COLORADO, USA — It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Colorado this weekend.
Santa Claus has flown to Castle Rock to help light a 55-foot Christmas tree. Holiday craft shows are scheduled in Aurora, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Evergreen, Boulder, Frederick and Castle Rock. There are also festivals honoring cats and bighorn sheep. Doja Cat and Burna Boy are performing at Colorado's largest arena.
From the mountains to the plains, here are some fun events you'll only find in Colorado this November weekend. Don't forget to share your weekend photos with the "Near Me" feature on the 9NEWS app.
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Denver Veterans Day Parade & Festival
DENVER — The annual Denver Veterans Day Parade & Festival moves to Denver's City Park on Saturday. The family-friendly event offers free admission, a music stage, kids and family activities, military displays, and vendors. The parade and festival are free to attend and will include marching bands, floats, car clubs, military reenactments, local vendors and more. A 5K and 10K run begin at 9 a.m. Saturday. The parade and festival will be held at City Park after the runs.
Veterans Day Parade
LONGMONT — Longmont celebrates Veterans Day with an annual community parade in downtown. The parade starts on Eighth Avenue and travels south on Main Street to Third Avenue. The parade then turns north onto Coffman Street and ends at Roosevelt Park. The Veterans Day Parade steps off at 11:11 a.m. Saturday.
Outlets at Castle Rock Tree Lighting
CASTLE ROCK — It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Outlets of Castle Rock. The center’s 55-foot white fir Christmas tree has arrived on a flatbed truck from Mt. Shasta in northern California. Outlets at Castle Rock will hold its annual tree lighting event and concert on Saturday at 4 p.m. with live music from Radio Band, Jessie Wilson, and Caleb Lee Hutchinson, an appearance by Santa Claus, and fireworks.
Trees of Life
COLORADO SPRINGS — The 39th annual Trees of Life community tree lighting ceremony takes place Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. The event culminates with an outdoor ceremony where loved ones are remembered in each light that is illuminated. If you’d like to remember someone special during Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care’s Trees of Life ceremony, visit PikesPeakHospice.org.
Bighorn Sheep Festival
GEORGETOWN — The annual Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by Join Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Town of Georgetown, the free festival for all ages offers crafts, music, educational programs, hikes, tours, music, vendors and more at the Gateway Visitor Center, Library Park and other points throughout Georgetown.
Cat Fest
DENVER — Cat Fest Colorado — the ultimate celebration of all things cat — is at the National Western Expo Hall on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The show has doubled in size since last year and will feature celebrity cats, cat video café, mystical Egyptian cat temple, 15 cat adoption booths, more than 100 cat-themed vendors, cat history, cat crafts, costume contest, and TICA Cat Show.
Polar Express Train Ride
GOLDEN — The Colorado Railroad Museum is continuing its tradition of "The Polar Express Train Ride" for 2023. Performances are held on select dates for seven weeks beginning Friday and continuing through Saturday, Dec. 23. The train ride again will feature a cabaret-style show, singing, hot chocolate and Santa, recreating the "Polar Express" story.
Light Their Way Home luminaria display
AURORA — The Colorado Freedom Memorial will present its 7th annual “Light Their Way Home” luminaria display on the grounds of the Colorado Freedom Memorial from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Thursday through Saturday. There will be a short opening ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday. The display features more than 6,218 glass luminarias, one for each Colorado veteran killed in action since our statehood in 1876. There will also be a presentation of a 16-minute video, which will be projected onto the entire 40-by-200-foot wall of the warehouse building located just to the east of the memorial.
Skate in the Park
COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado Springs opens its ice-skating rink for the season on Friday. A grand opening celebration will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday as Colorado Springs prepares to celebrate the holidays. Tickets are $10 and that includes skate rentals. Located downtown along Tejon Street at Acacia Park, Colorado Springs’ Skate in the Park rink will be open most days through Jan. 31.
Doja Cat
DENVER — After canceling a performance at Empower Field last summer, Grammy Award winner Doja Cat is coming back to Denver this weekend. Doja Cat will bring “The Scarlet Tour” to Ball Arena in Denver on Friday with special guest Doechii. Tickets start at $70 at Ticketmaster.com. Doja Cat had been scheduled to open for The Weeknd at Empower Field at Mile High in August 2022, but dropped out so she could recover from surgery on her tonsils.
Burna Boy
DENVER — Nigerian artist Burna Boy will bring his "I Told Them… Tour" to Denver's Ball Arena on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available starting at $50 at Ticketmaster.com. In July, Burna Boy became the first Nigerian artist to headline a stadium in the United States, headlining a concert at New York City's Citi Field. He was also the first African to headline a stadium in the United Kingdom and was the first Nigerian artist to sell out Madison Square Garden in New York City.
St. Louis Blues vs. Colorado Avalanche
DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche end a three-game homestand on Saturday. The Avs host the St. Louis Blues at Ball Arena in Denver at 7 p.m. Ticketmaster.com is the source for certified tickets.
The Gift Spectacular
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Gift Spectacular is the holiday shopping event of the year taking place at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs. The curated marketplace will feature one of-a-kind seasonal items, handcrafted goods, holiday gift ideas, specialty foods, home décor, and unique holiday gifts. There will be local exhibitors, live music, alcoholic seasonal drinks, food trucks and family fun.
Columbine High School Holiday Craft Fair
LITTLETON — The Columbine High School Holiday Craft Fair is back this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2.
Cherokee Trail High School Holiday Craft Fair
AURORA — The Holiday Craft Fair at Cherokee High School will showcase local hand-crafted gifts, goodies and gifts. The show runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Mile High Holiday Mart
DENVER — Get an early start on your holiday shopping at the 44th Annual Mile High Holiday Mart from Friday through Sunday at Gates Field House on the University of Denver campus. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the Junior League of Denver's largest fundraising event featuring unique merchandise, a central location, and a festive environment.
Applewood Arts Festival
AURORA — More than 95 artisans will be on hand for this weekend's 46th annual Applewood Arts Festival in Aurora. The festival, held Saturday and Sunday at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, will have new artisans, handmades, re-purposed finds, craft food creations and more. Tickets are $6.
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
BOULDER — Pearl Street Mall will be home to the Firefly Handmade Holiday Market with more than 80 artisans offering art, ceramics, artisanal food/beverage, jewelry, accessories, home goods, skincare/wellness and adult/children's apparel. Live music and local shops, restaurants and bars will be part of this holiday shopping experience on Saturday and Sunday.
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Holiday Gift Fair
HIGHLANDS RANCH — More than 100 vendors will be at the Holiday Gift Fair with hand-crafted gifts, jewelry, pottery, wooden crafts, wreaths, glass, hand-knit items, holiday gifts and bath products. The show runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Eastridge Recreation Center.
Holiday Marketplace
FREDERICK — More than 40 craft and home-based business vendors will be selling their one-of-a-kind creations at the Carbon Valley Recreation Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free to the 20th annual Holiday Marketplace.
Alternative Gift Fair
EVERGREEN — The 23rd annual Alternative Gift Fair features 30 unique crafters and nonprofits from around the world. The fair is an arts festival where all vendors represent nonprofits, with a theme of giving twice. The fair is Saturday and Sunday at Evergreen Lutheran Church.
Rue de Noel: A Paris Street Christmas Market
CASTLE ROCK — Rue De Noel: A Paris Street Christmas Market is an indoor, two-day holiday market with vintage, antiques, artisans, apparel, holiday décor and more. The market opens at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday at the Douglas County Events Center with free admission and free parking.
Eagle Winter Market & Holiday Fair
EAGLE — The Eagle Winter Market & Holiday Fair arrives Saturday at the Eagle River Center. The event will offer one-stop shopping for those who crave must-have holiday crafts, beauty products, food and more. Santa Claus will be on hand for family photos and there will be face painting, coloring and adult refreshments. The market, which is free and open to the public, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Champagne Cascade
DENVER —One of the Brown Palace Hotel & Spa's best traditions, the 35th annual Champagne Cascade, will be held Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kickstarting the holiday season, the annual event features swordsman using sabers to sever the bottlenecks of Moet & Chandon champagne and then pouring into the uppermost glass of an two-story high, 5,200+ champagne glass pyramid. Proceeds support Make-A-Wish Colorado.
Chili, Booze & Brews
DENVER — The Chili, Booze & Brews is a chili, booze and brews competition featuring unlimited samples from Colorado craft breweries, small-batch distilleries and local restaurants. The fun begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at Highlands Mason Temple. The food and beverage competition benefits The Morgan Adams Foundation.
La Rumba 26th anniversary
DENVER — La Rumba, a Latin dance-focused nightclub that opened in the Golden Triangle neighborhood in 1997, will celebrate 26 years in business on Saturday. There will be live salsa by Sabor de la Calle and Latin rhythms by DJ Zafiro, dance lessons, and giveaways. The club has a “dress to impress” code detailed here.
Veterans Day Run
DENVER — Part of Denver’s Veterans Day celebration is the Denver Veterans Day Run at City Park at 9 a.m. Saturday. Participants have the choice between 5K, 10K and virtual options that are open to runners, joggers, walkers, kids of all ages. Proceeds from registration fees go directly to helping Colorado's veterans through the Colorado Veterans Project. Online registration is open at DenverVeteransDay.com.
Longmont Turkey Trot
LONGMONT — The 48th annual Longmont Turkey Trot begins Saturday at 9 a.m. The scenic, fast event offers two-mile and 10K courses. Proceeds from this weekend’s event benefit the City of Longmont Recreation Services Youth Scholarship Fund. To register for the Longmont Turkey Trot, visit LongmontColorado.gov.
Girls on the Run 5K
FRISCO — Town of Frisco will host the 9th annual Girls on the Run 5K on Saturday. The celebratory, non-competitive event is the culminating experience of a 10-week program, which is open to girls from third to fifth grades. This 5K race is not just open to Girls on the Run participants, but is also open to anyone in the community who wants to challenge themselves with a November run along Dillon Reservoir. This untimed, fun run will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, at Summit Middle School.
Arizona Wildcats vs. Colorado Buffaloes
BOULDER — Colorado head coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes play their final home game of the 2023 season this Saturday. Sanders and the Buffaloes (4-5) host the Arizona Wildcats (6-3) in Boulder. Saturday's game will kickoff at noon. The game is the final home game of the season at Folsom Field, which is celebrating its 100th season. In September, Colorado announced it had sold out all its home football games for the first time ever.
San Diego State vs. Colorado State
- Saturday, Nov. 11, at 5 p.m.
- Canvas Stadium, Fort Collins
- Tickets at CSURams.com
Western Colorado vs. Adams State
- Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m.
- Rex Stadium, Alamosa
- Tickets at ASUGrizzlies.com
Colorado School of Mines vs. Fort Lewis
- Saturday, Nov. 11, at 12 p.m.
- Ray Dennison Field, Durango
- Tickets at GoSkyHawks.com
Black Hills State vs. CSU Pueblo
- Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m.
- CSU Pueblo ThunderBowl, Pueblo
- Tickets at GoThunderWolves.com
International Gem & Jewelry Show
DENVER — The interest of jewelry aficionados will be piqued this weekend when the International Gem & Jewelry Show arrives at the Crowne Plaza Denver Airport. Held Friday to Sunday, the show is open to the public. Guests can shop directly from designers, wholesalers and manufacturers for diamonds, engagement rings, pearls, gemstones, fine jewelry, home décor, hair accessories, men's jewelry, watches and gifts. Tickets are $6 at Intergem.com.
13th Floor Blackout
DENVER — 13th Floor Haunted House will remain open for its annual Blackout weekend on Friday and Saturday where monsters and mayhem lurk in total darkness. All lights inside the attraction are turned off and groups will only be allowed to have a glow stick guide them through.
Red Rocks' final weekend
DENVER — There is no better venue for live music in the country than Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This is the final weekend left to enjoy a concert at the iconic venue before the winter break. Concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre are scheduled through Sunday, Nov. 12, when Of the Trees with Barclay Crenshaw, Yheti, kLL sMTH, and The Librarian close out the 2023 season.
- Thursday, Nov. 9 - Madeon
- Friday, Nov. 10 - Slander
- Saturday, Nov. 11 - DJ Snake
- Sunday, Nov. 12 - Of The Trees
Don Giovanni
DENVER — Opera Colorado's production of Mozart’s classic masterpiece "Don Giovanni" is underway in Denver. Performed in Italian, with English and Spanish subtitles at every seat, the opera promises to "sweep you away with its fine balance of comedy and tragedy, showing us the road to hell is paved with bad intentions." "Don Giovanni," which premiered on Oct. 29, 1787, will be performed at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at Denver Performing Arts Complex on Friday and Sunday.
Denver Film Festival
DENVER — The 46th Annual Denver Film Festival runs through Sunday, Nov. 12. In addition to the film screenings, the Denver Film Festival has special events, including filmmaker Q&A sessions, panel discussions, workshops, receptions, and industry networking opportunities.
Denver Arts Week
DENVER — Denver Arts Week goes through Saturday Nov. 11. The annual celebration of arts and culture in Denver helps to make art accessible to everyone and celebrates the countless talented artists in the community.
“Visit Denver established Denver Arts Week more than a decade ago, and Denver Arts & Venues has been presenting events to celebrate the week since the first year,” said Shanna Shelby, exhibition curator for Denver Arts & Venues. “This year, we are thrilled to present three free events connected to our Buell Theatre and McNichols Building exhibitions, plus a fall edition of one of our Denver Public Art Tours.”
Mysteries of the Ice Ages
DENVER — Mysteries of the Ice Ages is the newest exhibition at Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Embark on a journey through Earth's icy history and discover the fascinating stories of ice and adaptation through hundreds of artifacts, fossils, models and interactive experiences. Guests will see authentic tools and artifacts, some never before exhibited, used by Neanderthals, early humans and Arctic peoples, and discover lands lost long ago under the world’s oceans.
Clyde’s
DENVER — "Clyde's" is a new comedy by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and directed by Jamil Jude. At Clyde’s, formerly incarcerated individuals cook up meals that range from sublime to soul-crushing. Their kitchen mentor guides them on a quest to create the perfect sandwich – and reclaim their lives. Each cook must face their demons on their personal journeys towards purpose, self-worth, and even salvation. "Clyde's" plays the Kilstrom Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex through Nov. 26.
Cadillac Crew
AURORA — "Cadillac Crew" has opened at Vintage Theatre in Aurora. "Cadillac Crew" reclaims the stories of the forgotten leaders who blazed the trail for desegregation and women’s rights. Performances are Fridays, Saturdays and Monday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $34 and available by calling 303-856-7830 or VintageTheatre.org. "Cadillac Crew" plays through Sunday, Nov. 26.
Movies this weekend
“Five Nights at Freddy’s” repeated its first-place ranking last weekend, followed by “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” still going strong as Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla” expanded nationwide.
New this weekend, Marvel and Disney release the next superhero sequel "The Marvels" starring Academy Award winner Brie Larson.
New movies this weekend
- The Marvels
Last weekend's box office
- “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” $19.4 million.
- “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” $13.5 million.
- “Killers of the Flower Moon,” $7 million.
- “Priscilla,” $5.1 million.
- “Radical,” $2.7 million.
- “The Exorcist: Believer,” $2.2 million.
- “After Death,” $2 million.
- “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie,” $2 million.
- “What Happens Later,” $1.6 million.
- “Freelance,” $1.3 million.
> Would you like to see your favorite Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert, drama, musical, ballet, run or event listed in 9Things? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.
Have a fun weekend!
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