Questions? Let's Talk: 877.762.4375
X
Questions? Let's Talk: 877.762.4375
Denver is a busy and exciting city year round, but it really comes alive in the summer months. In the late spring and early summer, there are many events to delight Denverites and visitors alike. Here are some of the best festivals to check out in the Mile High City in June of 2018:
Date: Friday – Sunday, June 1-3
Time: Friday concert: 5-10pm; Sat: 10am-9pm; Sunday: 10am-7pm
Location: Civic Center Park
Cost: Free Saturday and Sunday, Friday concert: $5
The People’s Fair is the oldest running festival of its kind in the city, and it’s celebrating its 47th year this June. The fair is notorious for marking the beginning of summer by bringing diverse communities together in its Civic Center Park location. At this weekend-long event, you’ll find live music, delicious culinary options from the best food trucks around, and local Denver artists selling their work. This family-friendly event begins Friday with a concert showcasing several different bands, and it continues both Saturday and Sunday for a weekend-long music and art celebration. The festival also raises money for non-profit organizations, reinforcing its strong community focus.
Date: Saturday & Sunday, June 2-3
Time: June 2: 10am-10pm; June 3: 10am-8pm
Location: Larimer Square
Cost: Free
The same weekend as the People’s Fair, you can also check out the Denver Chalk Art Festival located around Larimer Square. This historic block is the oldest in Denver, and it transforms each year into a museum of street art for this festival. Over 200 professional and student artists work for hours to create vivid chalk masterpieces on the streets around Larimer Square. Visitors can interact with artists and watch their temporary art come to life. Along with seeing the chalk art in process, you can also enjoy live music, food, and drinks in the four block area where the festival is held.
Date: Saturday, June 16
Time: 11:00am-8:30pm
Location: 27th & Welton Street, Five Points
Cost: Free
The Juneteenth Festival is held annually in the historic Five Points neighborhood. It includes music, vendors, and a parade to commemorate the ending of slavery in the U.S.. This festival is about celebrating African American freedom, community, and growth, as well as respect for all cultures. The theme for this year’s parade which kicks off at 11:00am is “The Wakanda Experience”. The day continues with the #DREAMBIG Awards Ceremony at 1:00pm, Blues, R&B, Soul, Jazz, and Hip-Hop music performances throughout the day, and all kinds of great vendors to check out. This family-friendly festival includes a youth zone for kids to play as well. The day ends with a performance by Hip-Hop legend Rakim at 7:00pm to close out the festival.
Date: Friday-Sunday, June 15-17 (Father’s Day Weekend)
Time: Friday Preview Party: 5:00 – 9pm; Sat: 11:00am – 8:00pm; Sun: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Location: Sports Authority Field at Mile High; 1701 Bryant St., Ste. 700
Cost: Free on Sat & Sun
This Father’s Day weekend, Denver has a great event for BBQ-lovers. At the Sports Authority Field at Mile High, this festival is serving up BBQ specialties from local and national pitmasters. They’ll also have live music from Denver bands and entertaining BBQ tutorials and demonstrations from the masters. Admission is free on Saturday and Sunday, and there’s a Friday preview party from 5-9pm with a paid admission. Attendees can attend for free and purchase the BBQ as they go, or they can spring for the all-inclusive VIP-experience tickets instead. Proceeds from this event go towards supporting the Food Bank of the Rockies.
Date: Saturday, June 23
Time: 11:00am-8:00pm
Location: Shoemaker Plaza and Confluence Park, 2250 15th St.
Cost: Free
This festival on the South Platte River is a great way to get outside and kick off the summer in Denver. The river festival celebrates water sports in an eco-friendly way. The event includes stand-up paddle board demos, riverside recreational activities, SUP, Kayak, and Tube Races, and a kids zone full of activities. If you’re less inclined to kayak down the rapids of the South Platte, you can enjoy live music throughout the day and many food, beverage, and water sport vendors. The proceeds from this 6th annual South Platte RiverFest will benefit The Greenway Foundation.
Date: Saturday & Sunday, June 23-24
Time: Sat: 11:00am – 6:00pm, Sun: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Sakura Square, Downtown Denver, 20th and Lawrence Streets
Cost: Free
The 46th annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Denver will celebrate Japanese heritage and culture as well as raise funds for the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple. This festival will include plenty of entertainment, cultural food and drinks, and interesting exhibits. Within the Temple, visitors can try different food specialties and watch live art demonstrations. You’ll also be able to browse the Japanese-themed marketplace, drink complementary green tea, and hear some taiko drumming.
With so many exciting ways to celebrate the culture of Denver, it’ll be difficult to choose which to attend this June. Whether you’re interested in music, art, food, culture, or all four, these June festivals are a perfect way to celebrate the start of summer.
Will be happy to respond
