Weekend things to do around Denver and beyond
Each Thursday, explore Denver’s essential weekend events curated by The Denver Gazette. Dive into cultural experiences and entertainment delights across the city. Whether you enjoy art galleries, pottery, or outdoor sports, there’s something for everyone in Denver’s vibrant cultural scene. To submit an event for consideration, email [email protected].
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
Hundreds of works of amazing art are here, the Denver Chalk Art Festival, and seeing really is believing. Watch chalk art masters along with newcomers creating beauty, whimsy and pieces of imagination covering the streets. A new location south of Civic Center Park near 12th and Bannock and Denver Art Museum.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
A strangely Colorado tradition, Mike the Headless Chicken Festival. He was on his way to the dinner table but instead lived 18 years without his head and even became a side show performer. Festival food, a 5K run, car show and wings and peep eating contests in Fruita. miketheheadlesschicken.org
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
The inaugural Outside Festival fills downtown at 1 p.m. with two days of music, films, speakers, The Big Gear Show and more. In the areas of Civic Center Park, Veterans Memorial Park and the Denver Art Museum. Tickets at TheOutsideFestival.com, starting at $39. Wide variety of Experience Zones including all-Colorado outdoors, culture, a Kids Zone and food vendors.
SATURDAY
Celebrate Johnstown BBQ Day all day starting with a 5 a.m. pancake breakfast and going clear through to the Suzy Bogguss country concert at 7 p.m. and then fireworks. In between, punt pass and kick, the JTown Jog, square dancing, car show, horseshoes and more. johnstownbbqday.org And yes, you already know what’s nearby: Buc-ee’s!
SATURDAY-JAN. 12,2025
An absolute don’t miss for LEGO aficionados, the Longmont Museum’s new interactive exhibit opening Saturday with a reception for fans, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 400 Quail Road. “Build: Design & Create with LEGO!” has members from Denver LEGO User Group and Colorado & Wyoming LEGO Users Group. At the reception, costumed LEGO characters and LEGO cartoons. $8 adults, $5 students. longmontmuseum.org or call 303-651-8374.
SATURDAY-JUNE 22
Almost a month of Pridefest activities begin Saturday with a mile-long Pride parade and after party, 10 a.m. in Edgewater. edgewaterpride.org. Plays, movies, entertainment, the Gay Men’s Chorus, markets, and much much more leading up to Denver Pridefest June 22 in Civic Center Park. Schedule: denverpride.org, The Center on Colfax, 1301 E. Colfax. Pikes Peak Pride festivities in Colorado Springs are June 8-9.
SATURDAY
Love those classic cars? This is for you, the 24th annual Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association’s Classic Car Show, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit with owners, have a food truck lunch and listen for the engine rev at noon. Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Blvd. Free. hrcaonline.org
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
The summer weekend Urban Markets, annual open-air marketplaces, are open at Wynkoop Plaza at Union Station. Noon to 6 p.m., and the next one June 15-16. denverunionstation.com
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
The aptly named Spring Whale of a Used Book Sale by Jefferson County Library Foundation, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Thousands of books, vinyls, CDs, DVDs, collectibles and more. Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 W. 6th Ave. Frontage Road, Golden. Admission in advance, whalesale.org
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
The International Gem and Jewelry Show moves to a new location filled with vendors, The Brighton, 3403 Brighton Blvd., Denver. No photos. No children under 9. For tickets, intergem.com
THURSDAY
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and snacks for free movies for families at City of Aurora’s Park Lights and Movie Nights in various city parks. At 6 p.m. Thursday, “The Marvels” in Del Mar Park. Then June 4,”Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” at Rocky Ridge Park; June 5, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” Hilltop Park; June 13, the big finale, “Barbie” at Larkspur Park. AuroraGov.org/Events
SATURDAY
It’s Clayton Community Days, the first-of-month Saturdays neighborhood entertainment open to all through Sept. 7, noon to 6 p.m., 3851 N. Steele St., #1488. Live music, food vendors, shopping, family activities and community resources. Yoga with Urban Sanctuary. Art and writing workshops. claytoncommunitydays.com
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
That special annual salute to Indigenous art, culture and dance, Tesoro Indian Market and Powwow is this weekend, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Tesoro Cultural Center is located at The Fort Restaurant, 19192 Co-8, Morrison. Admission $15, children 7-12, $10. Free parking. An American Indian veteran will be honored and the days include exhibits by Denver Museum of Nature and Science, History Colorado, Nature’s Educators and Remembering the Brave. tesoroculturalcenter.org
