KUSA — Colorado is known for terrific festivals, concerts, sporting events and the arts. Celebrate the season this weekend by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that makes our state so special.
People's Fair Art & Music Festival — Denver
Denver's largest and longest-running block party celebrates its 47th year this weekend. The festival brings live music, including Moon Taxi and Trout Steak Revival, plus local artists, Denver's best food trucks and plenty more to Civic Center Park. People's Fair is a free event for all ages that will run from Friday to Sunday. Visit PeoplesFair.com to view a complete performance schedule.
DoD Warrior Games — Colorado Springs
The 2018 Department of Defense Warrior Games will be held at the U.S. Air Force Academy from Friday to Saturday, June 9. Approximately 300 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans will participate in the competition. Athletes from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Command will compete along with athletes from the U.K. Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force and Canadian Armed Forces. The Opening Ceremony of the Warrior Games will be held Saturday night at Falcon Stadium with Master of Ceremonies Jon Stewart and musical guests Eric Paslay and Kelly Clarkson. You can view a complete schedule of the eight days of competition at DoDWarriorGames.com.
School of Rock the Musical — Denver
The hit Broadway musical School of Rock has arrived in Denver for a two-week run. Based on the hit movie, the musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock start who turns "a class of straight-A students into grade-A rockers." The musical has new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and songs from the 2003 film. School of Rock plays at the Buell Theatre through Sunday, June 10. Tickets are available online at DenverCenter.org.
ElizaBash Street Fair & Carnival — Elizabeth
Get ready for four days of fun, food, games and rides at the 3rd annual ElizaBash Street Fair and Carnival. The carnival is open Thursday to Sunday at Crossroads Circle at the Highway 86 and CR 17 intersection - just look for the BIG Ferris Wheel! On Saturday there will be a parade down Elizabeth's Main Street at 10 a.m. with the Street Fair featuring delicious food and venders from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo — Elizabeth
A classic Colorado rodeo also returns to Elizabeth this weekend. The Elizabeth Stampede kicks off Thursday night with a concerts from Stoney LaRue and Ned LeDoux. Friday night will see Xtreme Bulls take to the rodeo arena at Casey Jones Park for First Responders Night. There will be PRCA rodeo performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available online at ElizabethStampede.com.
Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival — Manitou Springs
Wine connoisseurs, rejoice! The 2018 Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial Park in Manitou. Attendees of the festival will receive generous tastings from 30 Colorado wineries. There will be live music from Flatirons Jazz Orchestra, Tenderfoot Bluegrass and Edison. Plenty of food and gift vendors will be on hand as you enjoy your tastings. The price of admission includes a complimentary Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival Glass. Tickets are available online here.
Estes Park Jazz Fest — Estes Park
One of Colorado's premiere jazz festivals is back this weekend in Estes Park. The 28th annual festival on Saturday and Sunday brings seven jazz bands and musicians to Performance Park. Tickets are just $10 per day ror $15 for a weekend pass and kids 12 and under are free. All tickets will be sold at the door. Popular Colorado wine selections will be available in the festival's wine garden.
Denver Heart & Stroke Walk — Denver
Mile High Stadium will be the venue for the 2018 Denver Heart & Stroke Walk on Saturday. The event offers a 5K run at 8 a.m. and the Heart & Stroke Walk at 10 a.m. You can also register for Yoga in the End Zone which begins at 8:45 a.m. The walk is free while the 5K and yoga require a $50 donation. The Heart & Stroke Walk event benefits the American Heart Association. Team and individual registration is available online at Heart.org.
Colorado Rapids vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC — Commerce City
The Colorado Rapids aim to snap their losing streak Friday night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids (2-2-7) are hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4-5-5) at 7 p.m. A special "Are you in for 90?" ticket package is available for the match that comes with one ticket, one 90 Shilling beer and a Rapids t-shirt. Tickets are available online at AltitudeTickets.com.
JUCO World Series — Grand Junction
The 61st annual JUCO World Series continues through Saturday at Grand Junction's Suplizio Field. A full schedule is available at JUCOGJ.org and tickets are available at JUCOTickets.com.
Meekerpalooza — Meeker
The small town of Meeker will showcase all aspects of dance, singing, music, visual and culinary arts during the 6th annual Meekerpalooza. The festival begins Saturday at 8 a.m. with a farmers' market and Pioneers Healthcare Foundation Breakfast. From noon to 5 p.m. visitors will enjoy the Taste of Meeker, a beer garden and live music at the downtown plaza. Visit Meekerpalooza.com to see a complete schedule of events.
Lincoln County is home to the Colorado Prairie Music Festival which runs from Friday to Sunday at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. The three day event offers fun for the whole family starting with rodeo action and free live music from Rhett Uhland on Friday. On Saturday there will be food, vendors, rides and family-friendly activities all day leading up the night concert of Kimberly Dunn, Randall King and the Josh Abbott Band. The Lincoln County Cattle Women Breakfast Fundraiser and Cowboy Church in the arena will take place Sunday. Saturday night concert tickets are available here.
Indian Market & Powwow — Morrison
On Saturday and Sunday award-winning Native American artists will their wares, demonstrate their crafts in a juried show and share their artistic traditions throughout the day in impromptu and scheduled demonstrations. Groups of intertribal dancers and drum groups from more than 40 Indian nations participate in the powwow in the valley below the restaurant. Dancers and drummers in regalia share their heritage with Traditional, Shawl, Fancy, Grass and Jingle competition dancing. Admission is $5 for adults and kids 12 and under are free. This event was first published by MileHighOnTheCheap.com. For more local deals and discounts go to MileHighontheCheap.com.
Cirque du Soleil Corteo — Loveland
Cirque du Soleil's hit production Corteo has returned to Colorado after touring the world. The production will stage seven performances at Budweiser Events Center in Loveland this weekend. Corteo tells the story of a clown who passed away, but his spirit is still alive. The clown experiences a festive parade of the friends, memories and laughter that made his life special. Corteo plays through Sunday, June 3. Tickets are available online at CirqueduSoleil.com.
The red-hot Colorado Rockies are hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers for a three-game series this weekend at Coors Field. Fans who arrive early on Saturday will receive a Rockies 25th anniversary beach towel. Rockies fans are encouraged to bike to Sunday afternoon's game - the first 200 bicyclers will get a free water bottle. Tickets are available online at Rockies.com/Tickets.
Poudre RiverFest — Fort Collins
Saturday's Poudre RiverFest is a free and family-friendly festival that celebrates and educates about the Cache la Poudre River. The festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. adjacent to New Belgium Brewery on the Poudre River Oxbow. Chris Dismuke, Colony Funk, Bonnie & the Clydes and Lonesome Days will be providing music throughout the festival.
Denver Chalk Art Festival — Denver
Over a span of 48 hours, 200 professional, amateur and student artists will use chalk to paint 67,000 square feet of raw pavement into re-creations of masterpieces, modern art and their own original pieces during the Denver Chalk Art Festival on Larimer Square. The free two-day festival transforms four downtown blocks into a outdoor art masterpiece. There will also be live musical performances and a kids' activities area. Visit LarimerArts.org to see a full schedule. This event was first published by MileHighOnTheCheap.com. For more local deals and discounts go to MileHighontheCheap.com.
Burning Can Fest is back in Lyons at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The festival is the perfect weekend event for lovers of adventure, beer, music and camping. Oskar Blues will be one of nearly 100 breweries featured at the festival. Son Volt, The Sheepdogs and Mo Lowda & The Humble will headline the festival along with many spectator and participant sport competitions. To purchase general admission tickets or camping permits, visit LyonsColorado.com.
Run Into The Wild 2018 — Keenesburg
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is home to more than 450 rescued animals including bears, tigers, lions, wolves and more. Saturday's Run Into The Wild running festival is a fundraiser for the sanctuary on the grounds of the sanctuary in Keenesburg. The runs and walks will weave between the wild animal habitats and paid registrants will receive free entrance to the sanctuary's 'Mile Into The Wild Walkway' along with post-race food, beverages and live music. Registration is available online here.
23rd Annual Senior Fishing Festival — Brighton
The annual Senior Fishing Festival arrives on Colorado's Free Fishing Day on Saturday. Hosted by the Adams County Sheriff’s Foundation, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Adams County Board of County Commissioners, the festival allows seniors to connect with law enforcement while enjoying some Colorado recreation. The festival begins at 6 a.m. Saturday at Adams County Regional Park and Fairgrounds Mann/Nyholt Lake. Registration begins at 5:30 a.m. at the event.
International Youth Ballet — Denver
Littleton's International Youth Ballet presents Alice in Wonderland for two performances Sunday at Gates Concert Hall at the University of Denver. The production features whimsical characters, fantastic set projections, talented dancers and remarkable costumes. Sunday's performances will take place at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tickets are available online here.
Summerfest — Brighton
The City of Brighton’s largest community festival, Summerfest, returns to Carmichael Park on Saturday. There will be children’s activities including a petting zoo, bounce house, climbing wall and more. For the adults, musical acts Fall River Road, Equally Challenged, Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts and Shooter Jennings, son of country music legend Waylon Jennings, will be providing live music near the beer garden. All activities and concerts at Summerfest are free. This event was first published by MileHighOnTheCheap.com. For more local deals and discounts go to MileHighontheCheap.com.
Thunder Valley National — Lakewood
The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship makes its annual visit to the Denver area on Saturday. The 14th annual True Value Thunder National (Round 3 of the Championship) begins at 8 a.m. with qualifying and practice. First and Second Motos will run at noon and 2 p.m. The event takes place at Lakewood's Thunder Valley Motocross Park, widely considered to be one of the best motocross tracks in the world. Tickets for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship are available at ProMotocross.com.
SummerFest on the Rio — Alamosa
Alamosa kicks off summer on the banks of the Rio Grande River this weekend. Cole Park will be home SummerFest on the Rio and live music, food, beer, craft booths and children's activities. The festival begins Friday and continues through Sunday. The 6th annual poker run to benefit the Valley Humane League will be held Saturday with riders departing at 9:30 a.m. Admission to the weekend-long SummerFest event is free. To see a complete entertainment lineup, visit SummerFestontheRio.org.
Mike the Headless Chicken Festival — Fruita
For twenty years this festival on the Western Slope has celebrated the legend of a Mike, a chicken that lived for 18 months without his head back in 1945. University of Utah scientists at the time determined that the axe meant to kill Mike missed his jugular vein and a clot prevented him from bleeding to death. To remember Mike there will be a 5K walk/run, a poultry show, games, food and drink vendors, a car show, a rooster-calling contest, a wing-eating contest, live music and much more. Visit the event website for a complete schedule.
Telluride Balloon Festival — Telluride
Dozens of hot air balloons will rise through the Rocky Mountain air this weekend in Telluride. Mass ascensions will take place on Saturday and Sunday at 6 a.m. from Telluride Town Park. Saturday evening the balloons will inflate for a spectacular show at dusk on Main Street. The Telluride Balloon Festival is a free event and don't forget your camera!
Steamboat Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K — Steamboat Springs
One of Colorado's most beautiful races returns for a 37th year on Sunday. The Steamboat Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K runs alongside the Elk River through emerald green pastures with snow-capped mountains all around. Registration is available online at SteamboatChamber.com.
Heroes of Hope Run/Walk — Wheat Ridge
Lutheran Medical Center and Cancer Centers of Colorado are coming together for the 11th annual Run & Walk and cancer survivors celebration. There will be several different lengths including a 10K, 5K run/walk and 1 mile walk. Race day registration begins Saturday at 7 a.m. at Lutheran Medical Center. Event registration includes race admission, performance race shirt, admission to the "Hops for Hope" beer garden, 5 tasting tickets, post-race refreshments, BBQ admission, a commemorative cup, entertainment, carnival games, kite festival, Cancer Survivors Day activities and access to a Wellness Fair.
Rocky Mountain Pet Expo — Denver
The 7th Annual Rocky Mountain Pet Expo on Saturday is known for its Pet Fashion Show but there will also be 100+ exhibitors and vendors such as pet food manufacturers, humane societies, trainers, cat spay and neuter services, pet boarding resorts and kennels, in-home pet care and pet sitting services and more. Admission to the expo at the National Western Stock Show Complex is free, but parking at the complex is $10. This event was first published by MileHighOnTheCheap.com. For more local deals and discounts go to MileHighontheCheap.com.
Harmony Horse Expo — Franktown
Whether by car, truck or horse & buggy, horse lovers are welcome to stop by the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center on Friday & Saturday for the Harmony Horse Expo. This free event gives visitors the opportunity to take guided tours of the beautiful 168-acre property, attend horsemanship workshops and training demonstrations and meet adoptable horses. The Expo is open to horse lovers of all experience and skill levels. This event was first published by MileHighOnTheCheap.com. For more local deals and discounts go to MileHighontheCheap.com.
Budweiser’s Backyard Event — Fort Collins
Don't miss your chance to see the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales on Saturday at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Fort Collins. You can see the full hitch parade and see their stables at Budweiser's Backyard Event which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event features live musical acts from Carlton Anderson and The Sisterhood Band. The event is free and guests 21 and older can sample food and beer, including the newest Budweiser brew, the Budweiser Freedom Reserve Red Lager.
Do you have an event you would like us to feature? Send an email to alexander.kirk@9news.com.