No plans for the upcoming weekend? There’s still plenty of action happening around Denver and beyond to get folks off the couch, like the Boulder Creek Festival, Memorial Day events 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

Water World Opening Day
What: Splash into summer at one of the highly-rated water parks in the country. With over 70 acres of rides and a new attraction, Summit Canyon, underway, there is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a day outside. Whether you pack your cooler full of snacks or eat all the amusement park food, you can’t go wrong with a day splashing around at Thunder Bay. Carrying tubes up a giant hill is the perfect way to burn off all the ice cream.
Cost: $42.99-$49.99 General Admission / $37.99-$44.99 Children. Get tickets here.
When: 10 a.m., Friday
Where: Water World, 8801 N Pecos St., Federal Heights, CO 80260
Extra Tip: Come an hour early to the gates and pack a cooler to reserve the best spot in the park, then go ride rides.

Boulder Creek Festival
What: Stroll along the Boulder Creek for a festival that is part farmers market, and part carnival. The creek festival is a one-stop shop for all of Bulder’s quirky weirdness and small-town vibes. Shop local at one of the over 200+ local artisans or try out one of your favorite local restaurants and enjoy somelive music while you’re at it. This family-friendly festival is perfect for adults and kids, and pets too. Bring the whole family – literally.
Cost: Event is free to attend.
When: Friday, May 22-24
Where: Along the Boulder Creek, 1236 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, CO 80302

Movies in the Park, Westminster City Park
What: Bring the whole family and a picnic blanket for a movie night in the park. Watch Zootopia 2 on a giant, outdoor screen and enjoy dinner and a movie with a unique twist this summer. With pre-show activities planned, a large outdoor children’s playground, live music and food concessions, this is a great chance to get out of the house for a movie with ease if you have a big family or small. The movie starts at dusk for a ‘drive-in’ movie experience without the crazy parking situation.
Cost: Free to attend
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Westminster City Park, 10455 N Sheridan Blvd., Westminster, CO 80020

SATURDAY

Denver Arts Festival
What: Find something for your home at the Denver Arts Festival, which will feature over 100 artists presenting their work in different media, from 3D mixed media to photography, ceramics, glass, metal, and more. Find the perfect painting for your wall or a sculpture for your garden, or just come to appreciate the craftsmanship of handmade artwork. There is something for everyone with larger pieces and smaller artworks like jewelry, prints, and woodworking.
Cost: Event is free to attend.
When: Saturday, May 23-24
Where: Conservatory Green, Central Park, 8304 East 49th Place, Denver, Colorado 80238

Glenwood Art Festival
What: This vibrant, open-air market is set against the backdrop of Glenwood Springs and features locally-made art, live music and an excuse to get up into the mountains. Whether you are already in the mountains for camping or looking for a reason to explore Colorado’s high country, this market offers a chance to check off all the items on your bucket list: a beautiful mountain drive, shopping from small businesses, and maybe even hitting the hot springs while you’re there.
Cost: Free to attend
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday
Where: Bethel Plaza Downtown Glenwood Springs, 250 7th St., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Colorado Remembers
What: This Memorial Day weekend event celebrates the 250th Birthday of the Declaration of Independence, the 150th Birthday of Colorado’s Statehood, as well as Colorado veterans killed in the line of duty. The event kicks off with a pancake breakfast, which will have military displays, vehicles and artifacts such as the Honor Bell and a steel beam from the USS Arizona. After the pancake breakfast, there will be a Remembrance Ceremony to honor veterans, followed by a static military display and tours of the memorial.
Cost: Free/donation-based
When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Colorado Freedom Memorial, 756 Telluride St., Aurora, CO 80011

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Memorial Day Parade, Commerce City
What: A family-friendly parade meant to honor the sacrifice of those who have served the nation. The parade will follow a 1.5-mile loop and feature floats with displays of American pride and honoring our military veterans. This year’s Grand Marshall, Devan Romero, is a member of the Colorado Army National Guard and has served since 2012. Following the parade will be live music, food trucks and free activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Cost: Free to attend
When: 8:45 a.m., Monday
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 6015 Forest Drive, Commerce City, CO 80022

BolderBoulder 10K
What: Kick off your running season with one of the coolest 10ks in the Rockies. The BolderBoulder is one of Colorado’s most beloved Memorial Day traditions, with a race that kicks off at 30th St & Pearl St.and winds through downtown Boulder into some of the town’s most colorful and unique neighborhoods, finishing off with a lap around Folsom Field. The goodie bags at the end of the race go crazy! So be sure to grab one after you’re done runnign. You can expect dancing, costumes, live music, and just generally wacky people having a good time and encouraging runners along the track. Be sure to participate in at least one of the wild antics – it’ll make for the most hilarious memories. **This year, you MUST register ahead of time, as there will be NO race day or race weekend registrations.**
Cost: Tickets start at $74. Registration ends soon,grab tickets here.
When: 6:45 a.m. Monday
Where: Boulder at the intersection of 30th Street and Walnut Street, 1890 30th St, Boulder, CO 80301