COLORADO, USA — Mother's Day weekend features numerous fun events for the whole family including a food truck carnival, a chocolate festival, art walks and more. If Mom is up for a sporting event, the Rapids and Rockies are back at home this weekend. If you're a fan of bacon and beer, a festival at Broncos Stadium is sure to delight. No matter where you live in Colorado there is a unique event near you this weekend.
DENVER — The “untold true story of the witches of Oz” is back in the Centennial State. Broadway smash Wicked has returned to Denver for a five-week engagement at the Buell Theatre. Featuring soaring, breathtaking tunes like “Defying Gravity,” the inventive musical tells the story you know of Oz, but from a different angle. Wicked plays the Buell through June 9. For tickets and showtimes, visit DenverCenter.org.
DENVER — The Bacon and Beer Classic is back at Broncos Stadium at Mile High for a fourth year. Held on the field of the stadium, the event features over 100 beers from regional breweries, more than 30 bacon-infused dishes from local chefs, a blind beer taste test, a bacon-eating contest, lawn games, music and more. Tickets for this 21-and-older event are available online at BaconandBeerClassic.com.
DENVER — The ultimate chocolate experience will be at the Denver Mart on Friday and Saturday where you can sample and buy the finest chocolates in Colorado from more than 100 vendors. There will also be speakers, cooking demos, wine tastings, fun contests, Mother's Day gifts, games, and kids’ activities spread over 30,000 square feet. Admission is $5 and sample tickets are sold separately. Tickets are available online at COChocolateFests.com and parking is free.
NORTHGLENN — Food trucks, carnival rides, brew battle and live music headline Northglenn's Food Truck Carnival. There will be 20 carnival rides, midway game booths, and a few dozen food trucks. The event runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the southeast corner of 120th and I-25 and admission is free. Lots of parking will be available at the Wagon Road Park-n-Ride. To see a list of all the food trucks and their delicious creations, and to get a $5 off carnival ride tickets, visit FoodTruckCarnival.com.
DENVER — The Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers meet Sunday afternoon in Game 7 of their second round playoff series. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m. at Pepsi Center with a spot in the Western Conference Finals on the line. Tickets for this Mother's Day matchup are available through AltitudeTickets.com.
DENVER — The Colorado Rockies hope their second-straight weekend series at Coors Field goes better than last weekend’s series. The Rockies open a three-game series with the San Diego Padres Friday night. The Rockies end their nine-game homestand with a Mother’s Day Sunday afternoon game. For tickets, visit Rockies.com.
WHEAT RIDGE — The Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital Blood Bank, Vitalant and Veterinary System Services, Inc are hosting their first annual paired canine and human blood drive. The event takes place Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, located at 10140 W 44th Ave. Human donors that give a pint of blood will get a pint of New Terrain Brewing Company beer. For more information, visit the event Facebook page here.
COMMERCE CITY — The Colorado Rapids and interim head coach Conor Casey look to notch their first victory of the 2019 season when they host Rocky Mountain Cup rival Real Salt Lake on Saturday. The Rapids and RSL will battle at 7 p.m. Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Tickets, including Burgundy and Brew packages, are sold at AltitudeTickets.com.
DENVER — A Colorado staple opens for the 2019 season on Saturday. Lakeside Amusement Park, located at I-70 and Sheridan, has been operating at the same location since 1908. The park features trains, a merry-go-round, drop tower, bumper cars and many spinning rides. Kick off summer right by making lifelong memories with picnics, laughs, food, fun and games at Lakeside.
DENVER — The Denver Comedy Block Party is a one-day block party and food truck festival with 50 local comedians, three stages and ten shows. The 21-and-older block party at 3305 Cook St. runs from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday with food, drinks and laughs for $11 (online) or $15 cover (day-of). A portion of the event’s proceeds will support the non-profit Big Dogs Huge Paws. Denver Comedy Block Party tickets are available online.
COLORADO SPRINGS — The 26th annual Hummingbird Festival at Colorado Springs' North Cheyenne Cañon Park is on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center. The festival will be full of family-friendly events that highlight the hummingbirds that stop by the park each spring. There will be guided walks, a kids' activity tent, nature exhibits, plant sale and a raptor presentation.
LONGMONT — Downtown Longmont’s Creative District will hold its ArtWalk street festival on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. With live music and performances, art and interactive activities, ArtWalk promises a “festival like no other.” Among Saturday’s performers include Mead High School Jazz Band, Flagstaff Academy Jazz Band, Sunset Middle School A Cappella, Elemental Enchanters fire dancers, Pamela Machala Band, Amuní Folk Band, Ole Caribbean Latin dance, Jackson Cloud Odyssey and more. To see a complete festival schedule, visit ArtWalkLongmont.org.
COLORADO SPRINGS — Old Colorado City will celebrate spring with “Old Colorado City in Bloom.” The Saturday event features more than a dozen galleries, boutiques, specialty shops and hundreds of artists. There will be demonstrations, talented artists, special activities, food and more.
DENVER — This weekend will be perfect for planting so get your summer on at this weekend’s Denver Botanic Gardens Spring Plant Sale. The sale will have aquatics, annuals, fruits, berries, veggies, hanging baskets, herbs, houseplants, perennials, roses, succulents, bulbs and more. The sale, and the Denver Botanic Gardens, is free to attend on Friday and Saturday.
WHEAT RIDGE — Four Seasons Farmers and Artisans Market’s Bee and Honey Festival will take place Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival celebrates bees, beekeeping, pollinators of all kinds, and of course, honey! Festival attendees can sample different kinds of honey, listen to live music, and attend presentations on Native Bees, Plants for Pollinators, Bee Safe Neighborhoods and Beekeeping Basics. This event was first published by MileHighOnTheCheap.com. For more local deals and discounts go to MileHighontheCheap.com.
LAKEWOOD — Anglers, rejoice! Cast your line and show off your skill in this tournament at Bear Creek Lake Park. Two-person teams will compete in watercraft and shore fishing categories. The target will be rainbow or brown trout and the winner will be determined by weight with cash prizes awarded for first, second and third place. The tournament begins Saturday at 6:30 a.m. Registration is available online at Lakewood.org/FishingTournament.
DENVER — The Horseshoe Market kicks off its 10th year as a two-day Spring Market at Broncos Stadium at Mile High this weekend. The vintage and artisan market will have over 200 artisans, vendors, collectors, mobile boutiques, food vendors and on-site creative workshops. The new location in Lot G on the west side of Broncos Stadium will include a renewed focus on all things related to home and home décor. Admission is just $5 and covers both days, plus moms get in for free on Mother’s Day between 10 a.m. and noon. Visit HorseshoeMarket.com for show hours and information.
COLORADO SPRINGS — El Pomar Youth Bike Park will be home this weekend’s Great Bicycle Carnival. There will be opportunities for guided family-friendly bike rides with Kids on Bikes Ambassadors during the event. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
BOULDER — The 6th annual Upslope Get Down is a free music festival with beer, food trucks, games, art, vendors and more. The celebration begins at 2 p.m. at Upslope’s Flatiron Brewery. Live music will take place on three stages. VIP tickets and advance beer ticket pages are available online.
DENVER — The Denver Coin Expo, one of the largest and the oldest coin show in the Rocky Mountains, returns to the National Western Complex this Thursday to Saturday. More than 150 tables will offer coins, currency, jewelry, medals, tokens, supplies for collectors and hobbyists. For a complete event schedule, visit RockyMtnExpos.com.
DENVER —Country music star Eric Church brings his “Double Down Tour” to Colorado this weekend for a pair of concerts at Pepsi Center. Church will perform six albums of material across two “very different nights of music,” according to the concert’s promoters. Church will take to the Pepsi Center stage on Friday and Saturday. For tickets, visit AltitudeTickets.com.
DENVER — Rock band Snow Patrol is back on the road with the “Wildness Tour.” With support from Billie Marten and Ryan McMullan, the Wildness Tour is set to stop at Denver’s Paramount Theatre at 7 p.m. Friday. AltitudeTickets.com is the place for tickets.
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COMMERCE CITY — Kickoff the unofficial start to summer by soaking in popcorn flick at the last remaining original drive-in in the Denver metro area. The 88 Drive-In, located near I-76 and E. 88th Ave., offers the best outdoor cinematic experience. Grab the blankets and enjoy the triple feature of Avengers: Endgame, Captain Marvel and Shazam! this weekend. Admission is $9 a person and kids under 12 get in for free. For estimated showtimes, visit 88drivein.net.
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado Springs Philharmonic performs red, white and blue tunes to celebrate America’s patriotic roots and today’s armed forces at this weekend’s Star Spangled Pops. The orchestra’s performances will include wartime classics, film scores and other flag-waving favorites. Thomas Wilson will conduct the shows this Friday and Saturday at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts. Visit CSPhilharmonic.org for tickets and showtimes.
DENVER — The Colorado Symphony will hold three performances of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique this weekend at Boettcher Concert Hall that will feature Missy Mazzoli’s Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres). In addition, featured soloist Conrad Tao will also be performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto. Performances by the Colorado Symphony are set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Grab your tickets at ColoradoSymphony.org.
DENVER — Hay Fever, the newest production from Germinal Stage, opens Friday at the John Hand Theatre on the Colorado Free University Lowry Campus. Noël Coward’s comedy of bad manners has a cast that includes Libby Arnold, Hannah Ford, Andrew Horsford, Leroy Leonard, Michelle Moore, Anne Myers, Owen Niland, Greg Palmer, and Linda Suttle. Hay Fever plays through Saturday, June 8 with tickets available by email at germinalstage@gmail.com or by calling 303-455-7108.
CENTENNIAL — Voices West – Chorus of the Colorado Front Range – will hold two performances of Sweet Lovers Love the Spring this weekend. Voices West’s evening of light-hearted music on the themes of love, courtship and romance will be performed Friday at Centennial’s St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church and Saturday at Littleton United Methodist Church. For tickets and showtimes, visit VoicesWest.org.
COLORADO SPRINGS — This year’s independently-organized TEDx Colorado Springs event will feature an eclectic panel of speakers, live music, local vendors and more. The event will be focused on bringing communities, organizations and individuals together to share “ideas worth spreading” including volunteerism, motivating and cultivating growth. TEDx Colorado Springs will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday at Colorado Springs’ Ent Center. For more information about TEDx Colorado Springs visit TEDxColoradoSprings.org or PikesPeakCenter.com.
KEYSTONE — The 4th annual Swimwear Day and Spring Rail Jam begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at Arapahoe Basin. Participants should come dressed in their best family-friendly swimwear to receive a ticket for the 2 p.m. raffle. The A-Basin Rail Jam, a free event in Treeline Terrain Park, will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
DENVER — Nathan’s Famous and Major League Eating will hold a qualifier for the annual Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest this Saturday at 5 p.m. at Coors Field. The top male and female finishers in the event will qualify for a seat at the iconic Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, Brooklyn, on July 4 where they will face reigning champions Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo.
LOVELAND — Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson and Law Tigers will hold their 12th annual Hot Rods & Hawgs Car & Bike Show this Saturday in Loveland. The free event offers vendors, food, beer garden and a free kids’ zone with pedal carts, bounce house, games and more. Registration for the car show, which will have over 100 cool cars, can be completed at ThunderMountainHarley.com.
DENVER — The Denver Mother’s Day 5K and High Heel Dash for Cash takes place Sunday at Denver’s City Park. The event, which benefits Denver Public Schools Foundation, kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with a one-mile course for kids, followed by a 5K and High Heel Dash for Cash. Registration can be completed on-site at 8:00 a.m. or online.
WINDSOR & GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Walk MS, which brings friends, loved ones and co-workers together with the goal of ending multiple sclerosis for good, will be held in two Colorado cities this Saturday. Walk MS: Windsor is set for 9:30 a.m. at Boardwalk Park and Walk MS: Glenwood Springs and 5K run will step off at 9:30 a.m. at Glenwood Springs High School.
CENTENNIAL —Saturday’s High Line Canal 5K and 10K event features a mostly flat, fast course along Centennial’s High Line Canal. The event at deKoevend Park offers a post-race pancake breakfast, complimentary brew (for guests over 21), race photos, post-race yoga, music, kids’ activities, awards and more. The 10K begins at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K kicks off at 9 a.m. Registration can be completed online.
CASTLE ROCK — Sunday’s 5K Fun Run/Walk for Angel Babies aims to bring together families who have experienced stillbirth and infant loss and the surrounding community. Proceeds from this family-friendly event will support Walk with Me, a non-profit that proves families with emotional and financial resources such as care packages, counseling, support groups, funds for life celebrations and other costs associated with the death of a child. Walking in Grace 5K will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday at Castle Rock’s Festival Park. Registration can be completed online.
CASTLE ROCK — The 2nd annual Rylie’s Run is this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The free event honors Rylie Guentensberger, who died in 2017, and benefits the non-profit established in her name. Sunday’s Rylie’s Run includes a 5K, as well as a festival with food trucks, music, games, and vendors. Event details and donation information is available here.
WESTMINSTER — This female-only race takes place Sunday at Westminster's Promenade Terrace Park. The event includes a kids’ run, 10 miler, 5K, 10K and expo. Registration is available at ColoradoWomensClassic.com.
FIRESTONE — Carbon Valley Half Marathon, Family & Friends Relay, 5K & Fun Run offers the perfect length for every level of runner. The event aims to raise funds for Autism Research at Children's Hospital Colorado. The half marathon and 5K will start at 8 a.m. with the fun run to follow at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Firestone Sports Complex.
LITTLETON — The 22nd Annual AirLife Memorial event includes a 5K run, 10K run, 5K walk and a Kids Run. The event, held at Littleton’s Hudson Gardens, has evolved to include honoring fallen heroes of air medical, EMS, fire and police. Registration for the Saturday runs and walks can be completed online.
GREENWOOD VILLAGE — Girls on the Run of the Rockies invites all community members to be part of the special Mother’s Day 5K event this Sunday. The event will support Girls on the Run with its mission to ensure a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential. Sunday’s 5K will begin at 9 a.m. at Cherry Creek High School. Registration can be completed online.
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 phenomenal weekend!
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