THURSDAY SUNDAY
This magnificent and extremely photogenic annual migration of thousands of birds is the focus of the 10th century Yampa Valley crane festival in Steamboat Springs. Learn about the Greater Sandhill Cranes as you bird watch, take tours, watch films, and hear from naturalists and experts. New this year is the Tour de Cranes bike tour on Friday on the Core Trail along the Yampa River. coloradocranes.org/2021-yampa-valley-crane-festival
FRIDAY
Gourmet treats, prizes, and art experiences are part of an always fun one First Friday downtown, 5-8pm Show your digital popsicle promenade pass at participating locations for dessert samples and other goodies. $ 10 worth of tickets at downtowncs.com/event/popsicle
FRIDAY SATURDAY
A nice start to a vacation weekend, “The language of flowers” in Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. A Garden Club of America flower show. Free of charge on both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. gardenclubofdenver.com
FRIDAY SUNDAY
A muddy good time this weekend at the Glenwood Caverns’ “Mud Slide Festival.” Music, including by Flo Muddy & the Downhill Disaster. Muddy chocolate treats and a dunk tank mud bath. glenwoodcaverns.com
FRIDAY MONDAY
Several weekend events for car lovers. Down in Alamosa, Friday through Sunday, the 40th yearbook Early iron festival with cruising, pinstriping and hot rods, Earlyironclub.com. On Saturday in Westcliffe, the High altitude horsepower auto show, full of everything four-wheeled, from antiques and vintage to hot rods and muscle cars. Pancake breakfast, quilt show and seller. westcliffecarshow.com. The annual Loveland Thunder in the Rockies Bike Rally for motorcycles has been postponed to 2022.
SATURDAY
It is “Cornhole for a good cause” and the challenges are ahead. A cornhole tournament with youth, youth and adult teams is open to benefit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friends of the El Paso County Nature Centers. All the action at Fountain Creek Regional Park, 2010 Duckwood Road, Fountain, which has plenty of picnic space during the tournament. Tickets to attend the Cornhole: facebook.com/events/4203962716356211
SATURDAY-MONDAY
A “plein air” mountain art tradition fills the weekend as “Winner Celebrates the Arts.” Artists from all over the country, professionals and amateurs alike, will work in locations around Victor and compete for cash prizes. Works for sale. The Young at Art works are also rated and available. Watch the artists Saturday and Sunday 9 am-5pm, Monday 9 am-1pm. Headquarters: Victor Elks Lodge, 181 N. 3rd St. victorcelebratesthearts.org/event-schedule
SATURDAY-MONDAY
Long working day Commonwheel Arts Festival returns with art stalls and original music in Manitou Springs Memorial Park. A perfect time to visit the artists while shopping. The entertainment for the children includes giant soap bubbles at the MAT booth. Free parking at Fields Park, 101 El Paso Blvd., with shuttles to the festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every three days. Masks indoors. Video: peakradar.com/event/2021-labor-day-festival
SATURDAY-MONDAY
The sky over Memorial Park is raised during the Labor Day Hot Air Balloon Festival take off, returns this year with days of activity including a Battle of the Bands, taekwondo exhibits, a welcome home for Olympic Team USA, skydivers and remote controlled balloons. Opening ceremony daily at 6:30 a.m. and spectacular balloon glows Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 p.m. Parking tickets for events available in advance. LaborDayLiftOff.com
SATURDAY-MONDAY
Celebrating 30 Years of Art For All, Denver’s Cherry Creek Arts Festival moves with you from July to Labor Day an outstanding line-up of judged artists originally selected for the canceled 2020 festival. Social distancing safeguards as the festival moves from Cherry Creek North to the creekside area of Cherry Creek Shopping Center on First Avenue. Free of charge with timed tickets. 10:00 a.m., except for a special senior and barrier-free entry every morning at 9:00 a.m. Reserve free tickets: Cherrycreekartsfestival.org. For Sunday and Monday it is Denver Chalk Art Festival is located in the northwest parking lot of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center at the university and on Jan.
SATURDAY-MONDAY
A whole new, bigger and socially distant place for “A Taste of Colorado” Downtown along the 16th Street Mall Pedestrian Mall. 50 different snack bars, live music from morning to evening, a kid zone and more. Free admission. From 10 a.m. every day. atasteofcolorado.com
SUNDAY-TUESDAY
When we say it’s a big arrival in Colorado, it’s gigantic. It’s the famous Union Pacific steam engine Big boy 4014 at the end of his national tour. He weighs 1.2 million pounds! He did cross country whistling before crossing to Colorado at Kit Carson on Sunday, then Hugo, Deer Trail, Strasbourg and finally 39th & Wynkoop in Denver, where he’ll be seen until Tuesday when he goes home to Cheyenne, Wyo . up.com
NOTE: Check the websites for last minute changes or cancellations due to COVID.
