COLORADO, USA — From festivals and fairs to expos and runs, there's lots to do, see and explore in Colorado this first weekend of summer!
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb celebrates its 102st anniversary this weekend. Denver PrideFest and the Cherry Blossom Festival are returning this year. Plus, The Rolling Stones are playing their first Colorado concert since 2019.
Colorado is known for terrific festivals, concerts, sporting events and the arts. Celebrate the season this weekend by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that makes our state so special.
Denver PrideFest
DENVER — One of the biggest Pride festivals in the country celebrates its 50th anniversary in Denver this weekend. Denver PrideFest will be held Saturday and Sunday in downtown Denver. Organizers are planning a parade, 5K race and live performances on three Civic Center Park stages. The festival will also feature exhibitors, food and drink vendors, and live performances throughout the weekend. The Denver Pride Parade will step off at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, traveling 14 blocks from Cheesman Park to near Civic Center Park.
Dairy Block Drag Queen Show
DENVER — Dairy Block is holding festivities this month to support Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community. A Dairy Block Drag Queen Show will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with six of Denver's top Queens: Jazmine James, Brittany Michaels, Daniella DeCoteau, Mirage Delamor, Muni Tox and Star Kirkland. The show is free and open to all. There will also a photo booth, Pride cocktails, queer art and Pride-themed tattoos.
Cherry Blossom Festival
DENVER — The Denver Cherry Blossom Festival is back this weekend at Sakura Square. Organized by the Sakura Foundation and Tri-State/Denver Buddist Temple, the 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday at Sakura Square in the heart of downtown Denver. The 50th annual festival celebrates Japanese culture through music, dance, exhibits, arts, crafts, dance and food. Admission is free to the Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Sakura Square between 19th and Lawrence streets.
Highlands Street Fair
DENVER — The 41st annual Highlands Street Fair will kick off summer in the Highlands Square neighborhood. Stretching down West 32nd Avenue between Perry and Irving Streets, the block party offers live music, shopping, food and more. The street fairs takes place between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday.
The Rolling Stones
DENVER — The Rolling Stones are ready for their first Colorado concert in five years. The Rolling Stones will bring the "Hackney Diamonds Tour" to Empower Field at Mile High on Thursday. Widespread Panic will be the opening act for the performance. The Rolling Stones are celebrating "Hackney Diamonds," their first studio set of new material since 2005's "A Bigger Bang." The band said it will play cuts from the new album, as well as classic hits like “Start Me Up,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “Satisfaction.”
Country Jam Colorado
MACK — Country music fans, rejoice! Country Jam weekend is finally here. Now in its 32nd year, County Jam Colorado is known as one of the top country music festivals in the United States. The festival runs from Thursday to Saturday at Jam Ranch outside of Grand Junction. Parker McCollum, Jelly Roll and Thomas Rhett are among the headliners. The full lineup includes Flatland Cavalry, Koe Wetzel, Lee Brice, The Bellamy Brothers, Craig Morgan, Saywer Brown, Jackson Dean, Jake Worthington, Priscilla Block, Meg McRee, Dalton Dover, Harper O’Neill and more.
Frozen
DENVER — The stage musical adaption of Disney's "Frozen" is back in Colorado. "Frozen" will be performed at the Buell Theatre in Denver through Wednesday, July 3. Tickets are available at DenverCenter.org. Denver Center for the Performing Arts is also running a digital ticket lottery with a limited number of tickets be available for $31 each in the lottery at Lucky Seat. "Frozen" first made its made its pre-Broadway engagement at the Buell in 2017.
Discovering Teen Rex
DENVER — A rare dinosaur fossil is going 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 exhibit opens Friday.
Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals
PUEBLO — More than 2,000 street rods, customs, muscle cars and street machines will travel to the Colorado State Fairgrounds this weekend for the 39th annual Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals. The car show is one of the largest in Colorado features a mix of vintage and new automobiles. Almost all of the Colorado State Fairgrounds will be utilized for the event as well as many of the buildings which house manufacturer and dealer displays and other attractions. The show runs from Friday to Sunday.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
COLORADO SPRINGS — The 102nd running of the The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be celebrated Friday with a 10-block Fan Fest in downtown Colorado Springs. Fans can stop by and pick up race tickets, programs and official Pikes Peak International Hill Climb merchandise, and see stunts from the Nitro Circus Freestyle Motocross Demo Team. Fan Fest will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a race to the top of Pikes Peak, begins at 7:30 a.m. Sunday. Spectator tickets are sold out, but you can watch or listen online.
Juneteenth Celebration
LONGMONT — Longmont is holding its Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Roosevelt Park. The family oriented event is free and open to the public with music and entertainment. Headlining the celebration will be Grammy Award-winning artist Chrisette Michele. The event will also feature a lineup of DJs throughout the day. For more information about Longmont's Juneteenth Celebration and the program schedule, visit LongmontJuneteenth.com.
Party for Pollinators
AURORA — Aurora will hold its inaugural Party for Pollinators on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Aurora Water-wise Garden, on the Chambers side of the Aurora Municipal Center. Held during during Pollinator Week, the event aims to celebrate the role pollinators play in ecosystems, economies and agriculture. Attendees will be able to partake in a variety of fun activities, community projects, garden tours, learning experiences and more. A selection of food trucks will also be on-site for visitors to enjoy. The all-ages event is free and no registration is required.
Strawberry Days
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Glenwood Springs' big summer festival is back for a 127th year. Strawberry Days will include three days of live music and main stage entertainment, interactive and creative kids’ activities, arts and crafts vendors, a food court and beer garden at Two Rivers Park. The Strawberry Days Parade will step off at 10 a.m. Saturday on Pitkin Avenue heading north. After the parade, free fresh strawberries and ice cream will be served at Two Rivers Park.
Whittle the Wood Rendezvous
CRAIG — The 24th Whittle the Wood Rendezvous chainsaw and carving competition and festival takes over Craig this weekend. Plan for four days of carving, arts and crafts and music at the Moffat County Fairgrounds beginning Thursday. Competitive wood carving continues through Saturday with talented wood workers transforming wooden stumps into stunning works of art. Music headliner Stillhouse Junkies takes the stage Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door.
Corey Rose Wishes and Heroes benefit concert
LITTLETON — The Wishes and Heroes Benefit Concert is back for a 14th year. The 2024 Corey Rose Wishes and Heroes Benefit Concert will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. at Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton. The public is invited to come to the brewery to enjoy music, food, drinks, dancing and three live bands: The Guardians Band, 9's A Pair and Chris Dismuke. Tickets are $25 in advance at TicketWeb.com and kids 12 and under are free.
To date, Wishes and Heroes has raised more than $500,000, with half going to Make a Wish Colorado to grant wishes for kids fighting leukemia or lymphoma, and half going to the Colorado Professional Firefighters Foundation. Over the years, Wishes and Heroes has granted dozens of wishes and has helped many firefighters and their family members when tragedy strikes.
Olympic & Paralympic Day
COLORADO SPRINGS — The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum will celebrate the upcoming 2024 Paris Games by celebrating Olympic & Paralympic Day this Saturday. The special day offers guests a chance to meet Olympians and Paralympians, explore artifacts not currently on display, watch live coverage of several U.S. Olympic Trails and more.
Keystone Bacon & Bourbon Festival
KEYSTONE — The weekend-long celebration of bacon is back in Keystone. Bacon enthusiasts can take in the fresh mountain air, enjoy live local music acts and savor the scent of bacon dishes wafting through the village. There will be four micro-stages, designed to disperse crowds and add to the jams. This delicious festival runs Saturday and Sunday at River Run Village at Keystone Resort and tickets are available online.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
TELLURIDE — The Telluride Bluegrass Festival runs Thursday to Sunday. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival has single-day and multi-day passes, plus camping tickets.
Jim's Burger Haven Car Show
THORNTON — Jim’s Burger Haven holds its annual Car Show and Fundraiser on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A proud tradition for over 60 years, the car show will benefit Children’s Hospital North Campus. There is a $20 registration fee and participants can register at the event. There will be giveaways and prizes and entertainment by DJ Joe Gonzales.
Colorado Championship Ranch Rodeo
HUGO — The 23rd annual Colorado Championship Ranch Rodeo is Friday and Saturday in Hugo. Cheer for your favorite working ranch cowboys as they compete for the title of champion and enjoy Ned LeDoux at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. Get a taste of the Colorado’s cattle country at this family friendly concert on Saturday night. The Colorado Championship Ranch Rodeo opens at 8 a.m. and continues all day. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m.
Alamosa Round-UP
ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Round-UP is back from Thursday through Saturday. PRCA rodeos are scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights at the Alamosa Fairgrounds. Friday at 8:30 p.m. is a block party and street dance on San Juan Avenue. Also on Saturday is a Cowboy Church at 10 a.m. A concert from Justin Lawrence follows Saturday night's rodeo.
Washington Nationals vs. Colorado Rockies
DENVER — The Colorado Rockies continue their homestand this weekend in the Mile High City. The Rockies host the Washington Nationals on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Coors Field. Saturday's game has a Nolan Jones bobblehead giveaway and there will be LED nightlights distributed to early arriving fans on Sunday.
CF Montréal vs. Colorado Rapids
COMMERCE CITY — The Colorado Rapids face a big test this weekend in Commerce City. The boys in burgundy host CF Montréal at Dick's Sporting Goods Park at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com.
Frederick in Flight
FREDERICK — The Town of Frederick will celebrate the many forms of flight this weekend with a hot air balloon lift, tethered balloon rides, yoga in the park and more. Frederick in Flight will have balloon lifts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Centennial Park. There will be free tethered balloon rides for kids of all ages at 7 a.m. Saturday. The Balloon Bash on Saturday will have hot air balloon glowing, kids' activities, food vendors, beer garden and live music.
Boulder Comedy Festival
BOULDER — The Boulder Comedy Festival will be held Wednesday to Sunday. This year's event will be held over seven shows at four venues with more than 30 comics from across the country. As always, Boulder Comedy Festival highlights women and diversity in comedy. All comics, shows and tickets can be found at BoulderComedyFestival.com.
Broadway’s Next Hit Musical
DENVER — "Broadway’s Next Hit Musical" is the only unscripted theatrical awards show. Audience members write down made up song titles and the show's master improvisers gather the suggestions and present them as “nominated songs” for this coveted award. "Broadway’s Next Hit Musical" creates spontaneous scenes and songs filled with dancing, catchy melodies and laughter. "Broadway’s Next Hit Musical" plays at the Garner Galleria Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex through Sunday, June 30.
Shakespeare in the Sangres
WESTCLIFFE — The Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts’ "Shakespeare in the Sangres" runs through July 7 with "As you Like It" by William Shakespeare. Plays are held in the Historic Jones Theater that has been restored to its original 1930s glamour. In a rural community of less than 5,000 county residents, Westcliffe has a robust schedule of cultural and artistic performances presented by a dedicated group of professional actors. For ticket information, visit JonesTheater.com or call 719-783-3004.
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.
City Park Jazz
DENVER — City Park Jazz is back in Denver. Afro fusion band Zimbira headlines the third 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.
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 (announced so far) is still growing and this spring and summer looks to be one for the record books.
- Wednesday, June 19 - Matt Rife
- Thursday, June 20 - Cavetown, Mother Mother
- Friday, June 21 - Widespread Panic
- Saturday, June 22 - Widespread Panic
- Sunday, June 23 - Widespread Panic
- Monday, June 24 - Film on the Rocks: Shrek
The North Pole: Santa's Workshop
CASCADE — Colorado's favorite Christmas-themed amusement park has opened 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.
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.
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.
88 Drive-In Theatre
COMMERCE CITY —The only drive-in movie theater in the Denver metro area reopened for a 48th summer season. Tickets are $10 per person, and children under 12 are free. Tickets are sold only at the box office starting at 7 p.m. for that evening's program.
Movies this weekend
Hollywood’s summer movie anxieties gave way to joy last weekend with the massive debut of Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.” The animated sequel earned $155 million in ticket sales.
The debut was the second-highest opening weekend in Pixar’s 29 years of making films and the second-biggest animated opening ever — behind only the $182.7 million launch of “Incredibles 2” in 2018.
Opening this weekend
- The Bikeriders
- The Exorcism
Last weekend's box office
- “Inside Out 2,” $155 million.
- “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” $33 million.
- “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” $5.2 million.
- “The Garfield Movie,” $5 million.
- “The Watchers,” $3.7 million.
- “IF,” $3.5 million.
- “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” $2.4 million.
- “The Fall Guy,” $1.5 million.
- “The Strangers: Chapter 1,” $760,000.
- “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” $632,910.
Do you know of a cool, fun Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert, or event you think we ought to mention in this week's 9Things or the future? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.
Have a terrific weekend!
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Colorado Guide
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
ADD THE 9NEWS+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.