Wondering what to do this Memorial Day weekend in the Denver metro area? The weekend weather is looking good, with temperatures ranging from 85 to over 90, and warm overnight temperatures. We may see a storm Sunday and Monday afternoon. There is big fire danger, with it being so dry lately, and we shall see winds will be kicking up. Be careful if you will be camping over the weekend. There are quite a few choices for things to do depending on what you like to do -
Veterans Memorial Day Tribute
When: May 26
Where: 1340 Sherman St. in Denver
This formal tribute at POF Hall, a half-block due south of the State Capitol, was founded 18 years ago to honor Colorado’s fallen heroes “in the presence of families, friends, military/political figures and the public,” according to the city. The 2018 event, which runs 10 a.m.-noon, will feature inspirational music, a Reading of Names, the U.S. Navy Bell Toll, a Remembrance Wreath laying for heroes who have died in past wars (placed by veteran representatives), and presentations of signature tribute banners and pins to Gold Star families. denver.org
Denver Day of Rock
When: May 26
Where: 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver
Centered around its main stages at Skyline Park, Denver Day of Rock returns to commandeer the urban pedestrian thoroughfare of the 16th Street Mall for this annual fundraiser festival and party on behalf of Amp the Cause — which itself benefits more than two dozen children’s charities. The 2018 lineup features 25 pop, rock, folk and indie acts and singer-songwriters on five stages, including headliners Elle King, Delta Rae, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, A Thousand Horses, and Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers. The music is free, but Amp the Cause uses the day to raise funds and awareness, so check out the VIP and festival packages (including drink tickets, merchandise and a downtown-centric discount book) ranging from $50 to $250 at denverdayofrock.com.
Denver Arts Festival
When: May 26-27
Where: Stapleton Northfield, 8304 E. 49th Place in Denver
Returning to Conservatory Green at northeast Denver’s Northfield Stapleton development, this sprawling, vendor-driven event is expecting roughly 50,000 attendees over two days to peruse hundreds of artists, from 2-D and 3-D mixed media artworks and photographs to sculptures, jewelry, clay and ceramics to fiber, furniture, leather, glass, metal and wood. A wine and beer garden located in the center of the festival will offer Boulder’s Decadent Saint wine and sangria, while Denver’s Tivoli Brewing Co. will provide beer. The event also offers live music from the Navy Brass Band (May 26), Dotsero (May 26) and Spinphony (May 27) alongside a Kid’s Art Zone and food options. Check out the booth layout, parking information (just like general admission, it’s free) and other details at denverartsfestival.com.
Memorial Day Observance Concert
When: May 27
Where: Bandshell at Boulder Central Park, 1236 Canyon Blvd. in Boulder
This free, 10 a.m. performance from the Boulder Concert Band honors the fallen (and still-fighting) soldiers whose sacrifice provides the occasion for Memorial Day in the first place, along with “special guests” from Seattle, the Navy Band Northwest, and soprano Christiana McMullen. Patriotic tunes will be played under the direction of conductor, composer and U.S. Army Music Officer Silas Nathaniel Huff, as the Boulder Creek Festival gears up around them for its second day. boulderband.org
Boulder Creek Festival
When: May 26-28
Where: Boulder Central Park, along Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder
Speaking of the Boulder Creek Festival, the three-day party returns May 26-28 with a little something for everyone. This 31st annual installment features a rotating entertainment lineup on multiple stages (including live music, dance and diverse cultural displays), an artist’s marketplace, hundreds of local vendors, a farmer’s market, kid’s activities and games, food, a beer garden and more. Free admission. bceproductions.com
And last but not least - the Bolder Boulder is so popular -
Bolder Boulder 10k
When: May 27
Where: Folsom Field, 2400 Colorado Ave. in Boulder
It’s one of the first things that comes to mind when people think of Memorial Day in Colorado, and there’s a reason: This long-running 10k and party is celebrating 40 years of motivating Coloradans to hoof it, often in outlandish costumes. Organizers are once again expecting about 50,000 racers and 70,000 spectators at this year’s event, which ends at the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field with 100 (count ’em, 100) waves of racers. From the first group at 6:50 a.m. to the Memorial Day celebration at noon, featuring an F-16 flyover and sky divers, “spectacle” is the word. Belly dancers, DJs, painters, aerialists and bagpipers will entertain runners and spectators along the course, and plenty of food, drink and family-friendly activities will be available for all. bolderboulder.com
Stay safe over this Holiday weekend, and have fun!
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