21 May 2019 Memorial Day Weekend Events
Originating in the years after the Civil War, Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was formerly known, acted as a way to honor fallen soldiers. Community members spent time visiting cemeteries and decorating graves to commemorate their loved ones who had died fighting in the Civil War. Memorial Day continued to expand and include military personnel from other wars, until it became a day to honor all who served.
Although Memorial Day did not become a federal holiday until 1971, towns and cities across America expanded upon the modest, somber tradition and began hosting parades, fairs, and other festive events. Memorial Day continues to honor fallen soldiers and now it also unofficially marks the beginning of summer. Whichever way you choose to celebrate, Denver and Boulder host a variety of events that seek to honor military personnel and kick off the start of summer.
Denver Day of Rock
When: 5/25, 1:45 – 9:30 pm
Where: 16th Street Mall
Join music lovers at this 8th annual event hosted by Denver non-profit Amp the Cause. Denver Day of Rock proceeds will benefit 50 charities throughout the Denver metro area. This one-day music festival certainly packs a punch, drawing crowds of over 100,000! Food trucks, vendors, and more line the streets for this Memorial Day event.
Boulder Creek Festival
When: 5/25 – 5/27
Where: 9th – 14th Street, along Boulder Creek
Boulder really comes alive when summer kicks off. Boulder Creek Festival draws Coloradans from far and wide. With food trucks serving traditional carnival fare, healthy smoothies and salads, and international eats like tacos and noodle bowls, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Listen to live music, discover treasure at the Bazaar, or take the kids on a carnival ride.
BolderBoulder
When: 5/27, various times
Where: Starting line at Walnut & 30th
Touted as “America’s All Time Best 10k”, this race is set to host over 50,000 runners. People come out in costume, professionals compete for the win, and fun runners stop to party with the college kids along the route. A stirring tribute to military personnel and a grand flyover remind us to be grateful for the liberties and freedoms we are given in this country. It’s the best of Boulder, all in one place.
Memorial Day Ceremony and Picnic
When: 5/27, 11 am – 1 pm
Where: Broomfield County Commons Park
Hosted by the Broomfield Veterans Memorial Museum and Broomfield Rotary Club, this annual event pays tribute to veterans and shows gratitude toward families of enlisted service men and women. Live music, food trucks, and a ceremony kick off this festivity, so pack your picnic blanket and come out to this charming neighborhood event.
Deck Fest 2019
When: 5/27, 1 – 8 pm
Where: Mountain Ridge, Golden
This Memorial Day celebration takes on the air of a neighborhood block party and all are welcome to attend. New Terrain Brewing Co. has donated beer and local bands will play well into the night. Billed as a “Shine or Cancel” affair, keep an eye on the weather to make sure the festival is still a go.
No matter how you slice it, Colorado’s front range communities know how to celebrate Memorial Day weekend. Life at ARISTA Broomfield puts residents at the center of the action without subjection to the chaos of city life. The Turnpike Shops at ARISTA Broomfield provide residents and visitors with high-end retail stores and awarded restaurants, making this community the perfect home base.