Weekend things to do around Denver and beyond: Underground Music Showcase in Denver and more
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
South Broadway in Denver is legendary in the loudest of ways this weekend for several thousand knowledgeable music lovers, IYKYK. It’s the 25th and final year of this format for Underground Music Showcase and the street will be cram-packed to hear more than 200 independent-music local and national musicians day and night. Leading the UMS list are All them witches, Flyana Boss, Devotchka, FIDLAR and so many more on four outdoor stages and 12 indoor venues. As they say, this is the festival where talented folks have a place to do things differently. Tickets: undergroundmusicshowcase.com
THURSDAY
Nosh on delicious items while sipping special beverages from 70 local restaurants and beverage brands during EatDenverIt’s The Big Eat 2025 at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Curtis St., Saturday, 6-9 p.m. $80 early bird, $95 general admission. And because it’s the DCPA there is live music too. eatdenver.com/bigeat
SATURDAY
The 10th anniversary and the 2025 Day of Resilience with memories of the July 20, 2012, Aurora Theater mass shooting. Twelve people and an unborn baby were killed and 70 others injured at a midnight movie. Remembrances 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. near the 7/20 Memorial, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora. A Hero’s Journey 5K and Kids Run honors lives lost and the years of healing and togetherness. Race registration $15-$40. The Festival for the community has live music, chalk art murals, a wellness fair, first responders, and a beer garden and food trucks. eventvesta.com/events/110350-2025-day-of-resilience
THURSDAY-OCT. 5
Spectacular lighted lantern figures and art cover 12 acres during the annual Bright Nights at Four Mile Historic Park, this weekend through Oct. 5. During daytimes they’re huge works of colorful art that are lighted at night as guests stroll the grounds. Each year has a new theme and for 2025 it’s Farmhouse Flora and Fauna, Chinese Dreamland and an interactive zone. The park address is 715 S. Forest St., and night lights are on 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $19-48. fourmilepark.org/brightnights
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
One of summer’s favorite, don’t-miss festivals, the 12th annual Cheesman Park Art Fest has more than 150 artists from around the country, music, popular food trucks and a creation station for the kiddos. Fun from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in historic Cheesman Park, 1599 E. 8th Ave. For music and food lineups: dashevents.com/productions/cheesman-park-art-fest.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
Fairplay’s burro celebration dates back to 1949 and you can join this “Get Yur Ass Up the Pass” historic look at the little animals and their valued place hauling ore during the state’s early mining years. Burro Days has grown from racing burros to also llama, dog and outhouse races. There’s a parade, arts and crafts, entertainment for the kids, food vendors, a gem, mineral and jewelry show and a cowboy church. burrodays.org.
SATURDAY
A beautiful way to start the day Saturday with a Sunrise Hike at Garden of the Gods. Meet at 5:30 a.m. at Garden Drive Parking Lot 14/Siamese Twins. Hikes cover Siamese Twins and Cabin Canyon trails and there’s time to learn about the ecology of that part of the park. Online registration, $5, required. gardenofgods.com/events/calendar
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
In this month of county fairs, the Arapahoe County Fair stands out. Thursday through Sunday, with a focus on county agricultural and Western heritage, choose from 4-H livestock and programs, a carnival, CPRA rodeos, truck and tractor pulls, Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, petting zoo, vendors, Kids Corral and, at evening’s end, fireworks if no restrictions. Tickets $25. Open at 4 p.m. Thursday, other days 11 a.m. Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. arapahoecountyfair.com. Other fairs in Elbert County and Castle Rock.
FRIDAY-AUG. 3
It’s action packed at the Teller County Fairgrounds near Cripple Creek for the Teller County Fair, Friday to Aug. 3. How’s this for a lineup mixture: Motocross, Demolition Derby, Little Rascals Pee Wee Show, equipment rodeo, quilts, bull riding, Tough Trucks, livestock and more. For a schedule: tcafas.org
SATURDAY
Hot weather and a good time to cool off along the Riverwalk in Pueblo during the Steel City Arkansas River Festival. Fun events include build a boat races, rubber duck race, fly fishing, river surf competition, a community float and bike ride, kayaking, a beer garden and, because it’s Pueblo, delicious food too. pueblo.us/3042/Steel-City-Arkansas-River-Festival
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
The Summer 2025 Native American Arts & Crafts Market is noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1955 E. Arizona Ave., with arts and crafts and jewelry by Native American artists. Navajo Tacos for lunch.
SATURDAY
A busy Winter Park Saturday with Crafts, Cocktails & Corks, 1-5 p.m. Music, food and tastings from wineries, breweries and distilleries. Tickets: playwinterpark.com/featured-events. Close by in Fraser’s John Work Arena, the High Country Stampede Rodeo, a CPRA Rodeo of the Year. Opens with a Junior Rodeo at 3 p.m. and main events at 7 p.m. HighCountryStampede.com
SATURDAY
Get the kiddos face painted, and have them dive into some science fun at the Family Fun Fest at Mile High Flea Market, 7007 E. 88th Ave. (off I-76). The Denver Museum of Nature & Science Curiosity Cruiser will be their for some hands-on exhibits, Rocky Mountain Pro Wrestling challenges, rides open all weekend and food and the traditional shopping you find at the flea market. $15-all-day ride wristbands for kids means adults ride free. For more information: milehighfleamarket.com.