A Taste of Colorado

Friday, September 3 – Monday, September 6

www.atasteofcolorado.com

The free, four-day event Taste of Colorado attracts more than 500,000 foodies to Civic Center Park to enjoy the offerings of more than 50 area restaurants, in addition to 250 marketplace artisans, vendors, and educational programs promoting the diverse cultural and western heritage of the region. The festival also features seven stages of live music, with big name national acts planned for 2010.

New this year: Adventure Base, an interactive exhibit celebrating the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th anniversary; KidzStage and KidZone featuring play equipment and hands-on craft activities; the Festival of Mountain and Plain area, where families can learn about the states pioneer past, nature, and the environment

Vampire Weekend, Govt Mule and Willie Nelson at Red Rocks

There are three fantastic bills at the one-of-a-kind Red Rocks Amphitheatre over Labor Day Weekend.

www.redrocksonline.com

Friday, September 3: The Upper West Side Soweto sound of Vampire Weekend, with buzz bands Beach House and Dum Dum Girls opening

Saturday, September 4: The rootsy sounds of Govt Mule, featuring legendary guitarist Warren Haynes, along with The Avett Brothers

Sunday, September 5: The one and only Willie Nelson returns to the Red Rocks stage for a long set of classic country music

Free Day at the Denver Art Museum

Saturday, September 4

www.denverartmuseum.org

www.tutdenver.com

Enjoy one of the Mile High Citys top attractions for free – check out the museums incredible collection of authentic Western paintings, along with contemporary masterworks, and an illuminating look at Native American crafts and art.

Note: The museums blockbuster King Tut exhibit (see below) requires separate admission.

Professional Sports: Colorado Rapids & Colorado Rockies

Cheer on the home team and see why Denver is a sports city that’s second to none.

www.coloradorapids.com

www.coloradorockies.com

Saturday, September 4: Major League Soccers Colorado Rapids do battle with the Los Angeles-based USA Chivas at Dicks Sporting Goods Park

Monday, September 6: The Rockies take on the Cincinnati Reds at Coors Field during this special matinee game on Labor Day starting at 1:10 p.m., with two more home games following September 7-8

Blockbuster Summer Events – These once-in-a-lifetime exhibits are part of the city’s biggest summer ever.

King Tut at the Denver Art Museum

Through January 9, 201

www.tutdenver.com

Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs boasts 130 objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun and other famous Egyptian pharaohs most of which have never been seen in the U.S. before, including a 10-foot statue of Tut, the largest rendering of the boy king yet discovered. Take advantage of exclusive skip-the-lines VIP King Tut packages offered by Denver hotels.

Moore in the Gardens

Through January 31, 2011

www.botanicgardens.org

Denver Botanic Gardens landmark, open-air exhibition of monumental works by the internationally acclaimed sculptor Henry Moore offers a unique opportunity to see Moore’s immense work in a diverse array of landscape from prairie wildflowers and serene reflecting pools to cacti or the rugged alpine rock garden.

Great Rates at Denver Hotels for Labor Day Weekend

Denver hotels have rates starting at $79 with many others offering stay one night at regular price, get a second night for $52.80. All rates are based on availability*. Browse all the offers at www.Denver5280Deals.com.

For more information, visit www.visitdenver.com.

Combining thrilling mysteries, stellar performances by ‘Til Death Do Us Party, and Chef Pete’s delectable cuisine, the Hotel Boulderado Murder Mystery Dinner Series remains a hit in Boulder and beyond.

For just $64 a person, the evening includes the Murder Mystery performance, a buffet dinner, one drink of your choice, valet parking, taxes and gratuity. The murder mystery series will take place on Sept. 10, 17 and 24.

MURDER 1958: Life’s a Bitch and Then You Die

It is 1958 … Alaska has just become a state. With America’s first successful launching of a satellite, the space race is on! Elvis is drafted into the army. In Boulder Colorado, Lord Harold Baker of Staffordshire has vanished, much to the distress of his family. Has he been murdered, kidnapped, or has he disappeared on his own accord? Only some dogged sleuthing can pick up the scent of this blueblood to unleash this murderous tale.

Book your tickets online!

Interested in staying overnight at the Hotel Boulderado? Call 303-440-2880.

Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs will come for its Denver debut, as a blockbuster exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. In honor of King Tut’s visit to the United States 30 years ago, both The Westin Tabor Center is offering a King Tut Package, which includes an overnight stay as well as two VIP tickets to the exhibit- allowing guests immediate entry to the exhibition and an opportunity to view the exhibit any time during exhibition hours, even when the exhibition is sold out.

The Westin Tabor Center King Tut Package price begins at $159. For reservations, visit www.westintaborcenter.com. The hotel is located in downtown Denver at 1672 Lawrence Street

The Follow the King Home prize includes four-nights luxury accommodations at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel, Towers and Casino as well as round trip air from New York to Cairo on Egypt Air. The prize is good on a space available basis from January 15 – July 1, 2011.  Guests who purchase and stay on the King Tut package at either the Sheraton or the Westin will be entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to win the trip to Cairo.

The winner will be chosen on January 2, 2011, the final day of the King Tut exhibit at the Denver Art Museum.  Once the winner has been chosen and notified via email, prize package and tickets are non transferable; flights are subject to availability. Tickets and hotel room have no cash value and must be used within six months from time winner is notified of prize.

Discover Denver Meeting Facilities

Saturday, 26 June, 2010
Central City Opera House
124 Eureka Street
Central City, CO 80427

FIND: Website and Tickets

FROM THE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC TO THE POIGNANT PLOT, discover why millions of people are still falling in love with Madama Butterfly year after year. A devastating clash of East vs. West ideals in turn of the century Japan leaves heroine, Cio-Cio San, with only one tragic solution to restore honor in her life.

Discover: Black Hawk Colorado Meeting Facilities

FREE FESTIVALS & EVENTS

First Friday Art Walks

June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3

www.artdistrictonsantafe.com

Discover Denver’s thriving creative community during a First Friday celebration, held every first Friday of the month, during which galleries in Denver’s art districts stay open late for a festive, street party-like event.

Denver Chalk Art Festival

June 5-6

www.larimerarts.org

Larimer Square’s Italian street-painting festival is a two-day pavement painting in Downtown Denver. More than 200 artists come down to turn the streets of the Mile High City’s oldest street into a virtual museum of chalk art.

Capitol Hill People’s Fair

June 5-6

www.peoplesfair.com

The largest of Denver’s summer festivals, this fun and funky event in Civic Center Park features live music, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, and a food bazaar with Colorado cuisine.

Denver PrideFest

June 19-20

www.denverpridefest.org

One of the ten biggest PrideFests in the U.S., this free weekend event in Civic Center Park features a parade, live music, food, and dance, all celebrating the local gay and lesbian community.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

July 3-5

www.cherryarts.org

Over Fourth of July Weekend, 350,000 visitors enjoy the visual, culinary and performing arts and interactive activities for the whole family. Meet and talk with international visual artists, sample fine cuisine, and enjoy live musical performances and artist demonstrations.

Civic Center SOUNDS: Independence Eve Celebration

July 3

www.coloradosymphony.org
Kick off the U.S.A.’s birthday weekend with a bang in Civic Center with the area’s biggest and best fireworks display, accompanied by patriotic favorites performed by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

FREE CONCERTS

Denver Day of Rock

May 29

www.denverdayofrock.com

Rock out all day long during this massive free concert when 20 bands, including the Romantics and Fishbone, take to four stages in Downtown Denver.

City Park Jazz

www.cityparkjazz.org

Every Sunday night in June and July, the City Park Bandstand and Pavilion turns into a swinging, open-air jazz club as music lovers of all ages congregate for the free City Park Jazz.

Confluence Concerts

www.greenwayfoundation.org

Nothing beats a cool summer evening kicking back in Confluence Park with some great free live music as the soundtrack. Every Thursday in July at 6:30 p.m., some of the Mile High City’s best musicians set up shop along the banks of the river and jam the night away.

FREE ATTRACTIONS & TOURS

U.S. Mint Tour

www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/index.cfm?action=StartReservation

Learn how to make money! The Mint produces 50 million coins a day, each one stamped with a little “D” for Denver. Free tours show every step in the process of turning a dull, blank, metal slug into shiny pocket change.

Garden of the Gods

www.gardenofthegods.com

Located 60 miles from Denver, the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods features gigantic 500-foot high red sandstone rock monuments at the base of Pikes Peak.

Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Free Days

www.scfd.org/?page=home&sub=4

Colorado residents can enjoy the following cultural attractions for free on select days throughout the summer: The Denver Art Museum (June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4 – free to all, not just Colorado residents); Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street (July 22, August 25); Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield (June 4, August 6); Denver Museum of Nature & Science (August 8, August 30, September 13).

Solution Mining Research Institute (SMRI) is a non-profit, worldwide organization with over 150 member organizations. They view solution mining as the process of mining underground, water-soluble minerals by dissolving the minerals with water (not by using acids). SMRI is primarily interested in the production of salt brine, but is also involved in solution mining of potash and soda ash. The caverns that are created as a result of solution mining are utilized as underground storage for oil, gas, chemicals, compressed air, and waste.

Intriguing mysteries, stellar performances by ‘Til Death Do Us Party, and fine dining all meet to give you an amazing night out. $64 per person includes dinner, a cocktail of your choice, show, tax, gratuity, and valet parking. Click here to learn more about our Murder Mystery Dinners.

Friday, March 12th
Friday, March 19th
Friday, March 26th

Hotel Boulderado Mezzanine 6:45pm-10:00pm
Call (303) 440-2880 for reservations.
Overnight packages also available.

Visit www.boulderado.com for details.

Also offered are 11 free museums with extended hours on a Saturday night and at the nation’s second largest performing arts complex, an “open house” and more events added every day. To find out the latest additions to the schedule, go to www.DenverArtsWeek.com for details.

As stated by Jayne Buck, Vice President of Tourism for VISIT DENVER, “Denver is building a national reputation as an arts center, and Denver Arts Week is a chance for residents and visitors to explore the city’s vast cultural resources for free and see what the buzz is all about.”

Also being celebrated during Denver Arts Week are 2 great events. The first of which is the 20th Anniversary of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) which supports cultural facilities in the seven county Denver area. Also happening is the Starz Denver Film Festival, starting November 12 and running through November 22, 2009. More than 200 independent films from around the world will be screened.

A new feature this year will be specially designed cuisine and local art on display at numerous restaurants. To complete your “art getaway” many Denver hotels are offering stays from $52.80 per night*.

Some of the Exciting Events:

Friday, November 6: First Friday Festivities – The traditional “First Friday” arts walks have been brought up a notch this year! Along with the participation of over 100 art galleries, there will be live music performances, culinary treats and demonstrations by artists. You will be able to go from gallery to gallery enjoying Denver’s hidden gems.

Saturday, November 7: Night at the Museums – After a night of art walks, Denver’s second “Night at the Museums” will take place at 11 top museums. Based on the popular event from Paris, admission is free from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Offered will be free shuttle buses beginning at both the Denver Art Museum and Cherry Creek Shopping Center, offering free parking. This will make it easy to hop from museum to museum. Many of the museums in addition to free admission are offering music, dance and special performances.

Sunday, November 8: Sunday on Stage – Teaming up to offer amazing entertainment and value during Denver Arts Week are Denver’s performing arts organizations. Offered are: PHAMALY at the Mizel Center, Colorado Homegrown Tales at the Byer-Evans House Museum, and Ballet Nouveau Colorado & Lighthouse Writers Workshop

Denver Arts Week is presented by VISIT DENVER, a nonprofit trade association that contract with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination. They work to bring positive economic development to the city, which creates jobs and generates taxes.

Sponsors of Denver Arts Week include: City and County of Denver, Denver Office of Cultural Affairs, Wells Fargo, CBS4, The Denver Post, King Soopers, 5280 Magazine, Kroenke Sports, Downtown Denver Partnership , ETA – Event Transportation Associates, Inc., Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North.

For more information and an up-to-the-minute listing of events, go to www.DenverArtsWeek.com or call toll free (800) 2-DENVER.

The Denver Beer Fest is a celebration of quality brews that lasts for 10 days and is full of beer tastings at bars and restaurants, dinners matched with quality beers, beer tappings, trips to breweries, opportunities to meet brewers, and other beer-related events.

This festival for beer lovers serves as a lead up to the famous beer competition event, the Brewers Association’s Great American Beer Festival

Check out some of the other events supported by VISIT DENVER that take place during the festival:

** John Hickenlooper, the current mayor of Denver and one-time brew pub proprietor, will kick off the festivities at 4pm on September 18th by tapping the first beer cask and announcing the start of the Beer Fest.

** A variety of restaurants, including Rioja, Stubens, Elways, Oceanaire, Duo, Vesta Dipping Grill, TAG, Rialto Café and others will be providing hungry and thirsty celebrants with dinners matched to choice brews – in many cases the actual brewer will be on hand as well

** At Wynkoop Brewery, twenty rare and unique beers will be offered for the tasting by awareness group Pints for Prostates

** Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret will feature tastings from Avery Brewery and an opportunit to meet the brewmaster during an event called “Beer and Burlesque, Tastings and Tassels”

** The hard to fine beer called Coor’s Barman will be offered up in various events at the Golden Hotel

** A Winter Park excursion sponsored by Cheeky Monk Belgian Beer Café

** A “brews cruise” will be running all day long, starting with a healthy breakfast *

** Two nights of tastings and three-course meals paired with the right beers at WaterCourse Foods

According to Richard Scharf, president of VISIT DENVER, explained that Denver is sometimes referred to as “The Napa Valley of Beer,” and it offers plenty of beer-related landmarks and events during the Great American Beer Festival. He noted that combining them under the Denver Beer Fest label was just a natural thing to do. Scharf explained how in the past, none of these beer-related events were unified, so people had trouble finding information about them.

Devner Beer Fest has a centralized home on the Web at www.DenverBeerFest.com , which serves as a hub for information on beer events during the week. Scharf referred to a similar event that takes place annually in Philadelphia that grew exponentially just a year after it was first launched.

Two key events mark the beginning and ending of the 10-day festival:

Larimer Street Oktoberfest: A traditional celebration in Denver, Oktoberfest takes place from September 18th to 20th and again from the 25th to the 27th. Taking its inspiration from the real deal in Munich, Germany, Denver’s Oktoberfest pays homage to this classic tradition. It features musical performances from groups on tour, concerts with accordions, stunning dance acts from around the world, events for the kids, a 10K/5K run and the Long Dog Derby. That’s not to mention all of the great customary food.

The 28th Annual Great American Beer Festival sponsored by the Brewer’s Association: This festival runs from September 24th through the 26th and takes place at the Colorado Convention Center. Noted by the Guinness World Records organization as offering the largest variety of beers in the world. Nearly 50,000 beer lovers visit each year, along with a slew of notable beer critics. The event features over 2,000 distinct beers from 400 breweries.

Scharf explained that in 2004, VISIT DENVER kicked off Denver Restaurant Week in order to bring more attention to the dining options in the city. Over the course of those years, the event grew from featuring just 84 venues to over 200 last year. All in all, almost 300,000 meals were presented, and at lower than usual prices. Denver Beer Fest is looking to replicate that level of success, and get the word out both to Colorado residents and people across the country that Colorado has great beer and great breweries.