Plenty of old-fashioned summer fun, and dragon boats to boot

By The Thirst Team

The Arapahoe County Fair is the family deal of the summer for the Denver metro area. A $25 ticket (free for kids under 36 inches) gets unlimited carnival rides and a broad range of live music, trick dog shows and other entertainment, exhibits and fireworks.

Another $25 ($10 for designated drivers) gets beer samples and entertainment at the Pours on the Plains beer festival. Team Thirst is the official judging crew for the festival, so come say hello, and help us choose the best beer.

Dragon Boat Festival

The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival returns to Sloan’s Lake Park on Friday and Saturday. The event is billed as both the largest Asian American celebration in the region and the biggest dragon boat festival in the nation. In addition to the namesake races, the festival includes live music, dance shows, martial arts demonstrations and more. There also is food, an Asian marketplace and other vendors. Be warned there is no parking at the event, but regular shuttles from large lots at the Auraria campus, a bike corral and some transit options.

Bronc Day Festival

The 86th annual Bronc Day is on Saturday in Green Mountain Falls. The festival started in 1939 in honor of Pikes Peak marathon racers staying in the town. A parade of horses, clowns and parade queens escorted runners to the race.

The parade tradition continues today, in addition to a pancake breakfast, food and beer garden, pie contest, family entertainment and more.

Orpheus Mead Fest

Colorado meaderies, including international award winners, share their honey wine Saturday at Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden. The event also includes performances by the Orpheus Pagan Chamber Choir, as well as a homebrew competition and both professional and amateur mead awards.

SummerFest in Colorado Springs

One day after the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris (with the athlete parade in boats on the river!), Colorado Springs, aka Olympic City, will host Summer Fest at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, with a 5K race, sports clinics, cultural demonstrations, live music and more. Live Olympic events will be aired on a big screen in the museum plaza.

Vail Dance Festival

A two week celebration of dance opens Friday in Vail. The Vail Dance Festival features 13 performances from global dance troupes, including the National Ballet of Canada, Royal Danish Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Shows are at several venues around the Vail Valley. Ticket prices vary, and some performances were nearly sold out at press time.

Save the date: Durango Fall Arts Festival

The Durango Arts Center hosts the 30th annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival on Sept. 21 and 22. The free festival brings artists from around the nation to the streets of downtown Durango, and also includes live music, kids’ art activities and more.

As always, please send us your events and announcements. We’re happy to share them. And enjoy your Colorado craft libations responsibly.