the fifth annual Denver Day of Rock. The performance areas will be along the 16th Street Mall, Denver’s mile-long pedestrian promenade, making it easy to roam from act to act. Food and beverage booths will be set up throughout downtown for the event (which benefits Concerts For Kids, a Denver charity), with free music rocking the city from 2:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Denver Comic Con
When: May 31-June 2
Where: Colorado Convention Center, Downtown Denver
More Info: www.denvercomiccon.com
DENVER COMIC CON is a 3-day Fan Convention featuring the best in popular television shows, movies, Japanese Animation, CosPlay, Toys, Gaming, sci-fi/fantasy, and of course… comic books. Geek god guests include MArvel Comics founder Stan Lee, actor/blogger Wil Wheaton and many more.
JUNE
Capitol Hill People's Fair
When: June 1-2
Where: Civic Center Park, Denver
More Info: www.peoplesfair.com
The Capitol Hill People's Fair is a celebration of Denver's diverse urban community. The uniqueness and magic of Capitol Hill People's Fair is created by the careful blending of great family fun, carefully selected handmade arts & crafts, delicious culinary delights, fabulous entertainment and the commitment to raise funds for and promote the missions of non-profit organizations.
Denver Chalk Art Festival
When: June 1-2
Where: Larimer Square, Denver
More Info: www.larimerarts.org
A little bit of Italy comes to the Mile High City this summer, thanks to the annual Denver Chalk Art Festival. The art you'll encounter during the festival isn't in galleries -- it's on the pavement! The event features more than 150 professional and amateur artists who will spend hours on their hands and knees over the course of two days transforming Larimer Square into a bright and colorful street museum using vivid pastel chalks.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
When: June 8 - July 23
Where: Larkspur, CO (halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs)
More Info: www.coloradorenaissance.com
Flash back to the 16th century and journey through a medieval city. Enjoy full-armor jousting, tasty turkey legs, music and a marketplace featuring more than 200 artisans.
Westword Music Showcase
When: June 22
Where: Golden Triangle Museum District & South of Colfax Nightlife District
More Info: www.westword.com/musicshowcase
Spread across ten stages in the Golden Triangle Museum District, the Westword Music Showcase is a favorite among locals who want to dig dozens of the latest Denver rock stars, along with some of the hippest national acts. Join Denver's biggest one-day music festival for music, great local vendors, food and libations!
Greek Festival
When: June 14-16
Where: 4610 E. Alameda Ave., Denver
More Info: www.thegreekfestival.com
Enjoy Greek culture, including traditional Greek dancing by the Hellenic Dance Academy of Denver. There are plenty of homemade food and pastries from throughout Greece to satisfy any appetite.
Juneteenth Music Festival
When: June 15
Where: Five Points Neighborhood, Denver
More Info: www.juneteenthmusicfestival.com
Denver's Juneteenth Music Festival is one of the nation’s largest celebrations, drawing in record numbers of festival-goers and participation. The two-day event features live performances, art and cultural exhibitions, and food and commercial vendors; with partners and sponsors ranging from community support networks and organizations, to local and international companies.
Denver PrideFest
When: June 15-17
Where: Civic Center Park, Denver
More Info: www.denverpridefest.org
Denver's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) community throws an enormous party every summer with PrideFest in Civic Center Park. Recognized as one of the top ten pride events in the country, Denver's PrideFest is a celebration of community and culture that is welcoming -- and fun! -- to all attendees, regardless of sexual orientation. Produced by the Gay Lesbian Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of Colorado, the two-day festival gets bigger. Last year attracted more than 200,000 people from Colorado and the surrounding areas. This year should draw even more revelers.
JULY
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
When: July 5-7
Where: Cherry Creek North, Denver
More Info: www.cherryarts.org
The arts festival weekend event is a world-class and award-winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts, and enjoys an attendance of 350,000 visitors over the 3-day event. CCAF gives patrons the rare and special opportunity to meet and talk with international visual artists, sample fine cuisine, visit special exhibits and artist demonstrations, and entertain their families with interactive "Artivities" and exciting performing arts.
Colorado Gay Rodeo
When: July 12-14
Where: Jefferson County Fairgrounds
More Info: www.cgra.us
Hang on to your cowboy hats – this traditional rodeo comes with a few twists including a goat dressing and a Wild Drag Race at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Colorado Irish Festival
When: July 12-14
Where: Clement Park, Littleton, CO
More Info: www.coloradoirishfestival.org
Experience the largest Irish celebration in the Rocky Mountains with traditional Irish music performances and dancing, Irish drama and storytelling, crafts, games, and food and drinks at Clement Park.
Colorado Black Arts Festival
When: July 12-14
Where: City Park West, Denver
More Info: www.colbaf.org
This three-day festival will present an array of exciting African-American arts and cultural delights. A wide array of art will adorn the grounds and live music (including jazz, hip hop, R&B, rock 'n' roll and more) from the people of African descent will give way to a memorable weekend. This is a family friendly event with programming and activities for the entire family.
Mexico Night - Biennial of the Americas
When: July 18
Where: Civic Center Park, Denver
More Info: http://www.denver.org/biennial
The Biennial of the Americas in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center Denver, Consulate General of Mexico in Denver, and the Denver Film Society will present a free public festival to celebrate Mexico! The night will be filled with free family activities, live performances of traditional dances representative of Mexico, traditional food, and finally, a special film presentation of Bajo la misma luna (Under the Same Moon) from the Denver Film Society.
Denver Post Underground Music Showcase (UMS)
When: July 18-21
Where: South Broadway, Denver
More Info: www.theums.com
Denver’s very own version of Austin’s South By Southwest Music Festival (SXSW) takes over the streets and stages of South Broadway for a multi-night extravaganza featuring the cream of Denver’s underground music scene. This year, 250-300 local and national bands will play in 25-30 venues for more than 5,000 music lovers over four days and nights. Live music fans can stroll from club to club, from stage to stage, catching the city’s rising stars before the rest of the world hears about them.
Denver Night - Biennial of the Americas
When: July 19
Where: Civic Center Park, Denver
More Info: http://www.denver.org/biennial
Celebrate The Mile High City! Denver Night is a free, unique evening of music and art in Denver’s Civic Center Park, including an eclectic concert of folk, classical, jazz, rock and avant-garde music in additional video art, sculpture, and dance. Don’t miss the amazing presentation of HEARD•DAM, by contemporary artist Nick Cave, featuring local performers, life-sized horse Soundsuits, music and movement in an electrifying and inspiring performance. Note: Cave currently has an exhibition of new work at the Denver Art Museum, Nick Cave: Sojourn, which takes visitors on a journey through the artist’s imagination.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
When: July 27-28
Where: Sloan's Lake Park, Denver
More Info: www.cdbf.org
Founded in 2001 to celebrate Colorado's rich Asian Pacific American (APA) culture, the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival has become the region's fastest growing fun, family-friendly summer festival. Named "Top Annual Festival" by the Rocky Mountain News and a "Best of Denver" event by Westword, it offers festival-goers the opportunity to explore APA customs through performances, arts and crafts, shopping, dining and the exciting athletic competition of dragon boat racing.
AUGUST
Colorado Scottish Festival & Rocky Mountain Highland Games
When: August 10-11
Where: Highland Heritage Park, Highlands Ranch, CO
More Info: www.scottishgames.org
Join this Celtic celebration featuring pipe bands, drumming, Scottish athletic competitions, highland dancing and folk music.
Denver County Fair
When: August 9-11
Where: National Western Complex, Denver
More Info: http://www.denvercountyfair.org
The third annual Denver County Fair will be a place to share ideas, traditions, creativity, local culture and intellect. The Fair will highlight the talents, trends, diversity and interests of the residents of the amazing City and County of Denver. Events include a skateboard rodeo, a carnival (complete with rides and midway games), competitive eating contests, animals, rockets, Roller Girls and so much more!
Cherry Creek North Food & Wine
When: August 10
Where: Cherry Creek North, Denver
More Info: www.cherryarts.org/foodandwine
With more than 40 restaurants located in a 16-block neighborhood, Cherry Creek North is well poised to host Cherry Creek North Food & Wine. The weekend event includes culinary classes, a Grand Tasting on Fillmore Plaza highlighting the breadth of chef talent among the restaurants in Cherry Creek North, and a host of wines and spirits to complete the culinary experience.
Cultivate Denver
When: August 17
Where: City Park, Denver
More Info: http://chipotle.com/cultivate
Chipotle Mexican Grill -- a chain that got its start in Denver -- is throwing a BIG (and FREE) party in City Park this August, including cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, live music, food artisans and other activities emphasizing fresh and affordable food. Entertainment will be provided by indie rock favorites Cold War Kids and many more.
Golden Fine Arts Festival
When: August 18-19
Where: 11th St. and Arapahoe St., Golden
More Info: www.goldenfineartsfestival.org
Come browse a variety of beautiful art at this wonderful arts extravaganza. The festival hosts more than 140 high-quality artists (many of which are Coloradoans) in a variety of media, including ceramic arts, fiber arts, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture.
Colorado State Fair
When: Aug. 23 - Sept. 2
Where: Pueblo Fairgrounds, Pueblo, CO
Enjoy nonstop entertainment during one of the largest pro rodeos in the country featuring a livestock and horse show, parades, country concerts and more at the Pueblo Fairgrounds.
A Taste of Colorado
When: Aug. 30 - Sept. 2
Where: Civic Center Park, Denver
More Info: www.atasteofcolorado.com
A Taste of Colorado stands proud as the end-of-summer celebration of community pride and spirit in the Denver region. Over 500,000 people make the four-day festival their Labor Day Weekend celebration, enjoying the offerings of more 50 area restaurants, 250 marketplace artisans and vendors, seven stages, and educational programs promoting the diverse cultural and western heritage of the region. Live entertainment this year includes MC Hammer and America!
Discover more Denver events at www.Denver365.com!