Labor Day Weekend in Denver is packed with events and things to do. Fun celebrations and plenty of late-summer activities in and around Denver are perfect ingredients for an excellent summer farewell. Some events are canceled this year, but there are still plenty of things to do that can keep you busy throughout the whole weekend.
Elitch Gardens Theme Park and Fireworks (September 1, 2024)
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park a popular getaway on Labor Day Weekend in Denver. It's a perfect mix of a water park and a theme park. So bring your sunglasses and a bathing suit to become a kid no matter what age you are. For even more fun, check out the fireworks on Sunday night right after the park closes at about 10 pm. You can watch the fireworks extravaganza from the Gardens parking lot or any other location in Downtown Denver.
Cavemen Music Festival (August 30–September 1, 2024)
The scenic Monument Lake Resort with stunning mountain views holds a three-day Labor Day festival with 20 artists on two stages, hiking, fishing and camping. In 2024, the festival features Kurt Vile And The Violators, Red Clay Strays, The Wallflowers, Toadies, Uncle Lucius, Jamestown Revival, The Band Of Heathens, Red Shahan, Stephen Wilson Jr, Drayton Farley, Emily Wolfe, Sir Woman, Buffalo Hunt, The Droptines, Taddy Porter, Sun Jr., Erick Willis, Charlie Shafter, Estin And The 86ed, Kade Hoffman,Tony Kamel, Aaron Raitiere, Riddy Arman, Midnight River Choir, and Pasadena. Festival passes start at $119.
Colorado State Fair in Pueblo (August 23–September 2, 2024)
The annual Colorado State Fair takes place in Pueblo, about two hours from Denver. From late August to early September, the famous fairgrounds host thousands of visitors drawn by the entertainment program—thrilling rides, concerts, competitions, and lots of vendor booths. Fair hours on Labor Day: from 11 am to 11 pm.
Labor Day Weekend Getaways from Denver
There are tonnes of road trip ideas when you are based in Denver. The Mile High City is surrounded by all sorts of destinations from the mountains and thrilling roads to cozy towns and hot springs.
Rocky Mountains
Denver is an excellent gateway to the Rocky Mountains region and nearby towns. You could close your summer season by climbing up Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest mountain (14,440 ft or 4,401 m). There are no easy 14'ers; so, spending a few days in Leadville or Twin Lakes in order to acclimatize to the elevation would be a good idea. Most of Elbert's surrounding locations such as Leadville or Twin Lakes are at a higher altitude, which is perfect for acclimatization. Another alternative is to visit mountain towns like Breckenridge, Buena Vista, and Winterpark with great dining and shopping options to keep you occupied while you get used to the sub-alpine air. In Breckenridge, pay tribute to Isak Heartstone, an iconic wooden troll sculpture by Thomas Dambo.
Crested Butte
A southwest road trip from Denver can take you to Crested Butte, Kebler Pass with magnificent views of the West Elk Mountains, and then one of the most photographed spots in Colorado—Crystal Mill. On your way back to Denver, take a short detour to Mount Evans Scenic Byway in Idaho Springs, and then spend a relaxing afternoon at Radium Hot Springs. Double-check the campsite opening updates with local authorities.
Colorado Springs
Another excellent long-weekend getaway from Denver is a trip to Colorado Springs. Labor Day Weekend is the right time to be there for the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off. Once in the city, you can also go to the iconic Garden of the Gods with lots of activities: hiking, climbing, biking, and horseback riding. Warm early fall days are also calling for a peaceful kayak ride. Lake Pueblo State Park, about 50 mi (80 km) south of Colorado Springs or 120 mi (190 km) from Denver, is an excellent kayaking spot for newbies and offers rentals.
Denver events map
The map below depicts the locations of the above-mentioned events (Elitch Gardens Theme Park, and A Taste of Colorado in Civic Center Park). Book accommodation close to the events you want to attend to make your trip as smooth as possible.
For the tickets and latest updates, please check with the official websites (see External Resources below).
