After the jump are several events taking place during Denver’s summer finale; for a
full list, including exhibitions and hotel deals, go to the
VISIT DENVER website.
Blockbuster Exhibitions
ApolloPalooza, through July 20
Wings
Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum will be home to incredible
activities, exhibits, seminars and more - all dedicated to celebrating
the 50th anniversary of the first Apollo
moon landing and showcasing the latest in space exploration and
technology. The event will feature an Apollo Astronaut, industry leading
companies, educational STEM activities, world class speakers and
exclusive industry access.
Leonardo da Vinci:
500 Years of Genius, through August 25
Although
Leonardo da Vinci died in 1519, his influence has endured. His
extraordinary legacy as an inventor, artist, scientist, anatomist,
engineer, architect, sculptor and philosopher comes
to life at Denver Museum of Nature & Science in Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius,
the most comprehensive exhibition about da Vinci ever presented. Dozens
of replicas of da Vinci’s machine inventions, built using his detailed
codices, reveal how
his fundamental scientific and artistic principles continue to impact
the world today. In addition, the exhibition will feature the
fascinating
Secrets of the Mona Lisa exhibit, with super-magnified visual examinations and the only 360-degree replica ever made of the iconic painting.
Human
| Nature: Figures from the Craig Ponzio Sculpture Collection,
through September 15
Human
| Nature: Figures from the Craig Ponzio Sculpture Collection
presents sculptures that explore the human form in both classical and
abstract styles, from the early 20th century to today at Denver Botanic
Gardens. Featured artists hail from around the world and include Eric
Fischl, Jacques Lipchitz, Sassona Norton, Beverly Pepper, Auguste
Rodin and Manolo Valdés.From sculpture to selfies to dance, the power of
the human figure conveys and conjures a range of
emotions. Human | Nature shares the expressive capacity of the human form against the backdrop of the Gardens’ diverse botanical environments.
Beer Here! Brewing the West,
through August 1, 2020
Explore
Colorado’s brewing industry from the saloons of the Gold Rush through
Prohibition to today’s booming craft beer scene at History Colorado
Center’s
Beer Here! Brewing the West. Learn about the Centennial State’s
brewing past, present and future through historical artifacts,
interactive elements and more.
Cultural Events
Chicano Music Festival & Auction, July 24-28
Su
Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center hosts an annual Chicano
Music Festival & Auction that celebrates the music of the Southwest,
featuring some of Colorado’s finest musicians as well
as visiting bands from California, New Mexico, and Texas. The live and
silent auctions highlight the original work of local and Southwestern
artists. Additionally, Su Teatro inducts musicians each year into the
Chicano Music Hall of Fame at the festival. The
Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to honor musicians who have
contributed to keeping Spanish-language music flourishing in Colorado.
Over the years, Su Teatro has honored Colorado musical legends ranging
from Paco Sanchez, Los Alvarados, Conjunto Colores,
Johnny "Ritmo" Rodriguez, and Phil Trujillo.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, July 27-28
In
the tradition of the Chinese Duanwu Festival, Denver’s two-day version
centers around the dragon boat competition, with more than 50 teams of
boaters racing colorful and intricate boats
across Sloan’s Lake. Additionally, the festival features performing
arts stages, an Asian marketplace, Taste of Asia food courts, Dragonland
for the kids, a traditional lion dance and a partnership with Colorado
Anime Fest.
Chicago, August 1-25
Phamaly Theatre Company, which solely casts actors with disabilities, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a run of Broadway favorite,
Chicago, at Studio Loft in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Against
the backdrop of Chicago's roaring 20s, celebrity hopeful Roxie Hart
stands accused of murder. Imprisoned in Cook County Jail alongside her
longtime idol Velma Kelly, there's little
hope for acquittal, until she discovers the artful manipulation of
justice by the best criminal lawyer in town – Billy Flynn.
Denver Art Museum Free First Saturdays, August 3 & September 7
The
Denver Art Museum's Frederic C. Hamilton Building is an architectural
work of art. The wing is the first U.S. building by Daniel Libeskind,
known for his design of the Freedom
Tower in New York City. On the first Saturday of every month, visitors
can explore the museum's galleries showcasing an impressive permanent
collection, renowned traveling exhibits, children’s exhibits and more
for free. General admission to the museum is
free to all youth 18 and under every day.
First Friday Art Walks, August 2 & September 6
Find
the pulse of Denver's vibrant creative community year-round on the
first Friday of each month in The Mile High City's neighborhood art
districts. Galleries, studios and cultural attractions
in Denver's creative neighborhoods stay open late for a mind-expanding
night of art, food, drink and fun.
Anastasia,
August 7-18
Inspired by the beloved film,
Anastasia transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian
Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman
sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless
Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists
the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they
embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.
Presented by Denver Center for the Performing Arts and performed at the
Buell Theatre, Anastasia features
a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by
Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens with direction by Tony Award-winner
Darko Tresnjak.
CRUSH WALLS, September 2-8
For
about a week each fall, CRUSH (Creative Rituals Under Social Harmony)
organizes artists, in partnership with local businesses, to splash color
and concepts across the RiNo (River North)
Art District through the use of mural art. The event has become a
platform for artists from around the world to gather, create and share
ideas and techniques, all to the delight of some 20,000 spectators and
visitors. Started in 2010 as a low-key gathering,
CRUSH WALLS is quickly becoming one of the largest street art festivals in the world, accumulating popular acclaim and formal accolades.
Culinary Festivals
Slow Food Nations, July 19-21
Slow
Food Nations will return to Denver for its third year, gathering
leaders, eaters, farmers, chefs, educators and families for a weekend of
tastings, tours and talks in Larimer Square. Modeled
after the renowned Terra Madre – the original Slow Food event in Turin,
Italy – Slow Food Nations in Denver has become the center of the North
American food world.
11th Annual Cherry Creek North Food & Wine, August 17
Cherry
Creek North Food & Wine celebrates the diverse and sophisticated
tastes of Cherry Creek North dining, bringing together the area's best
restaurants for one night on Fillmore Plaza (Fillmore
between 1st and 2nd). Attendees will have the chance to sample bites
while enjoying locally-produced wine, beer and spirits plus live music
and more.
A Taste of Colorado, August 31 – September 2
This
festival, held in Denver’s Civic Center Park and on the surrounding
streets, highlights some of Colorado’s favorite food establishments –
from ethnic specialties to traditional favorites,
diners can enjoy full-sized or sample portions of their favorites
throughout the festival. The festival also features live music from more
than 25 national and regional artists, family-friendly activities and
more.
Denver Food + Wine Festival, September 3-8
Denver
Food + Wine Festival is a multi-day extravaganza of food, wine and
spirits education and tastings around the city. Events include Dinner
Under the Stars, Rise
+ Dine (an annual brunch festival), SHAKE DOWN (a cocktail event) and
the signature event, The Grand Tasting.
Live Music
Underground Music Showcase, July 26-28
The
Underground Music Showcase (UMS) takes place at more than 15 different
venues and stages along South Broadway and features more than 400 local
and national acts. Having grown from just
300 attendees for four bands at one theater, UMS is one of the best
ways to experience Denver’s incredible live music scene.
Mission Ballroom Grand Opening, August 8
Denver’s
newest concert venue, Mission Ballroom will open this summer with a
concert from Colorado’s own Lumineers (August 7). In its inaugural
season, the venue, located in the city’s hip
RiNo (River North) Arts District, will also feature Ben Harper (August
12), Steve Miller Band (August 13), Phantogram (August 18) and Of
Monsters and Men (September 16), among many others.
Billy Joel Live at Coors Field, August 8
Legendary
singer-songwriter, Billy Joel, will play at the home of the Colorado
Rockies this summer as part of a tour of several baseball stadiums
nationwide.
Zac Brown Band: The Owl Tour Live at Coors Field, August 9
Zac
Brown Band will be joined by rising stars Lukas Nelson and Promise of
the Real Caroline Jones for a performance at Denver’s Coors Field.
Dave Matthews Band at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, August 23 – 24
Dave
Mathews Band will once again take the stage at Fiddler’s Green
Amphitheatre to perform music from their nearly 30-year career.
Diana Ross Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, July 22
International
superstar, Diana Ross, will return to Red Rocks Amphitheatre this
summer for one of the iconic venue’s most anticipated shows of the year.
Phish at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, August 31 – September 2
For
three days over Labor Day weekend, legendary jam band, Phish, will play
three concerts at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Featuring unparalleled
jam sessions and an always-entertaining live
show, Phish will celebrate Labor Day with its devoted following from
Denver and around the country for the eighth year in a row.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series
The
Red Rocks Summer Concert Series, held at Red Rocks Amphitheatre – the
world’s only naturally formed, acoustically perfect amphitheater – is
the largest one yet with the most number of headliners
performing at the renowned concert venue in its 78-year history. During
the day at Red Rocks Park, various organizations host yoga and fitness
classes, and there are plenty of hiking trails. August’s Summer Finale
will see headliners including O.A.R. (August
8), Lionel Richie (August 14), Shakey Graves (August 15), Nathaniel
Rateliff & The Night Sweats (August 21-22), OneRepublic with the
Colorado Symphony (August 26-27) and more; and Labor Day weekend will
wrap with Amos Lee on September 2.
Clyfford Still Museum Lawn Concerts
Considered
one of the most important painters of the 20th century, Clyfford Still
was among the first generation of Abstract Expressionist artists; and
the Clyfford Still Museum opened in his
honor in 2011 as part of Denver’s burgeoning Golden Triangle Creative
District. In appreciation of the citizens who support the Scientific and
Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), and in the spirit of community
engagement, the Clyfford Still Museum features
free lawn concerts on July 19, August 16 and September 6.
Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series
Denver
Botanic Gardens hosts a spectacular lineup of artists each summer in
its UMB Bank Amphitheater. Some of the artists performing this summer
include Indigo Girls (August 8), John Hiatt
(August 13) and Calexico and Iron & Wine (August 19), among others.
Professional Sports
Colorado Classic, August 22-25
Professional
bicycle racing returned to Colorado in 2017 with the Colorado Classic, a
series of men’s and women’s races in three Colorado cities. New this
year, race organizers announced that
the 2019 Colorado Classic will be a women’s only race – the only UCI
standalone women’s stage race in the Western hemisphere; raising the bar
with quadrupled prize purse, team stipends, live streaming and longer,
more challenging routes. This year’s race will
go through Steamboat, Avon and Golden, culminating in an exciting,
urban Denver finish on August 25.
