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Events

Mamas’ Weekly Event Round-up

This week marks the return of the festivals, such as the Scottish Festival down in Highlands Ranch. Bagpipes! Kilts! In a completely different vein, Littleton kicks off its Western Welcome Week, a festival that is 11 days long and full of fun and stampedes. Two vastly different events, but both offering lots of family fun.

It’s First Friday, so check out the happenings in various neighborhoods that offer First Friday events. Just because the outdoor movies and summer concerts are winding down doesn’t mean you can’t still go out and enjoy our beautiful summer nights.

Naturally, you should check before you go, just in case anything has changed. Go forth, be adventurous, and enjoy!

Free Days
Friday, August 7: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton.

Wednesday, July 12: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver. 303-322-7009. The Expedition: Health exhibit is included, but you still need to make reservations to see it.

First Fridays
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Tennyson Street between 38th and 44th Avenues.

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Old South Pearl Street, between Evans and Buchtel.

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Santa Fe Drive, between 6th and 13th Avenues.

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Golden Triangle Neighborhood, Lincoln between Speer and 13th.

Summer Concerts
Friday, August 7

Noon – 1:30 pm: Noon Tunes, 1300 Block of Pearl, Boulder. This series runs through August 14. This week is a special performance by the Arapaho Sand Creek Band as part of the Arapaho Homecoming going on this weekend (see the events section below for more information).

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Concerts on the Square at the Orchard, Orchard Town Center, 14697 Delaware Street, Westminster. Head up north to enjoy this new addition to our list. This week, Jakarta performs.

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Sounds of Southlands, Southlands Shopping District, E-470 and Smoky Hill Road. Another new addition! This week, the Nacho Men perform. A note: Pets are welcome at this venue. Well-behaved pets, that is.

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Northfield Stapleton Summer Concert Series, Main Street at Northfield Stapleton, 49th and Quebec. Catch the Northfield Stapleton Summer Concert Series on first and third Fridays, June through August. This week: Dotsero.

Sunday, August 8
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: City Park Jazz, at the Bandstand at City Park Pavilion. This is the last week for this blockbuster series, and Funkiphino wraps up the season. Park for free at the Zoo or the Museum, then take the shuttle to the bandstand. Free bike parking is also available.

Tuesday, August 11
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Concerts at the Crescent, Crescent Ampitheater, DTC Boulevard and Belleview (just east of Yia Yia’s Euro Café) in the Denver Tech Center. This series was supposed to end last week, but they’ve rescheduled some shows that were cancelled due to that pesky rain. So, this week Dirty Shoes plays, and next week the Nacho Men will wrap it up.

Wednesday, August 12

6:30 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm): Swallow Hill’s Shady Grove Picnic Series at Four Mile Historic Park, 715 Forest Street, Denver. This week: Danny Schmidt and Chuck E. Costa. The Shady Grove series will continue through September 2. Tickets are $10/adults, $2 kids 12 and under.

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Bands on the Bricks, 1300 Block of Pearl, Boulder. Opie Gone Bad closes out this summer concert series.>

Thursday, August 6

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Summer Entertainment Series at Clement Park, Clement Park (South Pierce and West Bowles), Littleton. Santana tribute band Soul Sacrifice performs tonight.

Summer Movie Programs
Although most of the summer programs at various theaters are winding down, outdoor movie programs like Movies in the Parks and the Boulder Outdoor Cinema are still going strong for a few more weeks.

Friday, August 7, dusk: Flicks in the Square presents E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Olde Town Square, 57th and Olde Wadsworth, Olde Town Arvada. What’s this? A summer film series that’s just getting started? Head to Olde Town Arvada for this ultra-family-friendly movie.

Friday, August 7, dusk: Movies at Founders’ Green, Founders Green Park, 29th Avenue and Roslyn Street, Stapleton. This evening you have yet another opportunity to see Kung Fu Panda over in Stapleton.

Friday, August 7, dusk: Jurassic Park, Movies in the Parks, Cheesman Park, 8th Avenue and Franklin Street, Denver. Free popcorn, cotton candy, and sno-cones; other concessions available for purchase.

Saturday, August 8, dusk: The Wizard of Oz closes out Denver’s Movies in the Parks. Skyline Park, Denver. Free popcorn, cotton candy, and sno-cones; other concessions available for purchase.

Thursday, August 13, dusk: River Flicks presents The Iron Giant at Confluence Park, 15th and Little Raven (across the river from the REI Flagship Store), Downtown Denver. Parking is available at the Downtown Aquarium for $6.00.

County Fairs
The county fairs get their own section, because there’s just so darn many of them! Check out your local county fair—you’ll be amazed at all the things that go on in your own backyard, about which you weren’t even aware!

Through August 8: Boulder County Fair, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont. Live music, activities for the kids (including mutton bustin’ and Ballet on Horseback. . . ??), a chili cook-off, talent show. . . the Boulder County Fair, is, of course, free and green and all Boulder-y. Take the family up and find out where those burgers and chicken nuggets really come from. And I mean that in a good, educational way.

Through Sunday, August 9: Douglas County Fair, Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock. Not to be outdone by Boulder, Douglas County kicks off their fair this weekend, as well. Kudos to Douglas County for having a Roller Derby. I am not making this up. You can’t make up stuff like this. On Wedneday, August 5, the Castle Rock ‘N Rollers take on the Pueblo Derby Devil Dollz. Seriously. Check the website for more details, along with a complete listing of events that aren’t the roller derby.

Through Sunday, August 9: Adams County Fair, Adams County Regional Park, 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton. Interactive game experience, petting zoo, kids’ day, a kayak tank. . . all the fair trappings up there in Brighton.

Through Sunday, August 9: Jefferson County RoundUp Fair and Rodeo, Jefferson County Fairgrounds,15200 West 6th Avenue, Lakewood.

Happenings and Other Fun Things to Do
Thursday, August 6 – Sunday, August 16: Western Welcome Week, Downtown Littleton. The 81st Western Welcome Week, celebrating Littleton, kicks off this week. Check the website for a complete list of activities because there are a ton! Fireworks this coming Saturday night, a pancake breakfast on Sunday, art shows, a parade next weekend; The list is endless. There are lots of kids activities, including a fishing derby, and a stick horse stampede. Yee haw!

Friday, August 7, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Louisville Downtown Street Faire, Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front Street, downtown Louisville. Live music begins around 6:00. Food and drinks, vendors, artisans, and stuff for the kids, in addition to the live music. . . this is one snappy little to-do. Catch it every Friday through August 14.

Saturday, August 8, 9:00 am – 10:00 pm and Sunday, August 9, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Colorado Scottish Festival and Rocky Mountain Highland Games, Highland Heritage Park, 9651 South Quebec, Highlands Ranch. It’s all things Celtic, Scottish, British, and there’s even some Welsh in there if you look hard enough! The list of events for this festival is long and varied: Dance, music, pipes and drums, British dogs and cars (again, not making this up!), competitions of all types, including Scottish athletic competitions, a haggis tasting (gee, sign me up), a hands-on music tent, and a musical extravaganza on Saturday night. U2 tribute band Under a Blood Red Sky performs, as do many other Irish/Celtic/Scottish musicians. Of course there are children’s activities, and I have to think that the whole thing is just going to be a huge mass of jolly fun for the whole family. Tickets: $15 for adults, $12 for children 7 – 12 and Seniors, kids 7 and under are free. Parking is available at the festival field, with shuttles available to the site.

Saturday, August 8, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm: As part of its sesquicentennial celebration, Boulder is hosting a Northern Arapaho Tribe “Coming Back Home” Gathering, on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder. American Indian crafts, food, music, storytelling, dance and drumming demonstrations will be offered. There will also be a run (non-competitive) to honor the ancestors of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes who were lost in the Sand Creek Massacre. Check the website for details on the run, as well as the activities for the rest of the day.

Wednesday, August 12, 6:30 pm, and Thursday, August 13 – Saturday, August 15: The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival gets underway on Thursday afternoon, but the official kick-off is Wednesday evening with a performance by the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra. More on this hometown festival next week, or check out the website if you must have details right. now.

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, now through August 28, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Tebo Train Rides on the Pearl Street Mall, Boulder. Let your little ones (10 and younger, please) hop on the train and get a little tour of the Pearl Street Mall—two whole blocks of it. Adults can ride with their child. Catch the train at the Wells Fargo Bank in the 1200 block of the Pearl Street Mall.

Theater and Music
Through November 14: Sleeping Beauty at the Heritage Square Music Hall, 18301 West Colfax Avenue, Golden (30) 279-7800. The classic story we all know and love, especially for children. Shows are on Saturdays at 1:30 pm. There are often 3:00 pm shows, but call to confirm. Ticket prices are $6.00 for children and adults, $5.00 for seniors (age 62 or over).

July 1 – August 15: Colorado Shakespeare Festival, 914 Broadway (on the University of Boulder Campus), Boulder. Get a little culture this summer with one of the best Shakespeare Festivals around. Performances of the great works of the Bard (along with one or two others) run at various times. Check the website for specifics.

Through August 22: Cinderella, Mexican Style at the Denver Puppet Theater, 3156 West 38th Avenue, Denver. 303-458-6446. A charming little twist on a popular tale. Check out the Denver Puppet Theater this summer; tickets are inexpensive ($6.00!), and shows are appropriate for children 3 years and older.

Through September 5: Annie at Boulder’s Dinner Theatre, 5501 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder. The Broadway musical you love. . . with dinner! Special matinees added for families, so you can bring the little ones and you can all leave singing “It’s a hard knock life. . .” Check the website for show times and ticket prices.

Farmers’ (and other) Markets

Saturday, August 8, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm: Olde Town Market and Whimsical Artisans Emporium, Downtown Littleton. This market runs on the second Saturday of each month through October 10th. Sidewalk shopping from unique vendors, featuring antique, vintage, and artisan goods. Check it out!

Saturday, August 8, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm: Ballpark Market, Larimer Street between 21st and 22nd. This European-style flea market runs the second Saturday of the month through October. Cool vintage stuff, collectibles, and other unique items abound.

August 8, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Congrats from Colorado is having a sample sale, offering you the opportunity to snap up all sorts of cool, Colorado-made gifts for just about everyone in your life. 3457 Ringsby Court, Denver. That’s an old taxi warehouse near I-70 and Washington, just outside of Downtown.

The Farmers’ Markets are organized by region, to improve your shopping experience.

Central:

Saturday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Cherry Creek Fresh Market, 1st Avenue and University (in the Bed, Bath, and Beyond parking lot), Denver. www.coloradofreshmarkets.com

Sunday, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm: Stapleton, 29th and Roslyn, Denver. www.coloradofreshmarkets.com.

Sunday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Old South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market, 1500 Block of South Pearl Street, Denver.

Sunday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. City Park Esplanade Fresh Market, East Colfax Avenue and Columbine Street, Denver. www.coloradofreshmarkets.com.

Tuesday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Denver Civic Center Outdoor Market and Café, Colfax and Broadway, Denver. www.coloradofreshmarkets.com.

Wednesday, 9:00 am – 1:00. Cherry Creek Fresh Market, 1st Avenue and University (in the Bed, Bath, and Beyond parking lot), Denver. www.coloradofreshmarkets.com.

South:

Saturday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Highlands Ranch Farmers’ Market, Highlands Ranch Town Center, 9288 Dorchester Street, Highlands Ranch. www.denverfarmersmarket.com

Monday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Tamarac Square, Tamarac and Hampden, Denver. www.denverfarmersmarket.com.

North:

Saturday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Northfield Stapelton, Northfield Stapleton Shopping Center, I-70 and Quebec. www.laughingdogfarms.net

Saturday, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. Boulder Farmer’s Market, Downtown Boulder on 13th Street between Canyon and Arapahoe 303-910-2236.

Sunday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Orchards Farmers’ Market, 144th Avenue and I-25. www.laughingdogfarms.net

Northwest:

Thursday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. 4260 Wadsworth Boulevard, Wheat Ridge. www.denverfarmersmarket.com.

Southwest:

Saturday, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. Metro Denver Farmers’ Market, Southwest Plaza SE Parking Lot, Wadsworth and Bowles, Littleton. www.denverfarmersmarket.com.

Wednesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Aspen Grove, 7301 South Santa Fe, Littleton. www.denverfarmersmarket.com

East:
Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Aurora Farmers’ Market, 333 N. Havana, in the Maya Sports Bar and Grill parking lot. www.denverfarmersmarket.com

Southeast:

Saturday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Lone Tree, Yosemite and Maximus. www.laughingdogfarms.net.

Saturday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Southlands, E-470 and Smoky Hill Road, in the Southlands Shopping Center, Aurora. www.laughingdogfarms.net. Open Saturdays, 9:00 – 1:00 and Thursdays, 10:00 – 1:00.

Sunday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Parker Farmer’s Market, Northwest corner of Parker and Main Street, in the Crossroads Shopping Center. www.laughingdogfarms.net. Runs through October.

Thursday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Southlands, E-470 and Smoky Hill Road, in the Southlands Shopping Center, Aurora. www.laughingdogfarms.net.

To be considered for inclusion in our weekly event picks, be sure to email Jennifer at [email protected]

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