DENVER — The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad are finally here and the "Daddy of 'Em All" is back in Cheyenne for a 128th year.
The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival returns to Denver's Sloan Lake and Cheesman Park hosts its annual art market.
From summer festivals and fairs to rodeos and runs, there's lots to do, see and explore in Denver and Colorado this July weekend. Celebrate summer by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that makes our state so special.
Remember to share your weekend photos with the "Near Me" feature on the 9NEWS app.
Paris Olympics
PARIS — The Olympics are back for the first time in three years and Colorado is ready to cheer on its athletes. Although some soccer competitions began Wednesday, the Summer Games officially begin at 11:30 a.m. Friday with the opening ceremony on 9NEWS. The ceremony will repeat in primetime Friday. The games will be airing all weekend on 9NEWS and Peacock.
Downtown Summer Fest
COLORADO SPRINGS — The celebration for the Paris Olympics gets underway Saturday with Downtown Summer Fest, hosted by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum and the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation. Downtown Summer Fest is free to the public and will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The festival features live music, athlete meet and greets, vendors, torch relay, basketball clinic, sport performances and more. Every day throughout the Games, the museum will feature daily programming, including athlete meet and greets and artifact demonstrations.
READ MORE: Complete Paris Olympics coverage
TV LISTINGS: 9NEWS Olympics television schedule
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
DENVER — The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, a celebration of Asian and Asian American heritage, will take place on Saturday and Sunday at Denver's Sloan Lake. The biggest pan-Asian dragon boat festival in the country, the event features dragon boat races across Sloan Lake. There will be live music, performing arts, martial arts and educational shows. "Taste of Asia" food vendors will have cuisines from China, India, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Hawaii, Ethiopia, Mexico and the United States.
Cheesman Park Art Fest
DENVER — The Cheesman Park Art Fest will return for a 11th year at one of Denver's most historic parks. The free two-day festival runs Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 a.m. each day. Over 150 artists and craftsmen will showcase their work in pottery, jewelry, glass, painting and much more. The festival will also feature food trucks and live music. For a full music lineup, visit DashEventsDenver.com.
Avon Arts Celebration
AVON — The 5th annual Avon Arts Celebration takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The outdoor event features juried artists from across the nation. This free outdoor fine art show will be presented on the grounds of Harry A. Nottingham Park and will include painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, metal, and woodwork and more.
River Run Art Festival
KEYSTONE — Keystone's River Run Village is where artists from around the country will convene on from Friday through Sunday. The 8th annual River Run Village Art Festival will showcase original art including paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, glass, wood, handmade jewelry, mixed media and more. Admission is free and open to the public.
Arapahoe County Fair
AURORA — The Arapahoe County Fair is back in Aurora with a packed schedule from Thursday to Sunday. Tickets include event parking, unlimited carnival rides, CPRA rodeos, fireworks, live entertainment, NSPA truck and tractor pulls, Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, mutton bustin’, public competitions, Top Hogs pig racing, line dancing lessons, petting farm, 4-H livestock shows, Kids Corral and more. Food, beverages and vendors will be on hand throughout the fairgrounds. Head to ArapahoeCountyFair.com to see a complete event schedule or to purchase tickets.
Douglas County Fair & Rodeo
CASTLE ROCK — The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo begins Friday. The Fair Parade, which originated in 1954, begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in downtown Castle Rock. There will be horses, floats, music, candy, smiles and more. Chris Janson and Double Wide are scheduled to perform Friday night. The 2024 Douglas County Fair runs to Sunday, Aug. 4. Visit DouglasCountyFairandRodeo.com for a complete fair schedule.
Weld County Fair
GREELEY — The 106th annual Weld County Fair is a free, annual event in Greeley open to the public with music, food, displays, car show and more. Youth and adults in Weld County will be exhibiting their skills in agriculture, livestock, natural resources, engineering, consumer and family, fine arts, horticulture and family living. The Weld County Fair is open through Monday, July 29, at Greeley's Island Grove Regional Park.
Eagle County Fair
EAGLE — The 84th annual Eagle County Fair & Rodeo will be open through Saturday at the Eagle County Fairgrounds. Admission to the fair and rodeo grounds is free. Guests can view livestock exhibits, browse vendors booths, enjoy free concerts and participate in educational seminars. PRCA-sanctioned rodeos take place each night at 7 p.m.
Chaffee County Fair & Rodeo
PONCHA SPRINGS — The Chaffee County Fair & Rodeo opens Friday and runs through Sunday, Aug. 4. This summer's fair includes rodeos, mutton busting, live music and 4-H exhibits. Saturday's schedule includes mutton bustin', steer riding, CPRA rodeo and live music. Tickets and a schedule are available at ChaffeeCountyFair.com.
Montrose County Fair and Rodeo
MONTROSE — The 2024 Montrose County Fair is now open and has events scheduled through Saturday at the Montrose County Fairgrounds. Bull riding is Friday at 7 p.m. and a CPRA rodeo is set for Saturday at 7 p.m.
Phillips County Fair
HOLYOKE — The Phillips County Fair is in full swing with events scheduled through Saturday with 4‑H exhibits, vendors, food, fun and entertainment. A CPRA rodeo begins Friday at 7 p.m. BlackHawk, with special guest Brandon Jones, performs Saturday at 6 p.m.
Las Animas County Fair
TRINIDAD — Fair weekend has arrived in Trinidad. The Las Animas County Fair continues through Saturday. There's a swine show, pancake breakfast, sheep show, dog show, rabbit show show, chili cookoff, dance, cornhole tournament and market sale.
Kit Carson County Fair
BURLINGTON — The 107th annual Kit Carson County Fair and Rodeo is happening now at the Kit Carson County Fairgrounds. All types of animals and exhibits are being shown by FFA and 4-H members, plus there are carnival rides, food and music. Reckless Kelly is set to perform following Saturday's rodeo. The Kit Carson County Fair and Rodeo runs through Saturday.
Wray Daze
WRAY — Wray's fair weekend is here. Lots of Wray Daze events are planned Friday through Sunday that are sure to please the entire family. Events include a pancake breakfast, car show, free community BBQ, pickleball tournament, beer keg battle and Wray Daze Parade. Visit WrayChamber.net for a complete Wray Daze schedule.
Eastern Colorado Roundup
AKRON — The annual Eastern Colorado Roundup brings 4-H youth projects, hamburgers and cotton candy to Washington County this weekend. Horse, swine, goats, cattle, sheep and poultry call the Washington County Fairgrounds home during this event. The Roundup runs through Saturday.
Summerfest
EVERGREEN — Evergreen's Buchanan Park will be home to the 44th annual Summerfest on Saturday and Sunday. This event is a family-friendly festival of art, crafts, music and beer. Over 100 artisans and craftspeople will be selling their work in ceramics, digital art, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, wood and more. Admission to the festival is $5 for adults and children are free.
Bronc Day Festival
GREEN MOUNTAIN FALLS — The 86th annual Bronc Day Festival features a packed schedule of events this Saturday. The event offers a pancake breakfast, arts and craft booths, parade, games, face painting, pie contest and more. Visit BroncDayFestival.org for a complete 2024 schedule.
Elevation Celebration
CONFIER — The 11th annual Elevation Celebration, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, is Conifer's signature summer festival. There's a street fair with live music, vendors, food, games, kids’ zone and more. A complete Elevation Celebration schedule can be seen at GoConifer.com.
Carbondale Mountain Fair
CARBONDALE — The 53rd annual Carbondale Mountain Fair runs Friday to Sunday with live music, performing arts, family activities, food competitions, vendors, kids' activities and more. Check out the complete fair schedule at CarbondaleArts.com.
Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
CAÑON CITY — The 15th annual Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival returns Friday and Saturday. Held in the refurbished and family friendly Centennial Park, the festival pairs boats, bands, and beer for a weekend of fun-filled — and whitewater-fueled — events. The festival’s mantra is “Boats, Bands, Beer and Bikes!” Admission is $7 for adults and gets 12 and under are free.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
CHEYENNE — The 128th annual Cheyenne Frontier Days continues this weekend just north of the Colorado-Wyoming state line. The Western celebration has a packed festival schedule of rodeos, parades, pancake breakfasts and concerts with T-Pain, Ludacris, Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson and more. The centerpiece of the celebration is the world's largest outdoor rodeo which draws the top professionals who compete for more than $1 million in prize money. Here's what to know about the 2024 Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Denver Broncos Training Camp
CENTENNIAL — A new era in Broncos Country begins Friday. The Denver Broncos open training camp Friday morning at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit. The public morning practices begin at 10 a.m. with gates opening at 9 a.m. Fans will primarily be seated along the berm on the west end of the Broncos' practice fields. Broncos players will again be available to sign autographs for fans after each practice open to the public.
For the second-straight year, all practices will require a free ticket for entry from Ticketmaster.com. The Broncos will participate in an NFL-wide football celebration called "Training Camp: Back Together Weekend" on Saturday.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party
DENVER — Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party is returning to Denver. Fans of all ages will experience the thrill of watching Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in the dark. This one-of-a-kind show comes to Denver at the Ball Arena for three performances on Saturday and Sunday. Fans can expect to see Bigfoot, Skelesaurus, Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Bone Shaker and Gunkster. The Glow Party production features a laser light show, theatrical effects, dance parties, and Hot Wheels toy giveaways.
Kenny Chesney
DENVER — Country music superstar Kenny Chesney is preparing for a concert at Colorado's largest stadium. Chesney will perform at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday on his "Sun Goes Down" 2024 tour. The stadium concerts will feature support from Zac Brown Band, Megan Moroney, and Uncle Kracker. This is the sixth time Chesney has performed at Empower Field at Mile High, the most of any performer in the stadium’s history. Ticketmaster.com has tickets for the show.
Global Dance Festival
DENVER — The 2024 Global Dance Festival has moved to a new location this year. Now in its 21st year, the festival is at the Stockyards Event Center Grounds on Friday and Saturday. The festival has more than 40 artists on multiple stages inside and outside at the National Western Complex, as well as immersive art installations, a food truck marketplace and VIP village. The Chainsmokers, Duke Dumont, Fisher, Gryffin, Kaytranada, Champagne Drop, Crankdat, G Jones and Kayzo are among the dozens in the lineup this year.
Underground Music Showcase
DENVER — This weekend's Underground Music Showcase features three outdoor stages and more than 20 venues. Hundreds of bands and artists will perform at the music festival along Denver's South Broadway from Friday through Sunday. Headliners include Beach Fossils, Tkay Maidza, Amyl and the Sniffers, Vacations, and Mareux. Full-weekend and single-day tickets are available online.
RockyGrass Festival
LYONS — The 52nd annual RockyGrass Festival runs Friday to Sunday in Lyons. This weekend's music lineup includes Sarah Jarosz, Del McCoury Band, Della Mae, Sam Bush Bluegrass Band, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Dam Tyminski, Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band, Sister Sadie and more.
Wicked
DENVER — The stage musical adaption of "Wicked" is returning to Colorado. "Wicked" opens Wednesday and has a month of performances planned through Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Buell Theatre in Denver. Currently the 4th longest-running show in Broadway history, "Wicked" celebrated its 20th anniversary on Broadway on Oct. 30. Tickets are available at DenverCenter.org. While tickets are already on sale, a limited number of tickets will also be available for $31 in a digital ticket lottery.
Evergreen Jazz Festival
EVERGREEN — The 21st annual Evergreen Jazz Festival takes place Friday to Sunday on five festival venues in Evergreen. Performers scheduled this year include After Midnight, Carl Sonny Leyland Trio, The Chicago Cellar Boys, Jeremy Mohney & His Band, The Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra and more. Tickets are available for the full weekend, full days and each session at EvergreenJazz.org.
Vail Dance Festival
VAIL — One of the top summer dance destinations in the world, the annual Vail Dance Festival features both performance and educational elements. The performances begin Friday and continue through Monday, Aug. 5. This year's lineup includes Dance Theatre of Harlem, Limón Dance Company, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Colorado Ballet, and DanceAspen, as well as artists from Alonzo King LINES Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, BalletX, National Ballet of Canada, New York City Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, and Royal Danish Ballet.
Vail Summer Sessions
VAIL — Vail Summer Sessions is a free music series taking place on the mountain and in Vail and Lionshead villages from Thursday to Sunday. The new music event features a mountaintop performance by indie-pop band Cannons on Friday. Performances will also include Vandelux, a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and vocalist, at the Gondola One base area on Saturday.
Dash for Smiles
DENVER — Central Park will be home base of the 14th annual Dash for Smiles 5K run and walk on Sunday. The event aims to raise funds for the cleft lip and palate programs at Children's Hospital Colorado and Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. Sunday's run and walk will start at 8 a.m. If you'd like to register for the Dash for Smiles, visit DashForSmiles.org.
Elevation Run/Walk
CONIFER — The 12th annual Conifer Elevation Run/Walk is set for Saturday featuring a 10K, 5K and two-mile fun run. The courses celebrate the Conifer Trails and will explore the scenic Aspen Park neighborhoods on paved and dirt roads and trails. A complete schedule can be seen at GoConifer.com.
Glenwood Springs Car Show
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The 21st annual Glenwood Springs Car Show will begin with a cruise-in at Vicco's Charcoalburger Drive-In at 6 p.m. Friday. The car show opens Saturday morning at Glenwood Springs Mall with dozens of cool cars, from classic to modern to modified, on display. You can register your vehicle for the Glenwood Springs Car Show online.
Bright Nights at Four Mile Historic Park
DENVER — Four Mile Historic Park has transformed into a glowing landscape that immerses visitors with larger-than-life lantern installations that include a mythical dragon that blows smoke, Colorado wildlife and flowers, a crystal forest with unicorns, and creatures from Chinese mythology. The Bright Nights series will be open until Sept. 29. Proceeds from the installation go to help pay for animal care at the park, as well as maintain the historic museum, the oldest standing structure in Denver.
Music in the Mountains
DURANGO — Durango's Music in the Mountains has been home to one of the premiere classical music festivals in the country for more than 30 years. The music festival has free and ticketed rehearsals, lectures and concerts. Music in the Mountains has concerts scheduled through Sunday, Aug. 4. Tickets are available at MusicintheMountains.com.
Red Rocks
DENVER — There is no better venue for live music in the country than Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The Red Rocks 2024 concert schedule is still growing and this spring and summer looks to be one for the record books.
Tedeschi Trucks Band, a country-rock, soul and blues band, will bring their latest tour to Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Friday and Saturday. The 12-member Tedeschi Trucks Band, led by the husband and wife team of guitarist Derek Trucks and vocalist/guitarist Susan Tedeschi, will be joined at the Colorado concerts by Margo Price.
- Wednesday, July 24 - Stick Figure
- Thursday, July 25 - Stick Figure
- Friday, July 26 - Tedeschi Trucks Band
- Saturday, July 27 - Tedeschi Trucks Band
- Sunday, July 28 - Jason Mraz with the Colorado Symphony
- Monday, July 29 - Santana, Counting Crows
- Tuesday, July 30 - Santana, Counting Crows
- Wednesday, July 31 - Thirty Seconds to Mars
Stick Figure & Sublime & Ziggy Marley
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — Stick Figure, Sublime and Ziggy Marley are teaming for a concert in Colorado. The trio will headline "Summer Greens 2024" at Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre in Greenwood Village on Saturday. The concert will also feature SOJA, Tribal Seeds, and The Hip Abduction. Sublime will be comprised of original band members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh with Jakob Nowell. Tickets are available at AXS.com.
Denver Trolley
DENVER — The last operating trolley in Denver has begun summer operations. The Denver Trolley has run along the South Platte River for more than 30 years. This summer, the trolley will operate Thursdays through Mondays beginning at 10 a.m. with the last departure at 5 p.m. The Denver Trolley departs from the home platform at REI/Confluence Park every 30 minutes. Roundtrip rides last about 25 minutes and include a narration about the surrounding area.
The North Pole: Santa's Workshop
CASCADE — Colorado's favorite Christmas-themed amusement park is open for the season. Home to Santa's village and the jolly old elf himself, The North Pole: Santa’s Workshop, located at 7,500 feet at the foot of Pikes Peak west of Colorado Springs, traditionally opens the weekend before Memorial Day and remains open through Christmas. With vintage rides and sweet treats, the park as been spreading Christmas cheer since 1956.
Discovering Teen Rex
DENVER — A rare dinosaur fossil is now on display at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. A juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex fossil that was discovered in the North Dakota badlands will be featured at the museum's new temporary exhibit "Discovering Teen Rex." The fossil is one of only a handful of juvenile T. rex skeletons that has ever been found.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science said the T. rex fossil was discovered by a family on a hike in 2022. The family contacted the museum who returned to the site to excavate the fossil in 2023. The public will be able to see the fossil being prepped in real time at the museum exhibit, as well as an array of dinosaur fossils, including Triceratops and Edmontosaurus.
The Power of Poison
DENVER — A new temporary exhibition at Denver Museum of Nature and Science, "The Power of Poison" explores the captivating and often paradoxical world of nature's toxic arsenal. Through live performances and interactive dioramas, this exhibition will take you into familiar and novel tales of illness, enchantment and death by poison. Whether used as a defense against predators, a source of magical strength or a lifesaving medical treatment, "The Power of Poison" is sure to surprise.
City Park Jazz
DENVER — City Park Jazz is back in Denver for a 38th annual summer series. Nelson Rangell headlines the eighth week of the festival at Denver's pavilion City Park at 6 p.m. on Sunday. The 2024 season will continue each Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. through early August.
City Park Farmers Market
DENVER — The City Park Farmers Market is celebrating its fourth season. The market has more than 100 vendors offering a variety of local Colorado produce and products from area farmers, food producers and agriculture-based brands. The market runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October. Other activations include a run club at 8 a.m., donation-based yoga at 9 a.m. and live music from local acts.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
LARKSPUR — Take a magical tour through time and legend at the annual Colorado Renaissance Festival. The village streets of the festival are full of artisans selling original art, fresh baked goods, roasted turkey legs, steak on a stake and much more. There will be jousting, comedy shows and a cast of hundreds walking and performing throughout the faire. The Renaissance Festival runs on weekends through the first weekend of August. Tickets are available at ColoradoRenaissance.com.
Movies this weekend
Moviegoers ran toward the tornadoes last weekend, propelling “Twisters” to a blockbuster opening. The sequel to the 1996 hit made $80.5 million in ticket sales.
Another force is storming theaters this weekend in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which is tracking to open in the $160 million range. That would be enough to unseat “Inside Out 2” for the biggest opening of the year.
New movies this weekend
- Deadpool & Wolverine
Last weekend's box office
- “Twisters,” $80.5 million.
- “Despicable Me 4,” $23.8 million.
- “Inside Out 2,” $12.8 million.
- “Longlegs,” $11.7 million.
- “A Quiet Place: Day One,” $6.1 million.
- “Fly Me to the Moon,” $3.4 million.
- “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” $2.7 million.
- “Bad Newz,” $1.1 million.
- “MaXXXine,” $819,242.
- “The Bikeriders,” $700,000.
> 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.
Have a nice weekend!
