The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
Wicked
Before the movie adaptation of this classic is released this November, see the story how it originally premiered on Broadway. A prequel to The Wizard of Oz, the plot follows emerald-green-tinted Elphaba and popular Galinda, who go from quarreling roommates to besties to the “Wicked Witch of the East” and “Glinda the Good.” July 24–Aug. 25; times vary; $45–$199
Arapahoe County Fair
While the gaggle of cute animals at this fair is reason enough to visit, there is so much more to do than hit a petting zoo. There’s a rodeo and a dog show, and your ticket also grants you unlimited carnival rides. Once the vertigo sets in, head to the main stage for comedy acts, line-dancing classes, and a performance by the Salida Circus. On Friday, attend the “Pours on the Plains” craft beer event, during which you can sip on locally made brews, play lawn and arcade games, and cast your vote for your favorite suds of the night. July 25–28; event times vary; general admission $25 (Pours on the Plains tickets $25)
That's only $1 per issue!
If your summer playlist is feeling a bit stale, head to this three-day music fest—Denver’s largest—where you’ll catch more than 150 up-and-coming acts that you can add to your Spotify rotation. A dozen venues across the city plus four stages on Broadway will host artists such as Kenny Cornbread, a rowdy country-rocker; DJ, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist DOMMYtumont; and singer-songwriter Missy Jo. July 26–28; times vary; $60–$460
We the People: The Democracy Cycle
There might not be a more apt time to contemplate the meaning of democracy than right now. In this trio of plays—held at three venues across Colorado—three playwrights will present their meditations on democracy. In Boulder, see Nick Malakhow’s Parallel Lines; Denver’s audience will get to watch Kenya Mahogany Fashaw’s Intersectionality; and Gunnison residents can see Steven Cole Hughes’ The Heavy Work That Will Make Everything Lighter. Get to the Boulder reading early for snacks, mocktails, and mingling. July 27, Aug. 1, and Aug. 3; times vary; free, reserve seats online
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
You might not see dragon-boat racing in this year’s Summer Olympics—but after attending this largest-in-the-country fest dedicated to the sport, you might think the Olympic Committee should reconsider. In addition to dragon-boat racing, this celebration of Asian-American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander culture includes more than 30 food vendors (think: bubble tea, satay, and dumplings), live performances from the likes of Denver Taiko and Mudra Dance, a marketplace stocked with locally made independent artists’ wares, and a new-this-year cocktail area and Artist Alley, where you can see this year’s festival poster designs. July 27–28; Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; free attendance
Cheesman Park Art Fest
While the lush grounds of Cheesman Park are picturesque on their own, the scenery will be even more elevated this weekend when more than 150 juried artists display their works. As you meander through the park, peruse art from jewelry maker Alexis Pavlantos, printmaker Vanessa Martin, and sculptor Gary Chaffin; don’t miss the concessions from Mac N’Noodles and Maui Wowi and the live performances from the Delta Sonics and Oscar Butler. July 27–28; Sat.–Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; free attendance
