Editor's note: We are sad to learn that this event has been canceled by the coordinators. We apologize for any inconvenience or misinformation.
One of my favorite things about Denver is the fact that you can find a different festival or event to attend nearly every weekend! While each festival is fun and unique in its own way, we here at Only in Denver just can't seem to get enough of this one colorful festival in particular:
Taking place August 26th & 27th of 2017, the Rocky Mountain Balloon Fest is Denver's premiere hot air balloon festival that features dozens of these large and colorful blimps.
Located at Chatfield State Park, the Rocky Mountain Balloon Fest begins at 7 am each morning and features not just the larger-than-life balloons, but food and drink vendors, a kid's area, and other various family-friendly activities.
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While you are taking in this Denver tradition, make plans to also visit Chatfield; one of Colorado's premiere state parks that offers not only stunning views, but fishing, hiking, swimming, and more.
Admission to the Rocky Mountain Balloon Fest is free, but a pass to Chatfield is required (which starts at $8 per day per vehicle).
For more information on the festival, schedule of events, or vendors, please visit the Rocky Mountain Balloon Fest's website.
What could be more perfect than celebrating love in the city of Loveland right before Valentine's Day?
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You're going to want to go ahead and clear your calendar for the weekend of February 9-11, 2018, because Loveland is hosting a winter festival that transforms its downtown area into a magical world of fire, ice, entertainment, and fun. You won't want to miss the 4th annual Loveland Fire and Ice Festival.
This three day event is free to the public and will celebrate love, life, and arts in a variety of forms.
Last year, this Valentine's Day weekend festival brought in over 40,000 guests.
At the festival, you will get to witness world renowned artists transform simple blocks of ice into unique masterpieces.
You'll want to stay until it gets dark as the ice sculptures light up to create a colorful art display.
Some of the artistic performances really come to life at night as well.
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Visitors to the festival are truly surrounded in artistry, like this massive fire sculpture radiantly glowing in a fiery blaze.
During the day, you can stroll around and check out the marketplace vendors.
Artisan businesses and local shops will be on site for you to purchase unique items.
The festival also features "Our Heroes Vehicle Showcase" which includes a variety of local first responder units as well as some vintage fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, and military vehicles.
The Fire and Ice Festival will be fun for kids of all ages.
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The family fair includes classic carousel rides (tickets are $1 each).
Children can also attend meet and greet events with some of their favorite characters.
What could be better on Valentine's Day weekend than a romantic horse carriage ride around town?
Live musical entertainment will be featured on the festival's main stage as well as three satellite stages.
Each evening culminates with the festival's signature fireworks and musical light show.
The fireworks show will light up the sky on Friday and Saturday nights at 9 p.m. and on Sunday night at 7 p.m.
In addition to all of the wonderful attractions mentioned above, the festival will also host local breweries, distilleries, and wineries for guests to enjoy. You should also bring your appetite, as a food court will be on site with favorite local food trucks offering delicious items for festival attendees.
The Loveland Fire and Ice Festival takes place Friday, February 9th from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., on Saturday, February 10th from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and on Sunday, February 11th from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. It can be found at the intersection of 4th St. and Garfield Ave. in Loveland.
Check out the festival's website for more information.
If you've gone to the Loveland Fire and Ice Festival in the past, we'd love to hear all about it in the comments below.
Here in Denver, we love a reason to celebrate - and when we can do that celebrating outdoors that just makes it all the better! Are you searching for even more ways to have a fantastic fall this year? Clear your weekend schedule, and fill your calendar with these amazing harvest festivals near Denver that you don't want to miss.
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1. Westminster Halloween Harvest Fest and Balloon Glow
View the striking glow of three hot air balloons as you enjoy free carnival games, live music, and more at Westminster's Halloween Harvest Festival and Balloon Glow on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This fun fall event will take place in downtown Westminster (5453 W. 88th Ave.). Be sure to wear your costume for trick-or-treating and be assured that there will be food vendors and a beer garden available that evening.
2. Aurora Harvest Festival and Charity Toy Drive
Be sure to check out the fall festivities and charitable efforts at the Town Center Mall in Aurora on Saturday, October 21 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. To enter this first-ever fall festival in Aurora, you can purchase a $5 ticket or bring an unwrapped toy. All toys and donations will go to the Children's Hospital of Colorado's center for Cancer and blood disorders. Pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, and kid's train rides are just a few of the many attractions at this event. There will also be live artwork and music, as well as a silent auction.
3. Berry Patch Farms Country Days
For a simple, authentic fall farm experience attend one of these family friendly Country Days at Berry Patch Farms in Brighton (13785 Potomac St.). On Saturday, October 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. they will be featuring a honey bee display, pumpkin tasting, and live music. They will also host a Country Day event on Saturday, October 28 with hayrides, a straw maze, pinatas and pumpkins for purchase.
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4. Elizabeth Harvest Festival
This annual harvest festival and trick-or-treat street takes place on Main Street in Elizabeth on Saturday, October 28 from noon to 3:00 p.m. This local community event promises a day full of fun checking out vendors, trick-or-treating around town, being part of a costume contest, and more!
5. Brighton Harvest Festival
Make a point to stop at the 6th annual Brighton Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 28 from noon to 4:00 p.m. This free family event is located in historic downtown Brighton (100 N. Main). You will enjoy trick-or-treating down Main Street, jumping in the bounce house, and taking a ride on a unicorn (yes, you read that correctly). Vendors and food trucks will be available as well.
6. Castle Rock Harvest Festival
The amphitheater at Phillip S. Miller Park in Castle Rock will be transformed with fun, fall activities on Saturday, October 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In addition to a hay bale maze for little ones and pumpkin carving, The Castle Rock Harvest Festival will also feature the lighting of the Great Pumpkin Wall at sunset, followed by an outdoor movie.
7. Highlands Square Harvest Fest
The highly anticipated Harvest Fest in Highlands Square promises fun for all ages on October 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. They will make full use of the area by closing traffic on 32nd Avenue from Lowell to Osceola. Along the way, attendees will find trick-or-treating for kids, booths featuring local artisans and crafts, a photo booth, live music, and so much more. Costume contests will take place for both people and pets.
Get out there and make the most of your fall season by attending one (or more!) of these harvest festivals which are sure to be a delight for the whole family.
Does your family have the tradition of attending any of these harvest festivals? Tell us why in the comments below.