Alpine Springs at Water World
May 28 to September 5
The popular water park north of Denver opens its new Colorado-themed water play arena this summer. Alpine Springs features the Roaring Forks water coaster with two dueling paths to allow riders some speed competition, and the Centennial Basin raft experience complete with a mega bowl.
Cost: $27 to $43 adult, $22 to $37 child; $139 to $184 family four-pack (depending on the date) includes admission with a meal plan and Pepsi products
Location: Water World, Federal Heights
Annual Indian Market & 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.
Cost: $10, free age 12 and under
Location: The Fort, Morrison
Boulder Creek Festival
May 28 through 30
Kick off your summer of family fun with a weekend full of food, music, art, and outdoor activities. Kids can climb up a rock wall and through an obstacle course, bounce to their hearts’ content on trampolines, cool down with some morning yoga, and dance to a family disco. Swing by craft and artisan booths to pick up something special, and refuel at one—or a few—of many food stations as you wind through festival tents and along the tree-lined creek.
Cost: Free entry, fee for food and some activities
Location: Along the Boulder Creek from Ninth to 14th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue
Green Box Arts Festival
June 18 through July 4
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.
Cost: Watch website for details
Location: Various sites around Green Mountain Falls
Denver Pride Fest and Parade
June 25 and 26
Join the celebration as thousands of people flock to Colorado’s capital city to march, cheer on colorful floats, and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. Enjoy resource exhibitions, food and beverage vendors, and live performances all weekend long. The Parade, on June 26 at 9:30 a.m., encourages guests to walk with pride from Cheesman Park to Civic Center, where PrideFest is held.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Location: Civic Center Park, Denver
Rooftop Rodeo
July 6 to 11
Rooftop packs a week full of professional riding and interactive events for the whole family. The parade, scheduled for July 7, includes appearances from bands, floats, and trick riders making their way through downtown Estes Park. Pros compete in rodeos with remarkable skill, and visitors are invited to join in the fun with interactive events.
Cost: Free parade; purchase tickets for rodeo events
Location: Granny May Arena and downtown Estes Park
Colorado Black Arts Festival
July 8 through 10
Turning up the volume on African American arts and culture, this fair welcomes folks to enjoy music and dance performances, artist showcases, and a Children’s Pavilion filled with activities. The Boogaloo Celebration Parade combines drill teams, step teams, and social groups for an exciting street celebration.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Location: City Park West neighborhood, Denver
City Park Farmers Market
May 14 through Oct. 29; Sat, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Find what’s fresh at this street market, open all summer long. Food options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch are available; eat at a nearby table while listening to local musicians. Some favorite vendors include Ela Family Farms, Bjorn’s Colorado Honey, and Jubilee Roasting Co. This is also a compost market, meaning all disposable goods served can be composted here for free.
Cost: Free entry and open to the public
Location: City Park Esplanade, Denver
Colorado Renaissance Festival
June 18 through Aug. 7; Sat and Sun, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Revel in the splendor of 16th century recreation at the Renaissance Festival. Watch artisans create ancient crafts and taste a selection of roast turkey legs, steak on a stake, and fresh baked goods. A cast of hundreds of authentically-costumed merrymakers bring the village grounds alive and entertainers in comedy, music, and jousting elevate the experience. Look out for themed weekends (listed online) to attend according to your family’s interests.
Cost: $24 adult, $12 ages five to 12, free age
four and under
Location: Colorado Renaissance Festival, Larkspur
Cherry Pie Celebration
July 16
Commemorating Loveland’s long standing connection to the cherry industry—the town had the largest orchard west of the Mississippi in the 1920s—this annual celebration serves up portions of pie, ice cream, coffee, and lemonade (for purchase). Visitors can enjoy live music, vendor booths, and children’s activities between sweet treats.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Location: Peters Park, Loveland
