There is no denying that Margaret Brown—the Unsinkable Molly Brown—is one of the most famous Coloradans, and we love our death-defying foremother. But you know she’s truly special when we’re still celebrating her birthday 85 years after she’s gone.

Molly-Brown
Margaret (Molly) Brown.

On March 22, 1906, Brown hosted the Carnival of Nations here in Denver—an event that celebrated the many cultures that were settling in the West and raised money to help construct the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. It was considered “Colorado’s first example of living history” and diversity, according to the biography Molly Brown: Unraveling the Myth by Kristen Iverson. Brown herself even headed up the Irish booth.

Now, 111 years later, the Molly Brown House Museum and Brown’s great-granddaughter will be hosting a birthday party that pays homage to the original Carnival of Nations. The block party will take place outside the historic home/museum on July 16. Celebrate with food, music, entertainment and tours of the museum, which is currently being restored and renovated to feature new stories and spaces. Stop by booths from organizations such as MaxFund, the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, the Harmony Chorale, Ghost Hunter University, the Forney Museum of Transportation, the Molly Brown Ultimate Frisbee team, and more.

Whether you’re new to town and have yet to learn about this notorious woman, or you grew up hearing the myths and stories, you won’t want to miss this cultural celebration of Brown’s life and efforts in Denver.

If you go: Sunday, July 16th from noon to 4 p.m.; Molly Brown House, between 13th and 14th on Pennsylvania Street. Tickets are $5 for children ages 6–12, $9 for seniors, military and college students, and $11 for adults.