It’s truly the perfect weekend for Father’s Day as well as celebrations of any kind. Take your dad to a pinewood derby and prime rib dinner at Station 26 or maybe he would prefer the evermore exciting Denver Comic Con. In addition, this weekend you can celebrate everything Greek, gay, arts, Japanese and medieval in a diverse array of outdoor festivals. That being said, the absolute best part about this weekend is that there are many excuses to get in costume. Put on your party favors and get out there for a fun and one-of-a-kind weekend.
FuckUp nights
Sponsored
When: Thursday, June 16 from 7- 9 p.m.
Where: Globe Hall 4483 Logan St, Denver
Cost: Tickets are $10 and include a free PBR! Go here to purchase.
The Low Down: FuckUp Nights is a global movement born in Mexico in 2012. Each FUN speaker has seven minutes and 10 images to share an epic tale of fucking up. It’s hard to believe the names behind these beloved Denver brands could ever make a mistake, but trust us, they totally have! Join us for an event that is guaranteed to be both humanizing and entertaining to all who participate.
June Speakers:
Todd Leopold // Founder & Head Distiller, Leopold Brothers
Jake Norris // Whiskey Distiller Laws Whiskey House
Cassie Augustine Jones // Partner, Chief Strategy Officer Agency Zero
Colorado Renaissance Festival
When: Saturday’s & Sunday’s now through August 7, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where: 650 W. Perry Park Ave., Larkspur
Cost: $20.50; get tickets here
The Low Down: Not only is the Colorado Renaissance Festival back–it’s back for its fortieth year and staying for nine weekends. Taking place on a 35-acre piece of land, take a trip back in time this weekend for this wonderful day of medieval festivities. Just a few of the exciting events happening are an endangered cat show, a jousting tournament, and legitimate themed weddings. Read more about the happenings at this annual festival here.
Denver Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Saturday, June 18 & Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Sakura Square – 1905 Lawrence St., Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: Returning for its 44th year, this annual event celebrates Japanese heritage with a wonderful array of unique events. There will be dancing, Taiko drum ceremonies and martial arts demonstrations for the return of this cultural extravaganza.
Denver Comic Con
When: Friday, June 17-Sunday, June 19. For a full schedule go here.
Where: Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver
Cost: $8.25 for kids; $38.50 – $176 for adults; tickets available here
The Low Down: Denver Comic Con is back for a weekend of costumes, cosplay, celebrity guest stars (click here for a list) and so much more. If you’re into cool-cars be sure to stop by the Colorado Movie Cars exhibit or if celebrities really peak your interests be sure to look-out for the once-in-a-lifetime autograph sessions and photo ops.
Prime Rib Derby
When: Sunday, June 19 at 3 p.m.
Where: Station 26 Brewing Co. – 7045 E. 38th Ave., Denver
Cost: $20; RSVP (required) by emailing the address found here
The Low Down: Are you a fan of prime rib and pinewood derbys? If so you better clear your schedule for Sunday because the Station 26 Brewing Co is not to be missed. Pick up your kit in the taproom and then grab yourself a beer–both are included in the cost. Afterwards, there will be a prime rib dinner provided by Rolling Smoke BBQ with a build-your-own potato bar and all. You can glance at the pinewood derby race rules here, and be sure to RSVP before the event.
Denver Greek Festival
When: Friday, June 17 & Saturday, June18, 11 a.m.-midnight, Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Where: 4610 E. Alameda Ave., Denver
Cost: $5 per day
The Low Down: This weekend the Denver Greek Festival turns 51 returning with its annual celebration. There will be a variety of vendors, food and performances all revolving around Greek culture making this is a fun and educational event for all. Located outside at the gold-domed Orthodox Cathedral in Glendale, let’s hope for some beautiful weather for this outdoor extravaganza.
Denver Pride
When: Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Festival: Various Denver locales. PrideFest is in Civic Center Park – 100 W. 14th St., Denver
Cost: Events vary; go here for event information.
The Low Down: Celebrate everything LGBTQ in this colorful annual festival. There will be over 250 vendors to browse alongside live music and dancing throughout the weekend. Don’t forget to check out a full list of their events here where you’ll find exciting and unique happenings like the Big Gay 5k and Dogs in Drag. Participating locations include Sie Film Center, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Bellco Theater and more. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the GLBT Center of Colorado, this is a very special year for Denver Pride, so be sure not to miss it.
Cruiser Rocks – Bike Block Party
When: Saturday, June 18 at 12 p.m.
Where: Ogden Street South – 103 S. Ogden St., Denver
Cost: $25-35 for a pass; Raffle tickets starting at $4; tickets available here.
The Low Down: This bike block party will feature a ride through Wash Park as well as pit-stops by various dive-bars across Denver. There’s a group costume contest and discounted tickets for teams so be sure to get your friends together for this one. Grab a raffle ticket because there will be Cruiser Rocks bike giveaways and proceeds go towards the Denver charity LOVE HOPE STRENGTH. Note – this event is 21+.
Denver Arts Festival
When: Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: The Conservatory Green – 8304 E. 49th Pl., Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: This free annual festival for the arts is returning this weekend with over 135 local and national artists showcasing their work. More than 50,000 people are expected to attend so be sure to arrive early for the best selection of art as well as better opportunities to speak with the artists themselves. For a full list of artists click here.
Steampunk at the Station
When: Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Colorado Railroad Museum – 17155 W. 44th Avenue, Golden
Cost: Daytime Event: Museum Members and Children under 2: Free, Children: $5, Adults: $15, Seniors: $10; After Hours Concert: $20; tickets available here
The Low Down: This day-long event at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden is quite the unique feat. There will be train-themed festivities as well as performances until 5 p.m. and if you arrive in costume or with a gadget you’ll receive 50% off admittance. Doors open at 5:30 for the evening events–a performance by the local band Hydrogen Skyline, a beer garden, food trucks and more.
Tennyson Street Rumpus & Paella Party
When: Saturday, June 18, 12-9 p.m.
Where: Call to Arms Brewing Company – 4536 Tennyson St., Denver
The Low Down: This day-long party in the lot of Call to Arms Brewing Company will be hosting hours of paella plates, event-inspired brews and live music. MAS KAOS is serving up the cuisine and The Longest Day of the Year is performing so be sure not to miss this excuse to get outside this Saturday.
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Mark your calendars…
303 Summer Pool Party
When: Sunday, July 3 from 12-7 p.m.
Where: The Riviera at the Breakers Resort – 9099 E Mississippi Ave, Denver
Cost: Starting at $20; tickets available here
Urban Assault Bike Ride
When: Sunday, June 26 at 9 a.m.
Where: Starts at Great Divide Barrel Bar – 1812 35th St., Denver
Cost: $39-59; tickets available here
Sand in the City
When: Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. & Sunday, June 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Ralston Park – 64th St. & Simms Ave., Arvada
Cost: $5
TEDxMileHigh: Make + Believe
When: Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House – 14th St. & Curtis St., Denver
Cost: $80; tickets available here