Colorado Irish Festival. July 12-July 14.Experience the largest Irish celebration in the Rocky Mountains with traditional Irish music performances and dancing, Irish drama and storytelling, crafts, games such as the ancient Irish sport hurling (see picture) and food and drinks at Clement Park. Friday: 5-10 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 7306 West Bowles Avenue, Littleton. http://www.coloradoirishfestival.org
Colorado Black Arts Festival. July 12-14, celebrate the 27th annual Colorado Black Art Festival showcasing the rich and creative talents of local, regional, and national African Americans in art and culture at City Park. The three-day event will feature three stages filled with jazz, blues, reggae, gospel, traditional African drum and dance. This is a FREE family friendly event with programming and activities for the entire family. The Saturday morning Boogaloo Celebration Parade is a crowd favorite as it is a colorful and exciting street celebration. City Park, 17th Ave. & Colorado Blvd., Denver. http://www.colbaf.org/
Arvada’s 2nd Saturday Street Festival. Summer evenings in Olde Town Arvada will again come to life at the upcoming 2nd Saturday Street Festivals, presented by Historic Olde Town Arvada. The music of top-notch local favorites Chris Daniels and the Kings, The Wendy Woo Band, and The Indulgers will echo down Grandview Avenue on July 13, and August 10 from 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m. The best way to enjoy live music in a charming historic shopping district is with a plate of tasty street food and an ice cold beer (be sure to try some ice cream and candy from Scrumptious, authentic Belgian fries from Manneken Frites, or any number of dining choices such as Udi’s Pizza Cafe Bar, Archive Room, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop or live music and eats at the D Note). Visitors will find plenty of food choices, beer and wine, and shopping options from vendor booths lining the street. A wide array of kids’ activities will create a fun, safe, and welcoming environment for guests of all ages. www.oldetownarvada.org
Cirque du Soleil. After its last visit over three years ago with KOOZA, Cirque du Soleil returns to Denver July 18-Aug. 25 with its signature blue-and-yellow Big Top! The company’s latest big top production, Amaluna will be at the Pepsi Center Grounds. Amaluna is a fusion of the words ama, which refers to “mother” in many languages, and luna, which means “moon,” a symbol of femininity that evokes both the mother-daughter relationship and the idea of goddess and protector of the planet. Amaluna is also the name of the mysterious island where the story unfolds. For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit cirquedusoleil.com.
Butterfly Pavilion Insectival. On July 20, come one, come all…it’s the coolest, craziest, crawliest carnival on earth! Butterfly Pavilion’s annual Insectival event lets you experience the wondrous world of insects in a festive, fun-filled carnival atmosphere. Learn while you play games under the Big Top and take part in dozens of activities including an vendor fair. All activities, games and entertainment are included with your daily admission. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. butterflies.org
Dinosaur Express at the Colorado Railroad Museum. On July 20, makes some fresh tracks through history. Ride and discover the Dinosaur Express Train from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Colorado railroads helped unearth many fossils as railroad tracks were laid. Construction crews often exposed these unusual and fascinating bones as they were digging and laying railroad ties. Trains were then used to transport these “stone bones” to museums around Colorado and throughout the U.S. Activities will include scavenger hunts, painting casts of a dinosaur footprint to take home and more. http://coloradorailroadmuseum.org
Summerfest. Summerfest is a two-day fine art and craft festival July 20th and 21st, held outdoors in Evergreen, which kicks off Arts Alive Evergreen, a 10-day showcase event featuring the best of Evergreen’s visual and performing arts. Summerfest provides a weekend of fun for the whole family with 125 artist vendors from across the country, local food, music, exciting performances, and a craft area to keep the children entertained. And new for 2013, Center for the Arts Evergreen expands the scope of the festival to include celebrating the craft of beer with a beer tasting event called Palette of Brews, and a two fun competitions Saturday night, Battle of the Bands and Air Guitar Contest. Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. http://www.evergreenarts.org/Summerfest.html
10th Annual Orthodox Food Festival (OFF) & Old Globeville Days. On July 20 and 21, sample outstanding cuisine from Russia, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Eritrea, Greece and Mexico. Linger to enjoy free live music and dance entertainment, craft and gift booths, art displays, children’s activities including a free jumpy castle, an iconography exhibit, and tours of the historical landmark Orthodox church. Sat. 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: 47th and Logan St. in Denver at Argo Park. http://orthodoxfoodfestival.wetpaint.com/
Buffalo Bill Days, July 26-28, Friday, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thousands of people fill the streets of Golden every summer for this popular three-day celebration. The original event dates back to the 1950’s when the Buffalo Bill Saddle Club gave trail rides to Buffalo Bill’s grave at the top of Lookout Mountain. One year the local Chamber of Commerce decided to expand the trail ride into a full-scale event to promote the city. That summer, a large contingent of trail riders rode up the mountain. But when they rode back down, they circled through the town, and a crowd of people lined the streets to greet them. Thus, the first Buffalo Bill Days parade was born. Over the years, this has become the biggest annual event in Golden with the addition of a Cody’s Wild West event, a car show, the ever popular Muttin Bustin’ competition, a golf tournament, live entertainment, free kiddie train rides, a duck race and other children’s activities, an arts and crafts fair, and more. You’ll find most of the events at these locations: downtown Golden, Parfet Park, and various historical museums and parks around town. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.buffalobilldays.com.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. July 27-28, the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (CDBF) is a free family-friendly festival highlighting Colorado’s rich Asian Pacific American heritage at Sloan’s Lake Park in northwest Denver. A window to the Pan Asian world, this diverse festival is the only one of its kind in the United States. It showcases an array of traditional and contemporary performing arts, cultural customs, cuisine and a marketplace of unique and hard-to-find arts, crafts and vendors, in addition to two days of action packed dragon boat racing. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sloan’s Lake Park, 4500 West 17th Avenue, Denver. http://www.cdbf.org/
Change Your Altitude at Hike MS Copper Mountain. On July 27, the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society’s annual fundraising hike features spectacular views along three routes varying from two to 10 miles, which are supported by route marshals, rest stops and medical support. Special lodging rates available through Copper Mountain reservations center at 1-866-837-2996, mention “Hike MS.” Time: 7:30 a.m., on-site registration opens; 8 a.m. – hike starts at 105 Wheeler Circle, Copper Mountain. FEE: $30, includes continental breakfast, lunch and custom T-shirt, and minimum fundraising of $50. www.hikeMScolorado.org
Through Aug. 21. Beat the heat and give your brain a boost: “Just Add Water” is back at the Children’s Museum of Denver. The outdoor exhibit is all about H2O and the many ways it moves and travels: splashing, sprinkling, shooting and swirling. It’s a hands-on experience, so prepare the kids to get a little wet along the way — and it couldn’t hurt to have a towel handy. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday (open until 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive; 303-433-7444. $9 for guests ages 2-59, $7 for seniors and 1-year-olds. mychildsmuseum.org.
The Heritage Square Music Hall Children’s Theatre presents “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Emperor Mullinium is the original “Fashionista” and thinks more of his clothes than his own people! Is that any way for an Emperor to behave? We think not! It’s up to the audience to help him get his priorities straight. “The Emperor’s New Clothes” runs through August 31, 2013 with performances every Saturday at 1:30 PM. Tickets: $8 for children and adults, $7 for seniors (62 and up). Special rates for groups of ten or more children apply. Weekday performances are available, but vary, so call for information. For reservations, call 303-279-7800. Heritage Square Music Hall Children’s Theatre is located at 18301 W. Colfax D-103, Golden, CO 80401. More information at www.hsmusichall.com
Nick Cave: Soundsuits at the Denver Art Museum. Through September 22, renowned contemporary artist Nick Cave will debut a new body of work at the Denver Art Museum in the summer of 2013. The exhibition features a combination of multimedia elements and performances along with a selection of figurative sculptures the artist dubbed “Soundsuits.”
More Info: www.denverartmuseum.org
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Nature Programs
Also, don’t miss this event from Jeffco parks. LMNC programs are FREE and registration is required unless otherwise noted. Register online or by calling 720-497-7600. Looking for a program for your class, scout troop, or other group? Visit their website or call to learn about group programs.
Lair o’ the Bear Campfire: Oh Deer!6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 (Lair o’ the Bear Park)
Deer and elk are two of the most common large mammals seen out in the parks. Discover how these antlered animals are adapted for survival through stories, songs and other fun campfire activities. (All ages.)
Preschool Nature Nuts: Summer Sun (3-5 year-olds)
10:15 or 11:15 a.m. Thursday, July 11 (Lookout Mountain Nature Center)
Summertime sunshine! Learn about Earth’s nearest star and find out why the sun is so important. (Kids ages 3-5 with an adult.) A Toddler Nature Nuts program will be offered on the same topic for 2-year-olds on Thursday, July 18 at 10:15 or 11:15 a.m. at Lookout Mountain Nature Center.
Jr. Naturalists: Hands Off – Indentifying Dangerous Plants
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday, July 12 (Mount Falcon Park – East)
Why are some plants poisonous? Learn to identify dangerous species. Important treatment methods will also be discussed. (Ages 6-10, with an adult.)
Suminagashi! Japanese Paper Crafts
Thursday, July 12 (Hiwan Homestead)
Suminagashi is the ancient Japanese art of paper marbling. Learn the history and techniques of this beautiful art. Make your own unique marbled paper to cover a favorite book or diary, and learn more about traditional Japanese crafts.
Midsummer Wildflowers
9-11 a.m. Saturday, July 13 (Meyer Ranch Park)
Walk with a Native Plant Master and discover the importance of our native plants to wildlife and humans. (Ages 10+.)
Jr. Naturalists: Hands Off – Indentifying Dangerous Plants
10 a.m. – 12p.m. Sunday, July 14 (Mount Falcon Park – East)
Why are some plants poisonous? Learn to identify dangerous plants. Important treatment methods will also be discussed. (Ages 6-10, with an adult.)
40th Anniversary Exhibit
March 19 to November 17 (Hiwan Homestead Museum)
Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jefferson County Historical Society and Jefferson County Open Space, which was voted into existence in 1972 and began receiving funds in 1973. Displays will center on important points in history, interesting facts about the development of Open Space and a variety of memorabilia.
40th Anniversary Exhibit
March 19 to November 17 (Hiwan Homestead Museum)
Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jefferson County Historical Society and Jefferson County Open Space, which was voted into existence in 1972 and began receiving funds in 1973. Displays will center on important points in history, interesting facts about the development of Open Space and a variety of memorabilia.
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Ongoing Fun for the Whole Family
Everything from roller coasters to rhinos.
Daily. After a popular run in 2012, the Children’s Museum of Denver relaunches its “3, 2, 1 … Blast Off!” exhibit. Created in conjunction with United Launch Alliance, “Blast Off!” teaches kids about the basics of rocket science by letting them build and launch their own rockets. The new version of “Blast Off!” includes two giant-size models of real-life rockets, plus a vaulted ceiling for vertical rocket launches — the previous space allowed only for horizontal flights. Museum members are invited to arrive at 9 a.m. Saturday for a special members-only hour before the museum opens. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive; 303-433-7444. $9 for guests ages 2 to 59; $7 for 1-year-olds and seniors age 60 and older. mychildsmuseum.org.
NEW! Flight of the Butterflies 3D at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. A scientific adventure. A compelling detective story. A stunning sight to see. Flight of the Butterflies 3D is all this and more. Dr. Fred Urquhart spent nearly 40 years working to discover the monarch butterflies’ secret hideaway and solve the mystery of their unique migration path. In this dazzling 3D film, you will experience the inspiring story of this scientist’s passion and see up close the lifecycle of these beautiful creatures. Get a butterfly’s-view of the world as you fly over North America and into the isolated mountaintops in Mexico where you will encounter hundreds of millions of fluttering monarchs. www.dmns.org
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
May – October
The nation’s ONLY downtown theme and water park opens for the season on May 4. With more than 45 thrilling rides, plus a splash-filled, 10-acre Water Park, musical stages, stunt shows, arcades and the StarToon Studios (a kiddie area with pint-sized fun), there’s something at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park for just about everyone. New additions this year include a new family-friendly rollercoaster Blazin’ Buckaroo and seven new shows including the must-see Cirque Conjure in the Trocadero Theater, a sophisticated combination of illusions, music, dance and comedy parents and kids will enjoy. elitchgardens.com
Spun: Adventures in Textiles
Through September 22, Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum (DAM) takes a wide-ranging look at textiles from pre-Columbian weavings to modern fiber art, Navajo blankets to an examination of clothing in art and photography.
More Info: www.denverartmuseum.org
Catalyst: Colorado Sculpture
Through January 12, 2014, Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens celebrates the achievements and vision of Colorado sculptors in this astonishing outdoor group exhibition. Twelve artists view the garden spaces differently, altering the landscape with amazing 3-D work.
More Info: www.botanicgardens.org
Denver B-cycle
Through November
Explore the city on two wheels! Denver B-cycle is an automated bike sharing system designed for short trips around The Mile High City. It’s easy and fun. You can check out one of more than 500 bikes from any one of 50-plus stations (conveniently located near major attractions and neighborhoods) and return it to any other station. denver.bcycle.com
Colorado Rockies
April 5-September 25
Major league baseball returns to downtown Denver’s Coors Field on April 5, as the Rockies square off against the San Diego Padres. The fun continues all spring and summer long. For an affordable option, buy tickets in the Rockpile, where seats are just $4 for adults and $1 for kids under 12. coloradorockies.com
Toyota Elephant Passage
Year-round
Say hello to Denver’s new, five-ton locals. At 10 acres, this landmark $50 million exhibit at Denver Zoo is North America’s largest bull elephant habitat. You’ll see majestic Asian elephants cooling off in a shallow stream, Malaysian tapirs care for their young, acrobatic gibbons swinging overhead from tree to tree, fishing cats diving for their next meal and the piercing stare of a black leopard, all from the center of an Asian village. denverzoo.org
GPS Adventures at the Wildlife Museum. The Wildlife Experience recently opened its newest exhibit, which sets you on a course for hidden treasure… all you need is a GPS unit and a sense of adventure. This life-sized maze exhibition introduces visitors to cutting-edge Global Positioning Systems (GPS) through Geocaching – a family friendly treasure hunting game. More than four million people around the world are on the hunt for over a million hidden treasures. In addition to hidden booty, these geocachers are finding the real treasure: reconnecting with family, community and nature in a meaningful way.
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