Memorial Day in Denver unofficially kicks off summer in the Mile High City. Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday of May, and this year's holiday falls on Monday, May 28, 2012. Memorial Day weekend marks the opening of Water World, as well as Arapahoe Park. The Downtown Denver Arts Festival displays artwork on the 16th Street Mall over the weekend, and the Colorado Rockies play a double-header on Memorial Day.
1. Downtown Denver Arts Festival
Date: Friday, May 25 - Monday, May 28, 2012
Location: Denver Pavilions, Downtown Denver
What: The Downtown Denver Arts Festival celebrates its 14th year of featuring Colorado artists over Memorial Day weekend.
Cost: Free admission.
More: Photos of the 2010 Downtown Denver Arts Festival
2. Memorial Day Parade
Date: Saturday, May 26, 2012
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Parade begins at W. Colfax Ave. and Bannock St.
What: The City & County of Denver honors its fallen war heroes on Memorial Day.
Cost: Free admission.
3. Colorado Rockies vs. Houston Astros
Date: Monday, May 28, 2012
Times: 1:10 p.m. and 6:10 p.m.
Location: Coors Field
What: The Rockies and Astros go head-to-head for Memorial Day.
Cost: Tickets are $4 - $100.
Contact: 303-ROCKIES
4. Old South Gaylord Memorial Day Weekend Festival
Dates:Sunday, May 27, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Times: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Sunday
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Monday
Location: Old South Gaylord Street between Louisiana Avenue and Franklin Street.
What: The 33rd annual Old South Gaylord Memorial Day Weekend Festival offers family fun with magic shows for children and live music for adults.
Cost: Free admission.
5. Denver Day of Rock
Date: Saturday, May 26, 2012
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Location: Five stages along the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver
What: Concerts for Kids sponsors the daylong music extravaganza featuring the TOTO and Toad the Wet Sprocket, among other bands.
Cost: Free admission.
6. The Big Eat
Date: Sunday, May 27, 2012
Time: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Union Station
What: The second annual Big Eat event features 36 restaurants, as well as local breweries and wineries. Sponsored by the Independent Restaurant Network, the event showcases local restaurants including Euclid Hall, Linger and the Wynkoop.
Cost: $25 admission covers food. Drinks are $5 each.
Are you planning a Memorial Day barbeque at home? Check out the Top 10 Memorial Day Recipes for some ideas of what to serve hungry guests. Children can also pitch in by helping to make Memorial Day desserts.
