DENVER – Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some fun events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area and beyond this weekend.
1. Looking for a carnival? Look no further than the Arapahoe County Fair
What: For 113 years, the Arapahoe County Fair has been one of the county’s longest standing community traditions and this year there will be several new things including a butterfly encounter, barn hunt, Mexico rodeo, mutton bustin’, a petting farm, live music and much more.
Where: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Event Center, 25690 E. Quincy Ave. in Aurora, Colo.
When: Thursday, July 25 from 4 p.m. to midnight; Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, July 28 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Admission: $10-$400; check for tickets here.
More info: https://www.arapahoecountyfair.com/
2. Love burros? Love seeing them race? You’ll want to go to Burro Days
What: The 71st annual Burro Days is happening this weekend in Fairplay. An annual event since 1949, Burro Days celebrates the contribution of donkeys in the old mining days. There will be burro races, llama races, kiddies pcak dog races, gold panning, a parade, outhouse races, over 145 arts, crafts and food booths, live music, BBQ & barn dance, and much more. The World Championship Pacak Burro Race takes place Sunday.
Where: Fairplay, Colo.
When: Friday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, July 29 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission: Free of charge
More info: http://www.burrodays.com/index.htm
3. Jam out at the Eastern Plains Summer Concert Series in Byers
What: If you love live music and don’t want to go to the UMS, head over to Byers for music on the farm. This weekend, Renegade Road will perform.
Where: May Farms, 64001 US Highway 36 in Byers, Colo.
When: Friday, July 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free of charge
More info: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/townofbennett/bennett-arts-council
4. Head out to Lyons for one of the world’s most renowned Bluegrass festivals
What: One of the world’s premiered traditional bluegrass festivals is happening in Colorado this weekend. Among the names participating this year are the Earls of Leicester Featuring Jerry Douglas, The Tim O’Brien Band, the Sam Bush Bluegrass Band, Hawktail, and many more.
Where: Lyons, Colo.
When: Friday, July 16 through Sunday, July 28
Admission: $75-$175; check here for tickets.
More info: https://bluegrass.com/rockygrass
5. Celebrate Asian heritage at the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
What: It may be officially be the Year of the Pig in the Chinese calendar, but this weekend over 120,000 people will witness dozens of dragons take over Sloan’s Lake. The annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is celebrating Vietnam this year, with food, music, performances and much more. There is no parking at Sloan’s Lake, so you’ll have to take a shuttle from the South Side of the Auraria 5th St. Garage, which runs approximately every 10 mins.
Where: Sloan’s Lake Park in Denver
When: Saturday, July 27 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free of charge
More info: http://www.cdbf.org/
6. Look at some art while taking a stroll at the Cheesman Park Art Festival
What: A total of 130 juried artists and craftsmen will hail from 30 different states around the country to showcase their work at the Cheesman Park Art Fest. The free, two-day festival in one of Denver’s prized historic parks, will showcase works of otters, painters, jewelers, sculptors, glass artists, and more – in a wide range of prices.
Where: Cheesman Park, 1599 E. 8th Ave. in Denver
When: Saturday, July 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m; Sunday, July 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free of charge
More info: https://dashevents.com/productions/cheesman-park-art-fest/
7. Find your center while doing yoga with goats in Fort Collins
What: Salute the sun with baby goats during a one-of-a-kind workout at the Anheuser-Busch Fort Collins Brewery. The class is one-hour long and you are asked to bring your own mat. Before the practice, though prepare to enjoy some “goat cuddle time” with your fellow furry yogis.
Where: Anheuser-Busch Tour Center, 3823 Mountain Vista Drive in Fort Collins, Colo.
When: Sunday, July 28 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Admission: $30
More info: Learn more and register here.
Oh, hey there! We see you've made it to the bottom of the article - that's awesome! Want to get outside for some exercise? Whether you walk, jog, run, bike, skate or anything else, you can enjoy Denver’s waterways, parks and more for free, any time of year. They're a Mile High Must!
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com at least a week ahead of the event and make sure to title it "7 best things to do" so he can put your event on the list.