Each Thursday, explore Denver’s essential weekend events curated by The Denver Gazette. Dive into cultural experiences and entertainment delights across the city. Whether you enjoy bouncy amusement parks, mariachi music, or viewing and creating art, there’s something for everyone in Denver’s vibrant cultural scene. To submit an event for consideration, email listings@gazette.com.
THURSDAY
Bounce Empire is a revolutionary amusement park in Lafayette (1380 S. Public Road) that is filled with exotic adventures, mind-blowing décor, and spectacular fun. Join them on Thursday as they host Zombie Hide and Seek. One participant starts the game by looking while the rest hide in the bouncing layers of Bounce Empire. Once the seeker finds someone, they join in until all seek the final “victim.” The event is kid-friendly and begins at 6 p.m. and rounds continue until the venue closes at midnight. Tickets range from $10-29. Visit their website to purchase passes.
FRIDAY
Get into a festive mood as Festival Garibaldi kicks off at Lawrence Street Park on the Auraria Campus this Friday. Empowered, Colorado Youth Mariachi Program, and Fiesta Colorado Dance Company are excited to announce this family-friendly community celebration of Mariachi and Folklorico Dance. Festival Garibaldi will offer a festival inspired by the famous Garibaldi Plaza — Mexico City’s mecca of Mariachi music. This community celebration will feature artistic performances from 12 local Denver Folklorico and Mariachi groups combined. This free event will take place from 5 to 10 p.m.
FRIDAY
You may have heard of First Fridays, but the Santa Fe Arts District becomes vibrant later in the month on Third Friday Collectors’ Night. Dozens of galleries keep their doors open late for this year-round event — where, in many cases, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the artists. Come down for opening receptions, artists talks, and lots of art. The event will take place from 5:30-9:30 p.m. For a list of participating galleries, visit the Denver Art District’s website.
SATURDAY
Arvada Beer Fest is throwing it back with a 90s-themed party at Freedom Street Social (15177 Candelas Parkway) featuring unlimited sampling from more than 15 breweries and distilleries. The event will take place from 1-5 p.m. Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased from the event’s EventBrite page.
SATURDAY
Thousands of people are expected to descend on Civic Center Park in Denver for the Mile High 420 Festival celebration, sponsored by Jars Cannabis. It’s the 10-year anniversary of legal, adult-use, cannabis sales in Colorado. Music by Afroman, Cucci Mane, Big Boss Vette and Tommy Genesis. Doors open at 1 p.m., with music starting at 2 p.m. Reminder open-air cannabis use remains illegal in Denver. For more information, tickets and VIP tickets visit milehigh420fest.com.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
Spectra Art Space is a women-owned and event space on South Broadway (1836 S. Broadway). Join them this month as they host And Meow This: A Fiercely Feline Art Show. art showcase featuring fiercely feline-inspired artworks from several amazing artists in a multitude of mediums. If you like cats, you’ll love this all-cat art show. The gallery is open weekdays and weekends (except Tuesdays) from 5-10 p.m. Tickets to the art show are free but require an RSVP. To register, visit their website.
SUNDAY
Test out your art skills at the Denver Botanic Gardens for Sketching in the Galleries. Led by instructor Lori Ann Levy-Holm, patrons are welcome to the art galleries of the Freyer – Newman Center to practice their observational skills and learn drawing techniques. Bring your favorite pencils or colored pencils, paper, and an open mind. The gardens will provide stools, drawing boards and guidance during the drawing session. The class takes place from 1-3 p.m. and costs $15 for members and $18 for non-members. To register, visit the program’s website.
