Our 10 top things to do in Denver this week include the Arapahoe County Fair, Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, Cheesman Park Art Fest and more. See our event calendar for additional information.
Arapahoe County Fair at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
July 27 – 30
The Arapahoe County Fair has something for everyone. Get online DISCOUNT tickets ONLY $10 till 4 pm, July 27. Enjoy UNLIMITED carnival rides, TWO nights of FIREWORKS, the petting farm, two rodeos, concerts, truck and tractor pulls, high-flying dog shows, kids’ corral, homestead activities and more. Kids under 36″ get in FREE. www.arapahoecountyfair.com
Mario the Maker Magician at the Dairy Arts Center
July 27, 2:00 – 8:00 pm
David Blaine calls him “the best kids magician in the world!!” As seen on Sesame Street and NBCUniversal’s Sprout Channel, NYC’s Mario the “Maker Magician” is making his way to you in his 1971 VW bus! Ideal for ages 3-10 and their families. Shows at 2 and 7 p.m
Teen Lounge at Denver Museum of Nature and Science
July 27, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Teens take over the Museum at this totally free, unique event. Venture through Museum exhibits, get hands-on with entertaining activities, jam to live music, and win awesome giveaways. Chill with friends and eat free snacks after hours in the Museum.
Colorado Music Festival Fresh Fridays “The Planets” at Chautauqua Auditorium
July 28, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
The CMF Orchestra presents a magical, awe-inspiring and timeless musical portrait brought to life with choreographed, visual animation on the big screen. Plus you still have time for post-concert dinner and drinks – the night is still young.
5th Annual Cheesman Park Art Fest
July 29 – 30
The Cheesman Park Art Fest features vibrant collections of 130 juried artists and craftsmen from across the nation in one of Denver’s prized historic parks. This two day event takes place on the southwest roads of Cheesman, where patrons can shop the works of potters, painters, jewelers, sculptors, glass artists, and more – in a wide range of prices! Charming & walkable, with work that is top-notch yet attainable, the Cheesman Park Art Fest has you culturally covered from live music beneath the trees to Denver’s best food trucks!
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan’s Lake
July 29 – 30
The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival in Sloan’s Lake Park is a free family-friendly festival highlighting Colorado’s rich Asian Pacific American heritage. 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.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
July 29 – 30
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.
Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair at McNichols Civic Center Building, Denver Arts and Venues
July 29 – 30
Come shop over 150 handmade vendors from art and photography, home decor, housewares, fashion and accessory design, kids products, food and more at this free and family friendly indoor/outdoor event. In addition to quality shopping guests will find food trucks, DIY workshops, a full bar and more!
Dinos! Prehistoric Party at the Denver Zoo
July 29, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Come celebrate the opening of our newest traveling exhibit, DINOS! Live at Denver Zoo, brought to you by your Hometown Toyota Stores at DINOS! Prehistoric Party, offered every Saturday night in July. Visit these 21 life-size animatronic dinosaurs after the sun goes down while enjoying additional family-friendly entertainment.
Free Day at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Aug 1, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Butterflies at Chatfield will be open during these Free Days with paid admission for the butterfly house. Audubon Society of Denver is offering free bird tours on Chatfield Farms Free Days, except on July 15 during the Lavender Festival. The tours are from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., leaving every half hour from the Earl J. Sinnamon Visitor Center, and take place on the nature/wetlands trails.
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.
