Memorial Day Weekend Agenda: 5 Best Events In Denver-Boulder

You have a three-day Memorial Day weekend ahead of you, and we have plenty of festivities to fill it. After a weekend of arts, music, tributes and races, you’ll be ready to get back to work for a little R&R. Or something like that.

Downtown Denver Arts Festival: Revel in creativity at this four-day arts fest held in the open-air Denver Pavilions on 16th Street Mall. The event will feature over 130 Colorado artists and artisans.May 27 - 30, times vary; free500 16th St.; 303-260-6000

Day of Rock: Presented by Concerts for Kids, Denver’s Day of Rock offers a free day of music on five downtown stages while increasing funds and awareness for local children’s charities. Bring the whole family to enjoy face painting, chalk drawing and other kid-friendly entertainment while rocking out to bands such as The Samples, Gin Blossoms and Mindless Behavior.Sat., May 28, 2:30pm - 9:30pm; free16th Street between Welton St. & Larwrence St.

Memorial Day Parade & Tribute: Head to Civic Center Park for a morning of remembrance. Events begin at 9am with a Wreath Remembrance Ceremony at the Colorado Vets Monument honoring fallen heroes, followed by a parade at 10am (www.denvergov.org/Portals/372/documents/2011MemorialDayParadeMap.pdf). At 11:30am, the Veteran’s Tribute Ceremony will include a live bugled “Taps,” Posting of Colors, and the presenting of medals of valor as part of The Forgotten Heroes Campaign. Sat., May 28 at 9am; freeCivic Center Park, 14th Ave. & Broadway

32nd Annual Old South Gaylord Memorial Day Weekend Festival: If you’re looking for arts and music but want to avoid the masses downtown, check out this Wash Park neighborhood’s three-day festival. Vendors will line the street while 18 musicians and bands rock the crowds all weekend. The world’s largest pinball machine will be on-hand as well as children’s rides and activities. Ding.May 28 - 30, Saturday & Sunday, 10am - 8pm, Monday, 10am - 4pm; freeGaylord St. between Tennessee St. & Mississippi St.

Bolder Boulder 10K: Before indulging in burgers, brats and beer, get your heart pumping with Boulder’s annual 10K race – the sixth-largest timed race in the world. Run or walk while enjoying stunning scenery along the route; then check out the RaceDay EXPO just outside of Folsom Stadium. You can register on race day, but consider getting set up beforehand to avoid procrastination fees.May 30, check online for wave times; $46 - $75, $15 discounts for children, seniors & active militaryWaves begin on 30th St. between Walnut St. & Arapahoe Ave.