There's no need to be a member of, well, anything, because these celebrations are open to anyone who appreciates great food and family-friendly fun. The Greek Festival was the first fest out of the gate this year and a rousing success (with the long lines to prove it), but the seasonal fun has only just begun.
Check our Summer Guide for a complete calendar; in the meantime, here are some other favorite festivals to check out;
Juneteenth
“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, ‘all slaves are free’.” This news was proclaimed in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, and the African-American community has celebrated the date's anniversary ever since; it became a federal holiday in 2021. Denver has held a festival for five decades, and this year's event is on Sunday, June 15, in Five Points. The celebration of Black culture kicks off with a parade at 11 a.m., and will feature 100+ food and retail vendors, a health zone, and musical performances at two stages on Welton Street. Admission is free, with VIP tickets available.
Sunday, June 15
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
2720 Welton Street
juneteenthmusicfestival.com
Cherry Blossom Festival
Downtown's Sakura Square plays host to the 51st annual Cherry Blossom Festival, celebrating all things Japanese. Tuck into teriyaki chicken, dumplings, sushi and more, then quench your thirst with sake or craft beer. Demonstrations include traditional Japanese carpentry and taiko drumming, and gorgeous examples of ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) will be on display. Jewelry, anime and other arts are available for purchase in the marketplace. This month a delegation from the city of Takayama in Japan, including the mayor, will be on hand to celebrate the 65th year of the Sister City Relationship between our two cities, with a ceremony planned onstage.
Saturday, June 21
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 22
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1255 19th Street
cherryblossomdenver.org
Japanese taiko drumming showcased on stage at the 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival at Sakura Square.
Gil Asakawa
Authentic Mexican food and music brighten up two days of this long-running church festival. Tacos, gorditas, enchiladas, flautas, pastries, aguas frescas and elotes (not to mention muy cerveza) are all on the menu, along with music and dance performances, games and much more.
Saturday, July 12
2 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 13
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
1209 West 36th Avenue
ologdenver.org
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Bazaar
Now in its 94th year, this north Denver bazaar goes all-in on Italian at one of the neighborhood's most beloved seasonal celebrations. Grab an Italian sausage sandwich with green chiles, enjoy a beer or glass of wine, wager on some games of chance (gambling is only a little sin) and let the kids go wild on the rides.
Sunday, July 20
4 to 9 p.m.
3549 Navajo Street
ourladymountcarmel.com
Polish Food Festival
Craft brews, sausages, potato pancakes, bigos (Hunter's Stew), cabbage rolls, kraut, pierogi and handmade pastries — if it's Polish, it's at this festival at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Globeville. Enjoy traditional dancing and musical performances, along with games, a children's playground and more Polish delicacies than you can shake a kielbasa at.
Saturday, August 23
Noon to 9 p.m.
Sunday, August 24
Noon to 5 p.m.
517 East 46th Avenue
polishfoodfestival.org
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
Drawing fans (more than 200,000 last year) for 25 years, this annual celebration of Asian and Asian-American heritage is the largest dragon boat festival in the United States. Here be dragons (and thrilling dragon boat races), along with delicious foods, a bustling Asian marketplace and a full lineup of entertainment. Details are TBD, but mark your calendars now — and note that the event has been moved from its usual late July heat into early September!
Saturday, September 6
Sunday, September 7
Sloan's Lake Park
cbdf.org
Taste of Ethiopia Festival
The Taste of Ethiopia Heritage Foundation hosts its eleventh annual event celebrating the community and culture of Ethiopia at a new location: Denver's marquee green space in City Park, with the City Park Pavillion and Bandshell. To mark the Ethiopian New Year on September 11, you can enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine, live performances, marketplace vendors, and rich cultural showcases on the lawn. There's also an emphasis on health, civic and economic partners — with on-site community services, health resources, and empowerment opportunities for all.
Sunday, September 14
City Park Pavilion and Bandshell
2001 Steele Street
tasteofethiopia.org
