Your Last-Minute Guide to Labor Day Weekend

While some of us disappear into the mountains for camping and hiking during the extended weekend, Labor Day festivals, concerts, and football games will entertain Coloradans who decide to stay closer to home. If you forgot to plan ahead, we rounded up a shortlist of events to fill your holiday weekend.

Front Range Festivities

A Taste of Colorado

This weekend, downtown Denver will be taken over by A Taste of Colorado—a three-day festival featuring food, music, and entertainment. While it’s one of the largest free events in Colorado, VIP ticket holders will be entertained by the likes of Leann Rimes, Smash Mouth, and Sugar Ray. More than 50 restaurants and food trucks will serve bite-sized snacks to full meals throughout the festival. The Kids Zone—a family-friendly area—will offer dancing, magicians, and comedy for children of all ages. Civic Center Park 

Fireworks at Elitch Gardens

After you spend the day gallivanting around the park, hang around to watch Denver’s skyline light up with fireworks. Right after closing at 10 p.m., Elitch Gardens will set off fireworks for half an hour to celebrate Labor Day. The event is free with park admission. Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle

Rocky Mountain Showdown

Ahh. Football season. Kicking off the Labor Day weekend is the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Friday evening. Witness the University of Colorado Buffaloes face the Colorado State University Rams in what is always an exciting competition. 1701 Bryant St. 

In the Mountains

Jazz Aspen Snowmass

If you feel like dancing all weekend long, head to Snowmass Village for the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival. The three-day event will feature headliners such as Lionel Richie and Michael Franti & Spearhead. Plus, each night at the Vendor Village, partygoers can attend JAS After Dark, with music performances on two stages, including a silent disco. Tickets are limited, and can be purchased online. 2835 Brush Creek Rd, Snowmass Village

Labor Day on Copper Mountain

Is country music your jam? Copper Mountain is continuing their Labor Day festivities this year with the Copper Country Music Festival. Starting at noon on Saturday and Sunday, concertgoers can enjoy free performances from country music singers like Rodney Crowell and Joe Robinson (VIP tickets are also available and can be purchased here). The event coincides with the Copper Country Arts Festival, which showcases goods handcrafted by vendors from across the region. 209 Ten Mile Circle, Frisco

Telluride Film Festival

Cinephile are already in-the-know about the Telluride Film Festival, which is celebrating its 44th year. The unique celebration of cinema kicks off on Saturday, with a lineup of 40 films at nine different festival venues throughout the town. Individual tickets start at $25, while passes can be purchased online starting at $390. Venues located throughout town