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. Five Points Jazz Festival
What: Once known as the “Harlem of the West,” Denver’s Five Points neighborhood was home to several jazz clubs which saw many of the great musicians of the genre stop by the Mile High City at one point or another. The festival, which has taken place the third Saturday of May since 2004, celebrates this historic neighborhood.
Where: Five Points neighborhood in Denver
When: Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: Check out the full performance scheduled and learn more about the Five Points Jazz Festival here.
2. Erie Town Fair and Balloon Festival
What: Love hot air balloons? You’ll want to wake up really early this weekend as the Town of Erie celebrates its 23rd annual fair and balloon festival starting at 6:15 on Friday and Sunday – weather permitting, of course. There will also be over 200 craft beer and food vendors, a car show, kids’ activities, hot air balloon glow and fireworks during the festival.
Where: Colorado National Golf Club, 2700 Vista Parkway in Erie, Colo.
When: Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19 from 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: Learn more about the 23rd annual Erie Town fair and Balloon Festival here.
3. Strawberry Festival Vintage and Antique Market
What: Explore and find your next treasure at the 49th annual Strawberry Festival Vintage and Antique Market. Dealers will showcase vintage and antique furniture, fine jewelry, clothing, accessories, toys, collectibles and more.
Where: Boulder County Fairgrounds – exhibit building, 9595 Nelson Rd. in Longmont, Colo.
When: Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $5 general admission; children under 12 get in free.
More info: Learn more about the Strawberry Vintage and Antique Market here.
4. Colorado MahlerFest
What: The Colorado MahlerFest celebrates the legacy of Austrian composer Gustav Mahler through an annual festival which features all of Mahler’s musical output as well as contextual cultural and educational events. This year’s featured worked will be Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D Major.
Where: Macky Auditorium Concert Hall – University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder, Colo.
When: Wednesday, May 15 through Sunday, May 19
Admission: $22 for adults, $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here or calling (303) 444-7328.
More info: https://mahlerfest.org/
5. The Grand Junction Off-Road & Four Peaks Downtown Music Festival
What: Love live music and off-roading? You’ll have a chance to experience both during the 30th annual Grand Junction Off-Road & Four Peaks Downtown Music Festival. There will be three separate stages along Main Street for three days of free, live music.
Where: Grand Junction, Colo.
When: Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19
Admission: Free
More info: https://downtowngj.org/signature-events/music-festival/
6. Telluride Literary Arts Festival
What: Want to get lit? Better head over to Telluride for the Telluride Literary Arts Festival, a.k.a. LitFest. There will be performance poetry, literary burlesque, author events and children’s activities.
Where: Telluride, Colo.
When: Friday, May 17 starting at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 18 starting at 10 a.m.; Sunday, May 19 starting at noon.
Admission: Events for the Literary Arts Festival are free, except for Saturday’s Literary Burlesque, which costs $20.
More info: For a full list of the festival schedule, click here.
7. Taste of Durango
What: Durango’s premier food and drink festival returns for another year to Main Ave. A Taste of Durango will feature local craft breweries, artisan cocktails and countless samples of world-class cuisine that Durango’s restaurants offer, plus music, dancing and much more fun.
Where: Main Avenue in Durango, Colo.
When: Sunday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: https://tasteofdurango.com/
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BONUS:
The 14th annual Colfax Marathon
What: More than 200,000 runners will be lacing up this weekend for the 14th annual Colfax Marathon, billed as the "ultimate urban tour” of the Denver metro area.
Where: Lakewood, Denver and Aurora
When: Sunday, May 19 from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free to attend (for those not running, that is)
More info: The Colfax Marathon will impact traffic. Learn about street closures and more by clicking here.
'Game of Thrones' watch parties across Colorado
What: The series finale of 'Game of Thrones' is this Sunday, and you can bet almost everyone will be watching. So where can you watch if you don't have an HBO subscription? Several places across the metro will be hosting watch parties - and we've compiled a list of 'em so you don't have to search for them yourself.
Where: Various locations across Colorado
When: Sunday, May 19.
Admission: Varies by location
More info: Check out all the locations across the state that are hosting watch parties by clicking here.
Oh, hey there! We see you've made it to the bottom of the article - that's awesome! Looking for a little high-octane fun? Unser Karting and Events offers indoor go-kart racing that’s perfect for birthday parties or any other group event. There’s also a restaurant and bar stocked with Colorado beers, 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 and make sure to title it "7 best things to do" so he can put your event on the list.
