This weekend in Colorado promises a vibrant array of activities ranging from theater productions and art festivals to regional celebrations and outdoor concerts.
On Friday, August 8, residents can enjoy the Boulder County Free Admission Day at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, where the grounds and exhibits will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with train rides available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Tony-Award-winning musical “Assassins” will open at the Miners Alley Performing Arts Center in Golden. This powerful show delves into the minds and motives of some of history’s most notorious figures who attempted to assassinate U.S. presidents. The performance runs from August 8 through September 14, with tickets priced between $50 and $69.
In Grand Junction, theatre enthusiasts can catch “Seusspeare in the Park: Romeo and Juliet’s Restaurant Wars,” a unique and free adaptation of Shakespeare through a Dr. Seuss lens, set to take place at Lincoln Park at 10 a.m.
Saturday, August 9, brings even more excitement with the Black Forest Festival. Beginning at 6:30 a.m. and continuing until 3 p.m., the festival will feature live music, delicious food, parades, vendors, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Music lovers can enjoy a free concert by the Denver Municipal Jazz Band at the Savoy in Curtis Park. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m.
Centennial Center Park will host “Centennial Under the Stars,” an evening filled with live music and food trucks from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For aviation enthusiasts, the Cockpit Demo Day at Wings Over the Rockies will allow visitors to get an up-close look at select aircraft, learn about their history, instruments, and controls from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket prices vary based on age and income.
Sunday, August 10, wraps up the weekend with several compelling events. “Rock in the Park” in Denver is a free all-ages concert featuring the School of Rock Denver House Band. This concert runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and serves as a closure to the live music season at City Park while raising funds for children’s music scholarships.
“Violins of Hope” will take place at the Arvada Center at 6 p.m. This event showcases Jewish music and stories through the Red Rock String Quartet, featuring historic violins once played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust, symbolizing resilience and the enduring power of music. Tickets start at $30.
Kids will have the opportunity to participate in the Kids’ Sandcastle Competition at the Frisco Marina, which is free for children 12 and under. Construction will occur from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by judging and an awards ceremony.
Another treat for families is the “Touch-A-Truck” event in Erie, where children can explore various vehicles, including construction trucks and emergency response vehicles from 9 a.m. to noon at the Erie Community Center.
Throughout the weekend, arts and cultural lovers can participate in the CinemaQ Film Festival in Denver, running from August 8-10. The festival includes a range of features, shorts, and documentaries highlighting queer stories and filmmakers, along with community conversations and events that are both fixed price and pay-what-you-can.
Additionally, the popular musical “Pippin” will be performed by the Phamaly Theatre Company in Denver. The story follows a young man searching for happiness amidst a troupe of actors. “Pippin” runs from August 7 to 24, featuring accessible performances and ticket prices starting at $29.50.
The Golden Fine Arts Festival will also take place, showcasing works from more than 100 juried artists. This event is free for the public and will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In Breckenridge, the August Art Festival will display various artworks across 13 categories, taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with free admission.
Denver’s Cherry Creek North neighborhood will host the Smash Fine Arts Festival, another outdoor event running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The Telluride Jazz Festival, a stunning music event, takes place across one of Colorado’s most scenic locales from August 8-10, with tickets starting at $39.49.
The Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons will highlight a collective of songwriters across various genres, fostering music, camping, and community from a stunning venue running through the weekend. Tickets start at $95.
Fashion enthusiasts won’t want to miss the inaugural Aspen Fashion Week, featuring runway shows, pop-up shops, and selected workshops from August 7-10.
Countless cheers will echo in Denver at the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire event at Ball Arena, showcasing monster trucks and freestyle motocross performances with shows planned for Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $37.10.
For families seeking a fun-filled weekend, the Sterling Ranch Days in Littleton offers activities like mutton bustin’, goat yoga, and live music from August 8-10. Some events are ticketed, while others are free to attend.
Denver’s ThriftCon, a vintage clothing and collectibles convention, will take place at the National Western Complex, featuring over 100 vendors. General admission is available for $17, while VIP early admission is $40.
Buena Vista Gold Rush Days will be celebrating from August 7-10, with a range of events including live music and vendors, appealing to visitors of all ages.
Living History Days in Fairplay will bring historical events to life at the South Park City Museum, with activities and demonstrations scheduled Saturday and Sunday.
The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival will feature a variety of festivities, including live music, vendors, a car show, and a parade throughout August 8-10.
Ongoing events across the state include the highly acclaimed musical “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” at the Buell Theatre in Denver, which runs from August 6-17, with tickets starting at $53.10.
The Denver Parade of Homes will showcase stunning houses between noon and 5 p.m. from August 7-24.
“Reel to Real,” a film series at the Sie FilmCenter displays Colorado’s history and culture through film. The series commenced on August 5 and includes discussions with experts following screenings.
Another engaging on-stage performance is “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” at the Garner Galleria Theatre from July 24 through August 17, highlighting a humorous narrative about a modern-day Tupperware event. Tickets start at $56.64.
Additionally, Bright Nights at the Historic Four Mile Park provides an enchanting evening lantern festival from Wednesday to Sunday, with tickets beginning at $15.
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver is presenting an exhibition titled “The Future is Present, The Harbinger is Home,” featuring an array of works exploring global climate vulnerabilities, which will be on display until August 24.
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival presents “The Tempest” and “Richard II” at the Roe Green Theatre until August 10, with ticket prices starting at $36.
Finally, Cirque du Soleil’s “Echo” is performing in Denver under the big top, running until August 17, with tickets available starting at $96.
This weekend is packed with cultural celebrations, and Coloradans have ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the state’s rich arts scene, ensuring that all attendees can find something that resonates with their interests. Whether through music, theatre, art, or community events, the weekend is set to be a memorable one.
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