COLORADO, USA — This weekend Colorado welcomes November with Day of the Dead celebrations, a Veterans Day parade, a hit ABBA musical, Ms. Lauryn Hill and The Fugees, and Queen + Adam Lambert.
Christmas craft fair season is officially underway in a big way this weekend and downtown Fort Collins is the first city to flip the switch on the holiday season.
Colorado is known for terrific festivals, concerts, sporting events and the arts. Celebrate the season this weekend by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that makes our state so special.
Be sure to share your weekend photos with the "Near Me" feature on the 9NEWS app.
Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado Springs Veterans' Day Parade will step off at 10 a.m. Saturday. A Colorado Springs tradition since 2000, the parade starts at Tejon and St. Vrain and ends at Tejon and Vermijo in downtown Colorado Springs. The parade's mission is "to honor all veterans and to educate and inspire community awareness while paying tribute to the service and sacrifices all veterans have endured in the pursuit of freedom."
Día de los Muertos Festival
DENVER — After being snowed out last weekend, Denver's first Día de los Muertos Festival will be held this Saturday. The Día de los Muertos Festival will take place at Denver's Civic Center Park from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The festival will showcase food vendors, live music, drinks, exhibitors, catrina contest, house bouncers, altar exhibition, floats display, lowriders exhibition, giveaways, and international music.
Day of the Dead Celebration
THORNTON — The 7th annual Día de los Muertos celebration is Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at McAllister Park Center in Thornton. At this year's free family friendly event, there will be food trucks, face painting, a stilt walker, salsa and mariachi music, youth dancers, and art market.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
CARBONDALE — Carbondale Arts' annual celebration of Día de los Muertos celebration begins at 5 p.m. Friday in the 4th Street Plaza. Festivities include altar viewing, face painting, Mexican hot chocolate and traditional treats. There will be performances by Ballet Folklórico, Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra, Mezcla Socials Dance, Samuel & Iliana Bernal, and face painting along with other art activities and food trucks. A procession through downtown with large puppets and dancing by Ballet Folklórico begins at Third Street Center and ends back at 4th Street Plaza.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
SILVERTHORNE — The Town of Silverthorne is celebrating Dia de los Muertos on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Summit Assembly event hall in Bluebird Market. Attendees can enjoy face painting, live music and dancing, traditional food and drinks, crafts for kids, and living statues. Children are invited to break a pinata at 6:15 and 7:15 p.m.
Mamma Mia
DENVER — The hit Broadway musical based on the songs of ABBA is back in Colorado. The 25th anniversary tour of "Mamma Mia" launched in Denver on Halloween as part of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts' Broadway lineup. The new North American tour will begin its run at the Buell Theatre in Denver through Sunday, Nov. 5. Tickets for the Denver performances are on sale at DenverCenter.org.
RELATED: ABBA musical returns to Denver
Don Giovanni
DENVER — Opera Colorado opens its production of Mozart’s classic masterpiece "Don Giovanni" this Friday. Performed in Italian, with English and Spanish subtitles at every seat, the opera promises to "sweep you away with its fine balance of comedy and tragedy, showing us the road to hell is paved with bad intentions." "Don Giovanni," which premiered on Oct. 29, 1787, will be performed at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at Denver Performing Arts Complex on Nov. 4, Nov. 7, Nov. 10 and Nov. 12.
Denver Film Festival
DENVER — The 46th Annual Denver Film Festival (DFF46) curtain rises Friday with the Opening Night Red Carpet presentation of American Fiction at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The Opening Night Red Carpet is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The Opening Night program and screening of "American Fiction" begins at 8 p.m. Friday. The Denver Film Festival runs Nov. 3 through Sunday, Nov. 12.
Queen + Adam Lambert
DENVER — Sir Brian May, Roger Taylor and Adam Lambert are bringing back Queen to Colorado for the first time since 2017. Queen + Adam Lambert's new tour of North American cities is Queen's first in four years. "The Rhapsody Tour" will make a Denver stop at Ball Arena in Denver on Sunday at 8 p.m. Tickets are sold out, but available for resale at Ticketmaster.com.
The new tour promises a 150-minute career-spanning set list that celebrates the band’s anthems like “We Will Rock You”, “Don’t Stop Me Now”, “Radio Ga Ga”, and “Somebody To Love” — alongside classic cuts and fan favorites. Concert promoter Live Nation said the tour will have a "dazzling state-of-the-art stage design, incredible special effects and set piece."
Ms. Lauryn Hill & The Fugees
DENVER — Ms. Lauryn Hill will celebrate the anniversary of her 1998 debut solo album with a new concert tour. "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour" will bring Ms. Lauryn Hill to cities across the United States as well as dates in Australia and New Zealand. The Fugees will reunite for their first tour in years to co-headline the tour on all U.S. and Canadian dates. The tour includes a stop at Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Army vs. Air Force
DENVER — Air Force Academy and Army will play a football game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver this weekend in the ongoing battle for the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. The No. 17 Air Force Falcons (8-0) will host the matchup as a home game on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
Oregon State vs. Colorado
- Saturday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m.
- Folsom Field, Boulder
- Tickets at CUBuffs.com
New Mexico Highlands vs. School of Mines
- Saturday, Nov. 4, at 12 p.m.
- Alumni Field at Marv Kay Stadium, Golden
- Tickets at MinesAthletics.com
Idaho vs. Northern Colorado
- Saturday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m.
- Nottingham Field, Greeley
- Tickets at UNCBears.com
Fort Lewis vs. Western Colorado
- Saturday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m.
- Katy O. Rady Field, Gunnison
- Tickets at GoMountaineers.com
Chadron State vs. Colorado Mesa
- Saturday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m.
- Stocker Stadium, Grand Junction
- Tickets at CMUMavericks.com
Mavericks/Bulls vs. Denver Nuggets
DENVER — The 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets play two games at home this weekend. The Nuggets face the Dallas Mavericks at 8 p.m. Friday and the Chicago Bulls at 7 p.m. Saturday at Ball Arena.
Pumpkin Smash Festival
IDAHO SPRINGS — Halloween is over. What to with your pumpkin? Bring it to Idaho Springs to be smashed! The Pumpkin Smash festival uses such techniques as mallets, baseball bats, launchers and slingshots. This year's Smash is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free to attend at the Idaho Springs Sports & Events Complex. The event will also have food vendors, beer, booths, pumpkins and composting.
Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony
FORT COLLINS — Fort Collins "flips the switch" at the annual Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Friday. Thousands of brilliant white lights will illuminate the alleyways, sidewalks and treetops of seven blocks of Old Town after Friday's ceremony. The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Old Town Square runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Music will be provided by Soul Station starting at 5:30 pm. The lights are expected to turn on after a short countdown at 6:30 p.m.
Denver Christmas Show
DENVER — The annual Denver Christmas Show runs Friday to Sunday at the Colorado Convention Center. The show is a holiday extravaganza with original art, crafts, sculptures, ceramics, foods, décor, clothing, furniture, floral designs, jewelry, antiques, candles, toys and more. If you're in need of a Christmas card photo, Santa Claus could make an appearance this weekend. Free shuttle and parking spaces available at Elitch Gardens throughout the weekend.
Smoky Hill High School Craft Fair
AURORA — Now in its 39th year, the Smoky Hill High School Craft Fair will have 210 vendors displaying their unique decorations, clothing, jewelry, holiday gifts, soups, dips, bread, art and more. Admission and parking are free at the fair and food will be available from concession vendors. The craft fair runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Castle Rock Craft Show Extraordinaire
CASTLE ROCK — The 31st annual Castle Rock Craft Show Extraordinaire will be held at the Douglas County Events Center in Castle Rock on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This kickoff to the holiday shopping season features more than 135 vendors selling a wide array of jewelry, holiday decorations and gifts, wood products, gourmet packaged foods, soaps, candles and unique items you won’t find elsewhere. The Craft Show Extraordinaire benefits senior citizens through the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center.
Englewood Holiday Bazaar
ENGLEWOOD — The Malley Recreation Center in Englewood hosts a Holiday Bazaar on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 100 artisans will be helping shoppers with their Christmas lists with unique handmade crafts and fine art. Concessions will be available as attendees enjoy the annual tradition.
Holiday Craft Fair
WESTMINSTER — Over 60 artisans will be selling their handmade items at a Holiday Craft Fair at The Mac — Westminster’s center for active adults. Get some holiday shopping done when doors open at 9 a.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
Holiday Bazaar
PUEBLO — The 33rd annual Holiday Bazaar is back at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo this weekend. The fairgrounds' Palace of Agriculture will have over 150 vendors selling unique holiday gifts, art, jewelry, outdoor furnishings, seasonal creations, antiques, clothing and more. Admission and parking at the Holiday Bazaar, which runs Saturday and Sunday, are free.
Holiday Artisan and Craft Fair
GYPSUM — The annual Holiday Artisan and Craft Fair at Gypsum Creek Middle School is this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be 60 vendors and artisans with special holiday gifts plus photos with Santa, concessions and more.
HGB Fiber Art Show & Sale
LONGMONT — “Colorado’s finest fiber art event” continues through Sunday at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The Handweavers Guild of Boulder Fiber Art Show & Sale offers over 100 guild member artists showcasing their quilting, weaving, embroidery, knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning, felting and other fiber works. There will also be handmade creations in jewelry, clothing, footwear, hats, scarves, holiday items and more. Admission and parking are free through Sunday.
Colorado Potters Fall Sale
ENGLEWOOD — The Colorado Potters' Fall 2023 Pottery Sale runs Thursday through Saturday at First Plymouth Congregational Church. Approximately 36 potters will present more than 2,000 items including pottery, sculpture and jewelry. Admission is free.
Denver Arts Week
DENVER — Denver Arts Week runs from this Friday through Saturday, Nov. 11. The annual celebration features more than 400 events around the metro area including the First Friday Art Walks in Denver’s arts districts this Friday. There will be free night at museums on Saturday.
Fright Fest
DENVER — Because of the snow last weekend, Elitch Gardens' annual Halloween event has been extended for one more weekend. The Fright Fest fall festival will be held Saturday and Sunday with hair-raising fun. Elitch Gardens Fright Fest has thrills and chills for ghouls of all ages. Guests can enjoy Fun by Day and Fright by Night, plus all their favorite theme park rides. For tickets, visit ElitchGardens.com/Fright-Fest.
Breakfast Fly-In
ENGLEWOOD — Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight will have its monthly Breakfast Fly-In on Saturday featuring planes, pilots and breakfast. On the first Saturday of every month, museum guests can enjoy breakfast from a local food truck, watch aircraft fly in and explore interactive exhibits and simulators. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for youth, while members and children under 3 get in free.
Bear Run
COLORADO SPRINGS — Bear Creek Nature Center will have its 9th annual Bear Run on Saturday at 10 a.m. Runners can choose a 3K or 5K course. All new runners get a bear suit to keep and wear during the run. Returning runners can dust off their bear suit from previous runs and register at a discounted rate.
Rim Rock Marathon & Half Marathon
FRUITA — One of the most scenic races in the world returns to Fruita on Sunday. The Rim Rock Marathon and Half Marathon meanders through the towering monoliths, vast plateaus and canyon panoramas of Colorado National Monument before finishing at Fruita Community Center.
Red Rocks
DENVER — There is no better venue for live music in the country than Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre and although summer is flying by, but there's still time to catch a show at one of the world's best venues.
Concerts at Red Rocks are scheduled through Sunday, Nov. 12, when Of the Trees with Barclay Crenshaw, Yheti, kLL sMTH, and The Librarian close out the 2023 season.
- Wednesday, Nov. 1 - Zhu
- Friday, Nov. 3 - Deadmau5
- Saturday, Nov. 4 - Deadmau5
- Sunday, Nov. 5 - Anjunadeep Open Air
Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival
ROCKY FORD — The 35th annual Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival will have beautiful hot air balloon launches at sunrise on both Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a parade down Rocky Ford’s Main Street Saturday evening.
Body Mind Spirit Celebration
LOVELAND — From ancient healing traditions to new age technology in the holistic and metaphysical field, the Body Mind Spirit Celebration features a collection of over 70 professional readers, healers and exhibitors. This weekend's expo will be held at The Ranch Events Complex's North Hall on Saturday and Sunday. Admission tickets are $10 at the door and children 9 and under are free. To see a lineup of speakers, visit BMSE.net.
Mysteries of the Ice Ages
DENVER — Mysteries of the Ice Ages is the newest exhibition at Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Embark on a journey through Earth's icy history and discover the fascinating stories of ice and adaptation through hundreds of artifacts, fossils, models and interactive experiences. Guests will see authentic tools and artifacts, some never before exhibited, used by Neanderthals, early humans and Arctic peoples, and discover lands lost long ago under the world’s oceans.
Free Day at Denver Art Museum
DENVER — You don’t have to know about art to have a great time at the Denver Art Museum. Located on the southern boarder of Civic Center Park, the venue features not only an array of changing exhibits, but many permanent collection galleries, interactive art spots, and plenty for kids to see and experience throughout the museum. The museum will hold its monthly free admission day on Saturday. This event was first published by MileHighontheCheap.com. For more deals and discounts, visit MileHighontheCheap.com.
Clyde’s
DENVER — "Clyde's" is a new comedy by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and directed by Jamil Jude. At Clyde’s, formerly incarcerated individuals cook up meals that range from sublime to soul-crushing. Their kitchen mentor guides them on a quest to create the perfect sandwich – and reclaim their lives. Each cook must face their demons on their personal journeys towards purpose, self-worth, and even salvation. "Clyde's" plays the Kilstrom Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex through Nov. 26.
The Cherry Orchard
GOLDEN — Miners Alley Playhouse's latest theatrical production is "The Cherry Orchard: A Comedy in Four Acts" by Anton Chekhov in a new version by Stephen Karam. Miners Alley’s interpretation is set to captivate audiences through its exploration of human nature, societal changes, and the passage of time with a funny and bittersweet undertone. "The Cherry Orchard" is set to run through Sunday, Nov. 5, at Miners Alley Playhouse.
Cadillac Crew
AURORA — "Cadillac Crew" has opened at Vintage Theatre in Aurora. "Cadillac Crew" reclaims the stories of the forgotten leaders who blazed the trail for desegregation and women’s rights. Performances are Fridays, Saturdays and Monday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $34 and available by calling 303-856-7830 or VintageTheatre.org.
Movies this weekend
Fans flocked to movie theaters last weekend to see the scary video game adaptation “Five Nights at Freddy’s” on the big screen. The film, which cost $20 to produce, made $130 million globally.
Several of the fall’s high-profile films also launched in very limited release last weekend, including Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers” and Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla.” Both opened exclusively in New York and Los Angeles and will expand in the coming weeks.
New movies this weekend
- Priscilla
Last weekend's box office
- “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” $78 million.
- “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” $14.7 million.
- “Killers of the Flower Moon,” $9 million.
- “After Death,” $5.1 million.
- “The Exorcist: Believer,” $3.1 million.
- “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie,” $2.2 million.
- “Freelance,” $2.1 million.
- “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (re-release), $2 million.
- “Saw X,” $1.7 million.
- “The Creator,” $1 million.
> Would you like to see your favorite Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert, drama, musical, ballet, run or event listed in 9Things? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.
Have a charming weekend!
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Colorado Guide
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.