If there’s any weekend you should take it easy and catch-up on sleep, it’s absolutely not this one. With an extremely diverse variety of events, there’s really something for everyone—burlesque, sunset paddling on Sloan’s Lake, a unique gallery opening, Denver Design Week, Drums Along the Rockies and much more. Let’s hope for beautiful weather and great company for this wonderful weekend lineup.
Colorado Burlesque Festival
When: Events run Thursday, July 7 through Sunday, July 10
Where: Multiple venues and events across Denver – see full calendar here.
Cost: Varies per event; $20-$60
The Low Down: The Colorado Burlesque Festival is returning to Denver with a jam-packed weekend of events happening at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret and the Paramount Theater, with a hangover brunch at Crave. There will be five exciting shows over the course of the weekend and even a Q&A with legendary performer Judith Stein. You can also expect classes and workshops taught by the professionals themselves, an opening gala and more.
Drums Along the Rockies
When: Saturday, July 9, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High – 1701 Bryant St, Denver
Cost: $15-$50; get tickets here.
The Low Down: Drumroll please! Colorado’s premier marching music event returns to the Mile High City this week with an enormous lineup of performers coming from six different states. There will be a free tailgating event, a drumline battle, a performance by Broncos Brass and an awards ceremony for the best marching band. Support your local and not-so-local marching musicians at this unique competition and show this weekend.
Sunset Paddle at Sloan’s Lake
When: Friday, July 8. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Outdoor Adventure Company – 851 Santa Fe Dr., #104
Cost: Free for Denver Paddle Club members; $15 for non-members
The Low Down: One of the great things about Denver is the number of outdoor events everywhere you turn. Grab your paddle board, kayak or canoe and join the Denver Outdoor Adventure Company for a sunset on Sloan’s Lake. Take advantage of this great opportunity to get outside this weekend and admire those Rockies and beautiful sunsets we all love.
Denver Design Week
When: Friday, July 8–Friday, July 15
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Events vary; get tickets here.
The Low Down: Denver Design Week is returning for a full week of design-inspired events. Celebrating everything architecture, interior design, art and technology, participate in studio and modern home tours in this fun and educational event. You can find the full list of Denver Design Week events from their launch party to home tours here.
Mile High Summer Shindig
When: Saturday, July 9. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Denver Beer Co – 1695 Platte St., Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: Denver Beer Co.’s taproom will be taken over this Saturday for the first-ever Mile High Summer Shindig. Benefitting nonprofit First Descent, this day-long festivity celebrates the outdoor lifestyle as well as our wonderful city. They’ll have gear demos, games, live local music and of course, beer with a special tapping of a session petite saison made in collaboration with Base Camp Brewing Company from Portland, Oregon.
Tails & Ales Dog Wash
When: Saturday, July 10. Noon-4 p.m.
Where: Ratio Beerworks – 2920 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: $15 per dog
The Low Down: All you pet-owners and beer-drinkers, be sure to stop by Ratio Beerworks this Saturday for a unique pet wash. Let the members of Denver Roller Derby wash your pet while you grab a refreshing craft beer from the local Denver brewery.
TheBigWonderful Presents – ArtBlast!
When: Saturday, July 9. 2-10 p.m.; Sunday, July 10. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 16th St. Mall – Denver
Cost: $5 admission also includes 12 oz. Modelo; get tickets here.
The Low Down: This first-ever event by TheBigWonderful really does have it all—live art, a full lineup of musicians, food vendors, a beer garden and specialty cocktails. Saturday night features a Soul Party at 7 p.m. and Grassfed Mule Sunday afternoon–you can find a full lineup of artists and events here. The $5 cost of admission also gets you a complementary Modelo.
Corner Store Country Run
When: Saturday, July 9. 8:30 a.m.
Where: National Western Complex – 4655 Humboldt St., Denver
Cost: $10; get tickets here.
The Low Down: This unique 5k requires only your best overalls for its barn theme. Compete for prizes or trot through the hay-barrels and inflatable animals with your family and friends—the choice is yours. When you’re finished you can do-si-do to their beer garden or gallop over to some live music in a fair-themed celebration. In addition, there will be carnival games, food and free swag.
Gallery Opening – Drawing Never Dies
When: Opening Reception is Saturday, July 9. 6-10 p.m.; Exhibit runs through August 5
Where: RedLine Contemporary Art Center – 2350 Arapahoe St., Denver
The Low Down: This exhibit at RedLine Contemporary Art Center celebrates the long-lived art of drawing. Minimal, messy, traditional—anything that revolves around the artistic concept. The range of mediums can vary from drawing on pen-and-paper, to on the Earth or even with a 3D pen. RedLine is accepting artist submissions for those who feel they have qualifying pieces. Learn more here.
Bastille Day Celebration
When: Sunday, July 10. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Centennial Gardens, Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: The French national holiday has returned, and with it comes a celebration in Centennial Gardens. This Sunday features live music and dance performances as well as a DJ and some great cuisine. Everyone is welcome for this free, fun and cultural family-friendly event.
Kids Pool Party – Kids Dance for Kids Charity Event
When: Sunday, July 10, 3-6 p.m.
Where: The Breakers Resort – 9099 E Mississippi Ave, Denver
Cost: Adults free when with child; $10 per child; free for Breakers Resort Residents
The Low Down: This family-event taking place at the beautiful Riviera at the Breakers Resort is great for parents and children alike. Teaching kids to give back, the admission cost for every child who attends goes to a child in need and school-supply donations are encouraged. There will also be a DJ, the Denver Nuggets Cheerleaders, raffles, a surprise guest and much more.
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Mark your calendars…
303 Magazine Summer Pool Party with DJ Walter White
When: Sunday, August 7, 12-7 p.m.
Where: The Riviera at the Breakers Resort – 9099 E Mississippi Ave, Denver
Cost: Starting at $20; tickets available here
Silent Disco
When: Saturday, July 16 at 9 p.m.
Where: The Riviera at the Breakers Resort – 9099 E Mississippi Ave, Denver
Denver Deluxe Music Festival
When: Saturday, July 16, 12-8 p.m.
Where: Park Burger RiNo – 2615 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: $20-30; get tickets here.
MuckFest MS
When: Saturday, July 16 at 9 a.m.
Where: Denver
Cost: $80; get tickets here.