Denver’s summer festival season is upon us and we’ve teamed up with Visit Denver to share Denver’s Top Family-friendly Summer Festivals for 2023.
Do you want to do a deeper dive into Denver fun? Be sure to bookmark The Ultimate Denver Summer Activity Guide (250+ Ideas) and the Colorado Bucket List: 100 Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit.
Family Summer Festivals in Denver
Taste of Colorado at ¡Viva! Streets Denver. This reformatted annual festival will take place over three Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Civic Center Park to celebrate diverse food, music and culture. www.denver.org
The Denver Barbecue Festival (May 27–28, 2023) – This festival brings together top pitmasters from Denver and around the country to serve award-winning barbecue. The festival also features live music, cold drinks and barbecue tutorials and demonstrations. qbbqdenver.com
Denver Day of Rock (June 3, 2023) – This free music festival features four stages of live music in LoDo/downtown Denver. The event unites the community through music and family-friendly entertainment while also raising funds to help Amp the Cause, which supports local non-profits. ampthecause.org/our-events/denver-day-of-rock
Denver Greek Festival (June 9-11). Join in the fun of the 56th annual Denver Greek Festival, a family-friendly event with plenty to enjoy. Indulge in our authentic Greek food, while immersing yourself in the sounds of live Greek music and traditional dance entertainment. thegreekfestival.com
ayA Con (June 9–11, 2023) – Denver’s Indigenous comic and art festival is coming soon. ayA Con is a celebration of indigeneity hosted by and highlighting North American Indigenous creators. This all-inclusive family festival will feature comic creators, bead artists, musicians, digital illustrators, designers, dancers and much more. It will be held at the McNichols Civic Center Building and Denver Art Museum. ayacondenver.art/
Five Points Jazz Festival (June 10, 2023) – This free festival celebrates the history of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. Once known as the Harlem of the West, Five Points was home to several jazz clubs which played host to many of jazz music’s legends such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and many more. The festival features a diverse lineup of music, from Latin to blues to funk and many other styles of jazz. artsandvenuesdenver.com
Big Gear Show -Consumer Festival (June 10–11, 2023) – Get ready outdoor enthusiasts, a special festival is coming to the Colorado Convention Center this summer. At The Big Gear Show, learn from top experts, test out gear in a professionally designed experiential zone, meet the innovators behind your favorite brands and find new spots to recreate. In conjunction with the festival is (e)revolution, the first North American show dedicated to the growing electric bike market where you can test ride commuter, cargo and mountain e-bikes.
Juneteenth Music Festival (June 16-19, 2023) – Celebrate with a parade, live performances, art, vendors and fun for the entire family. Don’t miss the interactive and educational programming at acclaimed African American cultural institutions and landmarks. juneteenthmusicfestival.com
Cherry Blossom Festival (June 17–18, 2023) – Fans of taiko drumming, teriyaki chicken, sake and Japanese artwork won’t want to miss this annual festival in Sakura Square. cherryblossomdenver.org
Fan Expo (June 30–July 2, 2023) – Experience the ultimate playground for comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming. Enjoy three big days of citywide events, family-friendly attractions and world-renowned celebrities. fanexpohq.com/fanexpodenver
Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July 1–3) – This beloved annual community tradition has been a part of the cultural fabric of Denver for more than three decades. Some 150,000 visitors enjoy more than 250 of the nation’s top juried visual artists, curated exhibits, performing and culinary arts, and art activities for the whole family. cherrycreekartsfestival.org
Cirque du Soleil – Kooza (July 5–Aug. 13, 2023) – Kooza combines acrobatic performance and the art of clowning while exploring fear, identity, recognition and power. cirquedusoleil.com/kooza
Colorado Black Arts Festival (July 7–9, 2023) – Celebrate African American art and culture. It’s a Colorado experience like no other in historic Denver City Park West. colbaf.org
Colorado Dragonboat Festival (July 22 and 23, 2023) –This annual festival at SLoan’s Lake Park is a celebration of Asian and Asian American heritage and is the largest Dragon Boat Festival in the U.S. cdbf.org
Summer Fun in Denver
Denver Summer Fun Guide 2023: 200+ Ideas
The Ultimate Denver Summer Activity Guide (250+ Ideas)
Guide to Denver’s Splash Parks and Spray Fountains
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South Platte River Trail’s 25+ best parks, trails, restaurants and museums
Borrow a Colorado State Parks Pass from Your Library
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Author: Mile High Mamas
