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. Check out the Pikes Peak Hot Rod Rock & Rumble in Fountain
What: Hot rods, drag racing, rockabilly music, flame throwing contests, pin-up contests, burnouts and much more is what awaits you at the Hot Rod Rock and Rumble! There will also be food and drink.
Where: Pikes Peak International Raceway, 16650 Midway Ranch Rd. in in Fountain, Colo.
When: Friday, Sept. 20 from noon to 2 a.m.; Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, Sept. 22 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: $15; kids 15 and under get in free.
More info: https://hotrodrock.com/
2. Get in the German spirit at Denver Oktoberfest
What: Bier, bier, bier! (That’s German for Beer, beer, beer!). Get ready for one of Denver’s most awaited annual festivals! There will be a stein hoisting + keg bowling competition, a long dog derby run, costume contests (so pull out the lederhosen and choose the best dirndl), food tastings, polka dancing and much more.
Where: 2100 Larimer St. in Denver, Colo.
When: Friday, Sept. 20 from 2 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission: $20-$240; buy tickets here.
More info: https://www.thedenveroktoberfest.com/
3. Get spicy during the Chile and Frijoles Festival in Pueblo
What: Pueblo gets a bad rap, but that all goes away during the Chile and Frijoles Festival. Experience the taste of green chile in its many forms – smoking on a stick, chopped into a tortilla, or served as green salsa. Partake in cooking competitions, dancing, live music, arts and crafts and a farmers’ markets.
Where: Pueblo, Colo.
When: Friday, Sept. 20 from 3 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: $5 daily admission; $12 for a 3-day pass; Kids 12 and under get in free
More info: http://festival.pueblochamber.org/
4. Arrr ye ready to rule the seven seas? If so, head to Northglenn for Pirate Fest
What: Ahoy mateys! Dress up and head to Northglenn for the 5th annual Pirate Fest! Become the King of the Pirates, turn heads at the Pirate Ball, test your skill during sword fights, or walk around to find a treasure! There will be yummy pirate drinks (rum, mead and beer), a pirate ship, bounce houses, historical reenactments, archery demonstrations and more.
Where: Northglenn Recreation Center and EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park, 11701 Community Center Drive in Northglenn, Colo.
When: Friday, Sept. 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: http://thepiratefest.com/
5. Add some color in your life at Colorfest in Pagosa Springs
What: Sample wines from around the world and enjoy delectable tastes from restaurants around the region, while listening to live music (this is a ticketed event). On Saturday and Sunday, head to Colorfest early to enjoy more than 30 hot air balloons fill up the sky and stay until dusk to enjoy them lighting up the festival on the ground. The hot air balloon show is free of charge.
Where: Town Park Athletic Field, Hermosa St. in Pagosa Springs, Colo.
When: Friday, Sept. 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (21+ event); Saturday, Sept. 21 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 22 starting at 8 a.m.
Admission: Free-$50; buy tickets here.
More info: https://pagosachamber.com/colorfest/
6. Oh my gourd! The Punkin’ Chunkin is happening this weekend in Aurora
What: Punkin Chunkin Colorado, Aurora’s legendary pumpkin launching competition is a fall festival that celebrates all things fall – while simultaneously showcasing over 25 teams of chunkers who use various self-made machines to see who can shoot a pumpkin the farthest over 2 days of competition. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, pony rides, fall crafts, a corvette car show, Carve War's chainsaw carving competition – plus food vendors and a beer garden!
Where: Arapahoe Park Racetrack, 26000 E. Quincy Ave. in Aurora, Colo.
When: Saturday, Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: $5 general admission; kids 4 and under get in free
More info: https://www.auroragov.org/things_to_do/events/punkin_chunkin_colorado
7. Head out to the best beer best in the Tri-Lakes area!
What: Local breweries and local hops will take over Limback Park in Monument for the Bines and Brews Hopfest! There will also be plenty of food available from local vendors. Did I forget to mention there will also be a Fresh Hop Beer Competition for The Twisted Bine’s “Top Hop Award” traveling trophy? Because that is definitely happening.
Where: Limbach Park in Monument, Colo.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.;
Admission: $25 general admission; $10 for “designated driver tickets”
More info: https://www.trilakeschamber.com/bines--brews-beer-fest.html
Looking for more? Check out these other fun events:
Celebrate Frederick’s mining heritage at Miners Day
What: Miners Day in Frederick, now in its 16th year, continues celebrating the community’s mining heritage with a dynamic parade, a burro race, vendors, food trucks, kids activities, contests, live music and much more. The event will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display!
Where: Centennial Park, 630 8th St. in Frederick, Colo.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.frederickco.gov/240/Miners-Day
Challenge yourself at the Fort Collins Fitness Festival
What: Fitness junkies, gym bunnies, swole bros and everyone else in between: Fort Collins is where you’ll want to test your body and mind! The one-day jammed pack event celebrates fitness, health and wellness, bringing the community together – and the best part? It doesn’t matter what fitness level or experience you have – the event is for everyone. Between a race, a HIIT workout, yoga and more, this festival will for sure make you sweat.
Where: Downtown Fort Collins, Colo.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: $0-$50; buy tickets here.
More info: https://fitnessfestivalevents.com/september-21
Experience what life was like during Civil War Weekend in Greeley
What: Witness a day in the life of a Civil War soldier as they recreate drills, and a battle reenactment at 1 p.m. Costumed reenactors will have their tents set up on the southeastern corner of the facility and are living that weekend as they would have during the Civil War—many using historic wares true to the time period. Visitors are encouraged to visit and interact with soldiers in the encampment.
Where: Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A. St. in Greeley, Colo.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for kids
More info: https://greeleycalendar.com/event/civil-war-weekend/
Hear the rumble during the 18th annual Downtown Car Show in Grand Junction
What: Main Street will rumble with the sound of hundreds of motors as participants pour into Downtown Grand Junction for the annual Downtown Car Show. Vehicle owners bring antique cars, muscle cars, classic cars and even motorcycles to display.
Where: Main St. in downtown Grand Junction, Colo.
When: Saturday, Sept. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free admission
More info: https://downtowngj.org/signature-events/downtown-car-show/
Oh, hey there! We see you've made it to the bottom of the article - that's awesome! There are so many ways to stay active in Colorado, and we love all of them. But one studio, Duality Fit, has found a way to combine a couple different fitness branches under one roof, making it 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.