Cherry Creek Arts Festival
More than 250 artists from across the country will turn Cherry Creek’s streets into a cutting-edge art museum during this annual fest. Attendees will get to see all types of artwork, such as woodworking from Joesph Graci, fiber textiles from Julie Simpson, and intricate jewelry from Boulderite Davis Hatcher. Don’t miss the robust lineup of food trucks and musical acts, either. Saturday–Monday, times vary; Free admission

Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift-Off
It’s hard to miss the stars of this weekend-long event: They’ll be covering the skies above Colorado Springs in a spectrum of colors. See dozens of hot air balloons, including ones resembling Tweety Bird, a giant crab, and a sloth. In addition to the dazzling balloon displays, visitors will get to catch a demonstration from the U.S. Air Force Skydiving Team, watch aerial acrobats, and hear live music. Saturday–Monday, times vary; Free admission

Gourmet on Gore. Photo courtesy of Katie Coakley.

Gourmet on Gore
This culinary affair might be a few hours from Denver, but plentiful drinks and unparalleled eats make the drive well worth it. In between bites from the likes of Ristorante Ti Amo and Radical Sasquatch Dumpling Company, make sure to attend the fitness activities, including yoga classes (free) and two trail-to-table hikes that conclude with a gourmet meal (tickets required).  Friday–Sunday, times vary; Free admission 

Belgian Brew Fest
Help Denver breweries pay homage to the wide array of Belgian-style suds at this lively bash. Local brewers, like Bruz Beers, Goldspot Brewing Company, and River North Brewery, will serve up all the brews you can sip, including several styles not found anywhere else in Colorado. After the festival wraps, head to Bruz Beers’ tasting room to receive happy hour pricing on drinks. Saturday, 1–4 p.m.; $40-$48

Taste of Colorado
It’s a testament to the popularity of this fest that it had to move from Civic Center Park to 16th Street Mall this year in order to accommodate all of its hungry patrons. A plethora of Denver-area eateries, including Billy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs and HipPops Handcrafted Gelato Bars, will offer up their specialties. Parched guests can also whet their whistle with drinks from distilleries such as Mythology, Ironton, and Mile High Pie Moonshine. After sating their hunger, Denverites can check out the myriad artisan booths, live music, and art displays. Saturday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; Monday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Free admission 

Glenwood Caverns Mudslide Festival
Embrace one of Mother Nature’s lesser-loved offspring—mud—at this down-and-dirty gathering. From muddy water balloon fights, to loads of live music, to a menu of dirt-themed dishes (think: mudslide cocktails and rocky road fudge), you’ll likely leave the fest with a new appreciation of the grimey clay. Make sure to visit the dunk tank, where you’ll have a chance to sink Glenwood Springs business leaders like Mayor Jonathan Godes in a tub full of dirty water. Friday–Saturday, times vary; Starting at $21

Let Freedom Swing Golf Tournament
Show off that swing you’ve been perfecting the past few months at this end-of-summer tourney. Held at Arrowhead Golf Course in Littleton, which boasts views of the Flatirons, your registration will get you 18 holes, a grab-and-go breakfast burrito and coffee, a lunch buffet, and a drink ticket. Spring for a $50 VIP package and get access to a tent stocked with scotch and cigars at the 10th hole. Friday, 6:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Registration starts at $250