Memorial Day, our important national holiday in honor of all the the veterans and armed forces that have died for our freedom, takes place on Monday, May 29th, 2017.
Denver has so many ways to both honor our fallen soldiers and to celebrate the freedom that they gave, and continue giving us every day.
What to do in Denver for Memorial Day Weekend 2017
Final Weekend: The Secret Garden
Photo Credit ©AdamsVisCom. Photograph courtesy of ©DCPA Press
When: Friday, May 26th through Sunday, May 28th, 2017
Where: Stage Theatre at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 1101 Speer Blvd, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 1:30pm or 7:30pm *Date Dependent
Purchase Tickets Online
The beloved classic, The Secret Garden, blossoms anew in this enchanting musical full of beautiful melodies at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
When young Mary is sent to live with her uncle after the death of her parents, she finds herself surrounded by distant relatives who are overcome by grief and fear. But when she uncovers the key to her late aunt’s long-lost garden, she becomes determined to revive the beauty that once flourished. Surrounded by spirits of the past, she uses the magic of hope to help the world around her grow once again.
Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson with the Colorado Symphony
Photograph courtesy of ©Jethro Tull’s Official Facebook Page
When: Friday, May 26th, 2017
Where: Red Rock Park & Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Time: 8pm
Cost: $55 – $99.50
Purchase Tickets Online
Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson with the Colorado Symphony will perform live at Red Rock Park & Amphitheatre.
Memorial Day Run & March
Photograph courtesy of ©Memorial Day Run & March
When: Saturday, May 27th, 2017
Where: Castle Rock Community Recreation Center, 2842 Front Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Time: 7am – 12pm
Cost: $25 – $60
Register Online
The Memorial Day Run & March invites civilians, Veterans, and uniformed Military to challenge themselves in friendly competition while helping feed homeless Veterans.
Race, Run, Ruck, Walk or Roll, with three routes to choose from, for participants of all ages and capabilities. Bring dry goods or load up your rucksack to help fill their food donation truck.
Butterflies at Chatfield Seasonal Opening
Photograph courtesy of ©Butterfly Pavilion
When: Saturday, May 27th, 2017
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80128
Time: 9am – 4pm
Cost: $2 – $4; Free for Children 2 & Under
Purchase Tickets Online
Encounter native Colorado butterflies and plants in the one-of-a-kind butterfly house at Chatfield Farms.
This seasonal habitat is home to hundreds of native Colorado butterflies, such as swallowtails, monarchs, mourning cloaks and painted ladies.
Butterflies at Chatfield is presented to you through a partnership with Butterfly Pavilion & Denver Botanic Gardens.
Water World Seasonal Opening
Photograph by ©Water World
When: Saturday, May 27th through Monday, May 29th, 2017
Where: Water World, 8801 N. Pecos Street, Federal Heights, CO 80260
Time: 10am – 6pm
Cost: Adults $41.99; Children (40″–47″) all day $36.99; Seniors (60+) $10.99; Free for Children under 40″; Season Pass $99–$229.94
Purchase Tickets Online
Water World, one of America’s largest family water parks, is reopening for the season this Memorial Day Weekend. Water World features the largest variety of attractions (49) in America, from Wally World for the little ones, to Voyage to the Center of the Earth, the ultimate family water adventure.
Psst… Water World was also featured in our ‘Outdoor Pools, Water Parks & Splash Pads in the Denver Area‘ guide!
Denver Arts Festival
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver Arts Festival
When: Saturday, May 27th & Sunday, May 28th, 2017
Where: Conservatory Green at Stapleton, Denver 80238
Time: May 27th 10am – 6pm; May 28th 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
The Denver Arts Festival is a fine arts and fine crafts festival that continues to be dedicated to supporting Colorado artists while also showcasing a select group of national artists . The Denver Arts Festival holds its annual premier event at Stapleton’s Conservatory Green Plaza in Northfield. The fine art and fine craft exhibition features some of Colorado’s and the nation’s best artists with over 50,000 people expected to attend.
18th Annual Veterans Memorial Day Tribute
When: Saturday, May 27th, 2017
Where: POF Hall, 1340 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80203
Time: 10am – 12pm
Cost: Free
The 18th annual Memorial Day ceremony once again honors Colorado’s fallen heroes.Denver’s respected observance of Memorial Day is held at the historic POF Hall just south of the state capitol. The holiday “Tribute” ceremony honors Colorado’s fallen heroes in the presence of families, friends, military / political figures and the public.
The popular Tribute was founded in 2000 to honor veterans and military sacrifice from all wars. After the events of September 11th, 2001, the ceremony focused on casualties from Iraq, Afghanistan & War on Terror. The annual Tribute continues to honor all fallen Colorado heroes & families on Memorial Day weekend.
This year will spotlight inspiring music featuring: Denver Bronze Handbell, Bold Reflection singers, Piper Alex McIntosh, more. Also: the Colorado Joint Color Guard, touching biographies & stories, names reading with US Navy bell “toll”, family “banner” & pin presentations, the veterans Remembrance Wreath laying for all wars.
The annual non profit Tribute is free & open to the public-all friends are welcome.
Elitch Gardens’ Island Kingdom Water Park Opening Day
Photograph by ©Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
When: Saturday, May 27th, 2017
Where: Elitch Gardens Theme & Waterpark, 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 10:30am – 6pm
Cost: Free with Park Admission
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is re-opening its Island Kingdom water park this Memorial Day Weekend. Water park is free with theme park admission (open through Labor Day). Two parks, for one admission price, with unlimited rides for everyone in the family.
Meet the Animals of The Downtown Aquarium
Photograph courtesy of ©Majestic View Nature Center
When: Saturday, May 27th, 2017
Where: Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St, Arvada, CO 80004
Time: 10:30am – 11:15am
Cost: $5 Per Person; $15 Per Family
Register Online
The Downtown Aquarium’s animal ambassadors will be at the Majestic View Nature Center to say hello. Learn about their adaptations up close.
Colorado Remembers: From Hallowed Ground… To Home Embrace
Photograph by ©The Colorado Freedom Memorial
When: Saturday, May 27th, 2017
Where: The Colorado Freedom Memorial, 756 Telluride St, Aurora, CO 80011
Time: from 11am
Cost: Free
The Colorado Remembers Memorial Day Celebration will be held at The Colorado Freedom Memorial and is hosted by City of Aurora.
One Hundred years ago Colorado’s first fallen of WWI were laid to rest in American Military Cemeteries in France. Three decades later they were joined by the next generation of Colorado heroes who gave their lives in WWII, buried in 22 other American cemeteries around the world. All told over 2200 of our state’s sons and daughters lie in eight foreign countries. On May 27th soil from the gravesites of many of our heroes laid to rest in those eight countries, will be solemnly interred at the Colorado Freedom Memorial, symbolizing their return to the home they left so many years ago.
Representatives of all eight of the countries where Colorado’s fallen lie will be present for this special ceremony. Participants will also include the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and Drill Team; The Sound of the Rockies Men’s Chorus; The Governor’s Own 101st Army Band; members of the famed 10th Mountain Division; Colorado National Guard and other military representatives, military re-enactors and special guests. Please bring chairs, blankets and arrive early to secure space for this once in a lifetime event.
Denver Day of Rock
Photograph courtesy of ©Amp the Cause
When: Saturday, May 27th 2017
Where: 16th Street Mall, Denver 80202
Time: 2:30pm – 9:30pm
Cost: Free for General Admission; $250 VIP Lounge Passes
Purchase VIP Passes Online
Denver Day of Rock is a one-of-a-kind music event presented by Amp the Cause, a non-profit organization for kids. This free event features five stages of live music throughout Denver on Memorial Day weekend. Denver Day of Rock unites the community through music and family friendly entertainment while also raising funds to help Amp the Cause continue to support non-profits in our community.
Boulder Creek Festival
Photograph by ©Dave Taylor
When: Saturday, May 27th through Monday, May 29th, 2017
Where: Broadway & Arapahoe Ave, Boulder CO 80302
Time: May 26th 7pm – 10pm (Kick-off concert only – bandshell food court & beer garden open at 6pm, no exhibitor booths will be open); May 27th 10am – 10pm; May 28th 10am – 10pm; Monday, May 30: 11am – 7pm
Cost: Free
The Boulder Creek Festival is the unofficial kickoff to summer in Boulder. The Festival includes three days of festivities featuring a large variety of events, activities, food and entertainment unique to the Boulder community. The Festival is free to the public and features something for everyone: 9 separate event areas with 500 vendors showcase everything from community arts and crafts to healthier alternatives and technology while 3 performance stages feature a spectrum of music and dance. The festival also features carnival rides and food and beverage vendors.
South Gaylord Street’s Memorial Weekend Festival
Photo Credit: ©J.Mimna Photography. Photograph courtesy of ©Old South Gaylord Street
When: Saturday, May 27th through Monday, May 29th, 2017
Where: Old South Gaylord Street, 1059 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80209
Time: May 27th 4pm – 9:30pm; May 28th 2pm – 6pm; May 29th 12pm – 4pm
Cost: Free
Old South Gaylord Street is hosting a Memorial Day Weekend Festival to kick off the summer season. The festival will feature three days of great family-friendly entertainment, delicious food, live music, and local vendors. The Festival Series has a long history of bringing together the local community and purveyors of fine products to celebrate this wonderful historic neighborhood in Washington Park.
Musical line-up includes Tiffany Christopher, Coral Creek, The Congress, McKay Brothers, Johnny and the Mongrels, Kenny Lee Young & Johnny O Band.
Psst… Denver Day of Rock, Denver Arts Festival, Boulder Creek Festival & South Gaylord’s Memorial Weekend Festival were also featured in our ‘Spring Festivals 2017 Colorado‘ guide!
ODESZA
Photograph courtesy of ©ODESZA’s Official Facebook Fan Page
When: Saturday, May 27th & Sunday, May 28th, 2017
Where: Red Rock Park & Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Time: 6pm
Cost: Sold Out; Check StubHub or VIVIDSEATS for Re-Sell Pricing
ODESZA will be performing two nights in a row at Red Rock Park & Amphitheatre.
The Music of Star Wars | Colorado Symphony
Photo Credit: ©Goldstar
When: Saturday, May 27th & Sunday, May 29th, 2017
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall at Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1000 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: May 27th 7:30pm; May 28th 1pm
Cost: $34 – $94 Adults; $10 Children 12 & Under
Purchase Tickets Online
The Force summons you to join the Colorado Symphony for a performance of epic music celebrating a galaxy far, far away! The Colorado Symphony presents an evening filled with music from the world of Star Wars and classical favorites spanning the parsecs between Denver and Dagobah. Whether your loyalties lie with the Imperial Forces or the Rebel Troops, you’re sure to hear your favorite themes and discover a few more.
Swingin’ Under The Stars
Photograph courtesy of ©Swingin’ Denver
When: Saturday, May 27th, 2017
Where: Little Man Ice Cream, 2620 16th St, Denver, CO 80211
Time: 7:30pm – 10pm
Cost: Free
Little Man Ice Cream & Swingin’ Denver welcomes you for a night swing dancing under the stars! Rock your 40s-style wear for our 2017 Kickoff Night with the Summit Hot Seven. Sport your bowties, stripe socks, vintage updos, or summery dresses.
Broomfield Plaza’s Family Fun Fest & Car Show
When: Sunday, May 28th, 2017
Where: Broomfield Plaza, 5015 W 120th Ave, Broomfield, CO 80020
Time: 10am – 2pm
Cost: Free
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with a Free Family Fun Fest at Broomfield Plaza. Enjoy games, train rides, face painting, balloon twisting, attractions and more including a car show from Crusin’ Productions!
Commerce City’s Memorial Day Parade
Photograph courtesy of ©City Government of Commerce City
When: Monday, May 29th, 2017
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 6015 Forest Dr, Commerce City, CO 80022
Time: 9:30am – 1pm
Cost: Free
City Government of Commerce City is once again hosting the state’s largest Memorial Day parade with over 100 entries honoring veterans Memorial Day. From military units and bands to floats, antique cars and horse entries, the parade route begins at 64th Avenue/Newport Street and ends at 6060 E. Parkway Drive. The parade lasts approximately two hours. Prior to the parade, the city will host a ceremony to recognize this year’s grand marshals. The parade is held rain or shine.
Memorial Day Berkeley Picnic
Photograph courtesy of ©Tennyson Berkeley Business Association (TBBA)
When: Monday, May 29th, 2017
Where: Historic Elitch Theatre, 4655 W 37th Ave, Denver, CO 80212
Time: 11am – 3pm
Cost: Free
The Tennyson Berkeley Business Association (TBBA) is hosting the 2nd annual Memorial Day Picnic! Celebrate the rich history of this wonderful community on the green in front of the Historic Elitch Theatre. Live music from Bear Antler, food from el Camino Community Tavern and Papa Murphy’s Pizza, wine and beer brought to you by Call to Arms Brewing Company, Goldspot Brewing Company and Brazen Neighborhood Eatery, fun family activities brought to you by Make Up Mania and 5280 Church. Bring your picnic blanket, sunscreen and the whole family for some good old fashioned Memorial Day fun!
Psst… All proceeds will go to the TBBA and restoration of the Theatre.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Photograph courtesy of ©Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers’ Official Facebook Fan Page
When: Monday, May 29th, 2017
Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Sold Out; Check StubHub or VIVIDSEATS for Re-Sell Pricing
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers will be playing two nights in a row at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Psst… Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson with The Colorado Symphony, ODESZA & Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were also featured in our ‘Red Rocks Amphitheatre 2017 Lineup‘ guide!
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