With 300(ish) days of sunshine, Coloradans love to be outside and have the events to prove it. Summer 2016 is full of free events for the whole family. Stock up on sunscreen and get ready to soak in the Colorado sun.
Here are our recommendations for festivals and events:
Here are our recommendations for festivals and events:
Denver Day of Rock
May 28th
16th Street Mall
This free event features 25 artists, local, regional and national, on 5 stages throughout Downtown Denver. While the event itself is free, proceeds from purchases at the event benefit Amp the Cause, which supports 50 non-profit organizations in the Metro Area. Come for the day or just for your favorite band and bring the whole family. Learn More >
May 28th
16th Street Mall
This free event features 25 artists, local, regional and national, on 5 stages throughout Downtown Denver. While the event itself is free, proceeds from purchases at the event benefit Amp the Cause, which supports 50 non-profit organizations in the Metro Area. Come for the day or just for your favorite band and bring the whole family. Learn More >
Capitol Hill People’s Fair
June 4-5th
Civic Center Park
Explore the selection of handcrafted items, fine art, artisan foods and craft beer while enjoying the outdoors and getting tan. The People’s Fair has been rated as the best Annual Festival for 2016 by Westword. The fair boasts a variety of carnival attractions for the kids. Come to shop, play or just browse! Learn More >
Film on the Rocks
Starting May 12
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
What better way to enjoy a movie than sitting under the Colorado night sky, surrounded by Red Rocks and taking in views of the Denver skyline? Film on the Rocks is ramping up for it’s 17th season and the lineup is quite diverse. Kick off the season with Purple Rain - a Prince tribute on May 12. Tickets start at just $15. Local bands play at 7PM and movies start at dusk. Learn More >
First Friday Art Walks
First Friday of Every Month
Art District on Santa Fe
If you want to get out of the house on a Friday night but aren’t sure where to go, head down the the Art District on Santa Fe to browse local art and explore this up and coming neighborhood. Stop by one of the food trucks who come every week to enjoy some food with flair. Most galleries and shops are open for First Friday, who knows, you may find your new favorite spot. Learn More >
(Pro Tip: Check out your neighborhood for other First Friday activities)
Movies in the Park
Starting June 8
Carpenter Park Fields
11000 Colorado Blvd.
Thornton, 80233
Starting with Minions on June 8 and continuing on select Wednesdays, the Thornton Movies in the Park series is perfect excuse to get friends or family together to enjoy the beautiful weather and a movie. Bring a blanket, snacks and enjoy the show! Learn More >
Littleton Museum Summer Concerts
Starting June 15
Littleton Museum
6028 S. Gallup St.
Littleton, 80120
Grab your picnic blanket and pack some snacks. This free outdoor concert series starts June 15 and happens monthly through October on the lawn in front of the museum. The concerts feature a variety of local cover bands who will play some of your favorites. Fun for the whole family! Learn More >
Firefly Handmade
May 21 & 22 and July 23 & 24
29th St.
Boulder, 80301
Support local businesses and have a fun time doing it at the Firefly Handmade market in Boulder. Featuring over 100 independent artisans carefully curated by a jury, be prepared to be wowed by what you see. Rounded out with live music and food vendors, this event is for everyone. Learn More >
Parker Days
June 9 - 12
Mainstreet
Parker, 80138
Live music, parades, beer gardens and more! This family friendly event kicks off on June 9 with live music from 38 Special. Come for the music, stay for the carnival and foods. As the largest community festival in the South Metro Area, you don’t want to miss Parker Days. Learn More >
Gaylord Street Fair
May 28 - May 30
Old South Gaylord St.
Denver, 80209
Back for the 32nd year, the Gaylord Street Fair promises a fresh look, new treats and plenty of live music. The event features twin food courts, one at each end of the block, fine art, handcrafted gifts and much more. Don’t forget to stop by the main stage for some top notch entertainment. Learn More >
Whatever event you make it to enjoy the summer season and the sunshine!
June 4-5th
Civic Center Park
Explore the selection of handcrafted items, fine art, artisan foods and craft beer while enjoying the outdoors and getting tan. The People’s Fair has been rated as the best Annual Festival for 2016 by Westword. The fair boasts a variety of carnival attractions for the kids. Come to shop, play or just browse! Learn More >
Film on the Rocks
Starting May 12
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
What better way to enjoy a movie than sitting under the Colorado night sky, surrounded by Red Rocks and taking in views of the Denver skyline? Film on the Rocks is ramping up for it’s 17th season and the lineup is quite diverse. Kick off the season with Purple Rain - a Prince tribute on May 12. Tickets start at just $15. Local bands play at 7PM and movies start at dusk. Learn More >
First Friday Art Walks
First Friday of Every Month
Art District on Santa Fe
If you want to get out of the house on a Friday night but aren’t sure where to go, head down the the Art District on Santa Fe to browse local art and explore this up and coming neighborhood. Stop by one of the food trucks who come every week to enjoy some food with flair. Most galleries and shops are open for First Friday, who knows, you may find your new favorite spot. Learn More >
(Pro Tip: Check out your neighborhood for other First Friday activities)
Movies in the Park
Starting June 8
Carpenter Park Fields
11000 Colorado Blvd.
Thornton, 80233
Starting with Minions on June 8 and continuing on select Wednesdays, the Thornton Movies in the Park series is perfect excuse to get friends or family together to enjoy the beautiful weather and a movie. Bring a blanket, snacks and enjoy the show! Learn More >
Littleton Museum Summer Concerts
Starting June 15
Littleton Museum
6028 S. Gallup St.
Littleton, 80120
Grab your picnic blanket and pack some snacks. This free outdoor concert series starts June 15 and happens monthly through October on the lawn in front of the museum. The concerts feature a variety of local cover bands who will play some of your favorites. Fun for the whole family! Learn More >
Firefly Handmade
May 21 & 22 and July 23 & 24
29th St.
Boulder, 80301
Support local businesses and have a fun time doing it at the Firefly Handmade market in Boulder. Featuring over 100 independent artisans carefully curated by a jury, be prepared to be wowed by what you see. Rounded out with live music and food vendors, this event is for everyone. Learn More >
Parker Days
June 9 - 12
Mainstreet
Parker, 80138
Live music, parades, beer gardens and more! This family friendly event kicks off on June 9 with live music from 38 Special. Come for the music, stay for the carnival and foods. As the largest community festival in the South Metro Area, you don’t want to miss Parker Days. Learn More >
Gaylord Street Fair
May 28 - May 30
Old South Gaylord St.
Denver, 80209
Back for the 32nd year, the Gaylord Street Fair promises a fresh look, new treats and plenty of live music. The event features twin food courts, one at each end of the block, fine art, handcrafted gifts and much more. Don’t forget to stop by the main stage for some top notch entertainment. Learn More >
Whatever event you make it to enjoy the summer season and the sunshine!