One of this weekend’s many highlights include the various Colorado Day celebrations happening across the Mile High City! On August 1st, 1876, Colorado became the 38th state. Celebrate 150 years of Colorado this Saturday and get involved with community activities and family-friendly celebrations designed to commemorate this once-in-a-generation event.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Hit the ground running this weekend with a trip to the Civic Center NIGHT MARKET on Friday or laugh until your sides hurt at the RISE Comedy Festival. Don’t miss out on Colorado Day celebrations on Saturday across the Mile High City!
Civic Center NIGHT MARKET
Where? 101 West 14th Avenue
When? July 31st
The Civic Center NIGHT MARKET is a family-friendly evening in Denver centered around food, culture and entertainment. The market illuminates the heart of the Mile High City and is inspired by the popular night markets of Southeast Asia. Swing on by and experience local culinary delights, cultural performers, and connection within your local community. This Friday, the market’s theme is Homegrown Colorado and will be held from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. What better way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and Colorado’s 150th birthday than with the best homegrown products from around the Centennial State? Come check out the diversity of Colorado’s most famous food, beverage and culture at the Civic Center NIGHT MARKET.
PRO Tip: No celebration would be complete without good vibes and live music. There will be DJs spinning in a silent disco, as well as live local bands throughout the evening.
RISE Comedy Festival
Where? 1260 22nd Street
When? Through August 1st
RISE Comedy and Green Door are excited to present the RISE Comedy Festival across two weekends in July and August, complete with improv comedy, stand up comedy, as well as a host of workshops, classes, parties and more. Comics will get 5-7 minutes and 2 to 3 sets across the weekend and the festival will additionally feature industry panels where participants can ask questions and get insider insights on what the industry is looking for. This year will feature the Stand Up Competition, with cash prizes ranging from $150 up to $500! The selection of workshops and intensives at this year’s festival include Seamless Scene Edits with Susie Sargent, Freestyle Rap Games for Anyone, and more.
PRO Tip: Grab your Improv All Access Festival Pass here for only $99!
Colorado Day at Union Station
Where? 1701 Wynkoop Street
When? August 1st
This Saturday, head over to Denver Union Station to celebrate Colorado’s 150th birthday! There will be a full day of free, family-friendly festivities honoring the culture, history, music and flavors that make the Centennial State so iconic. From 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, attendees can catch live performances, cultural experiences, and family-friendly fun throughout Denver Union Station and the plaza. Plaza activations and giveaways include Historic LoDo walking tours with Historic Denver, gold panning with Mighty Argo Mill, hands-on soccer activations and ticket discounts and giveaways with the Colorado Rapids and so much more. There will be live music on the patio headlined by Rootbeer Richie and an array of indoor performances by the Colorado Symphony, Central City Opera and more.
PRO Tip: If you’re interested in ticketed experiences, savor the flavors of the Centennial State with Taste of Colorado!
Colorado Day BAZAAR
Where? 2101 15th Street
When? August 1st
Celebrate Colorado Day at a special BAZAAR, where you’ll find 140+ Colorado makers, sponsor booths, and a stage for homegrown music. Come on out and commemorate the Centennial State’s 150th birthday for free all day! The Colorado Day BAZAAR is set to be held in Commons Park from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Attendees are welcome to come and go all day, with organizers expecting thousands of people. Bring your family, your friends and even your neighbors! This year’s headliner is Los Mocachetes, with featured acts including Brothers of Brass, May Be Fern, School of Rock and more.
PRO Tip: There will be dedicated bike parking inside of the event and the nearest major RTD hub is Denver Union Station for those taking public transit!
Colorado Day Community Fest 2026
Where? 1200 Broadway
When? August 1st
The Colorado Day Community Fest will be held in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District this Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Join History Colorado and community partners this weekend for free admission to the festival and to the museums, as well as a chance to celebrate this once-in-a-generation event! The event will feature music, art, food, and activities designed to exemplify Colorado’s remarkable culture. Kick off your morning with a free community pancake breakfast before you enjoy a day of live cultural performances, music, local vendors, and even a lowrider car show! There will be something for all ages, so bring the family out and make a day of it.
PRO Tip: As an additional perk, visitors will receive free access to the History Colorado Center, the Center for Colorado Women’s History and to the Denver Art Museum!
Colorado Rapids vs. Austin FC
Where? 6000 Victory Way
When? August 1st
The Rapids are facing off against Austin this Saturday at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. The game starts at 8:30 PM and will be streaming on Apple TV for those who can’t make it out in person. The Rapids are a professional American soccer team founded in 1996 as a charter member of Major League Soccer. The club is based in the Denver area and plays home matches in Commerce City. The team won their lone MLS Cup title in 2010 by defeating FC Dallas 2-1 in extra time. Whether you’ve been a longtime fan or this is your first foray into professional soccer, you’re sure to have a blast rooting on the home team!
PRO Tip: Shop tickets here, with options starting in the low to mid $30s.
Dog Days of Summer
Where? 1530 16th Street
When? August 1st
Dog lovers unite! This Saturday, make plans to enjoy all the pups in Larimer Square from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Dog Days of Summer is returning for 2026, so whether you’re a proud pet parent or you just love being around pups, this is a great way to spend a beautiful summer afternoon full of smiles, splashes and pup cuteness. Live music will be performed throughout the day by Damn Tall Buildings, Before the Sun, and Michael Cec. Additional activations and happenings include free pet photoshoots by Unfound Door, dog treat giveaways, dog merch and doggie cooling zones so Fido can enjoy a romp through the water park. There will also be retail pop-ups, so show your support for local businesses on the block. Milly Rose Designs will be offering permanent jewelry and Coco + Grace will be extending their store for a retail pop-up.
PRO Tip: Explore the craft beverage offering and tasty bites from local Larimer Square establishments, such as Tamayo, Osteria Marco and more.
Mile High 150 Expo
Where? 11755 Airport Way
When? August 1st
If you don’t have plans for Saturday, make a trip to the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport for an exciting once-in-a-lifetime event! From a thrilling airshow, live music by a Nashville star, and a 300-drone show capping off the night, this is truly a celebration you won’t want to miss. Scotty Hasting will be taking the stage at 8:00 PM for a special set, with gates opening at 4:00 PM. Catch aerial performances from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM, a community celebration and a spectacular drone light show that’s only happening this year!
PRO Tip: My Blue Sky will be opening for Scotty Hasting with Southern rock and blues at 6:45 PM. Make sure to arrive in time for the aerial displays, including warbirds and modern aerobatic acts led by the Mile High Air Boss.
Denver International Festival
Where? 2736 Welton Street
When? August 1st
The Denver International Festival is back and bigger, better and more flavorful than ever. Set in the heart of the Mile High City’s Historic Five Points Neighborhood, visitors can join in for a day of global food, live music and cultural performances. This Saturday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, enjoy free admission to one of the most delicious festivals around. Indulge in an impressive variety of international cuisine, boasting flavors from across the globe. Throughout the day, you’ll catch live music, DJs and international performances designed to showcase the rich cultures that make Denver a global city. Additionally, you can explore interactive exhibits, artisan vendors and cultural showcases as you eat your way around the world with 25+ food trucks that have been carefully curated to take attendees on a culinary journey.
PRO Tip: There will be a dedicated space for kids and family to enjoy fun, hands-on activities!
City Park Jazz: Delta Sonics Blues Revue
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? August 2nd
If you haven’t had the chance to catch a performance at City Park Jazz this summer, make this Sunday your opportunity! You won’t want to miss the 40th Anniversary Season, which might look a little different than years past. If you haven’t heard, the City Park bandshell, which was built in 1929, was completely destroyed in a fire in late March. This has left City Park Jazz without a stage or power for the season, so show your support for this longstanding summer tradition by showing up, embracing the community and donating if you’re able to during this landmark 30th annual summer series. This year, the season spans 10 Sunday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This Sunday, catch the Delta Sonics Blues Revue. The band takes a Chicago Blues base and “seasons” it with swing, delta, N’awlins R&B and some early rock n’ roll.
PRO Tip: This season, concerts will be staged at the City Park Pavilion.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
This weekend, explore Denver with the family and enjoy family-friendly movie nights in the park, a trip to Elitch Gardens or an afternoon at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo!
EPRD Buchanan Park Family Movie Nights: Family Campout
Where? 32003 Ellingwood Trail
When? July 31st
This beloved community event invites family, friends and neighbors to come together for good movies, tasty snacks and completely free fun. This Friday’s movie will be The Incredibles and interested attendees can also sign up for the Family Campout. Campsite spaces are priced at $35, with up to 6 people permitted per site. Campers can enjoy s’mores before bed and coffee and hot chocolate in the morning! Quiet hours will be from 10:30 PM to 6:00 AM in the Buchanan Park Ball Fields. The movie night will feature inflatable activities, food trucks, ice cream, yard games and much more. The fun kicks off at 4:00 PM on Friday, so start the countdown now!
PRO Tip: At least one person over the age of 18 must be present overnight for each campsite.
Peppa Pig™ @ Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Where? 2000 Elitch Circle
When? July 31st-August 2nd
You’re invited to meet Peppa Pig™ at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park this weekend! Join your favorite characters in the Trocadero Theatre for a fun-filled interactive mini performance and meet & greet. The 15-minute interactive show will use audience participation, comedy and music to reinforce problem-solving skills and early social-emotional learning skills. The daily schedule will begin from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM with a meet and greet, followed by the mini Pirate Island performance. There will be two performances a day and four meet and greet opportunities.
PRO Tip: These experiences are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan to arrive early for the best chance to meet the characters.
Douglas County Fair & Rodeo
Where? 500 Fairgrounds Drive
When? Through August 2nd
The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo will be in town for a final weekend. Celebrate all things Western heritage and agriculture and check out the thrilling PRCA rodeo events that will have you on the edge of your seat. Cheer on the talented cowgirls and cowboys as they showcase their skills in the arena. Don’t forget about the carnival, either. It’s sure to be a whirlwind of fun with rides that will make you feel like a kid again and games that will test your skill. The whole family will enjoy a day of laughter, smiles and unforgettable memories. No fair is complete without carnival eats, either. Save room for savory corn dogs, funnel cakes and classic cotton candy as you make your way through the fair.
PRO Tip: Grab your tickets here and get ready for a weekend that your family won’t forget, especially if you upgrade to the Unlimited Ride Wristband!
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
This weekend is jam-packed with fun for all ages, interests, and groups. Whether you’re hanging with the family or showing first-time Denver visitors around the Mile High City, you have abundant options to choose from. Plan your weekend itinerary and make sure to visit us again next week!