The Mile High City is never a boring place to spend the weekend, so check out the lineup and mark your calendar! Whether you’re a rugby fan, a fine art aficionado or a runner, there’s something for you this weekend in Denver.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
This weekend is packed with an array of events and activities for every interest, such as the 2026 Parade of Homes, the Colorado Beef Festival, and the kickoff of Western Welcome Week, which is in its 98th year!
KONG’S 50th Anniversary Party
Where? 3560 Chestnut Place
When? August 7th
Celebrate KONG’S 50th Anniversary at Number Thirty Eight this Friday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The anniversary party will feature local vendors, KONG giveaways, and of course, pup cups with a special edition birthday cake flavored treat! Raise a glass and celebrate five decades of KONG with other pup-loving friends. There will also be a live DJ to keep the vibes high and leashed dogs are welcome on the patio. Fido will be excited to meet new friends and enjoy a celebratory treat designed just for them!
PRO Tip: There will be prize drawings to enter and limited-edition pint glasses, with proceeds going towards benefitting the Foothills Animal Shelter.
Western Welcome Week
Where? Downtown Littleton
When? August 7th-16th
The 2026 Western Welcome Week theme is “Colorful Colorado 150 Years,” which is fitting for Colorado’s Sesquicentennial! Join in on the celebration and mark 98 years of Western Welcome Week. This annual 10-day community festival is held in nearby Littleton and features 30+ family-friendly events such as the grand parade, craft fairs, and even live music! The event is designed to celebrate local heritage and help raise funds for non-profit organizations. Enjoy events all weekend, such as the 30th Free Gold Panning on the South Platte River on Saturday from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and the 16th Annual Pancake Stampede 5K Fun Run & Walk on Sunday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Additional events throughout the week include patio parties, silent auctions, walking tours, a star party and much more.
PRO Tip: The 2026 celebration schedule can be found here, kicking off on Friday with the Depot Art Gallery 65th Anniversary Art Show and the WWW Opening Night and Little Jam!
All-Out Runapalooza
Where? 14982 West 69th Avenue
When? August 8th
All-Out Runapalooza will be held at a new venue this Saturday, so lace up and get ready to race the half marathon or run a 10K or a 5K along the Ralston Creek Trail. This year’s venue is the Colorado Tap House, which is family-friendly and offers great drinks, tasty food and games to keep everyone entertained. There will be an after-party at the Tap House, with buy one get one for 50% off of lesser value deals on drinks. This year marks the 14th annual Runapalooza and participants will enjoy the shady, creekside beauty as they explore the Ralston Creek Trail and the rigorous Blunn Reservoir loop (half marathon course).
PRO Tip: Runapalooza is offering a coupon code for $5 off your registration when you use the code PL5.
Colorado Beef Festival
Where? 890 Auraria Parkway
When? August 8th
The Beef Fest is back! Enjoy unlimited tastings, live chef battles, live country music and more this Saturday at MSU Denver. This isn’t your typical neighborhood block party. The Colorado Beef Festival is taking over the day with culture, craft and all the premium Colorado beef that you won’t find at your local grocery store. Skip the middleman and buy 1/4 beef or premium cuts directly from Colorado ranchers. Enjoy 12 hours of non-stop country music featuring award-winning Colorado artists and rising stars and watch pro-grade chefs face off in a live fire showdown. Grab your tickets here, with general admission offering full day festival access, meat market access, music, family activities and even a western costume contest entry!
PRO Tip: VIP tickets allow guests to skip the lines, get first access to wagyu and specialty beef, meet chefs and ranchers one-on-one and enjoy a curated beer selection to pair with their bites. They will also have front-row access to chef battles.
Downtown Aquarium Wine Fest
Where? 700 Water Street
When? August 8th
This Saturday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, raise a glass at the 14th Annual Wine Fest to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary! The festival will feature exceptional wines from across the country and will pay homage to regions that have built America’s renowned reputation in winemaking. Admission for the event is priced at $80 when purchased in advance or $90 on-site on the day of the event. The festival will be held outdoors in the garden area, with music, food, a grape stomp and even animal interactions! This is a 21+ event. Whether you’re sipping wine or you want to enjoy spirits and cocktails from onsite vendors, there will be plenty to drink, eat and do at the Wine Fest! Grab your tickets ASAP.
PRO Tip: Tickets include wine tastings, a free souvenir wine glass, signature bites and more. For an additional fee, guests can participate in the grape stomp.
Women’s Elite Rugby Legacy Cup
Where? 4400 East Kentucky Avenue
When? August 8th
The Women’s Elite Rugby Legacy Cup is the culmination of an amazing second season for the league. The regular season spanned from early May to the end of July, with each of the six teams competing in 10 games each. The top 2 teams will compete in Glendale for the chance to raise the Legacy Cup and be crowned 2026 champions! The match will be held this Saturday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Infinity Park. Top-seeded Denver Onyx will take on the Bay Breakers, so come cheer on the home team and witness the final match of what’s been an amazing season.
PRO Tip: Grab your ticket here, with a VIP Experience upgrade available that includes all-inclusive food, a private cash bar, VIP midfield pitch-side viewing and more. General admission is priced at $41.40.
Smash Fine Arts Festival
Where? 105 Fillmore Street
When? August 8th & 9th
The 2026 Smash Fine Arts Festival will be held in the premier Fillmore Plaza, which is considered the heart of the Cherry Creek North District. This world renowned art and cultural venue is situated along Fillmore Street amidst luxury condos, shops and restaurants. 2026 marks the 8th straight year in Cherry Creek North, which is a prime spot to celebrate highly selective fine-art exhibits and top-tier national artists. There will be live violin, piano and acoustic music throughout the weekend. Stroll through the beautiful plaza and discover one-of-a-kind artwork as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere all around you. Whether you’re an avid collector of art or you’re in search of that one perfect statement piece, the Smash Fine Arts Festival is an event you won’t want to miss this weekend. Daily hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
PRO Tip: Collections and exhibits range from original paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, woodwork and much more.
Wild West Days
Where? 17155 West 44th Avenue
When? August 8th & 9th
Wild West Days are back at the Colorado Railroad Museum. This Saturday and Sunday, wind down the summer season by celebrating Colorado’s Gold Rush heritage with special programming and a chance to ride one of the last coal-fired steam locomotives operating in the state. Activities include gold panning demos, turntable demos and more happening across the museum’s 15-acre rail yard. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, as well as food and tasty treats that are available for purchase. Hours for both days will be from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so make an afternoon of Wild West Days!
PRO Tip: Online admission and ride is priced at $17 for adults, $7 for kids (ages 2 to 17) and $15 for seniors (ages 60+). Museum members and children under 2 are free. Purchasing tickets on-site will result in an additional $5 per ticket.
2026 Parade of Homes Denver
Where? Various Locations
When? Through August 23rd
Get ready for the 2026 Parade of Homes in Denver, which will run through the third week of August on Thursdays through Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online and are priced at $12 (kids ages 13 and under are free). This is a chance for anyone looking for inspiration on the latest building trends and who want to connect with local area builders to enjoy unique access to both. This event is a longstanding tradition and offers attendees a chance to view beautiful homes across the area. View the 2026 lineup of homes here. One ticket gets you into every home on the tour for all three weekends! Before you go, download the free app. The mobile app allows you to easily download and scan your tickets, plan your route and save notes from your favorite features.
PRO Tip: New this year is the Designer Challenge, which will be a face off between two identical Koelbel & Company townhomes with competing design concepts. Parade of Homes attendees will have the chance to view both and vote for a winner!
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
While the kiddos might be dreading the fact that homework is just around the corner, there’s still time to make memories with the family this summer! Enjoy a free movie in the park or spend an afternoon at the Bubble Bash while you make the most of the remaining summer break.
Golden Movies & Music in the Park
Where? 719 10th Street
When? August 7th
Catch the 2025 live action Lilo & Stitch movie this Friday in Parfet Park! Families and community members are invited to enjoy an evening of live entertainment and movie magic under the stars. Bring a comfy blanket or a lawn chair and settle in to enjoy dinner in the park or grab food from on-site food trucks. Dessert options will also be available from Sweet Cream Moo Mobile. If you’re craving a salty snack with your movie, local student groups will be selling freshly popped popcorn. Starting at 7:00 PM, there will be live music by The Beloved Invaders, followed by the film beginning at 8:30 PM. With summer break nearing an end, make the most of these family-friendly events before school is back in session!
PRO Tip: Movies & Music in the Park is completely free to attend and no tickets are required.
Dino Fest 2026
Where? 9209 Dorothy Boulevard
When? August 8th
This Saturday, check out the 2nd Annual Thornton Dino Fest! Watch as your child’s curiosity roars to life from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at this free event where children of all ages can unleash their inner scientists through interactive STEM activities, hands-on exhibits and dino-themed adventures for the whole family. This annual event boasts 20+ interactive experiment stations, with special programming by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Butterfly Pavilion, the Mines Museum of Earth Science and more.
PRO Tip: Make sure to meet the two baby dinos from Front Range Dinos! There will also be coffee and bites available to purchase from Dead Stop Coffee and Road Drips Pancakes.
Bubble Bash
Where? 14697 Delaware Street
When? August 9th
The family-friendly Bubble Bash is scheduled for this Sunday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Orchard Town Center Sunken Plaza. Make this the bubbliest day of the summer with interactive bubble stations, foam fun, a DJ and a range of activities for the whole family. Grab your crew and head to the plaza to check out all-new bubble bicycles, bubble foam art, bazooka foam blasters, a coloring wall, and a Big Bubble Zone where you can make giant bubbles as big as a refrigerator! There will be a sensory hour from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM to provide a calmer, sensory-friendly experience for families prior to the main event kicking off. Registration is required for this block of time.
PRO Tip: Be sure to visit the pick-a-duck station, which benefits Food For Hope, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing vital nutrition for children in need within the community.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
No matter how you spend the weekend, we hope you enjoy all that the Mile High City has to offer! As always, visit us again next week to make sure your weekends stay filled with the best of what the city has on tap.