By Rocky Mountain Voice Staff
Memorial Day Weekend in Colorado is packed with activities and events that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re a fan of art, music, outdoor adventures, or delicious food, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best ways to spend your Memorial Day Weekend across the state.
- Denver Arts Festival (May 25-26, 2024)
One of the premier cultural events in Denver, the Denver Arts Festival, takes place over Memorial Day Weekend. This free outdoor festival, held at Central Park’s Conservatory Green Plaza in Stapleton, showcases the work of over 150 artists from Colorado and beyond. Known as one of the top art shows in the country, the festival attracts around 50,000 attendees each year.
What to Expect:
– Art Displays: Explore a wide variety of curated art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and more.
– Festival Hours: Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
– Family-Friendly: The festival is free and open to all ages, making it a perfect family outing. - Boulder Creek Festival (May 24–27, 2024)
Located in nearby Boulder, the Boulder Creek Festival is a must-visit during Memorial Day Weekend. This vibrant festival spans three days and offers a plethora of activities, food, and entertainment.
Highlights:
– Entertainment: Enjoy live music and dance performances on three stages, featuring over 30 bands throughout the weekend.
– Vendors: Over 200 vendors will be present, selling arts, crafts, and various merchandise.
– Family Activities: Kids can enjoy children’s concerts, games, face painting, and carnival rides.
– Food and Drink: A variety of food options, including vegan and healthy choices, as well as popular food truck fare.
– Kickoff Concert: Don’t miss the kickoff concert on Friday night.
– Location: 1212 Canyon Blvd., Boulder. The festival is free to attend. - Memorial Day Parade in Commerce City (May 27, 2024)
For those who appreciate patriotic traditions, the Memorial Day Parade in Commerce City is a significant event. It’s one of the largest Memorial Day parades in Colorado and features a diverse lineup of participants.
Parade Details:
– Start Time: The parade begins at 9:30 am.
– Route: The 1.5-mile parade route starts at E. 64 Ave & Newport St., turns onto Holly St., and concludes at E. 60 & Colorado Ave.
– Participants: The parade includes over 100 entries such as marching units, military bands, antique cars, motorcycles, floats, and equestrian units.
– Ceremony: An hour before the parade, there will be a ceremony at Veteran’s Memorial Park to honor fallen heroes.
– Spectators: Thousands of spectators gather annually to witness this patriotic procession. - Territory Days (May 25-27, 2024)
Territory Days in Old Colorado City is a beloved tradition, celebrating more than 45 years as Colorado’s largest street fair. This event is perfect for those looking to experience local culture and history.
Event Details:
– Dates: May 25-27, 2024
– Time: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
– Location: Old Colorado City
– Cost: Free admission
Highlights:
– Vendors: Shop from hundreds of unique vendors offering handcrafts from around the world.
– Entertainment: Enjoy live music from 25 bands performing on three stages.
– Food and Drink: Savor a variety of great food options.
– Educational Displays: Explore dozens of educational displays and patriotic tributes.
– Family-Friendly: The event is designed for the whole family to enjoy. - BOLDERBoulder 10K (May 27, 2024)
The BOLDERBoulder 10K is a Memorial Day tradition in Boulder, bringing together runners of all levels in a fun and festive atmosphere. Known for its funky costumes, lively music, and strong sense of community, this event is as much about the experience as it is about the race.
Race Details:
– Date: Monday, May 27, 2024
– Participants: Join 50,000 runners and numerous spectators.
– Route: The 10K race winds through Boulder’s neighborhoods and finishes at Folsom Field, the University of Colorado’s football stadium.
– Highlights: Enjoy the camaraderie, music, and costumes that make this race a unique and exciting event. - Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Plaza (May 26, 2024)
For a solemn and respectful observance of Memorial Day, attend the Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Plaza in Fort Collins. This event honors the sacrifices of those who have served in the military.
Ceremony Details:
– Date: Sunday, May 26, 2024
– Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
– Location: Veterans Plaza at Spring Canyon Community Park, 2626 W. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins
– Keynote Speaker: Maj. Gen. William Mullins III, a retired officer in the United States Marine Corps who served in Fallujah, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom and co-authored “Fallujah Redux: The Anbar Awakening and the Struggle with Al-Qaeda.”
Highlights: The event includes a military aircraft flyover. - Colorado Stampede Rodeo (May 24-26, 2024)
For an exhilarating experience steeped in tradition, head to Grand Junction for the Colorado Stampede Rodeo. This PRCA rodeo showcases the best of Western athleticism and culture.
Event Details:
– Dates: May 24-26, 2024
– Location: Grand Junction, Colorado
– Events: The rodeo features Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Breakaway Roping, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding.
Highlights:
– Rough Stock Events: Witness cowboys holding on for eight seconds on bucking broncos and bulls.
– Barrel Racing: Watch the grace and agility of cowgirls and their horses navigating a cloverleaf pattern at high speeds.
– Roping Events:** Marvel at the precision of ropers as they lasso calves and steers in split seconds.
Rodeos are a celebration of community, bringing together ranchers, families, and enthusiasts to share their love for the Western way of life. The camaraderie among contestants and the supportive cheers of the audience create an atmosphere of shared pride in Western heritage. If you’re looking for an experience that’s both exhilarating and steeped in tradition, the Colorado Stampede Rodeo is not to be missed. - Memorial Day Weekend Event with the Center for American Values
May 27th – Memorial Day Open House
The Center for American Values will host an Open House event on May 27th in honor and remembrance of the fallen US Military Armed Forces. This Memorial Day event will be a solemn occasion dedicated to paying tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
About the Center for American Values:
The Center for American Values is driven by the mission to initiate a national effort to identify, document, and disseminate information about individuals, groups, and organizations whose character and actions exemplify the core values upon which the United States was founded. These values include courage, integrity, and patriotism.
The Open House on May 27th will provide attendees with the opportunity to explore these programs, view the Portraits of Valor Exhibit, and participate in discussions about the importance of maintaining and honoring the values that the fallen soldiers upheld. It will be a day of reflection, education, and community engagement, ensuring that the sacrifices of the US Military Armed Forces are remembered and honored.
Join the Center for American Values this Memorial Day to pay your respects and learn more about the values that define and strengthen the nation.
Additional Activities:
- Outdoor Adventures: Denver’s warm weather and stunning landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. Consider hiking, biking, or having a picnic in one of the many beautiful parks and natural areas around the city.
- Craft Beer Tastings: Denver is famous for its craft beer scene. Take some time to visit local breweries and enjoy tasting sessions. Many breweries offer special events and limited-edition brews for the holiday weekend.
- BBQ Parties: Nothing says Memorial Day like a BBQ party. Whether you host your own or join a community event, BBQs are a great way to enjoy good food and company.
- Museum Exhibitions: For a more relaxed experience, visit one of Colorado’s many museums. Special exhibitions often coincide with the holiday weekend, providing a cultural and educational experience.
Memorial Day Weekend in Colorado is a time to enjoy the arts, celebrate community, and honor those who have served. With a diverse range of events and activities, you can make the most of the long weekend with family and friends while soaking up the beautiful Colorado weather and landscapes. Whether you’re exploring art at the Denver Arts Festival, enjoying live music at the Boulder Creek Festival, attending the Memorial Day Parade in Commerce City, experiencing the history and culture at Territory Days, joining the fun at the BOLDERBoulder 10K, paying respects at the Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Plaza, or experiencing the excitement of the Colorado Stampede Rodeo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.