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. Telluride Balloon Festival
What: If you missed this month’s earlier balloon festival in Erie, you have another chance to see one this weekend! Weather permitting, dozens of hot air balloons will launch from Town Park on the east of town and sail down the valley landing one mile out of town. On Saturday night, you’ll have a chance to experience “the Glow” where pilots will inflate their balloons along Main St. and fire up the propane to create a light show unlike any other.
Where: Telluride, Colo.
When: Friday, May 31 starting at 8 a.m.; Saturday, June 1 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, June 2 starting at 6 a.m.
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.telluride.com/festivals-and-events/telluride-balloon-festival
2. Denver Pop Culture Con
What: No, this isn’t another random convention – it’s the same good ol’ Denver Comic Con, but with a new name! So, geeks of Denver: rejoice! From special performance events, to fandom panels, to educational workshops and more, there will be over 600 hours-worth of programming spanning three days! Did we forget to mention that you’re encouraged to dress up for the cosplay celebration?
Where: Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St. in Denver
When: Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: $8.25-$93.50; Check here for ticket packages.
More info: https://denverpopculturecon.com/
3. Mike the Headless Chicken Festival
What: Back in 1945, a chicken named Mike that was headed to the dinner table survived the chopping block when most of its brain stem remained intact. With the help of water and grain delivered via eyedropper, the chicken was able to survive for 18 months! Of course, citizens made a festival out of the whole thing. So this weekend, head out and enjoy a disc golf tournament, a rooster-calling contest and poultry show, and a 5K run.
Where: Fruita, Colo.
When: Friday, May 31 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, June 1 from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.miketheheadlesschicken.org/mike
4. Denver Chalk Art Festival
What: Over 200 Colorado artists will take over Larimer Square in Denver this weekend with colored chalk to turn the colorless pavement into a two-day museum of chalk art. There will also be live music throughout the day.
Where: Larimer Square in Downtown Denver
When: Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.larimerarts.org/
5. Free day at the Denver Art Museum
What: Enjoy free admission to the Denver Art Museum this Saturday! Note: Special exhibitions will require a ticketed admission.
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, Colo.
When: First Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: denverartmuseum.org
6. Western Colorado Vintage Motorcycle Show
What: More than 100 motorcycles will be on display along downtown Palisade this weekend for the Western Colorado Vintage Motorcycle Show. Judging categories include American, British, European, Garage, Asian, Rat Bike, Sport/Racing, Flat-track and Dirt Bike.
Where: 3rd and Main St. in downtown Palisade, Colo.
When: Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.westerncovintage.com/
7. Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival
What: You don’t have to travel to California to experience wine country – especially if you’re tired of Colorado’s craft beer scene. So, if you, like me, want to find some good wine, why not head to Manitou Springs and enjoy tastings from 30 Colorado wineries? There will also be live music, food and gift vendors while you take a stroll through Memorial Park.
Where: Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave. in Manitou Springs, Colo.
When: Saturday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $35
More info: https://manitousprings.org/calendar/manitou-springs-colorado-wine-festival
Looking for more? Check out these over events:
Hike to End Hunger
What: If you love hiking and care about ending hunger across our state, lace up those shoes and get ready for Hike to End Hunger. There will be face-painting, relay races, an interactive hike, music, game and prizes, as well as local vendors offering giveaways, food and refreshments. Registration starts at $10 and includes a hiking schwag bag as well as access to all of the event activities and refreshments.
Where: D’evelyn Jr-Sr High School, 10359 W. Nassau Ave. in Denver
When: Saturday, June 1 from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Admission: $10
More info: Learn more about the Hike to End Hunger here.
Plein Air Festival and Auction in Loveland
What: If you’re looking for a moment of Zen this weekend, head to Loveland for the Plen Air Festival. En plein air is the act of painting outdoors, and the city of Loveland will play host to dozens of painters who will create beautiful works of arts throughout downtown and the River’s Edge Natural Area.
Where: 4th St. and N. Railroad Ave. in Loveland, Colo.
When: Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: https://governorsartshow.org/
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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.