COLORADO, USA — Colorado is known for terrific festivals, concerts, sporting events and the arts, but this first weekend of August is all about fairs.
There are more county fairs this weekend than any weekend of the year. Celebrate the season this weekend by enjoying a corn dog or funnel cake, under the Rocky Mountain summer sky. Check out the unique 4-H projects on which Coloradans have worked all year. Enjoy a cool night at a rodeo, concert or carnival in every corner of the state.
From festivals and fairs to expos and runs, there's lots to do, see and explore in Denver and Colorado this weekend. Remember to share your weekend photos with the "Near Me" feature on the 9NEWS app.
Taste of Ethiopia Festival
DENVER — Colorado's Taste of Ethiopia Festival is back. The 10th annual festival takes place Saturday at Parkfield Lake Park in Denver. For a decade, the Taste of Ethiopia Festival has brought thousands of people together to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Coloradans of Ethiopian origin. This family friendly outdoor event showcases culture, food, coffee, arts, traditions, heritage and a diverse set of vendors. The festival is free to the public.
Colorado Scottish Festival
SEDALIA — The 60th Colorado Scottish Festival is at the Denver Polo Club on Saturday and Sunday. The festival explores aspects of Scottish culture, traditions and history. The festival will have pipe bands, highland game competitions, whisky tastings, dancing, traditional Scottish and Irish music, drumming, beer and food vendors and children's activities. Tickets are available at the gate or through the website.
Forney Museum's Big Boy Days
DENVER — Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4005 is having a weekend celebration at Denver’s Forney Museum this Saturday and Sunday. There be train vendors, merchandise and multiple model train layouts and the museum's Big Boy’s cab will be open to visitors. Big Boy No.4005 was donated to the museum in the 1970’s and is housed at the Forney Museum for all to discover and enjoy.
Foo Fighters
DENVER — Foo Fighters bring their massive "Everything or Nothing at All Tour" to Colorado this weekend. The tour includes a Denver stop at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday with special guests Pretenders and Mammoth WVH. Tickets are sold at Ticketmaster.com.
Littleton Twilight Criterium
LITTLETON — The 2024 Littleton Twilight Criterium and Bike Fest takes place Saturday from 2:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. A criterium is a bike race on a short, closed-circuit course which is great for spectators because the races fly by every few minutes at nearly 30 miles per hour. Saturday's race takes place on the streets of downtown Littleton . The event also includes a beer garden, live music and a cruiser ride.
Larimer County Fair and Rodeo
LOVELAND — Northern Colorado will be in the fair spirit with the 141st Larimer County Fair from Friday to Tuesday. The fair is free to attend and parking is free. Bring some money for the carnival, however, or grab a carnival Mega Pass online. PRCA rodeos are scheduled for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at the Budweiser Events Center with tickets available at the box office, by phone at 877-544-TIXX or BudweiserEventsCenter.com. To see a full 4-H and entertainment schedule, hop onto LarimerCountyFair.org.
Adams County Fair
BRIGHTON — The Adams County Fair is celebrating its 119th fair through Sunday at Riverdale Regional Park. The fair brings together family and friends from across Adams County with live entertainment, rides and amusements, 4-H competitions, food and more. Country music star Craig Morgan performs after Thursday night's bull riding. To see a complete fair schedule or to purchase tickets, visit AdamsCountyFair.com.
Douglas County Fair & Rodeo
CASTLE ROCK — The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo runs through Sunday. PRCA rodeos are set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The fair has a carnival, food and vendor marketplace, petting zoo, discovery ranch, livestock sale, top hogs show, barn dance and more. Visit DouglasCountyFairandRodeo.com for a complete fair schedule.
Logan County Fair & Rodeo
STERLING — The Logan County Fair & Rodeo continues through Sunday in Sterling with PRCA Rodeos scheduled on Thursday and Friday. Saturday’s night show concert features Ned LeDoux and Craig Morgan. A demolition derby highlights the festivities on Sunday at the Logan County Fairgrounds.
Elbert County Fair
KIOWA —This is the perfect weekend to experience the hot days and cool nights of summer at the county fair this weekend in Kiowa. The 2024 Elbert County Fair runs through Sunday with livestock shows, rides, 4-H projects, a market sale, shopping, trade show, face painting and more. A fair parade steps off at 11 a.m. Sunday followed by mutton bustin' and an ice cream eating contest. Check out the schedule at ElbertCountyFair.com.
Moffat County Fair
CRAIG — The 106th Moffat County Fair kicks off this weekend with an open horse show on Friday. The Moffat County Fair Family Rodeo begins at 6 p.m. Saturday. Country gospel music band John Wayne Band performs at 8 a.m. Sunday. The fair kicks into full swing next weekend, starting Thursday, Aug. 8.
Moffat County Balloon Festival
CRAIG — The Moffat County Balloon Festival returns this weekend at Loudy-Simpson Park in Craig. Balloon launches are scheduled for 6:30 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s festivities include a 5K fun run/walk and the Colorado Cruiser's Classic Car Show. There will also be a rubber duck race, arts, crafts, food vendors, beer garden and live music. See the complete event schedule at MCBalloonFestival.com.
Baca County Fair & Rodeo
SPRINGFIELD — The final weekend of the Baca County Fair has numerous 4-H events scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The Dry Creeks Ranch Rodeo has a start time of 7 p.m. Friday. The Baca County Fair Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday followed by a community BBQ. Touch-a-truck, community barbeque, tractor pull and demolition derby complete the festivities on Saturday.
Delta County Fair
HOTCHKISS — The 119th annual Delta County Fair comes to a close on Sunday, but not before a packed weekend schedule. A ranch rodeo is set for Thursday, mutton bustin', mini broncos and mini bulls are set for Friday, and a rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Teller County Fair
CRIPPLE CREEK — Two full weekends of fun in Cripple Creek end Sunday, but not before lots of terrific events. A Teller County Fair livestock auction begins at 6 p.m. Friday. Family fun day on Saturday begins at 9 a.m. and the delightful demolition derby at 2 p.m. The final day of the fair includes Cowboy Church services and a 1 p.m. Sunday bull bash final series. Here's the fair schedule.
Rio Blanco County Fair
MEEKER — Forget your labor and bring your neighbor to the Rio Blanco County Fair. The 2024 fair is underway now and concludes Sunday in Meeker. A full day of 4-H activities ends with live music, dancing and food.
Archuleta County Fair
PAGOSA SPRINGS — The 73rd annual Archuleta County Fair takes place from Thursday to Sunday in beautiful Pagosa Springs. Daily activities at the fair include 4-H displays, live music, petting farm and shows. Bares, Broncs, 'n Bulls is set for Friday night in the rodeo arena and an open rodeo will start at noon Saturday. Venture on ArchuletaCountyFair.com for the 2024 lineup of events.
Yuma County Fair
YUMA — Since 1915, Yuma County has been known to have one of the state's finest fairs. This year's fair runs through Monday with a packed lineup. The Yuma County Fair Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Monday in downtown Yuma. Cowboy church services begin a Sunday schedule that also features horse racing, draft horse pulling and the Yuma County Ministerial Associations Program. The 2024 fair concludes with a PRCA Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. Monday. See a complete fair schedule at YumaCounty.net.
Chaffee County Fair & Rodeo
PONCHA SPRINGS — The Chaffee County Fair & Rodeo runs through Sunday. 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.
Kersey Days
KERSEY — The Kersey Days celebration is back. The two-day festival opens Friday with mower and kart races. Saturday events include a 5K race, pancake breakfast, parade, sports tournaments, vendor booths, kids' activities, beer garden, concession stands and musical entertainment. The Justin Holt performs Saturday followed by an end-of-festival fireworks display.
Sand & Sage Round-Up
LAMAR — The Sand & Sage Round-Up in Lamar is turning 123 years old in 2024. The fair features a carnival, vendors and 4-H activities and has festivities planned through Saturday, Aug. 10. You can check out the full schedule at SandandSageRoundup.com.
Ride for the Brand Ranch Rodeo
COLORADO SPRINGS — The 2024 Ride for the Brand Ranch Rodeo returns to the Norris Penrose Event Center on Saturday. Ride for the Brand Ranch Rodeo features authentic working ranch cowboys in the largest WRCA-sanctioned ranch rodeo in the country. After the rodeo is "Dance in the Dirt" with live music from The Jason Wulf Band. Tickets are available at RideForTheBrand.org.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
LARKSPUR — This is the final weekend to take a magical tour through time and legend at the 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 through Sunday.
Dam Ducky Derby
EVERGREEN — The annual Dam Ducky Derby is this Saturday in downtown Evergreen. At this delightful event, spectators buy one or more uniquely-numbered ducks. The ducks are then dumped by fire truck above the dam into Bear Creek. The ducks race down the creek with cash prizes going to the winning ducks. The Dam Ducky Derby event begins at 11 a.m. and ducks drop at 1 p.m. Buy your ducks ahead of time at DowntownEvergreen.com.
Back to School Kickoff
AURORA — Aurora Public Schools hosts its 16th annual Back to School Kickoff this weekend at Town Center at Aurora. The event provides students and families an opportunity to meet their school staff, pick up a free backpack and school supplies while enjoying food and entertainment. If you are new to the district, you can also register your child for school. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Town Center at Aurora.
Run for the Ring 5K Run/Walk
AURORA — The 10th annual Ring 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run will be held Saturday. Proceeds from the event support The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF), which works to help the patients living with type 1 diabetes at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC). On race day, registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.
Breakfast Fly-In
CENTENNIAL — Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight will have its monthly Breakfast Fly-In on Saturday featuring planes, pilots and breakfast. Museum guests can enjoy breakfast from a local food truck, watch aircraft fly in and explore interactive exhibits and simulators.
Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival
KEYSTONE — The sounds and flavors of Appalachia are coming to the Rockies. The 27th annual Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival has down-home cooking, frothy flavors and mountain music. The event on Saturday and Sunday features brews from Colorado craft breweries. Windy Pines, Magoo, The Old Fashioned String Band and Clay Street Unit are among those set to perform. Tickets for the River Run Village event are available online.
First Friday Block Party
SILVERTHORNE — Silverthorne’s First Friday community block party takes place Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. More than 40 local artists that will have goods on display with artful activities available for both adults and kids. Attendees will enjoy music from nine local bands across five stages with additional musicians located throughout the party. The family fun zone will be located in the Blue Village at the Outlets at Silverthorne.
Fort Collins Art Festival
FORT COLLINS — The Fort Collins Art Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday on Linden Street in downtown Fort Collins. The summer celebration features high quality art, hand-crafted goods, local merchants and live music in the center of Old Town. This is one of the only art and craft shows of the year that happens in Fort Collins and admission is free.
Breckenridge August Art Festival
BRECKENRIDGE — The 23rd annual Breckenridge August Art Festival runs Thursday through Saturday at The Village at Breckenridge. The fine art festival features 100 artists from Colorado and beyond. Admission to the family friendly festival is free.
Beaver Creek Art Festival
BEAVER CREEK — The 36th annual Beaver Creek Art Festival opens at 11 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Beaver Creek Resort. The free event offers a range of artistic mediums including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography and more.
Denver Burger Battle
DENVER — The amazing Denver Burger Battle is back at Auraria Campus on Thursday. This epic battle has one simple goal: determine the Best Burger in Denver. Twenty restaurants across the area will compete so that burger fanatics and an expert panel of judges can determine the top burgers of the town. Get your tasty tickets at DenverBurgerBattle.com.
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. 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. Performances continue through Monday.
Broncos Training Camp
CENTENNIAL — A new era in Broncos Country is here. Denver Broncos open training camp is now underway at Broncos Park. 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.
Wicked
DENVER — The stage musical adaption of "Wicked" is back in Colorado. "Wicked" 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.
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 actually still growing with new shows being added in October and November. This summer looks to be one for the record books.
- Thursday, Aug. 1 - Guster
- Friday, Aug. 2 - Pretty Lights
- Saturday, Aug. 3 - Pretty Lights
- Sunday, Aug. 4 - Joe Bonamassa
- Monday, Aug. 5 - Air1 Worship Now Live
- Tuesday, Aug. 6 - K-Love Live
Bush
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — Grammy Award-nominated band Bush is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a greatest hits album and concert tour. "Bush - Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour" comes to Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre in Greenwood Village on Thursday with Jerry Cantrell and Candlebox.
Sam Hunt
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — Country music star Sam Hunt returns to Colorado on Friday for a concert at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre. The concert features support from Russell Dickerson and George Birge.
With a traditional capacity of 18,000, Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre is the largest outdoor amphitheater in the Denver metro area. Located near Interstate 25 and Orchard in the Denver Tech Center, the amphitheater offers chair-back and lawn seating.
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. Tickets are available at MusicintheMountains.com.
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.
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 — Jakarta headlines the ninth and final week of the City Park Jazz series at Denver's pavilion City Park at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
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.
Movies this weekend
Marvel is back on top with "Deadpool & Wolverine." The comic-book movie made a staggering $205 million in its first weekend in North American theaters.
For both characters' introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, "Deadpool & Wolverine" played less like X-Men or Deadpool movies and more like an Avengers pic.
It shattered the opening record for R-rated films previously held by the first "Deadpool" and notched a spot in the top 10 openings of all time.
New movies this weekend
- Trap
- Harold and the Purple Crayon
Last weekend's box office
- "Deadpool & Wolverine," $205 million.
- "Twisters," $35.3 million.
- "Despicable Me 4," $14.2 million.
- "Inside Out 2," $8.3 million.
- "Longlegs," $6.8 million.
- "A Quiet Place: Day One," $3 million.
- "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," $1.3 million.
- "The Fabulous Four," $1 million.
- "Fly Me to the Moon," $750,000.
- "Raayan," $378,571.
> 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.