Happy first weekend of August! Here’s a handy guide to things to see, do, eat and enjoy across the state.
Thursday, July 31
- Opening of "Love’s Labour’s Lost” in Manitou Springs — This Shakespearean comedy, admired for its wit and charm, is on stage Thursday through Sunday through Aug. 17. Tickets start at $23.18.
Friday, Aug. 1
- Colorado Day Celebration in Denver — Denver Union Station is commemorating 149 years of Colorado history with a culinary promenade, Historic Denver LoDo walking tours, a makers station and performances from Meow Wolf, live local music and a performance by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Festivities take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Some events are ticketed, others are free and open to the public.
- Cultural First Friday: End of Summer Celebration in Denver — An evening of culture, community and connection at Museo de Las Americas, plus free admission all day.
- Opening reception of “On EDGE” in Lakewood — A juried exhibition of contemporary work that pushes the boundaries of material and concept. Reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., exhibition on view through Aug. 17.
- Opening reception for “Women's Work” in Trinidad — A celebration of the talented and hardworking women of the American West that seeks to show a more authentic image of their contributions and talents. Reception at the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art. Exhibition on view through Sept. 20.
- Opening reception for “Growing the Tradition” in Pueblo — An exhibition themed after the Colorado State Fair. Reception at Steel City Art Works from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the exhibition is on view through August.
Saturday, Aug. 2
- Opening reception for “VAST” in Englewood — An art exhibition inspired by the stillness and scale of wide-open landscapes. Reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at NKollectiv. Exhibition on view through Aug. 31.
- Indian Food Festival in Monument — A celebration where food becomes a gateway
- to understanding India’s heritage, hospitality and heart. VIP entry and early access begins at Lewis Palmer High School at 11 a.m. Free general admission is from noon to 3 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 3
- City Park Jazz in Denver — Featuring a Brass Band Extravaganza from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free and open to the public.
All weekend
- Opera in the Park: Bella Voce in Boulder — An open-air concert celebrating the grandeur of Italian opera and the brilliance of American classics. On stage at the Boulder Bandshell Saturday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 3 at 4 p.m. Tickets range from $5 to $15.
- Rhythms On The Rio in Del Norte — An outdoor music festival with headliners Andy Frasco and the U.N., Kitchen Dwellers and Daniel Donatos Cosmic Country.
- Vail Dance Festival — Internationally renowned dancers and companies unite for 14 performances and over 40 special events throughout the Vail Valley, through Aug. 5.
- Leadville Boom Days — A Colorado mountain festival and historical celebration of the Old West, with burro races, contests of mining skill, a street fair with over 100 food and craft booths and more. In Leadville from Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 3. View the full schedule of events here.
- Cat Video Fest in Denver — A compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from film, music videos, submissions and — of course — the internet. Screening at the Sie FilmCenter twice daily on Aug. 2 and 3.
- Dashiki Festival in Aurora and Denver — A colorful extravaganza where people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate the traditions, music, dance, fashion and cuisine of African and Afrocentric cultures. The festival includes a Career & Business Expo at the Community College of Aurora on Friday, Aug. 1 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a Music Festival + African Fashion Show at Levitt Pavilion on Sunday, Aug. 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Final weekend of the Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur — The Ren Fest is going all out with a “Time Travelers and Final Huzzah” theme, with a costume contest at noon. Ticket info here.
- Colorado Rockies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates in Denver — This three-game series at Coors field includes Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon games. Ticket info here.
Ongoing events
- “Reel to Real” film series — A four-week series that brings to life Colorado’s history, culture and communities at the Sie FilmCenter. After each screening, History Colorado curators and other experts lead a discussion covering the film’s historical context, impact, and thematic connection to the state. The series kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. with a presentation of the charming 1994 sports comedy-drama “A League of Their Own” starring Geena Davis, Tom Hanks and Madonna.
- “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” in Denver — A laugh-out-loud tale about Dixie Longate, a fast-talking, gum-chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing grandma’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. On stage July 24 through Aug. 17 at the Garner Galleria Theatre in the DCPA. Tickets start at $56.64.
- Bright Nights at the Historic Four Mile Park in Denver — An evening lantern festival featuring whimsical flora and fauna, a surreal Chinese Dreamland and an interactive zone full of surprises. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets start at $15.
- “Young Frankenstein” in Breckenridge — The comedy genius, Mel Brooks, has adapted his beloved comedy film for the stage. At the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre from June 25 through Aug. 10. Tickets range from $35 to $50.
- “The Future is Present, The Harbinger is Home” at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver — The exhibition features over sixty works spanning sculpture, painting, drawing, video, and large-scale installations that explore the role of New Orleans and other climate-vulnerable regions of the world. On view through Aug. 24. Museum admission ranges from free to $14.
- Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Boulder — “The Tempest” and “Richard II” are on stage at the Roe Green Theatre through Aug. 10. Tickets start at $36.
More things to do in Colorado this weekend
Some other groups mentioned on this list may also be financial supporters of CPR News. Financial supporters have no editorial influence.
How we pick our events: These listings highlight events around the state to give readers a sense of the breadth of Colorado’s arts and cultural happenings, it is not — and can not possibly be — a comprehensive list of all weekly events. Entries are not endorsements or reviews. Each week’s list is published on Thursday and is not updated.
Have suggestions for next week’s list? Email Lauren Antonoff Hart at
