Grab your camp chairs, sunglasses and dancing shoes! The upcoming weeks feature outdoor events highlighting music, art, food, drink, family fun and the chance to support some great nonprofits in our area.
An Arts Festival for the Whole Family
Hosted by Center for the Arts Evergreen, Summerfest is a weekend-long celebration of the arts and community. In its 44th year, the annual event runs Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 from 10 am-5 pm at Buchanan Field. More than 100 talented creators will display their works including painting, ceramics, jewelry, photography, metalwork, woodwork, sculpture, glass, drawing and fiber art. The musical arts are well represented, too. Sharing their talents on stage are Dan the Piper, Who’s Thomas, Steely Dead, and Joe Bye and Friends on Saturday. Sunday’s lineup features Band of Brothers, Moors & McCumber, and The Wrecklunds.
Adding to the festivities will be food trucks with a variety of cuisine from sushi to hot dogs to empanadas. There will be a dedicated craft and activity area for children. Shuttle parking is free at the Bergen Meadow Elementary school location, Evergreen Middle School and Castle Court office complex. The only parking available at the Buchanan Recreation Center next to Buchanan Field is handicap reserved.
Admission to the family-friendly gathering is $5. Children 10 and younger can enter at no charge. For more information, go to evergreenarts.org.
Immerse Yourself in Three Days of Jazz
The Evergreen Elks Lodge, Evergreen Lakehouse, Evergreen Christian Church, and Center Stage will provide intimate and acoustically friendly settings for the Evergreen Jazz Festival Friday, July 26 – Sunday, July 28. Performers hail from Denver and Boulder to Chicago and Nashville. There will be a special Sunday gospel service by the Queen City Jazz Band.
The lineup runs Friday from noon-11 pm, Saturday from 10 am-10 pm and Sunday from 11 am-6 pm. Tickets may be purchased for the full weekend, individual days, half days or dance nights on Friday and Saturday from 7:30-11 pm. For tickets and a full schedule of bands and locations, go to evergreenjazz.org.
Elevate Your Weekend in Conifer
Elevation Celebration, a community festival featuring activities, food, live entertainment and local vendors, will be happening along Sutton Road in Conifer on July 27 and 28. Plan to join in the two-day, 10 am-8 pm event which also showcases unique, handmade crafts from local artists, and children’s activities including games and face painting. Musical performances will take place on two stages throughout both days of the festival. Go to elevationcelebration.goconifer.com for the latest details.
August 3 Duck Derby Coming to Downtown Evergreen
Get your ducks lined up for the annual Downtown Evergreen Ducky Derby on Saturday, August 3 and watch them join thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks cascading down the dam spillway along Bear Creek to the finish line at Highland Haven Creekside Inn. Your purchase of ducks will help fund the beloved Holiday Walk in December hosted by the Evergreen Downtown Business Association.
There’s nothing like watching the ducks being dropped from high atop an 85-foot fire engine ladder to begin their downstream adventure at 1 pm. Eager fans gather along the creek bank hoping their lucky duck wins. Cash prizes go to the top three finishers. Winners are announced at the 3 pm Dam Ducky Derby closing ceremony in the main downtown parking lot.
You can buy one or one hundred ducks with lots of multi-duck packages available in between. To learn more, you can visit
downtownevergreen.com/purchase-ducks.
August 24 Boogie at the Ranch to Benefit INSPIRE
The Boogie at the Ranch has it all—community spirit, live music and an unequaled setting at the Nelson Ranch, 5388 Elk Ridge Road, just a mile from Alderfer/Three Sisters Park. Gates open at 11:30 am with musicians on stage from noon until 7 pm. Featured artists are Jon Lundberg and The Locals, a special reunion performance by Subject2Change, and headliner The Midday Sons.
There will be beer and wine for purchase and the official food vendor will be Rolling Italian. Attendees are encouraged to bring their camp chairs. A limited number of tents will be accepted along the periphery of the venue to provide sun and rain protection. No pets allowed onsite.
The event is presented by Boogie Benefits, Inc. with net proceeds helping the INSPIRE special needs program. Tickets are $25 in advance (including one free drink ticket per admission), and $30 at the gate. For early tickets and more information, go to boogieatthebarn.com. Onsite parking is included.
Take a Stand Against Trafficking at the JOY of Freedom Walk
Formerly named the Barefoot Mile, the JOY of Freedom Walk raises funds to promote freedom and hope for at-risk and trafficked children around the world. The event will take place Saturday, August 24 from 9 am-1 pm at the Marshdale Park Soccer Fields. It is coordinated through JOY International, a nonprofit working globally to fight exploitation.
The JOY of Freedom Walk includes a 1-mile walk and family-friendly activities to engage and educate community members of all ages. There will be music from local favorite Joe Bye, silent and live auctions, and food provided by Marshdale General Store. There is no charge to participate, but organizers encourage donations to help raise much-needed funds for vulnerable children. To sign up and for more information, go to joyoffreedom.org.
