Juneteenth Music Festival

June 18 and 19, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; June 18, 10 a.m. parade

Hang out in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood to celebrate Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery and African American independence. Enjoy a parade, live music, dance, food, vendors, and an award ceremony highlighting folks who have positively impacted the community. The festival will also be virtually broadcasted. Free entry. Five Points Neighborhood, Denver

Annual Indian Market and Ceremonial Dance

June 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Award-winning Indigenous artists sell and demonstrate their work in a juried show, The Fort Restaurant and Tatanka food truck serve up delicious fare, and entertainment abounds, from music and performances to hands-on activities and Nature’s Educators demonstrations. Celebrate early Southwestern history and honor the American Indian people who shaped the original cultural community of the area. Check out there website here for more information $10, free youth age 12 and under. The Fort Restaurant, Morrison

Green Box Arts Festival

June 18 to July 4. Event times vary.

This year’s art-palooza for all ages includes a new installation—the Skyspace, where attendees can enjoy contemplative sunrise and sunset shows. Don’t miss the block party, stunt dog show, or Ballet Hispánico performances. Set in picturesque woods with lovely hiking opportunities, this is a quintessential Colorado summer activity. 
Event ticket costs vary.
Various locations around Green Mountain Falls

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson at Pirates Cove

June 23, 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Enjoy a group swimming lesson then take to the leisure pool, slides, lazy river, and concessions at Englewood’s only water park. Included with admission: $16 adult, $11 adult resident, $15 youth ages 2-17, $15 youth resident. Pirates Cove, Englewood

Marmot Fest

June 25 to June 26

Spend the day learning about marmots – large ground squirrels that become active in the mountain forests during the summer. Rock climb with expert instruction and provided equipment, play games, make puppets, hike, and go on a scavenger hunt. Included with state park admission: $10 day vehicle pass. Staunton State Park, Pine

36th Annual Fire Truck Parade & Muster

June 18; 9 to 10 a.m. parade in Downtown Littleton, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Muster at Arapahoe Community College

This Father’s Day weekend event features a fire truck parade followed by a “muster” (gathering) of antique and state-of-the-art fire/rescue apparatus. Visitors can engage with Front Range first responders and medical personnel, junior firefighter games, rescue demonstrations, and a helicopter landing by the Children’s Hospital Colorado Children’s One Flight Team. Free. Historic Downtown Littleton

Centennial Center Park’s 10th Anniversary

June 3, 3 to 6 p.m.

Celebrate the park and kick off the summer at this birthday party-themed event. Visit with Arapahoe Libraries and join their Summer Reading Program. Splash in the water features, listen to a DJ, and enjoy crafts and face painting. Free. Centennial Center Park

Free Ride Fridays at the Mile High Flea Market

June 10 and August 5, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Have fun on the 60-foot Heritage Big Wheel Ferris wheel, classic roller coaster, giant slide, toddler-friendly mini-mobiles, and pool of bumper boats for cooling off. All ages. Included with admission: $2, free youth under age 12. Mile High Flea Market, Henderson

Legendary Ladies Unconventional Women of the West

June 18, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Travel back in time to hear the stories of real women who made a significant impact on Colorado and the West. Hear stories of Captain Jack, a female prospector, miner, and entrepreneur; Florence Lawrence, the first movie star; Mabel Dodge Luhan, a philanthropist; and Lady Catherine Moon, a washerwoman-rancher. Age 9 and up. Registration required. Free. Schweiger Ranch, Lone Tree

LGBTQ Pride Celebrations

All month long; event dates and times vary

In recognition of the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, thousands of people gather to march, cheer on colorful floats, and engage in uplifting the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Pride Night at the Rockies: Kick off Pride month (June 3) with LGBTQ+ community members and allies by cheering on the Rockies as they take on the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field. A ticket includes a limited-edition Rockies-themed Coors Light pride t-shirt and a donation to The Center on Colfax and One Colorado. June 3, 6:40 p.m.
  • Denver Pride: Enjoy resource exhibitions, food and beverage vendors, and live performances all weekend long. The Parade encourages guests to walk with pride from Cheesman Park to Civic Center, where PrideFest is held. June 25 and 26
  • Boulder County Pride: Out Boulder County will host a series of events throughout the area, including parades, markets, and live performances. June 6 to 12
  • All Ages Pride Storytime: Denver Library staff at the new RiNo ArtPark location, named Bob Ragland Branch Library, will lead stories, songs, rhymes, and fun for children of all ages and their parents or caregivers. June 18, 11 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Broomfield Pride Party in the Park: PFLAG Broomfield will be hosting a Pride Motorcade and invites community members to decorate their cars and drive in support of LGBTQ+ loved ones. A gathering at Midway Park including food trucks, face painting, resource booths, and drag queen storytime will follow. June 4, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Queer-ilderness: A Mild-Wild PRIDE Event: Aspiring Drag Queens & Kings (age 13 and up) can walk the runway at History Colorado Center to three categories: 90s Grunge, Queer in the Wilderness, and Your Favorite Historical Queer. Crafts and light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. June 25, 6 to 11 p.m.

This article was originally published in December 2024.
Anna Sutterer

Anna Sutterer is the editorial assistant for Colorado Parent magazine.