Each Thursday, explore Denver’s essential weekend events curated by The Denver Gazette. Dive into cultural experiences and entertainment delights across the city. Whether you enjoy art galleries, pottery, or outdoor sports, there’s something for everyone in Denver’s vibrant cultural scene. To submit an event for consideration, email listings@gazette.com.

SUNDAY

In advance of Hispanic Heritage Month starting Monday through Oct. 15, Adams County hosts Festival Latino in Riverdale Regional Park, 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. The month celebrates the many Latin cultures in the region with dances, traditional dress, visual artists, community resources and a full variety of foods from different countries. Performances by local and regional musicians. adamscountyco.gov/festival-latino.

SATURDAY

Kicking off Centennial’s 25th anniversary year festivities is Saturday’s Chalk Art Festival and a free pancake breakfast. Watch 100 artists work from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and there will be fine art vendors as well at The Streets at SouthGlenncq. An addition this year, the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, with more than 40 booths with wares by the youngsters. Entertainment by DJs and music groups. centennial-art.org/event/chalk-art-festival-2025

SATURDAY

Hicq Points Festival, a new day of music in Denver’s historic Five Points, has 20 jazz performances, along with some R&B and hip hop, too, Saturday all along Welton Street. A highlight is a Tribute to Charles Burrell, called  “the Jackie Robinson of classical music.” The main stage at 2 p.m. is Sun Cruiser in Five Points Plaza. Tickets: hipointsfest.com

SUNDAY

The Taste of Ethiopia Festival moves from a smaller park to spacious City Park Sunday for its 11th popular year. They’re bringing their famous coffee, and a traditional coffee-roasting ceremony. Add to that, flavorful spicy stews and grilled meats, Injera (bread), lentils, street fare and vegan specialties. Music, dancing and a marketplace. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 2001 Steele St. Free admission. tasteofethiopia.org

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Get ready to swing to vintage jazz and blues during this weekend’s Denver Jazz Festival 2025. Plentiful dance areas for the sounds of the Eyal Vilner Swing Band and The Gabriel Mervine All Star Jazz Band featuring Sweet B atThe Studio Loft at Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 980 14th St. Hosts are CMDance and the Denver Arts Venues. Tickets $20-$55. Dance workshops and lectures by instructors at Lindy on the Rocks & Hot Night Fusion Weekend. cmdance.org/cmevents/denverjazzfestival2025

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Sakura Square, 1255 19th St., is filled with the Spirit of Japan and delicious food all weekend. Traditional and contemporary Japanese food, sake and beer. Timed entry, 6-10 p.m. Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday, with premiere access at 11 a.m., and noon-5 p.m. Sunday with premiere access at 11 a.m. For tickets: spirit-jpn.com/denver. 

SATURDAY-OCT. 15

It’s all about the beauty of monarch butterflies, in “Yo Soy: Mariposas Sin Fronteras” opening in Denver Botanic Gardens. Artists and groups have painted the celebration of the pollinators and symbols of hope in a large papier-mâché butterfly exhibition. Also a pop-up shopping experience in Mercado Monarca. botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/yo-soy

SUNDAY

Dessert sampling all afternoon at the Loveland Chocolate & Cheese Fest. Chocolate and cheese galore and entertainment, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland. Early sessions $10 and then $6. Tickets: cochocolatefests.com. 

SUNDAY

Take a trip to Africa without leaving downtown Denver during the African Creators Festival Curious Sunday Soiree. From 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at Larimer Square’s Kettle Arcade, 1424 Larimer St., a sensory time of fashion, art and music and a multi-course African feast. Participants are encouraged to wear bold colors. For tickets ($40-$1500cq) and information: event.getbookt.io/african-creators-festival

SUNDAY

A musical day Sunday with the Youth on Record Block Party and Youth Music Festival,  1–6 p.m. outside Youth Media Studio at 1301 W. 10th Ave. Described as “where next-gen talent meets community spirit.” Performances by young musicians and family activities including the Bookmobile, yoga, fresh produce and seeds, food trucks and arts and crafts. Free but RSVP: events.humanitix.com/2025-yor-block-party-and-youth-music-festival

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

The beautiful colors of the mountains will be the backdrop for the 50-year Snowmass Balloon Festival. But there are some changes because of this year’s wildfire restrictions. Unless conditions improve, the 30 hot air balloons will remain grounded, inflating without lift off for everyone to enjoy. There’s plenty of time for high country outdoor activities, too.  gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-balloon-festival-2/2025-09-12.

SATURDAY

Beers, brats, lederhosen and live Oktoberfest music up and down the 1500 block of South Pearl Street from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Hoist a stein or two at the Wynkoop Brewing Co. Oktoberfest, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 1634 18th St.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Join the 50th anniversary of the Town Center at Aurora for this weekend’stwo-day outdoor Aurora Mallapalooza. Starting at noon both days, music, food and games to play in the West Parking Lot, 14200 E. Alameda Ave. Registration: towncenterataurora.com/events.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Park Hill has had a well known and successful June Art Festival for 12 years and is now adding a Park Hill Fall Arts Fest Saturday and Sunday. It will showcase 100 professional artists, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Park Hill Masonic grounds, 4819 Montview Blvd., facebook.com/parkhillartfestival