This weekend, Colorado is brimming with excitement as residents and visitors are invited to dive into a diverse array of art, music, and cultural events statewide. From stage productions to bustling festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
On Friday, September 12, Grand Junction will kick off the festivities with the musical performance “Me Alquilo para Soñar.” This captivating show promises to take the audience on a journey through the rich cultures of Cuba, Venezuela, Spain, and Mexico, drawing inspiration from Gabriel García Márquez’s enchanting short story and Pablo Neruda’s poetry. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Moss Performing Arts Center, with tickets priced at $35 for adults and $10 for children.
In addition, art enthusiasts can celebrate new exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Denver, which will host an opening celebration for its fall exhibitions starting at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary from $32.37 to $69.49.
Over in Colorado Springs, the LA Philharmonic Trio will perform a rare chamber concert at the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS. This performance will feature principal players from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, starting at 7 p.m. with general admission tickets priced at $44 and student tickets available for just $5.
History lovers can attend the “History Alive! Colorado West Chautauqua” program in Grand Junction, where acclaimed Chautauqua scholars will bring historical icons such as Nikola Tesla, Hedy Lamarr, Charles Darwin, and Marie Curie to life through engaging portrayals. Events will take place on both September 12 and 13 at the Grand Valley Event Center and Mesa County Public Libraries.
For those interested in a unique theatrical experience, Denver will host “Synesthesia,” an immersive theater production exploring the intricacies of bipolar disorder through a blend of breakdancers, singers, acrobats, and contemporary dancers. Performances are set for September 12 and 14 at Ballyhoo, with tickets starting at $28.52.
Additionally, “The Thin Place,” a new ghost-themed production from the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, will debut on September 12 at The Savoy in Denver, running until September 28, with tickets available from $16.75.
As Saturday arrives, music lovers can attend indie music festival Indieverse in Denver, featuring performances by acts such as Pink Fuzz and Ok Go at Levitt Pavilion. Ticket prices vary between $45 and $65.
The Sunnyside Music Festival offers a free opportunity families can enjoy at Chaffee Park, with live music along with an artisan market and kids’ play area from noon until 7:30 p.m.
Beer and food enthusiasts can head over to Highlands Oktoberfest, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 32nd Street, where they’ll find a variety of vendor offerings, performances, and family-friendly activities.
Another vibrant event is the Hi Points Festival, which will take place across multiple venues along Denver’s Welton Street corridor, providing a full day celebration of music, culture, and community from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The History Alive! Colorado West Chautauqua program will continue on Saturday, educating attendees through living history portrayals of famous figures.
Wine aficionados should not miss the Colorado Wine Walk, a ticketed wine-tasting event happening at Dairy Block from 7 to 10 p.m., with VIP access at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $55.
Looking into Sunday, September 14, theatergoers in Colorado Springs can catch a matinee performance of “Me Alquilo para Soñar” at the First United Methodist Church at 3 p.m., with tickets priced similarly to the opening night in Grand Junction.
The Denver Zine Fest promises a day of creativity and independent publishing at the Denver Public Library’s Central Library from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Youth on Record’s Block Party and Youth Music Festival will provide an afternoon of free entertainment, featuring performances from over 20 young artists alongside engaging family-friendly activities from 1 to 6 p.m. at Youth on Record.
Foreign flavors come to life at the Taste of Ethiopia Festival, a free cultural celebration held at the City Park Bandshell from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, showcasing Ethiopian culture.
Fiestas Patrias in Colorado Springs will celebrate Hispanic culture with a family-friendly fiesta at the Colorado Springs Flea Market from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Synesthesia” will also have its second performance in Denver on this day, inviting audiences to experience the unique portrayal of bipolar disorder through a dynamic theatrical lens.
Another artistic highlight is the Cherry Creek Trail Wall Fest, an outdoor public art event where live painting will occur along the Cherry Creek trail, set for 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, at 4 p.m. in Boulder, renowned pianist Jonathan Biss will join the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra for a concert featuring Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and other works at the Macky Auditorium. Tickets for this concert start at $10 for students and children, and $29 for general admission.
Additionally, the “Fur-Ever Pet Fest” in Denver will celebrate pet culture with crafts, food, dog boutiques, and more from 9 a.m. until noon, welcoming families and their furry companions.
As the weekend unfolds, events will continue to be a highlight around the state. The Denver Silent Film Festival will showcase silent-era masterpieces paired with live musical performances from September 12 to 14 at the Sie FilmCenter.
In the realm of gastronomy, the Spirit of Japan festival will bring together Japanese food and sake enthusiasts at Sakura Square from September 12 to 14. Tickets are priced starting at $49.87.
The Wild Wonderful Weekend festival in Loveland combines wildlife discoveries, fall festivities, and farm-to-table experiences across a three-day span.
In theater, “The Princess and the Goblins” will be staged in Aurora from September 12 to September 20, based on the beloved fairy tale that features a young princess’s journey and her encounter with mysterious goblins. Tickets for this play start at $18.82.
The Ravishing Radiance Film Series continues at Denver’s Sie FilmCenter throughout September, showcasing classic and cult films with ticket prices ranging from $12 to $15.
Denver audiences can also enjoy the new immersive performance “Sweet & Lucky: Echo” at the DCPA Off-Center until October 5, starting at $25.
Bright Nights at the Historic Four Mile Park lantern festival invites visitors to experience whimsical installations until October 5.
In Aspen, the Aspen Film Festival will run from September 16 to 21, showcasing a selection of films that premiered at major international film festivals.
Spooky enthusiasts can explore the Haunted Manitou Ghost Tour & Historic Walk, available from Thursday to Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. until the end of October, priced at $25.
Additionally, the Hardrock Summit will present over 150 exhibitors at the Westin Westminster from September 4 to 12, focusing on minerals, fossils, gemstones, and jewelry.
In Evergreen, “Annie Get Your Gun” will bring back stories of America’s Wild West through September 28. Tickets start at $20.
Art exhibitions continue to captivate audiences as Beulah Fine Arts Exhibition echoes through September 14 and Shadows Gather photo exhibition in Boulder showcases a collection of original photographs until October 31.
Lakewood’s “Working with My Hands” exhibition features artist Moeh Haywood’s creations at Alto Gallery, on display until September 27.
The “Your Memories are Not Invited” dual exhibition is presented at Bitfactory Gallery, running until September 13.
Lastly, Aurora hosts the New American Arts Festival with performances, discussions, and community events from September 5 to 21.
This weekend, Colorado’s arts and culture scene promises a wealth of experiences—mark your calendars and partake in the rich offerings around the state!
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