DENVER – Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some fun events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area and beyond this weekend.
1. Fly to new heights at the Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival
What: If you’re down to go up, head over to Moffat County for the annual Moffat County Balloon Festival! Launches start at 6:30 a.m. (weather-permitting) and there will be food vendors, a pie eating contest, dancing, live music, and more family-friend activities.
Where: Loudy-Simpson Park, 1006 S. Ranney St. in Craig, Colo.
When: Friday, Aug. 2 from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 3 from 6:30 a.m. and Aug. 4 from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Admission: Free admission
More info: https://www.mcballoonfestival.com/
2. Go back in time to the days of the Old West at Boom Days
What: Leadville Boom Days is a three-day festival and historical celebration of the Old West and the mining town’s 1880s gold and silver rush heritage. Enjoy gunslingers, burro races, contests of mining skill, and a street fair with over 100 food and craft booths.
Where: Leadville, Colo.
When: Friday, Aug. 2 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 4 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Admission: Free admission
More info: http://www.leadvilleboomdays.org/
3. Head to South Fork for a one-a-kind music festival
What: Rhythms on the Rio is a benefit music festival that provides stringed instruments and lessons to kids throughout the San Luis Valley.
Where: 28261 US 160, in South Fork, Colo.
When: Friday, Aug. 2 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 3 from 12:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 4 from 11:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: $30.03-$120.35; buy tickets here.
More info: https://rhythmsontherio.com/
4. Find your clan at the Colorado Scottish Festival
What: The Colorado Scottish Festival is once again bringing the fun of Scottish Heavy Athletics, piping and drumming, Scottish Highland and Country dancing, Celtic music and entertainment, food, historical re-enactments and much more! The event is hosted by the St. Andrew Society of Colorado.
Where: Citizens Park, 5420 W. 24th Ave. in Edgewater, Colo.
When: Saturday, Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $5-$10; buy tickets here.
More info: http://www.scottishgames.org/
5. Travel to another realm one last time at the Colorado Renaissance Festival
What: If you haven’t already, prepare to dress up in period-accurate fashion, bring your appetite for turkey legs and get ready to return to the past, because the 43rd annual Colorado Renaissance Festival is in Larkspur for one last weekend.
Where: 650 West Parry Park Avenue in Larkspur, Colo.
When: Saturday, Aug. 3 and Sunday, Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Adults $23.50, Children between 5 and 12-years-old $11, Children under 5 get in free.
More info: https://coloradorenaissance.com/
6. Celebrate music, food and art from around the world at the International Festival
What: Denver is coming together to experience cultures from around the world this weekend! The 4th Annual Denver International Festival will showcase some of the best traditional food, music, art, beer and wine from Colorado and the world, so come out to eat, drink, dance and place in the heart of downtown Denver.
Where: Denver’s Civic Center Park f
When: Saturday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free admission
More info: http://internationalfest.org/
7. Take your palate on a sweet adventure at the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival
What: It wouldn’t be a corn festival without corn, so head to the Western Slope for a whole day of fun including a corn-eating contest, a climbing wall, kids’ games, live music, and much more.
Where: Montrose County Event Center, 1036 N. 7th St. in Montrose, Colo.
When: Saturday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: $10-$15; buy tickets here.
More info: http://olathesweetcornfest.com/
Looking for more? Check out these other fun events:
Beat the Heat BBQ, Brews, and Chili Festival
What: If this weather has you clamoring for relief, head to Alamosa for a hot and sizzling challenge at the Beat the Heat BBQ, Brews and Chili competition. There will be a beer garden, cornholing tournament, live music, kids zone, yard games, food vendors, a mud run, and the BBQ cooking competition, which takes place Saturday.
Where: Cole Park, First St. in Alamosa, Colo.
When: Friday, Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.slvbeattheheat.com/
Taste of Ethiopia Festival
What: If you've been waiting for A Taste of Colorado, how 'bout an appetizer for something a bit different? The Taste of Ethiopia Festival, now in its seventh year, is taking place this weekend at Parkfield Lake. Enjoy food, vendors, cultural performances, a fashion show, arts and crafts, and more.
Where: Parkfield Lake Park, 15555 E. 53rd Ave. in Denver, Colo.
When: Saturday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free admission
More info: http://www.tasteofethiopia.org/
The Taste of the Middle East
What: Take your palate on a new adventure during The Taste of the Middle East Festival! You can enjoy not only the food, but also learn about the culture through art, dance and much more.
Where: Centennial Center Park, 13050 E. Peakview Ave. in Centennial, Colo.
When: Saturday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free admission
More info: https://www.facebook.com/tasteofthemiddleeastfestival/
First Annual Pet Video Festival
What: Loved watching YouTube videos of pets? Want to experience that same thing with hundreds of people around doing the same? Head to Infinity Park for the First Annual Pet Video Festival, where pet lovers around Denver will gather to watch the city’s best pet videos submitted by listeners of KOOL 105, Mix 100 and Altitude Sports Radio. The family-friendly event includes a DJ and dance area, a Kids Zone, fun interactive booths, great food and beverages.
Where: Infinity Park, 950 S. Birch St. in Glendale, Colo.
When: Saturday, Aug. 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: $10
More info: https://infinityparkatglendale.com/event/pet-video-festival/
Oh, hey there! We see you've made it to the bottom of the article - that's awesome! Denver is home to a wide variety of local breweries, but there’s just one that bears the city’s name, making it a Mile High Must!
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com at least a week ahead of the event and make sure to title it "7 best things to do" so he can put your event on the list.
