Thursday

08-14-2025 Vol 2052

Exciting Weekend Events in Denver: Watch Parties, Festivals, and Performances

The Savannah Bananas are making a splash in Denver this weekend, bringing with them a whole host of events for fans and families alike, even for those without tickets.

For those who missed out on the main event, several watch parties and banana-themed gatherings are set to take place in downtown Denver, offering a fun way to join in on the action.

In addition to the Savannah Bananas festivities, Denver is buzzing with other activities this weekend. Notable events include an outdoor reading session under the stars courtesy of the Aurora Public Library at The Benson Hotel & Faculty Club.

The musical extravaganza continues with “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” at the Buell Theatre, providing an opportunity to enjoy captivating performances.

Film lovers can look forward to the three-day CinemaQ film festival at Sie FilmCenter, showcasing a variety of films that celebrate LGBTQ+ culture.

Art enthusiasts should not miss “Charles Sandison: Chamber,” the exhibit at the Denver Art Museum, along with D’art 360 Gallery’s First Anniversary Show, both of which are wrapping up this weekend.

Here’s a roundup of some of the must-see events across the Denver area this weekend, starting with the highlights.

For adventure seekers, the *Snowmass Tree-O event offers a range of challenges, including a 2k, 5k, 10k, and even a 17k challenge this Friday and Saturday.

The event kicks off at the New Belgium Ranger Station in Snowmass Village at 5 p.m. on Friday and at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Registration fees range from $31.33 to $115.33, which also includes a refreshing beer at the finish line.

On Saturday morning, outdoor enthusiasts can participate in the *Run the Rockies Trail event, which features a 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon at the Frisco Nordic Center. This event starts at 7:30 a.m. and prices vary from $15 to $80, with advanced registration highly recommended.

Young families will enjoy the *Kids’ Sandcastle Competition happening Sunday at Frisco Bay Marina from 10 a.m. to noon.

This free event encourages children up to the age of 12 to showcase their creativity, pending advanced registration.

Aspen is also buzzing with excitement as it hosts Aspen Fashion Week, taking place all weekend at the Aspen Meadows Walter Paepcke Building’s East Lawn.

The hours for Friday and Saturday are 4-8 p.m., while Sunday features events from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Ticket prices vary from $108.55 to $268.61.

Turning to Friday, August 8, those seeking entertainment options can catch Cirque Du Soleil’s vibrant performance, *Echo, at the Ball Arena grounds, with shows at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. starting at $54.

Families can enjoy *Bright Nights at Four Mile Historic Park, which runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., with ticket prices ranging from $19 to $48, offering a magical night under the stars.

For younger audiences, the Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library will host *Little University: Soccer Starts from 10:30-11 a.m. Ideal for children five and under, this free event promotes active play.

An opportunity for a free meal is also available at the Anythink Commerce City location from noon to 1 p.m.

Focus is on ages 5-18, ensuring that children in the community can enjoy a nutritious meal.

In the afternoon, families can partake in the *Summer of Adventure Kids event at Hadley Branch Library from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., providing fun-filled activities perfect for kids aged 5-12 when accompanied by an adult.

For those looking for laughter, various comedy shows are lined up, including performances by Connor Wood at Comedy Works South at 6:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. with tickets priced between $30 and $50.

Brian Simpson will be performing at Comedy Works Downtown at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., with tickets ranging from $28 to $33.

Perhaps you’re in the mood for a musical? How about catching “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” at the Buell Theatre, scheduled for 7:30 p.m., with ticket prices varying.

For a unique outdoor experience, the *Cinema in The Sky presents “Nacho Libre” at 8 p.m. at Halcyon for $25.

Art and history buffs should check out “Titanic: An Immersive Voyage” at the Exhibition Hub Art Center, running from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with ticket prices ranging from $29.90 to $41.90.

At the History Colorado Center, “Expedition 1776: The Journey of Domínguez & Escalante” is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free for children and members, and $15 for adults.

The Denver Art Museum also showcases the “Charles Sandison: Chamber” exhibit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for members and children age 18 and under, while others can enjoy it for $22 to $30, based on age and membership status.

As for gallery visits, “Untethered” at Walker Fine Art is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and entry is free.

“Memoria” at PlatteForum runs from noon until 5 p.m. and is also free, providing great opportunities to appreciate local art.

Another free event includes the D’art 360 Gallery’s First Anniversary Show at D’art Gallery from noon to 9 p.m.

For a thrilling nighttime experience, join the “Galactic Gold Celebration” at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science from 7 to 10 p.m. with tickets starting at $150, or opt for VIP options priced at $500.

Friday also offers the *Huerta Urbana Farmers Market at Focus Points Family Resource Center from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. without any cover charge.

If you are a music lover, *Music in the Gardens returns to 17th Street Community Gardens from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at no charge.

Experience the *All My Relations Celebration at Levitt Pavilion from 6:30 p.m. till late for free lawn seating or for $52.57 for a reserved section with one drink, but advanced registration is recommended.

Enjoy an evening filled with tunes as B-Side: Rumtum & UHL perform at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver at 7 p.m. for $22.28, requiring advance registration.

*Joe Bonamassa will be lighting up Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre at 8 p.m.; ticket prices vary, making this band a must-see for rock enthusiasts.

Local music events continue at the Denver Milk Market with *Bananoke starting at 8 p.m., and there is no cover charge for this entertaining experience.

On Saturday, August 9, the *Gaia’s Ancient Civilizations Conference kicks off at the GaiaSphere Event Center in Louisville, running from 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. with tickets priced at $299 for virtual streaming and $599 for in-person attendance.

Families are invited to the *Summer Fest Party & Back to School Bash at FlyteCo Tower from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. with no cover charge.

Union Station will host the *Urban Market at Wynkoop Plaza from noon to 6 p.m. that day, also at no charge.

Competitive spirits can join the Global Champions Arabians Tour 2025 Americas Series at the National Western Complex from 4 to 8 p.m., costing $20 for the awards ceremony and concert by Big & Rich.

Cirque Du Soleil will perform *Echo again at Ball Arena at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. with tickets starting at $64.

The *Night Library: A Summer Evening of Books & Community event is happening from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Aurora Public Library, and it’s free for all ages.

*Bright Nights continues at Four Mile Historic Park from 7 to 11 p.m. with tickets from $19 to $48, inviting families and friends alike.

For special events, join the Fire Rescue Dogs Calendar Debut Signing Party at Duets Tap & Grill from 7 to 11 p.m. for $33.85, including a calendar.

On the comedy front, the *Teddy Bear Clinic at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for no cost for children under 2, with varying charges for older participants and adults.

Kids can also participate in *Bingo & Bubbles at Ross-Broadway Branch Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; this event is free and ideal for children under 12.

The Back to School Supplies Giveaway at Abraham Lincoln High School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. will provide resources free for Denver Public Schools families, although advanced registration is required.

*Inflatables in the Park is a bouncing bonanza scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 9+CO development, providing free fun for all ages.

Sports fans can catch the *Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire event at Ball Arena from 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with tickets priced variably.

Join family-friendly activities such as Family Game at Hampden Branch Library from 2 to 3 p.m. and Comedy shows continue with CinemaQ at Sie FilmCenter from 10 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. with variable ticket prices.

For theater lovers, *Moulin Rouge! The Musical* will present two shows at the Buell Theatre — a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening show at 7:30 p.m.; prices vary.

In the evening, visitors can catch Connor Wood’s performances at Comedy Works South at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., with ticket prices remaining between $30-$50.

Brian Simpson’s shows at Comedy Works Downtown at 7:30 p.m. and at 9:45 p.m. are also scheduled at prices ranging from $28 to $33.

Art lovers can visit “Titanic: An Immersive Voyage” from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for $37.90 to $41.90, as well as checking out the *Expedition 1776* exhibit at the History Colorado Center.

“Charles Sandison: Chamber” at the Denver Art Museum will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering discounts for members and youth; otherwise, entry is $25-$30.

Explore *Untethered* at Walker Fine Art or *Lumonics Immersed* both at no charge; several art options will be open as well.

On Sunday, August 10, the *Gaia’s Ancient Civilizations Conference* continues with a start time of 9 a.m., and tickets are the same for virtual and in-person attendance as on previous days.

Denver’s *Urban Market* at Wynkoop Plaza will run once more from noon until 6 p.m. without any admission fee.

A creative workshop called *Bananas For Your Disco*, featuring crafts and cocktails, will be hosted at Poka Lola from 1 to 3 p.m., costing $60 for materials and drinks.

For a final encore, Cirque Du Soleil *Echo* will perform again, with shows at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. available for $64 once again.

Families can also catch the *Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire* show at Ball Arena at 2:30 p.m., with pricing varying.

The *Kids Create* event at Central Library from 4 to 4:30 p.m. offers a free opportunity to engage children aged 5 and under.

At Dairy Block, *Family Game Night* will be from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., an event free of charge perfect for spending quality time with loved ones.

Comedy returns with *CinemaQ* in the morning from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with variable pricing based on showings.

*Thick Skin* will take to Comedy Works Downtown at 7 p.m. for $14, along with Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald performing at Comedy Works South at the same time, also for $14.

Art enthusiasts can explore *Titanic: An Immersive Voyage* again, or check in on *Charles Sandison: Chamber*, both running within their respective times.

For foodies, multiple farmers markets are popping up across the city, including the *People + Produce Farmers Market* at Belleview Beer Garden from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the *South Pearl Farmers Market* from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. providing community staples.

For a unique brunch experience, *Drag Queen Bingo Brunch* at Dairy Block from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. invites participants at no cover charge.

Those looking to indulge can attend the *Fresh Pasta Workshop* at Stir to Cooking School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $120 with reservations highly recommended.

The weekend rounds off with an exciting evening featuring *Falling In Reverse*’s God Is A Weapon Tour at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre at 6 p.m. along with *Zach Bryan* at Red Rocks Park at 7 p.m., both promising vibrant performances.

The zooming excitement in Denver this weekend is undeniable, with a rich tapestry of activities ensuring there’s something for everyone.

image source from:denverite

Benjamin Clarke