For those who are ready to get outside and into some crowds (with health and safety precautions, of course) Denver-area festivals are opening back up on lawns and in the streets. Not ready to get out yet? We’ve added a few events that have online options or are completely virtual, too.
Backcountry Outdoor Movies
June 4 to Sept. 4; Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 p.m.
Spread out under the night sky and in front of a giant screen; enjoy family-friendly films including Shrek, School of Rock, Inside Out, and more. Make it a date night with adult-only screenings. Grab some grub from rotating food trucks dishing out grilled cheese, burgers, cheesesteaks, farm fresh fare, and more. Find tickets online. Proceeds benefit the Backcountry Conservation and Education Fund.
Price: $25 per vehicle, $35 per person adult-only movies (includes ticket, dinner, and two beers)
Location: Backcountry Base Camp, Highlands Ranch
GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge Dance It Up Denver
June 5, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Join individuals across the world to participate in a physical and social movement for Down Syndrome acceptance. Participate in the Dance-A-Thon in person or virtually. All ages and abilities welcome. Register online.
Price: $21 adults, $10 children age 12 and under
Location: St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Arvada
Youth On Record Block Party
June 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate with close to 1,000 community members during a day-long virtual mini-festival. This event is a youth led and youth designed event. Choose from three tracks with 10 to 15 arts workshops. Enjoy grab and go activities for residents and kids. RSVP online.
Price: Free entry, donations and sponsorship suggested
Location: Online
Frequent Flyers’ The Little Mermaid
June 5, 5:30 p.m.
Join the Student Company and Intensive Training Program for a new rendition of this classic story. Explore deep ocean caverns filled with merfolk, crabs, and disco jellyfish. All ages.
Price: Pay what you can
Location: Online
20th Annual Indian Market
June 5 and 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mark your calendar for Tesoro’s 20th Annual Indian Market, a yearly tribute to the American Indian tribes that shaped the cultural community of Bent’s Old Fort. Celebrate early Southwestern history with nationally-acclaimed artists and dancers in an art-centered gathering. Enjoy educational and interactive exhibits on American Indian culture, including hawk and eagle demonstrations from HawkQuest. This year’s market will not include the contest Powwow due to current COVID-19 gathering restrictions.
Price: $10, free age 12 and under
Location: The Fort Restaurant, Morrison
Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure
June 11 to July 3; Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.
Root Alice on in her journey to face fears, overcome challenges, and take on the insidious monster known as “The Jabberwocky.” A cast of actor-musicians play live with a soundtrack ranging from classic rock and punk to ska and a bit of Bollywood.
Price: $28 to $40 adult; $20 to $28 seniors, military, student, industry; $15 child (age 12 and under)
Location: Aurora Fox Arts Center, Aurora
City Park Jazz
June 13 to Aug. 8, Sundays (excluding June 20), 6 to 8 p.m.
Celebrate a community staple that began in 1986. Local musicians bring their talents to City Park, and thousands of neighbors gather to watch, dance, eat, and socialize. This year will include a handful of selected vendors and food trucks, plus safety protocols for good measure. Enjoy a lineup of artists including Brass Band Extravaganza, the El Chapultepec All Stars, and Cast Iron Queens.
Price: Free
Location: City Park, Denver
Colorado BrazilFest
June 18, 6 p.m. concert; June 19, 4 p.m. concert and 6 p.m. samba lesson
Enjoy two days full of music, dance, and culture hosted by Boulder Samba School. Experience choro jazz, Bossa Nova, Musica Popular Brasileira, and more at the Bandshell. The Livestream Series will present dance classes, percussion workshops, and concerts online.
Price: $25 to $63
Location: Glen Huntington Bandshell, Boulder
Juneteenth Music Festival
June 18, broadcast and kickoff BBQ; June 19 and 20 street festival; see online for details
Hang out in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood and celebrate Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery and African American independence in the U.S. Enjoy live music, dance, food, vendors, and an award ceremony highlighting individuals who have made a positive impact in the community. The festival will have a broadcast element online and socially-distanced in-person events.
Price: Free entry, vendor prices vary
Location: Online and Five Points Neighborhood, Denver
Denver Pride Parade
June 26, pride hubs; June 27, virtual parade; see website for details
Once again, Denver Pride goes virtual this year after a 400,000+ viewer extravaganza in 2020. Enjoy drag performances, presentations from local nonprofits and school groups, and music. Submit a “parade unit” video on behalf of your organization, company, or family and friends. All funds collected support The Center on Colfax’s year-round services for the LGBTQ+ community of Colorado. See online for details about limited in-person Pride Hubs, including The Center on Colfax’s parking lot festival and the Jewish Community Center’s Pride Shabbat dinner plus pool party.
Price: Free viewing, $50 and up for parade unit video; see online for hub tickets
Location: Online; The Center on Colfax and Jewish Community Center, Denver
