No plans for the upcoming weekend? There’s plenty of action happening around Denver and beyond to get folks off the couch, like the TCG Card Con, Movies at McGregor 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].

THURSDAY

Summit Canyon Opening at Water World
What: The weather has been scorching, and there is really no better way to spend a hot day than going to the beach. The beach at Thunder Bay, that is. The water park is opening a new section of the park on Thursday featuring four new slides, including their 65-foot “Lookout Tower,” a clear capsule slide, a body flume, and one of the world’s first HIVE waterslides, which features two open-air 360-degree helixes. Summit Canyon also features a 7,500-square-foot pool with five smaller slides for little ones, a new concessions area, an obstacle course, areas specifically for relaxing and water basketball.
When: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Cost: $42.99-$49.99
Where: Water World, 8801 N. Pecos St., Federal Heights, Colo., 80260

Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale
What: Get those clothes you’ve had your eye on for a while at a fraction of the price. Boutiques and shops across Cherry Creek North will be clearing out their summer inventory. That means getting your hands on vintage designer clothing, luxury goods, jewelry, books and more at up to 80% off. You’ll feel just like Donna and Tom taking a “treat yo’ self” kind of day without spending the coin that comes with it. Get a full list of participating stores here.
When: Thursday, July 16, 2026 — Sunday, July 19, 2026
Cost: Free to attend
Where: Cherry Creek North, A-Line Boutique, 3050 E. 3rd Ave., Denver, Colo., 80206

Movies at McGregor
What: Get a free double feature in the park at Denver’s McGregor Square with Zootopia and Zootopia 2. Bring your own blanket to cozy up under, or sit on the grass or at one of the tables. Popcorn, candy, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages will be for sale. The perfect way to get the whole family out of the neighborhood and into the heart of downtown Denver.
When: 6 p.m. Zootopia, 8 p.m. Zootopia 2
Cost: Free to attend
Where: McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee St, Denver, Colo., 80202

FRIDAY

Cards & More Tour’s TCG Con
What: A festival for card gamers, trading card games and everything magic. The ultimate stop for trading and buying rare cards at the ultimate spot to find all the best trades. With over 200 vendors with everything from Pokémon to Magic: The Gathering, sports cards, comics, Funko Pops and more, you’ll be sure to come home with at least one trade. There will also be voice actor appearances, live entertainment and music, and raffles.
When: Friday-Sunday, July 17-19, 2026
Cost: $15 admission (kids under 12 get in free with a paid adult). Get tickets here.
Where: Hilton Denver City Center, located at 1701 California St, Denver, CO

SATURDAY

Lavender Festival at the Denver Botanic Gardens
What: Feel the lavender haze creep up on you at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The Lavender Festival celebrates lavender season with a maze of more than 2,000 bushes and over 25 varieties of lavender. This year you can take guided garden tours or take part in their scavenger hunt. There will also be local vendors and food trucks selling lavender products made by local growers and food and beverages with a lavender twist.
When: 9 a.m. — 4 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19, 2026
Cost: Starting at $17 for adults. Get tickets here.
Where: Chatfield Farms Location, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, Colo., 80128

One World Festival
What: A celebration of world culture right in the heart of Denver, showcasing art, music, vendors and more. The festival will showcase multicultural craftsmanship and feature handcrafted goods, international artwork, traditional crafts and cultural treasures.
When: noon — 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, July 18-19, 2026
Cost: Free to attend
Where: One Wynkoop Plaza, 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202

SUNDAY

Pearl Street Arts Festival Boulder
What: Bringing everything whimsical and vibrant to Pearl Street, the Arts Festival brings out Boulder’s most bold and daring artists. Find everything from magical sculptures to traditional watercolors, oil paintings and more. The festival will feature more than 100 artists representing 13 different art disciplines for a family-friendly afternoon of art appreciation.
When: Friday-Sunday, July 17-19, 2026
Cost: Free to attend
Where: Pearl Street Mall, 1320 Pearl St., Boulder, Colo., 80302