Weekend things to do: Denver French Fest and more
No plans for the upcoming weekend? There’s plenty of action happening around Denver and beyond to get folks off the couch, like the Colorado Black Arts Festival, Mess Fest and more.
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].
FRIDAY
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
What: The ultimate weekend for the ultimate outdoorsy person. The festival celebrates the beauty of Colorado’s wildflower season with a host of events, workshops and hikes. There is something for everyone from wildflower arrangement workshops to photography and watercolor painting, botany and gardening workshops as well as medicinal or cooking classes, hikes and jeep tours. You can also go off the beaten path by yourself and take a hike or a drive on Ohio Creek or Keebler Pass or find a hike of your own to enjoy everything that Mother Nature has provided for free.
When: July 10-19
Cost: Free to drive/hike on your own and camp. Check for events and workshops here.
Where: Crested Butte, Colo., 601 Elk Ave., Crested Butte, Colo., 81224
Colorado Black Arts Festival
What: This event brings together artists across different media to celebrate African American culture and arts and those who support them. Expect to see live music from local musicians performing gospel, jazz, blues and hip-hop on three stages throughout the festival. The festival also features a host of vendors, ranging from paintings, prints and pencil sketches to jewelry, clothing and beauty products.
When: Various times, July 10-12
Cost: Free to attend
Where: City Park, 1700 City Park Esplanade, Denver, CO 80206
Mess Fest hosted by the Children’s Museum of Denver
What: A full day of sensory play for the kids — no mess for moms included. The Children’s Museum of Denver has everything handled for you from the mess to the cleanup, with each day having its own messy theme. Friday, they will get messy with “goo,” which one can assume is a slime-like material. Saturday, the museum is hosting a “party with paint,’ and Sunday will be a mess of shaving cream. There will also be mud and bubbles each day as a part of the sensory play. Hit the “Kid Wash” station before the car for a day of worry-free sensory play.
When: 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. July 10-12
Cost: Activities included with museum admission. Admission $20 for kids 2+. Tickets not available for purchase online.
Where: Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, 2121 Children’s Museum Dr.ive Denver, Colo., 80211
Water Lantern Festival
What: Feel like a Disney Princess without leaving the metro Denver area with a water lantern festival that would even make Rapunzel jealous. With your ticket, you get a lantern kit that you can decorate any way you like or add a message on intention before you release your lantern and share a powerful moment of collective effervescence. Bask in the growing glow of thousands of beautiful lanterns as they light up the night and dance across the water.
When: Starts at 5:30 p.m., lantern release at sunset. July 10-12
Cost: Tickets starting at $30.99. Get tickets here.
Where: Carpenter Park, 10698 Garfield St., Thornton, Colo., 80233
SATURDAY
Crosscurrents Music Festival
What: A music festival where good vibes are always flowing, and it aims to raise money to keep the South Platte River running through Denver looking clean. The festival benefits The Greenway Foundation and hosts several local bands performing live music and DJ sets. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy the music, or your hammock or slackline to make the park feel extra cozy. There will be a lineup of local brews and locally distilled whiskey and tequila to keep the good times flowing alongside a selection of food trucks from your favorite spots around Denver. There will also be some kids’ activities, including face painting and arts and crafts.
When: 2-10 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free to the public
Where: Confluence Park, 2250 15th St., Denver, Colo., 80202
Denver French Fest
What: Like taking a trip to Paris without leaving the Mile High City. This event celebrates French culture, food and art with a three-day festival in the heart of downtown Denver where you can stroll through the streets with a baguette with the Rocky Mountains towering over the backdrop, instead of the Eiffel Tower. They have a full schedule of jazz events featuring both American jazz influences as well as French. You can find food and wine pairings and other gastronomes.
When: Various times, July 10-12
Cost: Free and open to the public
Where: Fillmore Plaza at Cherry Creek North, 105 Fillmore St., Denver, Colo., 80206
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks
What: Combining the world of Hot Wheels’ unique body builds, paint jobs and design with the world of monster trucks for an event that your kid will rave about till they’re 30. The show will feature your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks like Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker and more adorned with glowing body builds and fire. Expect to see all the car-crushing, FMX riding, flaming-hoop-jumping action that your heart could desire.
When: Saturday, July 11-12
Cost: Tickets start at $22. Get tickets here.
Where: Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, CO 80204
SUNDAY
Erie Balloon Festival
What: Colorful balloons and cute characters take flight in this family-friendly festival that is only 25 miles from downtown Denver, making it an easy day trip for anyone who’s been really wanting to see a balloon festival, without the long drive. Bring a camera for the perfect shots of the mass ascension of balloons, animals and characters floating through the sky set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. No need to book a hotel, just wake up early, pack a picnic and go.
When: July 10-12
Cost: Free to attend
Where: Weld County Road 5 & Colliers Parkway, 3180 County Road 5, Erie, Colo., 80516
MONDAY
Film on the Rocks: Little Miss Sunshine
What: There are two kinds of people in this world: winners and those who haven’t seen Little Miss Sunshine. The dark dramedy takes the big screen at the iconic amphitheater, showcasing a family so dysfunctional, it’ll make you want to call your own. Make sure to bring an extra-cozy blanket to snuggle up under and your favorite movie snacks in a clear bag no larger than 13” x 15” x 8.” The movie showing also includes a pre-show performance by Wheelchair Sports Camp & DeVotchKa, so you can get the full Red Rocks Experience.
When: Doors at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2026
Cost: Starting at $25. Get tickets here.
Where: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison, Colo., 80465