☀️Good morning, Bucket Listers!
Denver’s got a packed week ahead, and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re into food, music, or just wandering around galleries. You can catch dragon boat races, eat your way through delis, or soak up some live tunes under the sun. Grab your friends and make the most of everything the city has going on this week!
Festivals & Celebrations
Denver Food & Wine Festival
📍Tivoli Quad, Denver Auraria Campus | Sept. 3, 6 p.m.-September 6, 4 p.m.
This multi-day celebration brings together chefs, sommeliers, and food lovers for tastings, dinners, and demos around the city. With both intimate events and grand tastings, it’s a must for culinary enthusiasts! This event is for adults 21+.
Denver Gem, Mineral, Fossil, & Jewelry Festival
📍National Western Complex | Sept. 5, 9 a.m.-September 14, 6 p.m.
Explore a massive collection of rare minerals, sparkling gems, ancient fossils, and handmade jewelry at this annual favorite. This event is perfect for collectors, kids, and anyone who loves shiny things. Come to the National Western Complex to check it out!
Sunnyside Neighborhood Health and Wellness Festival
📍Chaffee Park | Saturday, Sept. 6, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Celebrate health, beauty, and community at the Sunnyside Health and Wellness Festival on Saturday, September 6 from 9 am to 12 pm at Chaffee Park. This free, family friendly event features yoga, kids’ activities, beauty samples, local vendors, and fun for all ages including your leashed pets. Discover wellness resources, enjoy delicious food, and connect with neighbors at this vibrant neighborhood celebration.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
📍Sloan’s Lake Park | Sept. 6, 8 a.m.-Sunday, September 7, 5 p.m.
Experience Colorado’s Asian and Asian American cultural celebration at Sloan’s Lake Park. Expect thrilling dragon boat races, delicious street food, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities! It’s the largest Dragon Boat Festival in the U.S.!
Highlands Summer Finale Art Festival
📍Park Hill Masonic Lodge Grounds | Sept. 6, 10 a.m.-Sept. 7, 5 p.m.
Celebrate the end of summer at the Highlands Summer Finale Art Festival on September 6 and 7, 2025. From 10 am to 5 pm, explore beautiful works of art including sculpture, paintings, jewelry, and handcrafted treasures while enjoying live music and food from local food trucks. Come to the Highlands Masonic Lodge and experience a lively celebration of art, food, and community!
Art, Food, & Books
First Friday Art Walk at Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe
📍Art District on Santa Fe | Friday, September 5, 6-9 p.m.
Explore Denver’s vibrant art scene during the First Friday Art Walk at the Art District on Santa Fe on September 5 from 6–9 p.m. This monthly event features gallery openings, including Banned Books at Artists on Santa Fe and A Juxtaposition at Pulse Visual Art in RiNo, showcasing thought-provoking and collaborative works. Stroll through the galleries, meet local artists, and experience the creativity and energy that make Denver’s art districts a must-visit.
The Bookies Bookstore: Storytime with Author Lisa Watson
📍The Bookies Bookstore | Saturday, September 6, 10:30-11 a.m.
Join The Bookies Bookstore for a special storytime with author Lisa Watson on Saturday, September 6, from 10:30–11 a.m. as she shares her newest book, Courage Finds His Calm. This heartwarming story follows Courage the bunny as he learns mindfulness and breathing techniques to manage big feelings with the help of his friend Callahan. Perfect for young readers, the event introduces children to emotional regulation in a fun and gentle way.
Opening: Drift by Carol Til and Tiffani Erdmanczyk at Nkollectiv
📍NKollectiv Gallery at EASEL | Saturday, September 6, 2-6 p.m.
Drift, a two-artist exhibition by Carol Till and Tiffani Erdmanczyk, will be on view at Nkollectiv from September 4–28. Till’s fine-art prints capture the textures and colors of fresh plants, created through an experimental process using her etching press. The show reflects the theme of drifting, moving with curiosity and openness, and opens with a reception on September 6 from 2-6 p.m.
Jewish Deli Bike Tour: Mishpocheh Family Tour
📍JCC Denver | Sunday, September 7, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Pedal your way through Denver’s east side on the Jewish Deli Bike Tour: Mishpocheh Family Tour, hosted by JCC Denver. This family-friendly ride covers 4–5 miles with 2–3 delicious deli stops along the way, perfect for adults and kids alike. Enjoy a morning of biking, snacking, and community connection on Sunday, September 7, from 9–11 a.m. Registration required.
Jewish Deli Bike Tour: East Side Classic Tour
📍JCC Denver | Sunday, September 7, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
The Jewish Deli Bike Tour: East Side Classic Tour takes riders on a 15-mile journey through Denver’s east side with 5–6 savory deli stops along the way. Designed for adults 21+, this full-day ride combines exercise, culture, and plenty of great food. Join JCC Denver on Sunday, September 7, from 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. for a unique tour of the city’s iconic Jewish delis. Registration required.
Live Music & Performances
The Matriarchy Presents: Stand Up Comedy
📍Lady Justice Brewing | Thursday, September 4, 7-9 p.m.
Get ready for big laughs at The Matriarchy Stand Up Comedy on Wednesday, September 4, at Lady Justice Brewing. Hosted by Emily Kingsley, this cathartic comedy show features an all-women lineup plus one “token dude” who must follow The Matriarchy’s rules, foam tomatoes included. Expect playful chaos, sharp wit, and even free cupcakes at this one-of-a-kind night of stand-up.
Denver Municipal Band’s “Sizzling Sounds of Summer” Concert
📍Central Park’s South Founder’s Green | Saturday, Sept. 6, 6-7:15 p.m.
The Denver Municipal Band is hosting a free summer concert series across Denver-area parks. Performances feature a wide range of musical styles, from patriotic tunes to Latin rhythms, and are designed for all ages. In addition to concerts, the band supports youth music education through school visits, student collaborations, and instructional programs. Bring a picnic and come support the oldest professional concert band in the Continental U.S.!
Levitt Pavilion Free Concert Series: 23rd Annual Soul Rebel Festival ft. Yellowman & more
📍Levitt Pavilion | Saturday, September 6, 7-10 p.m.
Celebrate reggae, dancehall, and Caribbean culture at the 23rd Annual Soul Rebel Festival, part of Levitt Pavilion’s Free Concert Series. This high-energy evening features legendary Jamaican dancehall artist Yellowman alongside a dynamic lineup of musicians who embody the festival’s spirit of unity and resilience.
Levitt Pavilion Free Concert Series: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
📍Levitt Pavilion | Sunday, September 7, 5-8 p.m.
Groove into Sunday night with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, one of the most exciting live funk, jazz, and soul bands on the scene. Known for their explosive horn lines, infectious rhythms, and dance-floor-ready sound, the band brings an unforgettable performance to Levitt Pavilion.
From late-night comedy to funky jazz and everything in between, the week’s events are begging you to show up and have some fun. Take a stroll, taste some new food, and maybe even discover a new favorite artist or band along the way. September’s creeping in, but there’s still time to squeeze in all the good vibes before the semester really kicks off.
Support Our Back to School Campaign Today
This Back to School season, Bucket List Community News is raising $5,000 by September 14 to strengthen our neighborhoods and invest in the next generation. So far, neighbors have given $700, but we need your help to reach the finish line.
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Natalie Montoya
Engagement Specialist/ Bucket List Community News
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