Psst… 30 Things to do in Denver this August 2018

Cool off this August in Denver with these thirty events that include concerts, festivals, shows, markets, special events and more!

30 THINGS TO DO IN DENVER THIS AUGUST 2018

#1 ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

When: August 1 – 5, 2018

Where: Adams County Regional Park, 9755 Henderson Rd, Brighton, CO 80601

Time: Wednesday 5pm – 12am, Thursday & Friday 3pm – 12am, & Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 12am

Cost: Free; Fee-Based for Special Events

Purchase Fee-Based Tickets Online

Adams County Fair dates back to 1888 and is now the largest county fair in the state. Entry to the fair and most of the events are free, but the Rodeo, Truck Pull, Demolition Derby and Dia de la Familia Mexican Rodeo are ticketed events. The fair brings communities together, crossing cultural demographic and ethnic lines to provide affordable family entertainment, education and enrichment.

#2 LES MISÉRABLES

When: August 1 – 5, 2018

Where: Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202

Time: Varies

Cost: $35 – $135

Purchase Tickets Online

Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Miserables, direct from its acclaimed Broadway return. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history

#3 COLORADO SYMPHONY PRESENTS YO-YO MA PERFORMS BACH

When: August 1, 2018

Where: Red Rock Park & Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: Re-Sell starting from $153+

The Colorado Symphony presents a special performance by Yo-Yo Ma performing Bach at Red Rocks!

#4 DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR & RODEO

When: August 2 – 5, 2018

Where: Douglas County Fair, 500 Fairgrounds Rd, Castle Rock, CO 80104

Time: Thursday 2pm –10pm; Friday 12pm – 11:30pm; Saturday 10am – 11:30pm; Sunday 7:30am – 4:30pm

Cost: Varies

Purchase Tickets Online

Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is a family tradition featuring two entertainment stages, three PRCA Rodeos, Xtreme Bulls, Carnival, Mutton Bustin’, Stick Horse Rodeo, Pancake Breakfast, 4-H and FFA exhibits – including livestock, general projects and the Jr. Livestock Sale.

#5 DENVER BURGER BATTLE

When: August 2, 2018

Where: Tivoli Quad Park, 1363 E 9th Ave, Denver, CO 80218

Time: 5:30pm VIP; 6:30pm GA

Cost: $69 GA; $89 VIP

Purchase Tickets Online

The Denver Burger Battle is a Burger Cook-Off event where you get to taste the top 16 burgers in Denver and vote for a winner! Net proceeds go to event non-profit, Kossler Foundation, and will be distributed to charities in Denver helping hunger, economic development, & child welfare.

#6 COLORADO SCOTTISH FESTIVAL

When: August 4 – 5, 2018

Where: Citizens Park, W 24th Ave, Edgewater, CO 80214

Time: Saturday 7am – 10pm, Sunday 7am – 5pm

Cost: $5 – $20

Purchase Tickets Online

The Colorado Scottish Festival, sponsored by St. Andrew Society of Colorado will feature a Professional Piping Competition, a Hot Piping and Drumming Contest, Solo piping and drumming competitions, Pipe band competitions, Whiskey tastings, Highland Dance competitions, Colorful Clans, Celtic music and dance, Celtic food and vendors,  MacKiddie games, concerts and more.

#7 DENVER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

When: August 4, 2018

Where: Civic Center Park, 101 W 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204

Time: 11am – 6pm

Cost: Free

The 3rd annual Denver International Festival is a summer celebration of the best traditional food, music, art, beer and wine from Colorado and abroad. Come eat, drink, dance and play. Enjoy the sounds of live cultural rhythms, vibrant International flavors, traditional artwork, and a beer garden just a few short steps from the State Capitol inside Civic Center Park. This event is free to the public and will feature over 25+ Performers, 20+ Food Trucks, 50+ Vendors, a Beer/Wine Tasting, a Kids Village and more.

#8 UB40

When: August 5, 2018

Where: The Hudson Gardens & Event Center, 6115 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: $39 – $49

Purchase Tickets Online

UB40 will be performing live at The Hudson Gardens & Event Center.

#9 PANIC! AT THE DISCO

When: August 7, 2018

Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204

Time: 7pm

Cost: $30.75 – $70.75

Purchase Tickets Online

Panic! At The Disco will be performing live at the Pepsi Center, with special guests Arizona & Hayley Kiyoko.

#10 JEFFCO FAIR & FESTIVAL

When: August 10 – 12, 2018

Where: Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 W 6th Ave Frontage Rd, Golden, CO 80401

Time: Friday 12pm – 10pm; Saturday 10am – 10pm; Sunday 10am – 6pm

Cost: $5 General Admission; Free for Children 12 & Under; Fee-Based Events Available

Purchase Tickets Online

Ages: All Ages

Jeffco Fair & Festival is Jefferson County’s biggest celebration of the summer and showcases events and activities such as an Outdoor Adventure Zone, a Petting Zoo, Live Entertainment, Yoga, Reptile Adventures, 4-H shows, Science Shows, Fairs & more.

#11 WHEAT RIDGE CARNATION FESTIVAL

When: August 10 – 12, 2017

Where: Anderson Park, 4355 Field St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Cost: Free Admission

The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival will feature entertainment for the entire family and for all ages. The festival includes a carnival, parade, live music, speciality food events, the Zoppe’ Italian Family Circus, the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair, an Automezzi Italian car show, art shows, and a fireworks show!

#12 CHRIS STAPLETON

When: August 10, 2018

Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204

Time: 7pm

Cost: $39.75 – $89.75

Purchase Tickets Online

Chris Stapleton will perform at the Pepsi Center with his All American Road Show Tour.

#13 CHERRY CREEK NORTH FOOD & WINE

When: August 11, 2018

Where: Cherry Creek North, Denver, CO 80206

Time: 6pm – 9pm

Cost: $65 – $85

Purchase Tickets Online

The 10th Annual Cherry Creek North Food & Wine offers an exclusive opportunity to sample dishes from Cherry Creek North restaurants, while enjoying beverages from local Cherry Creek bars and wineries. All topped off with a night of dancing to a live band on Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek North.

#14 CENTENNIAL UNDER THE STARS: CONCERT & LASER LIGHT SHOW

When: August 11, 2018

Where: Centennial Center Park, 13050 E Peakview Ave, Centennial, CO 80111

Time: 6pm – 10pm

Cost: Free

The 12th Annual Centennial Under the Stars Concert & Laser Light Show will feature live music by Silver and Smoke, Pink Hawks, and the highly dynamic funk band, Funkiphino. Enjoy food trucks, free face painting and a dazzling laser light show to top off the evening.

#15 SWINGIN’ AT STANLEY

When: August 14 & 28, 2018

Where: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80010

Time: 6pm – 9pm

Cost: Free

Enjoy live music, free swing dance lessons from Swingin’ Denver, and lots of fun on the West Patio of Stanley Marketplace, near the patios of Comida, Sweet Cow Ice Cream, and Stanley Beer Hall for Swingin’ Denver’s Swingin’ at Stanley!

#16 VELORAMA FESTIVAL

When: August 17– August 19, 2018

Where: RiNo Art District, Denver, CO 80205

Time: Varies

Cost: $10 – $50 Day Pass, $100 3-Day Pass

Purchase Tickets Online

Velorama is a new kind of festival, combining the Colorado Classic, a world-class pro cycling race, with headliner music acts and a full-on, 3-day street party in the RiNo Art District. Twelve blocks of RiNo Art District will be transformed into a festival for an incredible weekend of bands, bikes and beyond, lasting through the big race finale on Sunday.

#17 DENVER PET EXPO

When: August 18 – 19, 2018

Where: National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80216

Time: Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm

Cost: Free

The 8th Annual Denver Pet Expo is a two-day event for the entire family, including your pets! The expo will feature live entertainment, obedience demonstrations, author readings& book signings, educational booths, exhibitors, pet products, discounted vaccinations, microchipping and heart worm & flea preventatives, prize giveaways, a pet costume contest, fun activities for kids and pets, and a mega adoption event.

#18 GOLDEN FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

When: August 18 – 19, 2018

Where: Historic Downtown Golden, Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401

Time: 10am – 5pm

Cost: Free

City of Golden and the Golden Chamber of Commerce are hosting the Golden Fine Arts Festival this weekend. One of the region’s most prestigious juried art shows, this festival is held in a gorgeous setting adjacent to Clear Creek in historic downtown Golden. The Golden Fine Arts Festival features ceramic arts, fiber arts, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture and 2D.

The festival includes food, live music, MillerCoors domestic and craft beers, and a wine booth. The Kids Art Area offers free arts and crafts activities for children, along with face painting, and more.

#19 GLOBAL FEST

When: August 18, 2018

Where: Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012

Time: 11am – 6pm

Cost: Free

The City of Aurora invites you to experience fantastic flavors, cultural experiences and artistic expression from around the world at Global Fest 2018. Global Fest, is Aurora’s annual international celebration of food, art & entertainment. Enjoy flavors, music and performances from around the world, including an international fashion show.

#20 DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM DENVER’S WINE FEST

When: August 18, 2018

Where: Downtown Aquarium Denver, 700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211

Time: 1pm – 4pm

Cost: $60 – $65

Purchase Tickets Online

Downtown Aquarium Denver is hosting its annual Wine Fest this month! Mingle with winery representatives from the Pacific Northwest for an afternoon of wine tasting, appetizers and live entertainment.

#21 BOULDER CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

When: August 18, 2018

Where: North Boulder Park, 2848 9th St, Boulder, CO 80304

Time: 1pm – 5pm

Cost: $35 – $50

Purchase Tickets Online

The 5th Annual Boulder Craft Beer Festival, produced by Downtown Boulder, brings together the best craft breweries from Boulder County and beyond for a tasting festival, offering attendees samples of Boulder’s best beer. The festival includes music, lawn games and food for purchase.

#22 WESTWORD TACOLANDIA

When: August 19, 2018

Where: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204

Time: 4pm – 7pm

Cost: $35 – $65

Purchase Tickets Online

Westword Tacolandia will feature over 40 taquerias and Mexican restaurants in Denver, offering unlimited taco samples, live entertainment, a cash bar and an annual car show.

#23 NIALL HORAN

When: August 20, 2018

Where: Red Rock Park & Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465

Time: 7pm

Cost: $47 – $120

Purchase Tickets Online

Niall Horan will perform live at Red Rocks with special guest Maren Morris.

#24 SAM SMITH

When: August 21, 2018

Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204

Time: 7pm

Cost: $25 – $125

Purchase Tickets Online

Sam Smith will perform live at the Pepsi Center with special guest Beth Ditto.

#25 NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS

When: August 22 – 23, 2018

Where: Red Rock Park & Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465

Time: 8pm

Cost: Re-Sell starting from $85

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats will be performing two nights in a row at Red Rocks!

#26 HIGH PLAINS COMEDY FESTIVAL

When: August 23 – 25, 2018

Where: Paramount Theatre, Mutiny Information Cafe, The Hi-Dive, 3 Kings Tavern & Badgers Pub

Time & Cost: Varies

Purchase Tickets Online

The High Plains Comedy Festival is a three-day festival in Denver that features the world’s best comic performers. Founded in 2013 by Denver comedian/writer Adam Cayton-Holland, the Festival features a mix of local and national comics in venues throughout the city—with a special emphasis on the historic Baker neighborhood surrounding South Broadway.

#27 DENVER MODERNISM SHOW

When: August 24 – 26, 2018

Where: National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80216

Time: Friday 5pm – 10pm, Saturday 11am – 7pm; Sunday 11am – 4pm

Cost: $10; Free for Children 12 & Under

Ages: All Ages

The Denver Modernism Show features furnishings, home decor, fashion, art and electronics from an era when the future was bright and space was the place.

Over 100 exhibitor booths full of vintage and contemporary modern design such as furniture, artwork and objects from mid-century, eco, retro, Eames-era, Mod and more.

#28 NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK BEER, SPIRITS & CULINARY FESTIVAL

When: August 24, 2018

Where: The Lobby, 2191 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80205

Time: 8pm – 11pm

Cost: Starting from $45

Purchase Tickets Online

New Kids on the Block is a beer-centric event celebrating Colorado breweries under 2 years old. Enjoy cocktail demonstrations & tastings, live music by local rock/Americana band Morsel, unlimited tastes from 15 Colorado breweries, 5 Colorado distilleries and 6 Colorado restaurants/purveyors, all under 2 years old.

#29 POLISH FOOD FESTIVAL

When: August 25 – 26, 2018

Where: St Joseph Polish Catholic Church, 517 E 46th Ave, Denver, CO 80216

Time: Saturday 12pm – 9pm; Sunday – 12pm – 7pm

Cost: Free

The Polish Food Festival is an annual celebration of Polish culture, food and ethnicity. This event spans over two days and will include Polish food & pastries, Polish Beer, a children’s play zone, live music, and special vendor booths.

#30 COLORADO BALLET: AN EVENING UNDER THE STARS

When: August 25, 2018

Where: Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: $15 – $46

Purchase Tickets Online

Ages: All Ages

Join the stars of Colorado Ballet under the stars for a program that features ballet excerpts from classical and contemporary favorites, followed by a performance of Brief Fling by choreographer Twyla Tharp. The title references both the traditional Scottish dance and a short-lived romance. Isaac Mizrahi’s tartan costumes divide the dancers into clans of blue, red, green and off-white. The score by Michel Colombier intersperses Percy Grainger’s sunny interpretations of traditional melodies from the United Kingdom with an ominous electronic score.