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. Two-step it at the Country Jam Music Festival
What: Country Jam is a four-day country music festival featuring the biggest names in country music on multiple stages, surrounded by Colorado’s awe-inspiring red rock landscape. Little Big Town, Willie Jones, Sam Hunt, Morgan Myles and more will be performing.
Where: Grand Junction, Colo.
When: Wednesday, June 12 from 6 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.; Thursday, June 13 from 2 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Friday, June 14 from 2 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Saturday, June 15 from 2 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Sunday, June 16 from 2 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Admission: $144-$285; Find tickets here.
More info: https://countryjam.com/
2. Drink and eat at the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen
What: Head to Aspen and join the party for the Food & Wine Classic! The premier culinary event consists of three incredible days of cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and panel discussions by world-class chefs and wine experts.
Where: Wagner Park, 419 S. Mill St. in Aspen, Colo.
When: Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.; Sunday, June 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Admission: $150-$4,000
More info: https://classic.foodandwine.com/
3. Pig out at the Denver BBQ Festival
What: Get ready to go hog wild this Father’s Day weekend at the second annual Denver BBQ Festival. New this year? An expanded menu way beyond the basics –
to prove it, they’ll be smoking over 18,000 pounds of mouthwatering meat. So, bring your appetite and grab a slab, pound some pork and put some beef in your belly at the best BBQ festival on the Front Range.
Where: Broncos Stadium at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St. in Denver
When: Friday, June 14 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free of charge
More info: https://denverbbqfest.com/
4. Celebrate diversity at Denver PrideFest 2019
What: One of the biggest Pride events in the West is happening right here in Denver. This year, the city – and the nation – will commemorate 50 years since the 1969 Stonewall Inn riots in New York. Legendary queen Lady Bunny and Denver’s very own Yvie Oddly will perform during this year’s PrideFest, but those aren’t the only big names coming to Denver for Pride.
Where: Denver’s Civic Center Park
When: Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free of charge
More info: Want to keep the party going? Check out our Denver Pride guide.
5. Jam out with Ashanti at the Juneteenth Music Festival
What: Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Located in the Historic Five Points Neighborhood, the family friendly celebration features Funk, Soul, R&B and Hip-Hop performances by nationally acclaimed acts and local bands. The festival also features an awesome Youth Zone filled with games, rides and free prizes and much more. Grammy Award Winner Ashanti will headline the festival this year. The annual Juneteenth Parade begins staging at 9 a.m. on Saturday and officially takes off at 11 a.m. at Manual High School.
Where: Five Points neighborhood, on Welton St. between 25th and 30th Streets
When: Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: https://www.juneteenthmusicfestival.com/
6. Go back in time at the Colorado Renaissance Festival
What: Prepare to dress up in period-accurate fashion, bring your appetite for turkey legs and get ready to return to the past, because the 43rd annual Colorado Renaissance Festival is coming back to Larkspur this weekend.
Where: 650 West Parry Park Avenue in Larkspur, Colo.
When: Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Adults $23.50, Children between 5 and 12-years-old $11, Children under 5 get in free.
More info: https://coloradorenaissance.com/
7. Get in bed and race in honor of Madam Lou
What: The legend goes that Lou Bunch, a madam who ran brothels in Central City during the town’s gold mining boom, converted her houses into makeshift hospitals after an epidemic of tuberculosis broke out. To commemorate Madam Bunch and her ties with the city’s local history, Central City now hosts a myriad of events including a Madams and Miners Ball, food, beer, and the famous bed races. The event is officially known as Madam Lou Bunch Day and Famous Bed Race.
Where: Central City, Colo.
When: Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: Learn more about the 45th Annual Madam Lou Bunch Day and Famous Bed Race by clicking here.
Looking for more? Check out these other events:
The Big Bounce America
What: A big, bright inflatable castle is returning to Colorado for two weekends, starting this Father’s Day weekend! The 10,000-square foot inflatable castle will have several zones which include basketball hoops, an obstacle race, a giant slide that lands you into a giant ball-pit, an inflatable forest (jungle animals included) as well as giant inflatable beds if you’re in the need of a break.
Where: Meridian Park, 10500 Bierstadt Way in Englewood, Colo.
When: Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16 and again on Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23.
Admission: Varies
More info: https://thebigbounceamerica.com/adult/
Frisco BBQ Challenge
What: Head to the Town of Frisco in Summit County for the 26th annual Frisco BBQ Challenge. It’s not all BBQ, however. There will be nine free concerts, pig races, a 6K with a bacon aid station, chef demos, street performers, a firefighter cook-off, a whiskey tour and a charming Main St. settting surrounded by mountains and a beauitul lake.
Where: Town of Frisco, Colo.
When: Friday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free entry, but you must get hogback tickets to purchase everything inside.
More info: https://www.townoffrisco.com/play/colorado-bbq-challenge/general-info/
Pride Night with the Colorado Rockies
What: Come kick off Denver Pride with the Colorado Rockies as they take on the San Diego Padres! A portion of each ticket sold benefits One Colorado’s advocacy work.
Where: Coors Field, 2001 Blake St. in Denver
When: Friday, June 14 at 6:40 p.m.
Admission: $20-$51
More info: Learn more about this and other Pride-related Denver events here.
Repticon Denver Reptile Show
What: Head to Aurora for a weekend packed with a great selection of animals, reptile supplies and merchandise, entertaining seminars and live animal presentations.
Where: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave. in Aurora, Colo.
When: Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16
Admission: $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12; kids 4 and under get in free
More info: Learn more about Repticon here.
Morbid Curiosities Festival
What: It’s time for the third annual Morbid Curiosities Carnival! Never been? Expect to see a hearse and ambulance car show – and yes, there will be a hearse giveaway; vendors selling morbid items, curiosities, dark art and more, including presentations on how to repair massive wounds and survive a zombie apocalypse; a creepy petting zoo, live music and more.
Where: Stampede, 2430 S. Havana St. in Aurora, Colo.
When: Saturday, June 15 from noon to 6 p.m.
Admission: $8
More info: Learn more and get tickets here.
Palisade Bluegrass and Roots Music Festival
What: over ten years, Palisade has been celebrating its love for hot pickin’ guitars, outstanding artistry, blazing fiddles and Colorado sunshine. Located along the Colorado River at Riverbend Park, The Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival brings together some of the country’s top bluegrass artists as well as Colorado’s favorite emerging stars for three days of non-stop, festival vibes.
Where: Palisade, Colo.
When: Friday, June 14 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: $65-$195
More info: https://www.palisademusic.com/
Pikes Peak Celtic Festival
What: The Pikes Peak Celtic Festival will be filled with the sound of bagpipes, the smell of fish & chips, the sight of world champion Irish dancers, and events/activities for every age.
Where: Western Museum of Mining & Industry, 225 North Gate Blvd. in Colorado Springs, Colo.
When: Friday, June 14 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission: $15-$25; Buy tickets here.
More info: https://pikespeakcelticfestival.com/festival-info/
Gem and Mineral Show
What: The Historic Town of Victor is holding its 7th annual Victor Gem and Mineral Show this Father’s Day Weekend. Vendors from across the state will be selling Colorado dug minerals.
Where: Town of Victor, Colo.
When: Friday, June 14 through
Admission: Free of charge
More info: https://www.victorcolorado.com/GemandMineralShow.htm
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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.