COLORADO, USA — June is here and Colorado is ready for summer!
From festivals, rodeo, concerts, walks and runs to sports and fishing, there's a unique adventure waiting for you this weekend.
> Have an event tip? Send it here.
DENVER — The 17th annual Denver Chalk Art Festival on Larimer Square is a free, two-day street painting festival. More than 200 artists will spend the weekend turning Larimer Square into a museum of chalk art. In addition to the chalk artists, there will also be live music on Saturday and Sunday from Jackson Harkness Trio, Boot Gun, Sol Burial, Kid Wilderness, Zen Mustache, Switch Ghost, Monk Gyatso, and Latin Sol. For a small donation, kids can get a goodie bag of chalk to create their own inspired work of art.
DENVER — The Denver Pop Culture Con — formerly known as Denver Comic Con — takes over the Colorado Convention Center this weekend. The celebration of film, television, comics and books runs Friday to Sunday with over one hundred stars of Hollywood from in front of and behind the camera. Scheduled to appear this weekend include The Avengers’ Dave Bautista, Star Trek’s George Takei, Back to the Future’s Christopher Lloyd, Princess Bride’s Cary Elwes, Shazam! star Zachary Levi, plus stars of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, The Walking Dead, Firefly, Stranger Things and more. Tickets for the 2019 Denver Pop Culture Con are sold at DenverPopCultureCon.com/Tickets.
BRIGHTON — The City of Brighton’s largest community festival takes place on Saturday at Carmichael Park. The annual Summerfest runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with children’s activities, vendors, live music and more. All of the concerts, including a 3 p.m. performance by Craig Campbell, are free and family-friendly.
JOHNSTOWN — Johnstown’s annual community tradition is back! Johnstown BBQ Day kicks off Saturday morning at 5 a.m. with a pancake breakfast and 8 a.m. Rider 5K Rumble. A parade steps off at 10 a.m. at Rolling Hills Parkway and N. 3rd Street. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Parish Park there will be family-friendly games and activities, inflatable toddler zone, inflatable obstacle course, magic shows, balloon tying, vendors, live music, duck race, horseshoe tournament and more. BBQ in the park will be served from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Parish Park with live music from 80s cover band RETRO. Three different restaurants will be serving dinner, guests can pick any for just $7 admission. Stick around Johnstown into the evening for Johnstown’s Got Talent at 7 p.m. at Roosevelt High School, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. See the full event schedule at JohnstownBBQDay.org.
NORTHGLENN — The 2nd annual Red and Blue BBQ Cook-Off is a friendly competition of pitmasters, a head-to-head pig roast battle between North Metro Fire Rescue District and the Northglenn Police Department and a day of live music and fun activities. The cook-off will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at E.B. Rains Park with BBQ, beer, wine, kids’ activities and music with proceeds supporting first responders and their families facing difficult challenges. To enter a BBQ team in the competition, visit NorthMetroFire.org.
ELIZABETH — The Elizabeth Stampede's Community Rodeo is two days of rodeo fun benefiting Tough Enough to Wear Pink with free admission for spectators. On Saturday there will be barrel racing, a ranch rodeo and button mustin' for kids 4 to 7. The main event on Saturday night includes bareback, saddle broncs, bulls, chute doggin', calf riding, mini bulls and more. The rodeo weekend continues on Sunday with barrels, poles, keyhole, flags and mutton bustin'. To see a complete schedule, or to register in an event, visit ElizabethStampede.com.
FRUITA — For twenty-one years this festival on the Western Slope has celebrated the legend of a Mike, a chicken that lived for 18 months without his head, back in 1945. University of Utah scientists at the time determined that the axe meant to kill Mike missed his jugular vein and a clot prevented him from bleeding to death. To remember Mike there will be a 5K walk/run, poultry show, games, food and drink vendors, car show, rooster-calling contest, wing-eating contest, live music and much more. Visit the event website for a complete schedule.
LYONS — Burning Can Fest is back this Saturday in Lyons at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The festival is the perfect weekend event for lovers of adventure, beer, music and camping. Oskar Blues will be one of more than 70 breweries featured at the festival, which USA TODAY calls “the greatest beer festival in all the land.” Moon Taxi, Wildermiss, and The Red Petals, will headline the festival which also offers spectator and participant sport competitions. Admission tickets and camping permits can be purchased online.
BRECKENRDIGE — “WAVE: Light + Water + Sound” is a free four-night festival at Blue River Plaza in heart of downtown Breckenridge, transforming the river, bridges and waterfront areas into canvases, stages and exhibition spaces. The event features interactive artworks around the themes of light, water and sound, with unique installations, musical performances, screenings, digital art and eye candy of all sizes for the whole family to experience. WAVE: Light + Water + Sound runs 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
EAGLE — The Bonfire Brewing Block Party takes over Eagle from Friday Sunday with live music, delicious food, craft beer and more. Performers scheduled this weekend include Amasa Hines, North Mississippi Allstars, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Railroad Earth, The Lil Smokies, Ripe, Twiddle, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and more. Bonfire Brewing will be presenting this year’s festival with five bar locations in the event area, which spans Broadway and Second Streets in downtown Eagle.
EAGLE — For over ten years, the Eagle Outside Festival has showcased Eagle’s great weather, incredible quality of life and its sprawling trail network. The Eagle Outside Festival features a consumer demo with 20 bike brands and over 100 miles of singletrack. With the closet trail just 0.5 miles from the demo, no shuttle is needed to explore three different climate zones, from high desert to high alpine and everything in between. With a bike rodeo, beer mile, segment races, yoga and the Bonfire Brewing Block Party, Eagle is the place to be this weekend.
DENVER — The Colorado Rockies wrap up their homestand with a three-game series against Toronto. The Rockies and Blue Jays will battle Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Coors Field. Saturday night’s game is “Photo Day” when gates will open early for photo opportunities with players. Rockies.com/Tickets is the best place for tickets.
MANITOU SPRINGS — Wine connoisseurs, rejoice! The 2019 Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs. Attendees of the festival will receive generous tastings from more than 35 Colorado wineries. There will be live music plus plenty of food and gift vendors as you enjoy your tastings. The price of admission includes a complimentary Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival Glass. Tickets are available online here.
FRISCO — The Town of Frisco welcomes the community to the docks on Saturday to celebrate the start of summer, the Marina’s improvements and kick-off the boating season. Frisco’s Rock the Dock Party, which runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, offers free live music, $6 burger and beer deal at The Island Grill, giveaways, fun times and more. Frisco’s ten-years-in-the-making Marina improvement project will relocate and construct boat ramps, expand the beach area, add new sidewalks and involve the excavation of the lake bed and more.
ESTES PARK — One of Colorado's premiere jazz festivals is back this weekend in Estes Park. The 29th annual festival on Saturday and Sunday brings seven jazz bands and musicians to Performance Park, including Lionel Young Band, Moderno Afro Cubano Quintet and The Bud Powell Project. Tickets are just $10 per day or $15 for a weekend pass and kids 12 and under are free. All tickets are sold at the door. Popular Colorado wine selections will be available in the festival's wine garden.
BOULDER — This weekend’s Boulder Jewish Festival is a free one-day celebration of Jewish arts and culture. The event takes place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Boulder County Courthouse Lawn and 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall. This year’s 25th annual festival offers live entertainment, fine art, Judaica, food, community organizations and activities for all ages.
DENVER — International School of Denver hosts a day in the sun to celebrate international diversity and multiculturalism. Saturday's International Bash features performances of dance, music, and fashion from difference cultures, games, kids' activities and more. The event, which will also have a beer garden and food truck court, runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at International School od Denver at 7701 East First Place. Grab your tickets at ISDenver.org.
MONUMENT — Cirque du Monument will be held Saturday on Front Street in historic downtown Monument from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feature events include an aerial performance by Aerial Aura and live music from Sound Junction disc jockeys. There will also be face painting, balloon and caricature artists, petting zoo, alpaca experience, henna and sparkle tattoos, tasty food and more. Donations from the event support Monument first responders. Donations can be made to support the Tri-Lakes/Monument firefighters and the Monument Police Department at Gallery132.com.
TELLURIDE — Dozens of hot air balloons will rise through the Rocky Mountain air this weekend in Telluride. Mass ascensions will take place on Saturday and Sunday at 6 a.m. from Telluride Town Park. Saturday evening, the balloons will inflate for a spectacular show at dusk on Main Street. The Telluride Balloon Festival is a free event and don't forget your camera!
COLORADO SPRINGS — The 4th annual free Get Outdoors Day event in Colorado Springs runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The event at Memorial Park will see Prospect Lake lined with families fishing using free poles from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and filled with rafts, canoes, paddleboards and more. Kids will be able to shoot air rifles and .22s, throw hatchets, learn archery, experience climbing walls and a “Touch-a-Truck" display and more.
LOUISVILLE — This year’s Taste of Louisville will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. The delicious summer event offers food served by local restaurants, beer from local breweries, arts and craft booths, kids’ entertainment and local merchant booths. Live bands will be performing at the Steinbaugh Pavillion and the Louisville Rec Center will be hosting Touch-a-Truck from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
HENDERSON —The Denver Broncos will hold their first Carne Asada fan event of the summer this weekend. The Broncos Carne Asada will run from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Mile High Flea Market. The free event will have Miles the Mascot, Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, games and prizes, as well as free food and drink for the first 500 fans.
MORRISON — Native American artists will showcase and sell their works while sharing their artistic traditions at the Indian Market and Powwow on Saturday and Sunday. Groups of intertribal dancers and drum groups from more than 40 Indian nations participate in the powwow at Morrison’s The Fort restaurant. Entertainment includes live performances, music, hands-on activities and live raptor presentations from HawkQuest. Tickets are available online.
COMMERCE CITY — The Colorado Rapids, who have notched their first victories of the 2019 season, return to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park this weekend to face FC Cincinnati. The Rapids host Cincinnati at 6:30 p.m. Saturday night. The game is special Black Diamond Night where the Rapids will wear sleek, white jerseys as a nod to Colorado’s mountain culture. For match tickets, visit AltitudeTickets.com.
MORRISON — The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship makes its annual visit to the Denver area on Saturday. The 15th annual True Value Thunder National begins at 8 a.m. with qualifying and practice. First and Second Motos will run after the opening ceremonies at 12:30 p.m. The event takes place at Lakewood's Thunder Valley Motocross Park, widely considered to be one of the best motocross tracks in the world. Tickets for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship are available at ProMotocross.com.
DENVER — "All Day I Dream," Lee Burridge’s tour of day-into-night gatherings, will stop in Denver on Saturday. Featuring Lee Burridge, Hoj, Roy Rosenfeld, and Newman, the dance music event runs from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Sculpture Park outside the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets, head to AXS.com.
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — The "Summer Song 2019" tour, featuring Christian hip hop artist TobyMac, comes to Denver this weekend. The all-ages concert will set up at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre on Sunday starting at 4 p.m. with TobyMac, Zach Williams, Micah Tyler, Social Club Misfits, Jasmine Murray, and Land of Color. Tickets are sold at AXS.com.
BOULDER — This weekend's independently-organized TEDx Boulder event will feature an eclectic panel of speakers, live music, local vendors and more. The event will be focused on bringing communities, organizations and individuals together to share “ideas worth spreading” including volunteerism, motivating and cultivating growth. TEDx Boulder will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at Chautauqua Auditorium. For more information about and tickets, visit TEDxBoulder.com or Chautauqua.com.
FORT COLLINS — This year’s Old Town Car Show takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in downtown Fort Collins. The event is free for spectators to view hundreds of hot rods, custom cars, vintage motorcycles, muscle cars, antique cars and classic trucks. The event is kid and family-friendly in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins. Vehicles can be registered at DowntownFortCollins.com.
GOLDEN — “Wild Gypsy Woods: Colorful Colorado” is a women's-only weekend riding event through Denver and the mountains of western Colorado. The Friday-to-Sunday event includes three group rides on mountain roads through landmark destinations, admission to Hawk-Quest experience, Friday bike-night party at Grand Prix Motorsports, admission to Saturday's Thunder Valley Motocross Races, live performances by Sister Antics, admission to Sunday’s Wolf and Wildlife Center experience, swag bags, fun giveaways and more. Wild Gypsy Woods registration information and tickets are available online.
BRIGHTON — The 24th annual Community Fishing Festival arrives Saturday. Hosted by the Adams County Sheriff’s Foundation, Cabela’s, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, and the Adams County Board of County Commissioners, the festival allows the community to connect with law enforcement while enjoying some Colorado recreation. The festival begins at 6 a.m. Saturday at Adams County Regional Park and Fairgrounds.
DENVER — Beyond Borders is the newest production from Thomas Dance Project featuring artists of the Colorado Ballet and other local dance companies. With live music by Colorado NeXt Music Festival and an original score composed by Greg Walker, Beyond Borders is about a group of people celebrating together, who soon realize that the society that they live in is no longer a place of peace and happiness. Due to this, they decide to leave their homeland and cross the sea to find refuge in a greater place. Beyond Borders will be performed Saturday and Sunday at Colorado Ballet’s BlackBox Theater at 1075 Santa Fe Drive. Tickets are available online.
LITTLETON — The 2019 Biennial of the Americas Festival will begin its season on Sunday with the first of a series of free concerts at Levitt Pavilion. Jenny and the Mexicats with Bang Data will perform at Levitt Pavilion on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Other free performances are scheduled for July 21 and Aug. 29 before the main festival arrives Sept. 25 to Sept. 28. Biennial of the Americas is an international event of ideas, art and culture that assembles dynamic leaders to identify unique opportunities and solutions to shared challenges across the Americas.
DENVER — Littleton's International Youth Ballet presents three performances of Peter Pan this weekend at Gates Concert Hall at the University of Denver. The production features fantastic set projections, talented dancers and remarkable costumes. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available online here.
HIGHLANDS RANCH — Motion Dance Center will conclude its season this weekend with its final company performance: The Collective. The family-friendly, fun and free dance performance is set for 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Case Pavilion at Highlands Ranch Civic Green Park. Grab a bite to eat at one of the on-site food trucks and support local Highlands Ranch pre-professional dancers (age 7-18) on a beautiful summer evening.
BOULDER & HIGHLANDS RANCH — Boulder Ballet will perform two free and family-friendly concerts of classical and contemporary ballet in two locations this weekend. The “Ballet in the Park” performances will take place Saturday at 7 p.m. at Boulder’s Central Park Bandshell and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Civic Center Green in Highlands Ranch. The show features excerpts from Boulder Ballet’s season.
WESTMINSTER —The 2nd annual Mutts N’ Struts is a health and wellness fest with live entertainment, kids’ painting zone, family yoga, vendors, giveaways and more. Mutts N’ Struts begins at 8 a.m. at Westminster’s Carroll Butts Athletic Park. Admission is $5 for adults, kids are free, and pets can enter the pet contest for $5. Registration can be completed at WestminsterChamber.biz.
GOLDEN — Colorado Railroad Museum will celebrate the wild west and steampunk with its Wild West Steam Days. The two-day celebration begins Saturday and features the “Great Train Robbery” with a slew of outlaws, lawmen, ladies and gentlemen as professional actors bring the 1880's Colorado railroad experience to life with train robberies and gun fights. Local vendors will also be on site with steampunk items you won’t find anywhere else. For tickets, visit ColoradoRailroadMusuem.org.
DENVER — The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, which began modestly in a Breckenridge cabin, has grown into a prestigious institution known for its famous wildlife dioramas, its work in archeology, anthropology and paleontology — as well as human physiology, health, mechanics, astronomy and more. Today a mere 2% of the 1.5 million artifacts and specimens are on display. The museum, located at Denver's City Park, will hold a free day this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event was first published by MileHighOnTheCheap.com. For more local deals and discounts go to MileHighontheCheap.com.
DENVER — Broncos Stadium at Mile High is the venue for the 2019 Denver Heart & Stroke Walk on Saturday. The event offers a 5K run at 8 a.m. and the 5K Heart & Stroke Walk at 10 a.m. You can also register for Yoga in the End Zone which begins at 8:45 a.m. The walk is free while the 5K run and yoga require a $50 donation. The Heart & Stroke Walk event benefits the American Heart Association. Team and individual registration are available online at Heart.org.
COLORADO SPRINGS —John Venezia Community Park is the site of Saturday’s MDA Muscle Walk of Colorado Springs. The walk will be a celebration of giving strength for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and other neuromuscular diseases. Supporters, caregivers, friends and family will come together for the walk, which will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. For walk registration and donation information, visit MDA.DonorDrive.com.
KEENESBURG — The Wild Animal Sanctuary is home to more than 450 rescued animals including bears, tigers, lions, wolves and more. Saturday's “Into The Wild” running festival is a fundraiser for the sanctuary in Keenesburg. The event offers a Limitless Lion 5K Run, Tireless Tiger 10K Run and a Jaguar Jaunt Family Fun 5K Walk, which will weave between the wild animal habitats at the sanctuary. Paid registrants will receive free entrance to the sanctuary's “Mile Into The Wild Walkway,” along with post-race food, beverages and live music. Registration is available online here.
FRISCO — The 43rd annual Run the Rockies Road 10K & Half Marathon features a new course that will take runners along the base of the Ten Mile Range and next to Dillon Reservoir to a finish line on Frisco’s Main Street. The Half Marathon will start at 8 a.m. Saturday with the 10K to follow at 8:30 a.m. The course on the Summit County Recreation Path offers incredible views with relatively flat terrain. Register now at TownofFrisco.com.
BRIGHTON — The 1st annual Endurance Race Series trail race around Barr Lake takes place this Saturday at Barr Lake State Park. Runners will start and finish at the Nature Center during the out-and-back course. Registration is limited, so sign up now at RaceRoster.com.
WESTMINSTER — The 1st annual Reach for Recovery will be held Saturday morning in Westminster. The race, which aims to raise awareness of mental health and to support mental health services in Adams County, begins at 8 a.m. with a Fun Run and Walk set for 9 a.m. The course will be on the paved trails of Big Dry Creek Open Space and will start and end at Community Reach Center. Registration for the 5K race and Fun Run and Walk can be completed online.
LITTLETON — The 7th annual Drennen’s Dreams Foundation SplashDash is an event for serious runners and those who just want to have a little fun while getting a little wet. The event takes place Sunday morning at Arapahoe High School and winds through the Southglenn subdivision whose residents will sprinkle, shower and hose runners as they dash through the streets. The kid and dog-friendly event aims to continue the Drennen’s Dreams Foundation’s goal of promoting pool and water safety. Donation and registration information can be found here.
DENVER — Rocky Mountain Road Runners will hold a 4K and Pancake Breakfast at Denver’s Bible Park on Sunday. The race will begin at 8 a.m. sharp on a fast course of dirt and pavement with a pancake breakfast to follow. All runners receive breakfast for free, so register today at RMRR.org.
PARKER — Celebrate the beginning of summer and Parker’s rural history at Saturday’s Cattle Crossing 5K & Family Fun Trek. Hosted by Parker Parks and Recreation, the Family Fun Trek is about one-mile of laid-back fun for the family and includes a “duck hunt” for the kids and the 5K run/walk is professionally timed and costumes are encouraged. Registration includes a post-race pancake breakfast, prizes and a free kids’ dash for children eight and under. For event details and registration, visit ParkerRec.com.
LOUISVILLE — The 7th annual Colorado 13er features 13.1 miles, 5K and 10K distances. The course begins at The Home Depot at 1200 Dillon Road and loops through Louisville on Sunday. Race information and registration can be completed at RunSignUp.com.
WHEAT RIDGE — Lutheran Medical Center and Cancer Centers of Colorado are coming together for the 12th annual Run & Walk and cancer survivors celebration. There will be several different lengths including a 10K, 5K run/walk and 1-mile walk. Race day registration begins Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at Lutheran Medical Center. Event registration includes race admission, performance race shirt, admission to the "Hops for Hope" beer garden, tasting tickets, post-race refreshments, a commemorative cup, entertainment, carnival games, kite festival, Cancer Survivors Day activities and access to wellness vendors.
LOVELAND — The Fire Hydrant 5K Walk/Run for Homeless Pets arrives Saturday morning at The Promenade Shops at Centerra & Chapungu Sculpture Park. The Expo and Kid Zone open at 7:30 a.m. followed by a 5K Run at 8:30 a.m. and 5K Walk at 8:35 a.m. There will also be pet-friendly activities including a peanut butter eating contest, musical chair for dogs and pet prizes. Proceeds from the event benefit Larimer Humane Society.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — One of Colorado's most beautiful races returns for a 38th year on Sunday. The Steamboat Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K runs alongside the Elk River through emerald green pastures with snow-capped mountains above. Registration is available online at SteamboatChamber.com.
BOULDER — Runners from across the country come to Boulder to experience the Boulder Rez Half Marathon, 10K and 5K Run. The race course around Boulder Reservoir is flat with only 200 feet of elevation gain and offers wonderful views of the mountain range to the west. The spectator-friendly event takes place Sunday and includes a post-race party with beer, food, race expo and prizes. Race registration can be completed online.
CREEDE — The 2019 Runoff Runoff takes place Saturday with a marathon, half marathon and 6K race, which follow the scenic headwaters of the Rio Grande and end in Creede. Following the races there will be live music, local beer and food vendors. Register today at RunoffRunoff.com.
COLORADO SPRINGS — Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site kicks off the summer season on Saturday with its annual sheep shearing event. The public is invited to explore the historic sites at Colorado Springs' premier living history museum. There will be homesteaders, farmers, Native Americans, gardeners, blacksmith, and high-society interpreters as well as demonstrations in sheep shearing, sheep dog herding, carding, spinning, dying and weaving. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, is located at 3105 Gateway Road near Garden of the Gods.
COLORADO — Fathom Events and Paramount Pictures are honoring America's heroes and remembering the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion with a special two-day presentation of Saving Private Ryan in theaters nationwide. The Steven Spielberg film will return to theaters on Sunday, June 2 and Wednesday, June 5. Saving Private Ryan will play at several theaters in Colorado including Aurora Century 16, Regal Denver Pavilions 15, AMC Southlands 16, Tinseltown Colorado Springs, AMC Castle Rock 12, Regal Meadows 12, Regal River Point 14, Bel Mar 16, Century Boulder, AMC Westminster Promenade 24 and more. For tickets and showtimes, visit FathomEvents.com.
Would you like to see your favorite Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert, drama, musical, ballet, run or event listed in 9Things? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.
PHOTOS | Denver Chalk Art Festival in Larimer Square
PHOTOS | Burning Can Fest at the Lyons Outdoor Games
SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Feature stories from 9NEWS