The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals.
Deadtronica
If you think about it, Deadheads and EDM fans have a lot in common: hypnotic, improvisational live performances, elaborate lighting, and a live-in-the-moment ethos. Celebrate the similarities of jam bands and electronica at this Meow Wolf event. Artists Cloudchord and Aron Magner of the Disco Biscuits will remix the Dead’s iconic discography with modern dance beats (and maybe a few more lasers). May 21; 8 p.m.; starting at $35; 18+
AAPI Culture Fest X Civic Center Night Market
When you get late-night munchies this week, don’t reach for the pint of Ben & Jerry’s in your freezer. Instead, head to this after-hours market at Civic Center Park, where you can sate your cravings with bites from some of Denver’s best Asian eateries including Coffee Sarap, Magna Kainan, and more. Enjoy your eats at a picnic table while performers from Laya Dance Academy and the Korean Academy of Colorado take the stage. May 22; 5–10 p.m.; free attendance
Boulder Creek Festival
Summer officially starts on June 21. But in Boulder, summer unofficially kicks off during this annual creekside festival. Over the course of four days, catch live music across three stages, sip a pint from local favorites Avery Brewing Co. and Ratio Beerworks in the sprawling beer garden, and choose from a full lineup of kid-friendly activities, including a science-themed concert with Jeff and Paige. May 22–25; times vary; free attendance, Beer Fest ticketed
Read More: 11 Denver-Area Food and Drink Festivals To Help You Make the Most of Summer
Denver Arts Festival
Now in its 27th year, this fine art festival in Central Park brings more than 140 of the state’s best artists (and select national creators) to the Conservatory Green Park and Plaza. After you peruse the featured artwork—including Matt Conlon’s geometric pottery, Jesper Johansen’s whimsical photography, and Gracelynn Tamrak’s lifelike clay flowers—rest your feet in the beer garden with a pour from Carboy Winery and enjoy performances from Orquesta Bailenque and We Bop. May 23–24; Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; free attendance
City Park Jazz Fundraiser Brunch at Dazzle
In March, the 97-year-old bandstand where performers serenaded parkgoers during City Park Jazz burned down in a fire. In true showbiz fashion, the show must go on—but organizers will need some extra cash to do it. So, Dazzle is hosting this charity event, headlined by jazz musician and vocalist Camilla Vaitaitis, to help raise money for mobile stages. In addition to the soothing sounds of Vaitaitis, attendees will also enjoy a brunch buffet and beverages. May 24; 10:30 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.; starting at $258
BolderBoulder
Even if you haven’t been training for what Runner’s World deemed “America’s All-Time Best 10K,” there are plenty of reasons to swing by this sporting event. The race will include elite athletes, costume-clad fun-runners, skydivers, a flyover, and the iconic slip-and-slide. May 25; starts at 6:45 a.m.; runner registration starts at $74; free to spectators

