Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some family friendly events you might enjoy. Memorial Day weekend is here! The unofficial start of the summer. And rain or shine, this weekend is packed with tons to do. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in Denver this weekend.
Saturday - Monday
Boulder Creek Festival
What: A Memorial Day weekend tradition, this free family festival has something for everyone. Spread across nine separate event areas, over 500 vendors will showcase everything from arts and crafts to healthier living alternatives and technology. Plus, carnival rides, music and dance, food and beverage, and the signature event on Monday - the rubber duck race.
Where: Central Park, Downtown Boulder, Boulder, Colo.
When: Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Monday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: Free
More Information: bceproductions.com
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Saturday - Monday
Butterflies at Chatfield
What: Butterflies have headed south for the summer. The Butterfly Pavilion’s seasonal butterfly house opens this weekend at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms. This one-of-a-kind butterfly experience features hundreds of butterflies native to Colorado, as well as over 50 indigenous Colorado plant species. Note this exhibit requires a separate admission ticket.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, Colo.
When: Daily: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Butterfly exhibit open through October. Check website for periodic closure dates.)
Admission: $4 – Non-Members; $2 – Denver Botanic Gardens or Butterfly Pavilion Members; Kids 2 years and under are free. Non-Members also required to pay Chatfield Farms entry fee of $5 per vehicle.
More Information: botanicgardens.org
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Saturday - Monday
Old South Gaylord Boardwalk Beach Bash
What: Start your summer off at this annual street fair. Festivities kick off Saturday afternoon with a free music extravaganza featuring the Johnny O. Band, Coral Creek and Judge Roughneck. Then it’s a full block of fun on Sunday and Monday complete with performance artists, local food and drinks, carnival games, a kid’s zone and more.
Where: Old South Gaylord, 100 block between Tennessee and Mississippi, Denver, Colo.
When: Saturday: 3:30 p.m.-9:45 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Monday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Free
More Information: oldsouthgaylord.com
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Saturday - Sunday
ArtStir Denver
What: Now in its fourth year, this event will feature a wide variety of art and locally designed goods. Over 100 local and regional artists will display original works in painting, photography, illustration, textiles, furnishings, mixed media and handcrafted goods. Plus, you’ll also enjoy demonstrations, music performances and activities for the kids.
Where: Denver Pavilions, 500 16th Street, Denver, Colo.
When: Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: Free
More Information: artstirdenver.com
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Saturday
Denver Day of Rock
What: You wanna rock? Head downtown for a musical experience like no other, featuring 25 local, regional and national bands spanning five stages set up along 16th Street at Curtis, Champa, Welton and Skyline Park. Vendors and food trucks will also be scattered throughout this family-friendly event.
Where: 16th Street Mall between Arapahoe and Welton, Downtown Denver, Colo.
When: Saturday: 2:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
More Information: denverdayofrock.com
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Saturday
Colorado Remembers Concert
What: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic to enjoy this free concert featuring the Denver Brass Band. You’ll also enjoy the sounds of Legacy Quartet and the Celtic Colorado Pipes and Drums. The concert is part of the Colorado Remembers Celebration, which will include a day full of family-friendly activities starting at 11 a.m.
Where: Colorado Freedom Memorial, 756 Telluride, Aurora, Colo.
When: Saturday: 11 a.m.-4p.m. (Concert begins at 2 p.m.)
Admission: Free
More Information: cfmf.net
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Monday
Bolder BOULDER
What: Whether you are a runner, a walker or one of the thousands of spectators that will line the course, Boulder is the place to be Monday morning. If you want to participate, there’s still time to register. But if you have no desire to sweat, you can still experience all the excitement. Watch the Memorial Day Tribute on the Jumbotron inside Folsom Field or wander the Expo for great food and drink samples and other cool schwag. Entrance into Folsom Field and the Race Day Expo are free. Join Denver7 this Memorial Day at the 2016 Bolder BOULDER.
Where: Starting line at 30th and Walnut Street, Boulder, Colo.; Finish line and Memorial Day Tribute in Folsom Field, 2400 Colorado Ave., Boulder, Colo.
When: Monday: First race wave starts at 6:55 a.m.; Memorial Day Tribute at 12 p.m. in Folsom Field.
Admission: Adult race packages start at $65; Kids, Seniors & Military packages start at $50. (Prices increase on race day.)
More Information: bolderboulder.com
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Bonus Things To Do: Memorial Day weekend also marks the seasonal opening of Water World and most local spray parks. Lather on the sunscreen and enjoy the outdoors this weekend.
If you have a future event that you want featured in our 7 Best Things To Do This Weekend article, send an email to carrie.ripes@kmgh.com.
