That fizzing, crackling sound you hear? It’s the collective energy of summer about to burst forth in Colorado.
Despite thinning budgets and even shallower pockets, we’re plunging in with our warm-weather plans this year: concerts by the scores, a surprising number of new or expanded attractions, and the sort of quirky mountain festivals you can find only in this state.
“Everyone wants to put their best foot forward, so there’s lots of free and reduced-cost activities for people hit hard now,” said Erin Trapp, director of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs.
Our zeal to get outdoors starts officially this weekend, and by the time the sun sets on Memorial Day, about 130,000 cars will have passed through the Eisenhower Tunnel on Interstate 70, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
So what’s the best way to start the season?
Throw a dart at a map and you’ll likely hit something.
There’s no shortage of shows planned at iconic venues like Red Rocks. The world-famous Morrison amphitheater has already confirmed 71 bookings for the season, including high school graduations, Film on the Rocks screenings and concerts from Jackson Browne, Leonard Cohen and the Killers.
“We’re all very pleased with the number of events,” said Jenny Schiavone, director of communications for Denver’s Division of Theatres & Arenas. “It doesn’t seem like there’s any lower amount of options to choose from.”
Want to splash into the season in our admittedly landlocked state? Water World, which drew more than half a million visitors last year, opens today. The park is celebrating its 30th anniversary with an updated 1.1-million-gallon Thunder Bay wave pool, Lifeguard Games, its annual Belly Flop Contest and a gigantic beach party.
Lone Tree is opening its new and improved Cook Creek pool today, with a tower slide, water playground, basketball hoops and eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool.
You can also beat the heat in the shade at Civic Center park’s annual free festivals. The 38th annual Capitol Hill People’s Fair, which is expected to draw 250,000 people June 6-7, features 120 local bands on six stages, a wine pavilion, kids’ activities, arts, crafts and food.
Of course, it’s hard to top A Taste of Colorado for eats. Since 1984, the free Civic Center fest has hoisted Denver’s best edibles into the spotlight. This year it lands Sept. 4-7 with the usual music stages, family fun and more.
Families are welcome at Aurora’s 14th annual KidSpree July 18-19. The free outdoor festival at Bicentennial Park expects 35,000 attendees to navigate its life-size board games, petting zoo, art activities, rides and 2,500-square-foot maze.
The Front Range is also awash in tunes. Red Rocks welcomes back favorites like the Global Dance Festival (July 18), the hip-hop party Rock the Bells (Aug. 9), Reggae on the Rocks (Aug. 29) and the indie-centric Monolith Festival (Sept. 12-13). Classic rockers such as Crosby, Stills and Nash (Sept. 1) and Allman Brothers Band (Sept. 5) complement big-gig stands from Celtic Woman (July 1-2) and Phish (July 30-Aug. 2).
Fiddler’s Green has Aerosmith (Aug. 1), Toby Keith (Aug. 21) and others, while the Mile High Music Festival returns to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City with Denver boys the Fray, Tool and a two-night stand from Widespread Panic, among its many side stages (July 18-19).
When city life gets too stifling, the mountains beckon. Nederland hosts the Peak to Peak music festival on July 4 with fireworks, food, a parade and an eclectic musical lineup.
The sixth annual Snowmass Chili Pepper and Brew festival fetes two great tastes with cook-offs, music and lots of the hot and spicy stuff (June 5-6). The former mining town and current ski haven of Breckenridge will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a series of activities throughout the summer (breckheritage.com).
Wine fans can test their palates in the high country at the Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival (June 6), Telluride Wine Festival (June 25-28) and the Vino and Notes wine, jazz and food fest in Woodland Park (Aug. 8).
Burn off those calories at the Estes Park Marathon, known for having the highest continuous paved road in the country. A kid-friendly Fun Run takes place June 13, followed by the June 14 main event. And don’t worry — there’s a half-marathon, a 10K and a 5K for those not used to racing at altitude. (You can even walk it.)
The lack of white stuff doesn’t always shut down ski resorts. Copper Mountain offers rides on its American Eagle lift, miles of biking trails, bungee jumping, boating, mini-golf and the largest outdoor climbing wall in the state.
If you’re looking for a different kind of view, try a local patio. Downtown, chef Frank Bonnano’s trendy, Japanese-inspired Bones recently opened its streetside patio on the corner of East Seventh Avenue and Grant Street. Across the street, Mexican favorite Benny’s also topped off its open-air patio with a roof. And the one-two punch of brunch darling Lola and its Italian neighbor Vita also afford killer views of downtown from their Highland perch.
Still undecided? Check our online guide to events statewide (calendar ), where you’ll find nearly 15,000 listings for music, movies, theater, comedy, museums, art shows and more.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
