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

Watch the Air Force Thunderbirds, stars of the Great Colorado Air Show this weekend at  Northern Colorado Regional Airport in Loveland. Also featured: West Coast Rhino Demo Team, Red Thunder Airshows, Wings of Blue, Vertigo Airshows, Free Man Airshows and Mini Jet Airshows. One-day passes $59.95-$69.95, and VIP Box Seats and parking. A cashless event. greatcoloradoairshow.com

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

The first of two wild weekends at The Denver Oktoberfest, Larimer Street between 20th and 22nd, a tradition since 1969. Bring out your costumes and get ready for stein hoisting, Jägermeister Shots, the long-dog derby, sausage-eating contests and keg bowling. All the sports on TVs and plentiful German food. Tickets: thedenveroktoberfest.com.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

Ahoy there, don’t miss this rowdy affair, the annual Northglenn Pirate Fest. Lots of “Shiver Me Timber” sword fights, scantily clad maidens and pirate drinks with an adult night Friday, 6-10 p.m. Then Yo Ho Ho family time Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. before the grown ups are back with their grog until 10 p.m. Northglenn Recreation Center and EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park,11701 Community Center Drive. thepiratefest.com. 

SATURDAY

Honoring the Native American history in our area, the Garden of the Gods Rock Ledge Ranch Powwow is Saturday. Ageless dances by different tribes, music, drumming, jingle skirts and ankle bells, traditional dress and food. Yes indeed, Indian fry bread and tacos, too. Gates open at 10 a.m. with a blessing of the ground and gourd dancing. The inspiring Grand Entry is at noon and a closing song at 5 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Limited bleacher and elder seating. No dogs. rockledgeranch.com/event/annual-powwow

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Pueblo chiles are known nationwide and they’re filling huge roasters, sometimes with garlic cloves, on the streets of that city this weekend during the Chile & Frijoles Festival. A perfect time to fill freezers for the year. Live music to enjoy along with spicy food to try. Some brave folks will even be part of a jalapeño eating competition. 3 p.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. pueblochilefestival.com

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

It’s nationally recognized by film lovers, the Breck Film Festival all weekend. The celebrity guest is Judd Hirsch from “Taxi” and a long filmography and award nominee. Thursday’s 3 p.m. anniversary toast. Opening movie “The Best You Can” with Hirsch, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick. Screening of freeskier Kai Jones and Teton Gravity Research co-founder Todd Jones. Sunday is Best of Show. breckfilm.org/festival. 

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Cherry Creek North celebrates this season with its first take on the popular German  festival: Creektoberfest. Teaming with theGerman American Chamber of Commerce, creators of the popular Christkindlmarket, this festival has vendors in the familiar wooden chalets with German food and steins of beer along with live music. Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to  6 p.m. Sunday. Fillmore Plaza, 105 Fillmore St.; cherrycreektoberfest.com.

SUNDAY

Boulder’s Colorado Chatauqua becomes a bilingual Festival Del Sol from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Outside Chautauqua Auditorium, 100 Morning Glory Drive. Music and Latin dance lessons, empanadas and pupusas, family activities, a National Hispanic Heritage Month hike to the Royal Arch. Registration required. chautauqua.com/event/festival-del-sol-2025. 

SATURDAY

They’re roaring at the 2025 Mile High Showdown flat-track motorcycle races from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley, 501 N. 14th Ave. riderjustice.com/event/2025-mile-high-showdown

SATURDAY

A lively Romanian Festival, full of traditional music and folk dancing, creates a special cultural day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Plaza at Belmar in Lakewood. Food to experience and exhibits to see. belmarcolorado.com/event/romanian-festival-3. 

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

See vintage and classic cars throughout downtown Fort Morgan’s Fall Harvest Car Show 2025, Friday to Sunday. Shops and restaurants are open and there’s live music in the town updated during HGTV’s Hometown Takeover. Casual Cruise-in of vehicles at 5 p.m. Friday. Vendors have breakfast ready at 8 a.m. Saturday when Show ‘n Shine begins. Breakfast Sunday with a Poker Cruise at 8:30 a.m. and Show ‘n Shine. Awards at 11 a.m.

FRIDAY-NOV. 2

Come wind your way through the popular 7-acre Chatfield Farms Corn Maze starting this weekend. Fridays through Sundays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton. This year’s theme is birds of prey so prepare for eagles and falcons. Tickets $12-20. botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/corn-maze

FRIDAY-NOV. 2

The Hudson Gardens season treat is the Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns as you get your steps in along a lighted trail of 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Be enchanted at 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, starting this weekend. Tickets $14.99+: magicofthejackolanterns.com. 

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

The Denver Polo Club is the site of this weekend’s Colorado Highland Games, filled with Celtic entertainment and competitions,  food and spirits. 6359 Airport Road, Sedalia, tickets $25+ at scottishgames.org