PrideFest 2013 Photos
The theme of PrideFest 2013 was "Focus on our Families" after the passage of legislation in Colorado allowing civil unions. "The Denver PrideFest theme celebrates the growing momentum and recent victories in Colorado and across the country for equality in relationship recognition," said Amy Drayer, vice president of strategic initiatives at The GLBT Community Center of Colorado, in a statement. View five photos from the festival held in Civic Center Park in downtown Denver.
Photo © 2013 Nina Snyder, licensed to About.com
July Events in Denver
The dog days of summer are underway in Denver with sweltering temperatures this week. Plan to cool off in July with several summer events, including the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. The Mile High City also celebrates the Fourth of July with several free events around town. What are your plans for July this year? Share in the comments section below.
Arapahoe Park Racetrack
Colorado's only racetrack, Arapahoe Park Racetrack, continues the Western tradition of racing Quarter Horses. Unlike thoroughbreds who run races measured in furlongs around an oval track, Quarter Horses race for a quarter of a mile in a straight sprint. Located in Aurora, Arapahoe Park is open for racing from Fridays through Sundays with a post time of 1 p.m. all three days.
Wynkoop Expands Tours
The Wynkoop Brewery has expanded its free public tours from once a day to five days a week. Visitors can now get a behind-the-scenes look at the LoDo brewery at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. The Wynkoop Brewery, founded by Colo. Gov. John Hickenlooper before he entered politics, also offers private tours by arrangement.
Lowry Wine Walk on Sat.
The Lowry Town Center will present its Lowry Wine Walk on Saturday, June 8, 2013. Tickets for the walk are $15, and feature wine tastings from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Purchase tickets with cash only beginning at 5:30 p.m. Located at the intersection of Quebec Street and East 2nd Avenue, the Lowry Town Center will also feature a free concert by Funkiphino from 7:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. Proceeds from the Wine Walk benefit the Kempe Foundation for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect.
Fourth of July
Fourth of July is a month away in Denver, and so far it looks like fireworks shows will be on at full strength this year. Last year, dry weather prompted cancellations of most fireworks displays in the Mile High City. Free celebrations for Independence Day include Independence Eve on July 3 at Civic Center Park, as well as a free parade in Park Hill on July 4. Sports fans can also celebrate with fireworks after Colorado Rockies games and Colorado Rapids games. What are your plans for Fourth of July this year?
Film Society Seeks Donations
The Denver Film Society is seeking donations for the purchase of four digital projectors. The projectors will be used for Film on the Rocks, as well as the Starz Denver Film Festival. Patrons who donate $25 or more through Kickstarter will receive a free ticket to "The Big Lebowski" at Film on the Rocks on July 31 at Red Rocks. The society has set a goal of raising $150,000 through the crowd-sourcing website by June 28. However, if the goal is not reached, the society will not be able to screen "The Big Lebowski."
"By the end of 2013, the film industry will only distribute new films in a digital format (DCP)," said Ryan Oestreich, director of the Sie FilmCenter, in a statement. "Even classic Film on the Rocks fan-favorite titles like 'The Big Lebowski,' 'Top Gun' and 'The Goonies' have been converted to digital. Without DCP projectors we will not be able to show these older films and any new films produced by Hollywood."
Comic Con Starts Fri.
The second-annual Denver Comic Con kicks off in the Mile High City on Friday. The festival featuring the original "Star Trek" stars William Shatner and George Takei will be at the Colorado Convention Center this weekend through Sunday. A three-day pass for adults is $55, and can be purchased at local comic book stores such as Mile High Comics or at the Denver Comic Con website.
Downtown Denver Arts Festival
The Downtown Denver Arts Festival celebrates its 15th year with a new location at the Denver Center Performing Arts Complex at 1345 Champa St. The free festival focuses on Colorado artists, but will display works by national artists as well. "Artist and art lovers celebrate the coming together of a diverse mix of mediums and talent," wrote Mayor Michael Hancock in a letter supporting the festival. "This event has become one of the most anticipated weekends of the year. " Hours for the festival are 4 - 8 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Father's Day in Denver
Denver dads can celebrate Father's Day in a variety of ways. For music fans, take dad to City Park Jazz for a free concert in the park. For sports fans, take dad out to the ballgame at Coors Field for a match-up between the Rockies and Phillies. For athletic dads, lace up your tennis shoes and run a 5K for Father's Day.