Top Colorado Upcoming Events Happening this May and June
Explore events happening in Colorado from art shows to musicals to mountain festivals
Photo courtesy of Governor’s Art Show
Colorado Governor’s Art Show and Sale
Opening-night gala May 5, art show May 6 through June 11, Loveland Museum
The 32nd annual Governor’s Art Show is one of the largest fine- art shows to exclusively feature Colorado artists. The public debut of the works of 62 artists spans many mediums and styles. The show is known as “art with heart” because proceeds benefit charitable projects and causes sponsored by the Rotary Club, including the Thompson Education Foundation, which supports students and families facing homelessness, as well as scholarships for local art students to carry on the art culture in Colorado.
Denver Urban Gardens Plant Sale
1031 33rd St., Denver – May 12-13
The Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) plant sale happens at the perfect time for spring planting and Mother’s Day. Offerings include organic flowers, herbs and vegetable starts. The event will feature live music and a food truck along with local vendors.
Photo courtesy of Salva López
Opera Colorado
Ellie Caulkins Opera House and Seawell Ballroom – May 13
Opera Colorado marks its 40th anniversary season with a celebration in two parts. The evening begins with a performance from the internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and continues with a dinner and after-party in the Seawell Ballroom.
Les Misérables
Buell Theatre – May 10-21
The Tony Award-winning show and world’s most popular musical is back in Denver for its 25th-anniversary production. More than 130 million people have enjoyed live performances from the score, including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own” and “Bring Him Home.” Though Les Mis was originally set in 19th-century France, it has been updated to a 21st-century version. The story of dashed dreams, unrequited love, passion and sacrifice is ultimately uplifting.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
A Taste of Camp: SHINE ON!
Asterisk Denver, 1075 Park Ave. West – May 18
Roundup River Ranch (RRR) is serving up all the camp fun in the city: Morsels of magic stories. Tastings of courage and awe. Full helpings of gratitude. Get ready to experience an evening of pure camp as RRR celebrates the 2023 camp theme, SHINE ON! Funds raised will be used to continue to create life-changing experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Studio Loft at Ellie Caulkins Opera House – May 19 & June 17
The cult-classic rock musical meets horror comedy show will be screened with a live shadow cast, and full audience participation— including yelling, singing and dancing—is encouraged. Purchase a bag of props when you arrive so that you can put on a party hat and throw playing cards, toilet paper and confetti in sync with the show and your fellow theatergoers. First-timers are welcome, and please note: A lot of fishnet stockings will be worn during this production.
Photo courtesy of Andeck Photo
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, 1550 Court Place – May 20
The Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes present the annual EPIC (Empowering Patients for Individualized Care) Diabetes Conference to educate people about caring for type-1 and type-2 diabetes in a comfortable, understand- ing and positive environment. This conference is a great way to continue your diabetes education outside of appointments and learn from the nation’s top diabetes specialists through presentations and Q&A sessions.
Yoga Hike at Red Rocks
May 20, May 21, June 10 and June 21, Red Rocks Amphitheatre
What could be more Colorado than a hike and yoga session at Red Rocks? Join a 1.5-mile hike along the Trading Post Trail to the amphitheater with guided yoga and meditation sessions throughout. The hike is rated moderate, and all levels of yoga experience and ability are encouraged to participate.
Photo courtesy of Vail Comedy Festival
RARE Steak Festival
Sculpture Park, 1345 Champa St. – May 25
RARE Steak isn’t your average food-truck-and-beer festival. The evening is a culinary experience of craft cocktails and com- petition for the title of Top Steak, benefiting the Colorado Restaurant Foundation. Twenty-five of the region’s acclaimed steak stewards will prepare their best gourmet steak bites across categories including traditional and creative steaks for all participants to judge for themselves. (Maybe Denver is still a cow town after all.)
Vail Comedy Festival
Multiple venues in Vail Village and Lionshead – May 26-28
The weekend will include more than 20 events featuring headliners from key comedy hubs on the caliber of the Comedy Cellar, Netflix, HBO, CBS and NBC. Family-friendly entertainment options are available. New this year is a full day of comedy school on May 25 taught by Denver’s favorite local comedy coach and national talent, Christie Buchele. In addition, a national TV booker and comedy writer will be present via video. Beginners are welcome, and all students will have an opportunity to perform.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Cox Photography
Boulder Creek Festival
Boulder Creek from Ninth to 14th streets between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue – May 26-29
Memorial Day weekend in Boulder is filled with events along Boulder’s iconic creek. More than 30 bands will play on three stages, 20 breweries will participate in Brew Fest, 20 of Boulder’s best food trucks will offer onsite eats, and 200 vendors will participate in the farmers market. The Street Wise Art Battle is a painting competition of Boulder’s boldest artists, whose work will be displayed in town throughout the year. There will also be family-friendly activities.
Photo courtesy of Visit Telluride
Telluride Balloon Festival
Telluride Town Park and Main Street – June 2-4
Hot-air balloons lift off at sunrise at 6 a.m. from Town Park (weather permitting) and float over the valley during summer’s most photogenic weekend. Sunset on Saturday kicks off the GLO event on Main Street, where the community rallies around the illuminated balloons.
