Memorial Day 2024 events
Through Monday. The Colorado Freedom Memorial brings back its Colorado Remembers ceremony for its 11th year on Saturday, May 25, with artifacts, exhibits, music and tributes to fallen heroes. After a free pancake breakfast and exhibition (8 -10 a.m.), the 11 a.m. ceremony includes an F-16 flyover, tolling of the honor bell and wreath laying. More relics and tours will be available afterward.
This year, family members of World War II veterans are encouraged to call 303-248-3990 to reserve special seats. All events are free and open to the public at Aurora’s Memorial Park, 756 Telluride St. in Aurora. coloradofreedommemorial.com
The Colorado Photographic Arts Center is also hosting a free exhibition, “The Presence of Absence,” through June 22, featuring photos by military veteran, artist, and educator Inbal Abergil. 1200 Lincoln St., Suite 111, in Denver. cpacphoto.org
Portland sextet Blitzen Trapper, led by Eric Earley, doesn’t mind if fans tape its shows. The band brings its psych-folk songs to MeadowGrass this weekend.
Two very different music events
Friday-Saturday. Denver’s nationally acclaimed indie-hip hop group, Wheelchair Sports Camp, is celebrating the release of its new video on Friday, May 24, with the Denim on Denim on Denim Dance Party, a musical gathering and vinyl/clothing swap. It takes place at 8:30 p.m. at 1037 Broadway, above Bar Standard(with elevat or access through the alley). Expect surprise performances and other activities. $15 via unitedenver.org/product-page/record-swap-party.
On Saturday, May 25, indie-folk paragons Blitzen Trapper will headline the 15th MeadowGrass Music Festival, which runs Friday through Sunday, May 26, with dozens of artists including Colorado’s Heavy Diamond Ring and Gasoline Lollipops. It takes place on the La Foret Center, 6145 Shoup Road in Colorado Springs. Kids 12 and under are free, with daily fest passes running $85-$95, and a full-weekend pass for $267. See more, including camping options, at eventbrite.com.
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Grammy-winning Colorado legend Judy Colllins will appear at Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House this weekend. (Provided by Wheeler Opera House)
40 years of a refreshed Wheeler
Friday-Saturday. Aspen’s stately Wheeler Opera House originally opened in 1889, but is just now celebrating the 40th anniversary of its grand reopening. In addition to Grand Junction’s Peach Street Revival on Friday, May 24, the weekend events feature free kids’ activities (Saturday, May 25), limited edition Wheeler merchandise, and a new lobby exhibit featuring photos from the past 40 years, alongside original artworks inspired by the Wheeler. Grammy-winning Colorado music legend Judy Collins will close it out on Saturday night.
Tickets: $15 for Friday night (includes one drink), free for noon-4 p.m. activities, and $19.84 (get it?) for the Collins show. 320 E Hyman Ave. in Aspen.866-449-0464 or wheeleroperahouse.com
Denver Arts Festival, which features the work of 100-plus local and national artists, returns this weekend for its 25th installment. (Provided by Denver Arts Festival)
25 years of Denver Arts Festival
Saturday-Sunday. Memorial Day weekend means the return of the Denver Arts Festival, which is celebrating 25 years with 150 booths of local and national artistry, as well as live music, a kids art zone, and a wine and beer tent for the expected 50,000 total attendees.
The event takes place 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 25, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 26, at 8304 East 49th Place, in Central Park’s Conservatory Green neighborhood. Free admission and parking. Call 303-330-8237 or visit denverartsfestival.com for more.