Frisco’s BBQ Challenge, Juneteenth Music Festival, Father’s Day Falcon Fest, Cirque du Soleil and the Denver Greek Festival are just a few fun events for Father’s Day weekend in Denver. See our event calendar for times and details.
Nature’s Amazing Machines at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
June 16, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Celebrate the grand opening of the new exhibit, Nature’s Amazing Machines, which uses real objects, scientific models, and hands-on elements to show the marvels of natural engineering. Discover how a giraffe’s heart pumps blood up its long neck, how a toucan stays cool in the jungle, and how it might feel to fly. You’ll also see modern designs inspired by natural adaptations, like Velcro, wind turbines, and chainsaws. Opening June 16 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Denver Greek Festival
June 16 – 18
Come eat, drink and dance like a Greek at the 2016 Greek festival on the grounds of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral (the big gold dome). Whether you are nine or 99, there is something fun to do at the Greek festival. For the younger kids, there are fair rides, games and toys. In the past festivals, younger children have also enjoyed dancing on the stage with the live musicians. For the adults, there is shopping to be done, food to be sampled and traditional music and dancing to enjoy.
“American Classics” Car Show & Auction at The Post Chicken & Beer
June 17, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Does Dad love classic cars? He’ll love to see Stephen Tebo’s private collection of American cars from the 1950s, 60s and 70s in The Post Chicken & Beer’s parking lot. A lot of the cars will be on auction, you know, so Dad can score a new ride while you’re there. After drooling over the cars, head inside for delicious eats such as $12 fried of BBQ chicken plates and $4 chicken biscuits. Dad will also enjoy $2 canned Post Brewing Co. beers.
Father’s Day Super Sunday at Colorado National Speedway
June 17, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
It’s the biggest Monster Truck show of the year: the annual Father’s Day Super Sunday Monster Fest at CNS. Treat dad to a smorgasbord of action and carnage featuring the Monster Trucks: The Ice Cream Man, Avenger, Brutus, Kamikaze, Wicked, and The Xtermigator!
Frisco’s BBQ Challenge at Town of Frisco
June 16 – 17
Nothing says “I Love You, Dad,” quite like the 2017 Colorado BBQ Challenge that will feature 70+ BBQers, 7 bands, pig races, kids’ activities, the 3rd Annual Fire Fighter Cook Off on the BlueStar Kitchen Stage Presented by Maximum Comfort Pool and Spa and Lynx Grills, food sampling and dem
Joy Park Free Nights at the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
June 16, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Children’s Museum is keeping Joy Park open after hours from 4 – 8 pm (or dusk) on the third Friday of every month, May – September, thanks to a collaboration with Denver Parks and Recreation. Please note: These FREE nights include access to Joy Park only and are weather permitting. Except for the restrooms, the inside of the Museum will be closed.
Low-sensory Morning at the History Colorado Center
June 17, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
The History Colorado Center is happy to open its doors exclusively for families that prefer a lower sensory environment. The museum will be closed to the general public, attendance limited, and the sound in exhibits turned down.
Kids Obstacle Challenge
June 17, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Kids Obstacle Challenge is a 1-2 mile adventure and obstacle course event series for kids ages 5-16, with 10-15 fun and challenging obstacles and lots of mud! As the largest touring adventure and obstacle course event series for kids in the nation, Kids Obstacle Challenge is designed for kids to push their limits and reach new heights. And the best part is, parents get to run with their kids for free.
All Colorado Festival at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry
June 17, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Join the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) as it hosts the 1st Annual All Colorado Festival! Attendees to this event will have the opportunity to sample the finest of Colorado spirits, beer, and wine. So have a taste, enjoy a snack from a food vendor or two, and then complete the day by listening to live local country music.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
June 17 – 18
Flashback to the 16th Century and journey through a medieval city. Enjoy full-armor jousting, tasty turkey legs, music and a marketplace featuring more than 200 artisans.
Children’s Day Japanese Fish Kites
June 17, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys to make paper carp kites while learning about holidays celebrated by families in Japan.
The Denver Deluxe
June 17, 2:00 – 8:00 pm
The Denver Deluxe combines all summer essentials for an incredible afternoon music fest. Jam to live music all afternoon with cold beers tapped, and burgers being flipped. This event will also feature Live Crush street and graffiti artists. This is a family-friendly event and kids under 12 are free.
Juneteenth Music Festival
Jun 17 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Denver, Colorado’s Juneteenth Music Festival is one of the nation’s largest celebrations, drawing in record numbers of festival-goers and participation. The two-day event features live performances, art and cultural exhibitions, and food and commercial vendors; with partners and sponsors ranging from community support networks and organizations, to local and international companies.
Father’s Day Falcon Fest
June 17 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
The Audubon Society of Greater Denver is excited to offer the 3rd Annual Father’s Day Falcon Fest in partnership with Hawkquest. Bring a picnic dinner to our outdoor amphitheater and enjoy a presentation and photo opportunities with Hawkquest, featuring live falcons and other birds of prey. Drinks & desserts will be provided! All fathers will be entered into a prize drawing with an opportunity to win falcon items, a free falcon hike guided by an Audubon Master Birder, and other great experiences.
Kids Film Series: Beauty and the Beast
June 20, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cool off this summer in the air-conditioned Stewart Auditorium with a bag of popcorn in a place where your don’t have to worry if your kiddo cries in the middle of the movie. Your ticket gets you $1 off the hands-on dinosaur exhibition too!
Bands on the Bricks at 1301 Pearl Street
June 21, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
From oldies to alternative and everything in between Bands on the Bricks is Boulder County’s premier outdoor summer concert series taking place in the heart of Downtown Boulder on the one-and-only Pearl Street Mall. A not-to-be-missed summer tradition with 10 weeks of free concerts celebrating its 20th anniversary!
Buskerfest Kick-off Celebration at Denver Union Station
June 22, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Join us at Denver’s new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema for delicious food, specialty drinks and an exclusive screening of “Denver Union Station: Portal to Progress.” While celebrating the busker community and local film, you will also be supporting the programs of Arts Street-assisting underserved youth artists in reaching their potential in the creative industries.
Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA, Under the Big Top Tent! at the Pepsi Center
June 1 – Jul 9
Delightfully-imaginative and visually-stunning, Cirque du Soleil’s production LUZIA is a waking dream of Mexico. Families are invited to a redesigned white-and-gold Big Top in Pepsi Center’s Parking Lot (Prius West Lot) from June 1 – July 9, 2017, to escape to an imaginary Mexico – a sumptuous world suspended somewhere between dreams and reality.
City Summer Fest at Colorado Springs
June 2 – 18
City Summer Fest is 17 days of family fun celebrating the beginning of summer and the southern Colorado community at the Colorado Springs Event Center. June 2nd through June 18th will be filled with music, food and fun with one of the best carnivals in the United States. Crabtree amusements will fill the parking lot in front of Colorado Springs Event Center with everything from kiddie rides to the newest extreme thrill rides. During the 17 days, City Summer Fest will feature multiple free live concerts with national recording artists and local bands.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
