 "Photo: Carrie Woodrff")
With summer almost upon us, get ready to enjoy a plethora of festivals and activities that are offered during this most glorious season. Everything from local fairs to city specific concerts will be open for attendance, leaving you with great stories to share with your friends and family.
When: Weekends throughout June and July from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: 650 West Perry Park Ave. Larkspur, Colo.
Experience the culture of 16th century England, including entertainment like comedians and hypnotists, interesting food, unusual merchandise such as authentic chain mail, and even the medieval sport of jousting. Cost of admission is $18.95 and it's a great way to enjoy a warm summer's day. Patrons can mingle with wenches, maidens fair and knights in armor. Some of the costumes are so elaborate, it's worth the entry fee just to see them up close. This event is one of the most popular in Colorado and has been running for 34 years.
When: August 20 to 22
Where: Alma, Colorado
Come be one of the audience members at the first annual THC Music Festival. The first large scale event to happen in this small mountain town will showcase 40 bands over the weekend to perform in genres from hip hop to bluegrass. If you love local bands, this is the show for you. The THC Music Festival promises the atmosphere of a big venue with the perks of going to see bands perform at smaller sites. Attendees will have the chance to mingle and have a beer or several with the performers and there are sure to be unique items for sale. Alma is also only a hop, skip and jump away from the famed town of South Park, and just on the other side of Hoosier Pass from Breckenridge and other Summit County attractions.
When: June 20 to 22
Where: Cripple Creek, Colorado
Chili cooks from all over the country will be in Cripple Creek during the annual Chili Cook-off. Categories of chili include the typical red and green, and there will be an additional category for home-made salsa. Street vendors and live entertainment will also provide a fun-filled afternoon. At night, stop into one of Cripple Creeks many casinos and try to strike it rich before heading home. The best part about this event is that it's easy on the bank account—there is no charge to attend this weekend-long event.
When: June 19 to 20 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Memorial Park, Colorado Springs
As one of Colorado Springs' most popular annual events, Springs Spree offers art, shopping and food. This year marks the 33rd annual Springs Spree and will also have street performers, cultural dance groups and four stages featuring live entertainment. It is free to attend and outside food is permitted so you can bring lunch and sit with your friends to people watch. This unique weekend-long community get-together is a great way to spend the day and with downtown just a few miles away, the evening can be completed with dinner at locally acclaimed restaurants like Sonterra Grill or Jack Quinn's. Go out for drinks at laid back bars such as McCabe's or Southside Johnny's, or enjoy drinks and dancing at Blondie's.
When: August 14 to 15
Where: Denver, Colorado
This musical gala packs a punch with live performers including Weezer, Dave Matthews Band and Jack Johnson. Over 40 musicians will be in attendance offering their talent to be enjoyed by all. This festival is outdoors and will have amenities for purchase like food and alcohol. There are several hotels offering accommodations in close proximity to the venue. Prices are $175 while supplies last and will go up to $200 if bought later. Tickets include access to all artists' performances. Check the website before you arrive so you can preplan which of the five stages you want to be at and at what time. Make sure to bring cash: credit and debit cards will not be accepted. u
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