Top Things To Do Labor Day Weekend In The Denver Area

The Daily Meal Staff|Aug. 15, 2014 7:00 am EST

Labor Day is September 1st, and it always signifies the unofficial end of summer. That means you get one more chance to get out of the house to enjoy some of those classic summertime activities before the weather starts to cool off and the kids are all back at school. So make some plans to really live it up this Labor Day weekend, and check out all of the fun events happening in Denver and the surrounding areas. There is something for everyone and enough variety that you can enjoy something different every day of the three-day weekend. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy Labor Day weekend this year.

A Taste of Colorado
Civic Center Park
101 W. 14^th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 295-6330
www.atasteofcolorado.com

There is no better celebration on Labor Day weekend than the annual Taste of Colorado at Civic Center Park. This huge festival brings together more than 50 of the best Colorado restaurants to show off their culinary skills. You can purchase tickets to get small portions or even full meals at any of the different food booths, where you get a chance to sample delicious bites you may never have known existed in Colorado. Visit the Culinary Showcase to get some information and tips from professional chefs and explore the 280 different arts and crafts booths in the Marketplace. Of course, there will also be lots of live music on several different stages, featuring every type of music around. Bring the whole family out for this annual Labor Day festival.

Drive to the Top of the World
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Mt. Evans, CO 80439
(303) 567-3000
www.mountevans.com

The best part about living in Colorado is the easy access to some of the most beautiful mountain roads in the world. Grab the family this Labor Day and take a drive up the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which is the highest paved road in North America. You'll climb more than 9,000 feet in elevation and you'll experience all five climate zones as you reach the summit of 14,264 feet above sea level. Once you reach the top, have that camera ready, because these are some of the most spectacular views in the world. Of course, it may be summer, but you'll want to bring a jacket, as it can get very cool here and snow sometimes sticks around all year long.

Labor Day Wild West Weekend
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 577-9900
www.visitestespark.com

Spend your Labor Day weekend celebrating the historic Wild West and all that Estes Park has to offer. Enjoy all of the bucking bronco action at the Senior Pro Rodeo or take in the 11th Annual John Denver Tribute Concert. There will also be traditional chuck wagon food as lots of area chefs competing in the Rocky Mountain Chuck Wagon Cook-Off featuring meat, biscuits, beans, corn and dessert. Plus, no festival would be complete without a huge art and crafts show to peruse, all in the streets of Estes Park. Really, there isn't one area of the beautiful town of Estes Park that isn't celebrating this huge weekend, so check out the website, pick the events you'd like to attend and plan ahead so you don't miss out on any of the fun.

Go Boating With The Family
Cherry Creek Marina
4800 S. Dayton
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(303) 779-6144
www.cherrycreekmarina.com

Sure, Colorado is a land-locked state but that doesn't mean you can still enjoy a day out on a boat with your family. The Cherry Creek Marina at the Cherry Creek Reservoir is the perfect place to rent a boat and sail around for a few hours, enjoying the beautiful Colorado summer air with the kids. There are lots of different boats available at the Marina including pontoon boats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes and more. Of course, there are some safety requirements before you can rent a boat, including competency tests for all powerboat and sailboat rentals. However, once you get out on that water, you'll have a fantastic time celebrating the summer with the family.

Go To A Baseball Game
Coors Field
2001 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 292-0200
www.coloradorockies.com

What says summer more than a day at the ballpark? The smell of the hot dogs, the sound of the crowd and the beauty of Coors Field are all the perfect ingredients for a fantastic Labor Day with the family. This Labor Day, the Colorado Rockies take on the San Francisco Giants which is sure to be a great game. Of course, part of the fun is just enjoying all that Coors Field has to offer with tons of great food, lots of cold beer and even an interactive area to test your own skills at bat. Grab the family, put on plenty of sunscreen and get down to Coors Field this Labor Day for the perfect way to say goodbye to summer.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.