No plans for the upcoming weekend? There’s plenty of action happening around Denver and beyond to get folks off the couch, like Pride events, a full moon paddle, and hot air balloon festival.

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

Pitch-A-Friend
What: Finding the paw-fect date can be a ruff time. That’s why Pitch-A-Friend is coming back to McGregor Square with a special twist. Adoptable dogs will be at the event, ready for you to take home in case you don’t find your newest boyfriend, or they can help break the ice on that really awkward first date, which will come in handy if you are the one being pitched. Howl you fare in this dog-eat-dog dating night? Come alone or come with a friend, you’re sure to meet ‘the one,’ even if that one has four legs instead of two.
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Cost: Free admission
Where: McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee Street Denver, CO, 80202

Frederick in Flight
What: A hot air balloon festival that is a perfect outing for the whole family and plenty of opportunities to attend, so you don’t miss the liftoff. Three full mornings of flying at this large, grassy park with breakfast vendors so you can eat before the event and enjoy the liftoff to its fullest. There is also a balloon bash on Saturday evening with live music, skydiving, vendors, a beer garden, and even a candelabrum and balloon glow to light up the night sky.
When: 5 a.m. liftoffs each day starting June 26-28
Cost: Free to watch and attend, with food and market vendors onsite with items to purchase.
Where: Centennial Park, 630 Eighth St., Frederick, Colo., 80530

SATURDAY

Full Moon Paddle
What: Flow with the moon and the movement of the water at this celestial celebration of Mother Nature. This paddle is a perfect opportunity for everyone to shine as bright as the moon with a beginner-friendly paddle and social hour. The community paddle comes with everything you need, so you can show up and make friends. With glowing paddleboards, food and drink, games and a Strawberry Splash Soirée theme, asking paddlers to show up in their “sweetest strawberry or red-themed outfits,” so you can stay wild, strawberry moon child.
When: 8 – 10 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $35 if you bring your own paddleboard, $60 if you rent one. Register for the paddle here.
Where: Cherry Creek Reservoir, 4201 S. Parker Road, Aurora, CO 80014

Denver Cherry Blossom Festival
What: A celebration of Japanese culture in the heart of downtown Denver, the “Sakura Matsuri,” aka Cherry Blossom Festival, will host live cultural and heritage performances, including Taiko Japanese drums, dancing, martial arts, and traditional music. The Japanese marketplace will host vendors with a selection of goods from fine arts and pottery, to origami, anime merch, jewelry and textiles. There is also no better excuse than to eat your way through a festival when the food includes everything from Musubi to gyoza, bento, and mochi.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Cost: Free admission
Where: Sakura Square, 1255 19th St., Denver, CO 80202, USA

Denver Dog Fair
What: Your dog deserves a festival they can attend too, and this is the Pawfect one, and you’re sure to find treat-o’s at every booth. This event won’t just feature dog vendors selling merchandise with dogs andfor dogs, but for dog lovers as well.There will be flyball demos that your dog can try for themselves, a doggy derby going all day long, and celebrity pup meet-and-greets. Don’t have a dog? There will be plenty of adoptable pups available, as well as a puppy kissing booth in case you want to get your fill of pups without taking one home with you.
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $20 admission. Get tickets here.
Where: National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St., Denver, Colo., 80216

Blockwide Pride Drag Show at Dairy Block
What: Dairy Block understood the assignment this Pride month and is hosting a free block party where you can catch all the queens serving looks all afternoon. The shows will feature a lineup of seven fabulous divas performing everything from comedy skits, singing and lip-syncing, dance routines and allllll the theatrics. You’d better show up and WERK. Hosted by Jazmine James and DJ Markie, the drag show will feature Pride-themed cocktails, a raffle, and local artists.
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free to attend
Where: Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee Denver, Colo., 80202 United States

Keystone Bacon & Bourbon Festival
What: A mountain festival set in the heart of the beautiful mountain town of Keystone, but instead of focusing on health or fitness, the theme is two of the most unhealthy things you can put inside your body. What better reward after running your half-marathon or a day of mountain biking? The festival will feature live music performances, camping, curated bacon and bourbon flights, and bacon-themed crafts for the kids. With chef-inspired bacon dishes, it will be easy to hit those protein goals for the day.
When: Varying times. June 25-28
Cost: Starting at $45. Get tickets here.
Where: River Run Village, Keystone Resort, 140 Ida Belle Drive, Keystone, Colo., 80435

SUNDAY

Denver PrideFest
What: A celebration of love, self-expression, identity, and joy for the LGBTQ+ community. The community comes together this weekend for a 5K run and drag brunch at Cheesman Park on Saturday, followed by a day of community and celebration featuring a block party, over 100 local performers, and a Pride parade on Sunday. You can expect food, vendors, community resources, and plenty of talent on stage, including appearances from your favorite drag performers Pattie Gonia & King Molases.
When: PrideFest & Parade are on Sunda
Cost: Free to attend
Where: PrideFest 16th Street, 16th Street & Arapahoe Street, Denver, Colo.