Round diamond. Oval. Sapphire. Gold band. Platinum. “Then somebody says ‘Lab-grown
Diamonds…’ and there are even more options.

The good news? There’s no one formula to follow.

A Touch of Colour Can Be a Good Thing

Talking about the best engagement rings, it’s not always diamonds! Gemstone rings can be
equally good and budget-friendly.

The best thing about gemstone engagement rings is the feel of a blue sapphire, but it’s not a
traditional diamond ring. For the partner who likes a little color, have fun with some green and
pink gems too!

Neither does the stone have to be huge. The more delicate the colored stone, the better, if you
wear a ring in a simple band might seem more attractive than wearing a ring full of diamonds.
And then if your fiancé is more of a get-outdoors, rather than shopping for jewellery on Saturday
type, the prospect of wearing something that isn’t a classic square-cut diamond is likely more
appealing.

There Is Nothing That Can Really Beat a Classic

A round diamond with a plain band will never go out of style. It’s basic, reliable, and will go with
everything like a white T-shirt.

Have you been looking for a sound option? Try an oval. The marquise diamond will create an
illusion of a long finger, while the emerald cut is very straight and stiff.
Or you could just abandon the stone and go explore the band. Plain band — A plain band is
another type of straightforward, simple band. This is helped a little by some tiny side stones.

It is very simple, nothing complicated about it.

And Finally, The Lab-Grown One!

If you want a diamond that is not constrained to the confines of a mined stone, then a lab-
grown diamond engagement ring should be in your mind.

It’s still a real diamond. Laboratory-created diamonds have the same crystalline structure and
physical characteristics as mined diamonds.

You don’t have to sacrifice variety because there are many cuts and styles available.

Look At The Certificate as Well

Again, when your eyes are glued to watching the ring, it’s easy to overlook this.

An IGI-certified ring has a grading with an IGI grading report that tells you about the carat
weight, colour, clarity, and cut of the diamond in the ring.

This is useful when you have two stones sitting next to each other that are impossible to
distinguish from a simple visual inspection.
Though it might not be as thrilling as the rest of the ring shopping experience, it’s always a
smart idea to know what you’re getting for your money.

Personify The Decision

No, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all engagement ring for every Colorado couple.

Perhaps your mate has longed to enjoy the classic solitaire. Perhaps they’ll want a sapphire!

Perhaps they’d prefer a lab-made diamond in a somewhat unusual context.

Go with that.

In time, the trend will reverse. The ring is the part that remains.

La Popular’s 80th anniversary celebration will take place on September 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., bringing family and friends together for an afternoon centered around one of the city’s longtime food traditions.

Guests can expect tamale specials, samples of La Popular favorites, special giveaways, and anniversary merchandise throughout the event. The celebration offers an opportunity for longtime customers to revisit familiar flavors while introducing new generations to a Denver food business that has been serving the community since 1946.

Tamales will take center stage, with special offerings planned for the anniversary celebration. Attendees can also sample some of La Popular’s popular foods while enjoying the festive atmosphere and picking up commemorative merchandise.

The event is designed as more than an anniversary party. It is also a thank-you to the Denver community that has supported La Popular throughout its eight decades in business.

Whether you have been buying La Popular tamales for years or are discovering the Denver staple for the first time, the 80th anniversary celebration provides a chance to enjoy good food and celebrate a piece of the city’s culinary history.

With tamales, samples, giveaways and merchandise on the schedule, La Popular’s anniversary celebration promises a flavorful way to mark 80 years in Denver — and to look ahead to many more.

Here’s where to go, what to see, and what not to miss.

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Read: Aspen Fashion Week 2026 Tickets Are Here — Get the Two-Day Pass

Read: Where to Eat and Stay During Aspen Fashion Week Fall 2026

Read: Global Dance Festival Returns This Weekend With Tiësto, Kygo, Subtronics, SLANDER + More

ASPEN FASHION WEEK

Aspen is getting ready for another stylish fall as Aspen Fashion Week returns September 24–27, 2026, bringing designers, brands, fashion lovers, and creatives together for four days of fashion, events, and unforgettable experiences.
Plan your weekend getaway around Aspen Fashion Week this September

MUSIC EVENTS

Read: Denver Is Packed With Concerts This Weekend – Here Are the Shows to See

Global Dance Festival 2026 – 9/11

When: Sep 11, 4:00 p.m. Where: LVC Festival Grounds Cost: $165+ The Lowdown: 

Global Dance Festival kicks off the weekend with one of the city’s biggest electronic music gatherings. The festival brings DJs, producers, and dance-music fans together for a full day of high-energy sets and festival-scale production.

Buy tickets

Tame Impala with Dominic Fike

When: Sep 11, 7:00 p.m. Where: Ball Arena Cost: $125+ The Lowdown: 

Kevin Parker’s Tame Impala brings its psychedelic pop and electronic-rock sound to Ball Arena with Dominic Fike joining the bill. Expect a large-scale production built around Tame Impala’s dreamy, immersive sound.

Buy tickets

Tiësto at Global Dance Festival

When: Sep 12, 4:00 p.m. Where: LVC Festival Grounds Cost: $165+ The Lowdown: 

Global Dance Festival continues Saturday with one of electronic music’s biggest names. Tiësto’s decades-spanning career has made him a fixture of dance music, from early trance records to massive festival anthems and contemporary EDM hits.

Buy tickets

Brandi Carlile with Stephen Wilson Jr.

When: Sep 12, 7:30 p.m. Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre Cost: $200+ The Lowdown: 

Brandi Carlile returns to Red Rocks for another night of powerful vocals, roots-inspired songwriting and emotional live performances. Stephen Wilson Jr. opens the evening.

Buy tickets

Kelela

When: Sep 13, 8:00 p.m. Where: Gothic Theatre Cost: $50+ The Lowdown: 

R&B and electronic music artist Kelela brings her genre-blurring sound to the Gothic Theatre. Her atmospheric approach to vocals, club music and contemporary R&B makes this one of Sunday’s more intimate alternatives to the weekend’s larger outdoor shows.

Buy tickets

FOOD EVENTS

Rooftop Wine Dinner with Kartveli Wines

When: Sep 11, 5:30 p.m. Where: Apple Blossom 1776 Champa Street Denver, Cost: $120 per person The Lowdown: 

The night begins with a traditional Georgian Supra, pairing beautiful Georgian wines selected by Kartveli Wines with a five-course, farm-to-table Georgian-inspired menu from Apple Blossom. After dinner, stay for the rooftop after-party featuring an open bar, cocktails featuring Georgian spirits, DJ and live music, and a Georgian wine raffle.

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Sunset Sessions

When: Sep 11, 5:00 p.m. Where: Four Seasons Hotel Denver 1111 14th Street Cost: Free The Lowdown: 

Sip curated cocktails, enjoy seasonal bites, and settle into the rhythm of the evening as the Mile High City shifts from day to dusk.

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Denver BrunchFest

When: Sep 12, 12:00 p.m. Where: Bear Creek Distillery – 1879 S Acoma St Cost: $88+ The Lowdown: 

Each year, brunch lovers gather together for the biggest, most epic bottomless brunch in town: BrunchFest! This is the ultimate Sunday Funday for local foodies who like to brunch SO hard.

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2026 Fall Colorado Wine Walk

When: Sep 12, 6:00 p.m. Where: Dairy Block 1800 Wazee St. Cost: $60+ The Lowdown: 

This event will run from 7 to 10 PM, with VIP access starting at 6 PM. Hosted at the Dairy Block by Blanchard Family Wines, indulge in and purchase Colorado’s finest wines.

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Glizzy Gardens

When: Sep 13, 12:00 p.m. Where: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park 2000 Elitch Cir. Cost: $39+ The Lowdown: 

A two-day hot dog festival featuring specialty hot dogs, hot dog eating contests, live DJs, family entertainment and plenty of theme park thrills!

Visit site

LIFESTYLE EVENTS

13th Floor Haunted House

When: Sep 11, 7:00 p.m. Where: 3400 East 52nd Avenue Cost: $20+ The Lowdown: 

13th Floor is back with an entirely new lineup of terrifying experiences for 2026, including The Stitchworks: House of Reanimation, where a scientist known as The Pharmacist has taken his experiments far beyond the limits of humanity, creating grotesque creatures stitched together and rebuilt with brutal mechanical enhancements.

Visit site

Dominique Fils-Aimé

When: Sep 11, 6:30 p.m. Where: Dazzle 1080 14th St. Cost: $30+ The Lowdown: 

Recognized as one of today’s most compelling voices in vocal jazz, Montréal-based singer- songwriter Dominique Fils-Aimé, a two-time JUNO Award winner, draws from Afro-American traditions to create a body of work that is both deeply emotional and socially engaged.

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Art in the Park

When: Sep 12, 10:00 a.m. Where: 650 Southern St. Brighton Cost: Free The Lowdown: 

This event brings together talented artists, live performances, interactive activities, and a vibrant artist market. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a casual admirer, or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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Cherry Creek Art Walk

When: Sep 12, 10:00 a.m. Where:  Cherry Creek North 2401 E. 2nd Ave. Cost: Free The Lowdown: 

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for the art lovers in your life, the perfect wall art for your home, or just the perfect weekend stroll filled with inspiration, color, and creativity, plan your route along our art walk every Second Saturday to visit the district’s art galleries, artisanal shops, and design studios. 

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Denver Yoga Summit

When: Sep 13, 9:00 a.m. Where: 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road Littleton Cost: $300+ The Lowdown: 

The festival covers the full range of yoga — movement, philosophy, breathwork, meditation, and sound. There is a vendor market, live music, and community experiences woven throughout the weekend. Every session is designed for people at any experience level. No background in yoga is required.

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Denver’s concert calendar is going big this weekend.

From electronic music and hip-hop to rock, indie, country, reggae and orchestral performances, September 11–13 brings a packed lineup of concerts across Denver, Morrison, Englewood and beyond. Global Dance Festival takes over the city with two days of electronic music, while Tame Impala, Brandi Carlile, Rob Zombie, Violent Femmes and Kelela headline major venues throughout the weekend.

Whether you’re looking for a massive outdoor production, a Red Rocks night under the stars or a smaller club show, here are the concerts worth putting on your calendar this weekend.

Friday, September 11

Global Dance Festival 2026 – 9/11

 LVC Festival Grounds | Denver

Global Dance Festival kicks off the weekend with one of the city’s biggest electronic music gatherings. The festival brings DJs, producers and dance-music fans together for a full day of high-energy sets and festival-scale production.

Tickets

Tame Impala with Dominic Fike

 Ball Arena | Denver

Kevin Parker’s Tame Impala brings its psychedelic pop and electronic-rock sound to Ball Arena with Dominic Fike joining the bill. Expect a large-scale production built around Tame Impala’s dreamy, immersive sound.

Tickets

Jack Harlow with James Savage

 Fillmore Auditorium | Denver

Jack Harlow brings his contemporary hip-hop sound to the Fillmore Auditorium. Known for tracks including “WHATS POPPIN” and “First Class,” Harlow has become one of rap’s biggest crossover artists.

Tickets

More Friday Shows

Brandi Carlile with Stephen Wilson Jr. — Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison

Brandi Carlile with Stephen Wilson Jr. — Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison

Kamelot with Visions of Atlantis and Frozen Crown — Summit, Denver

The String Cheese Incident — Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

Sasha with Francesca Lombardo — ReelWorks Denver, Denver

Waylon Wyatt with Mason Ramsey — Ogden Theatre, Denver

Venjent with Oktae — Club Vinyl, Denver

Ingrid Andress — Bluebird Theater, Denver

Radium Dolls — Globe Hall, Denver

Boys Go To Jupiter with Alt Bloom — Lost Lake Lounge, Denver

Mozey — Club Vinyl Rooftop, Denver

Dominique Fils-Aimé — Dazzle Jazz Club, Denver

Unsane — HQ Denver, Denver

May Be Fern with Fruta Brutal and Tart — Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver

The Sweet Lillies — Swallow Hill Music, Denver

Trev Rich — Coco Bongos Denver, Denver

Tomato Soup — Skylark Lounge, Denver

Dicky Trisco — Hi-Dive, Denver

Cofaktor — Campground, Denver

Saturday, September 12

Tiësto at Global Dance Festival

LVC Festival Grounds

Global Dance Festival continues Saturday with one of electronic music’s biggest names. Tiësto’s decades-spanning career has made him a fixture of dance music, from early trance records to massive festival anthems and contemporary EDM hits.

Tickets

Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and The HU

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre | Englewood

For something considerably heavier, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and The HU bring a stacked rock bill to Fiddler’s Green. The outdoor show combines industrial metal, hard rock and The HU’s distinctive Mongolian throat-singing-infused sound.

Tickets

Brandi Carlile with Stephen Wilson Jr.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison

Brandi Carlile returns to Red Rocks for another night of powerful vocals, roots-inspired songwriting and emotional live performances. Stephen Wilson Jr. opens the evening.

Tickets

More Saturday Shows

Insane Clown Posse — Mission Ballroom, Denver

Pond — Gothic Theatre, Englewood

The Wailers — Levitt Pavilion Denver, Denver

Brandon Flowers — Ogden Theatre, Denver

Meltt — Bluebird Theater, Denver

Mala with Machinedrum and Chelsmosis — Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver

Dax with Nevv and ego n friends — Fillmore Auditorium, Denver

Slow Magic — Globe Hall, Denver

The String Cheese Incident — Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

The Queers with Better Than Dead, King Rat and All Waffle Trick — HQ Denver, Denver

Phace — The Black Box, Denver

Canaan Cox — Marquis Theater, Denver

Livingston Taylor — Swallow Hill Music – Daniels Hall, Denver

Colorado Symphony Orchestra — Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver

Glass Human, Ghosts of Glaciers and SUNGRAVE — Hi-Dive, Denver

Lu Lagoon — Skylark Lounge, Denver

Josh Thomas — Summit, Denver

Annie in the Water — Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver

DJ Squizzy Taylor with DJ Cyn — Coors Field rooftop, Denver

The Reserves (VA) with Vada and The Elliotts — Lost Lake Lounge, Denver

Cumbre Norteña with La Integridad Norteña and Idolos de la Musica Norteña — Stampede, Aurora

Sunday, September 13

Violent Femmes

Mission Ballroom | Denver

Sunday gets a dose of alternative-rock nostalgia when Violent Femmes hit Mission Ballroom. The Milwaukee trio has remained a defining name in alternative music, with its stripped-down sound and instantly recognizable catalog still resonating decades after its breakthrough.

Tickets

Cytrus

Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom | Denver

Cytrus brings its live sound to Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom for a Saturday night show in the heart of Denver’s music scene.

Tickets

Kelela

Gothic Theatre | Englewood

R&B and electronic music artist Kelela brings her genre-blurring sound to the Gothic Theatre. Her atmospheric approach to vocals, club music and contemporary R&B makes this one of Sunday’s more intimate alternatives to the weekend’s larger outdoor shows.

Tickets

More Sunday Shows

Mad Caddies with Diesel Boy — Federal Theatre, Denver

Brandi Carlile with Stephen Wilson Jr. — Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison

Aleik Maddox with iies, Unity and Sophia Eliana — Larimer Lounge, Denver

Pinetree Janitorial Service — Globe Hall, Denver

Luis Alfonso — Rodeo Convention Center, Westminster

Colorado Symphony Orchestra — Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver

Marlon Wayans — Denver Improv, Denver

Make a Weekend of It

With Global Dance Festival and major arena shows on Friday and Saturday, another packed night at Red Rocks and a strong selection of club shows on Sunday, Denver’s September 11–13 concert calendar has something for nearly every kind of music fan.

Whether you’re chasing electronic music, indie rock, hip-hop, metal, R&B, reggae or a night beneath the Red Rocks skyline, there’s no shortage of ways to soundtrack the weekend.

Leading this year’s lineup are Tiësto, Kygo, Subtronics, Chris Lake, SLANDER, SVDDEN DEATH and NGHTMRE. The bill also features Chris Lorenzo, SIDEPIECE, Kai Wachi, Getter, TroyBoi, Timmy Trumpet, Noizu, Kompany, Wuki, and more.

The festival’s 2026 lineup reads like a snapshot of the current electronic landscape, moving between festival-sized EDM anthems, underground-leaning house, heavy bass and experimental sounds.

Also on the bill are Virtual Riot b2b YDG, Rossy b2b Pauline Herr, Ship Wrek, JSTJR, Tsu Nami, Viperactive, BOLO, ROMMII, HILLS, Z3LLA, and Zoey808, with additional artists still to be announced.

A New Home for Global Dance

The 2026 edition also marks the debut of the new LVC Festival Grounds, a brand-new indoor/outdoor event space designed for large-scale live events.

For Global Dance, the new venue provides an opportunity to expand the festival’s production footprint, with more space for multiple stages, immersive visuals and the kind of large-scale festival environment that has become synonymous with the event.

The move comes at an interesting moment for Denver’s electronic music scene. Over the past two decades, the city has become one of the country’s major destinations for dance music, fueled by venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Mission Ballroom, along with a growing calendar of electronic-focused events.

Global Dance has been part of that evolution from the beginning.

Two Decades of Global Dance

First launched more than 20 years ago, Global Dance Festival has grown alongside Denver’s emergence as a national electronic music destination.

Over the years, the festival has welcomed artists including Skrillex, Kaskade, Excision, Pretty Lights, deadmau5, Illenium, Martin Garrix, Above & Beyond, Porter Robinson and Zeds Dead, among countless others.

Its return in 2026 comes after a 2025 hiatus, making this year’s festival particularly notable for Colorado dance music fans. Rather than simply revisiting its past, the latest lineup points toward where the scene is heading—pairing established global headliners with artists pushing bass, house, trap, and experimental electronic music forward.

That balance has long been part of Global Dance’s identity. For Denver fans, the festival is as much about discovering the next artist to break out as it is about seeing established names on a massive stage.

And after a year away, the return gives the Colorado dance community another reason to gather.

The 2026 Global Dance Festival Lineup

• BOLO
• Chris Lake
• Chris Lorenzo
• Getter
• HILLS
• JSTJR
• Kai Wachi
• Kompany
• Kygo
• NGHTMRE
• Noizu
• ROMMII
• Rossy b2b Pauline Herr
• Ship Wrek
• SIDEPIECE
• SLANDER
• Subtronics
• SVDDEN DEATH
• Tiësto
• Timmy Trumpet
• TroyBoi
• Tsu Nami
• Viperactive
• Virtual Riot b2b YDG
• Wuki
• Z3LLA
• Zoey808
• + More

Attendees can witness the strength and skill of traditional Highland athletes and the Women’s Lightweight Championship contenders as they compete in thrilling events like the caber toss, hammer throw, and stone put. Throughout the weekend, the grounds come alive with the sound of bagpipes, live Celtic music and Highland dancing performances. Pipe bands, solo musicians and cultural performers help create an atmosphere that feels straight out of the Scottish Highlands.

Beyond the competitions, guests can explore clan tents, meet Scottish organizations, and learn more about Scotland’s rich history and traditions. The festival also features Scottish food and drink, specialty vendors, whisky experiences, family-friendly activities, and demonstrations that showcase Celtic culture from past and present.

Whether you’re searching for your ancestral roots, looking for a memorable weekend with friends and family, or want to experience one of Colorado’s most distinctive cultural festivals, the Colorado Highland Games offer something for everyone.

Join thousands of attendees for a celebration of Scottish heritage, community, and tradition at the Denver Polo Club this September. From the first notes of the bagpipes to the final athletic competitions, the Colorado Highland Games promise a weekend filled with unforgettable sights, sounds, and experiences.

Learn more, view the schedule, and purchase tickets today.

Look up along the Welton and Tremont sides of Denver Pavilions and you’ll see a massive new burst of color transforming one of downtown Denver’s most recognizable buildings.

Created by Denver artist Olive Moya, Always Never Different, Never Always the Same stretches across 47,000 square feet of exterior wall space, rising as high as 97 feet. The work — roughly the size of 10 basketball courts — is now Moya’s largest project to date and one of the largest murals in Colorado.

For six weeks, Moya and her six-person team worked to bring the enormous piece from a small-scale concept to one of the most visible works of public art in the city.

A Small Sketch on a Massive Scale

The mural began on a piece of paper.

From there, the challenge was translating Moya’s colorful, abstract design onto tens of thousands of square feet of brick. After the previous exterior vinyl display was removed, the walls were mapped with grid points and preliminary sketches to guide the team as they brought the artwork to life.

Beginning July 13, the crew worked long days — up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week — painting the mural across both sides of the building.

“It feels kind of unreal, actually, that it’s finally done,” Moya said after the completion of the project. “The team worked so, so hard.”

For the artist, the final result represents more than the sheer scale of the work. Seeing the entire piece completed as she envisioned — after weeks of logistics, preparation and painting — was an emotional moment.

A Mural About Change

The title Always Never Different, Never Always the Same reflects one of the ideas Moya explored while developing the work: change is inevitable.

Moya considered the history of the site and the many ways the area has transformed over time — from the land’s earlier history to the creation of the Pavilions and its latest chapter of reinvention. Her signature geometric shapes and evolving forms mirror that idea.

“I was thinking a lot about what this place means to people, what it meant to people,” Moya said. “Things changed from there, and changed again and changed again.”

The theme feels especially fitting for the location. Denver Pavilions is currently undergoing a period of change as the Downtown Denver Development Authority works to refresh and reposition the two-block property as part of the evolution of Upper Downtown.

The previous vinyl installation, which had featured the late artist Clyfford Still since 2011, was removed earlier this year to make way for the mural.

A New Landmark for Downtown Denver

The mural is part of a broader effort to invest in Denver Pavilions. The Downtown Denver Development Authority purchased the property and nearby lots in late 2025 and has begun a larger capital improvement program that includes parking garage repairs, roof work, updated signage and improvements to the center’s escalators.

Visitors will also notice changes to parking, including technology that allows drivers to enter and pay using license plate recognition and QR codes.

While future redevelopment plans for the property continue to take shape, the mural offers something immediate: a dramatic new visual landmark in the center of downtown.

And unlike an installation hidden inside a museum, this one is part of the everyday Denver experience. People walking through the area, heading to dinner, catching a movie or traveling through downtown can experience it from the street.

Meet the Artist Behind the Mural

A graduate of Otis College of Art and Design, Moya is known for her vibrant abstract work and geometric visual language. Her projects can already be found throughout the Denver metro area, including in RiNo, Baker, Cherry Creek, Englewood, Broomfield and Wheat Ridge.

She has also created installations for institutions including the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Outdoor Arts.

But Always Never Different, Never Always the Same marks a new milestone.

At 47,000 square feet, it is the largest project of Moya’s career — turning a familiar stretch of downtown brick into a colorful statement about evolution, transformation and what comes next.

For a property preparing for its next chapter, the message could not be more fitting.

Here’s where to go, what to see, and what not to miss.

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Read: Aspen Fashion Week 2026 Tickets Are Here — Get the Two-Day Pass

Read: Where to Eat and Stay During Aspen Fashion Week Fall 2026

ASPEN FASHION WEEK

Aspen is getting ready for another stylish fall as Aspen Fashion Week returns September 24–27, 2026, bringing designers, brands, fashion lovers, and creatives together for four days of fashion, events, and unforgettable experiences.
Plan your weekend getaway around Aspen Fashion Week this September

MUSIC EVENTS

Read: Denver Is Closing Out August With A Massive Weekend Of Live Music

Maná

When: Sep 4, 9:30 p.m. Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre – 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison Cost: $188+ The Lowdown: 

Latin rock icons Maná return to Red Rocks for the first of two Labor Day weekend performances. The Grammy-winning Mexican band has spent decades building one of the most recognizable catalogs in Latin music, with songs including “Rayando el Sol,” “Oye Mi Amor” and “Labios Compartidos.” Expect a massive sing-along at one of the world’s most iconic outdoor venues.

Buy tickets

Phish

When: Sep 4, 7:30 p.m. Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City Cost: $125+ The Lowdown: 

Phish is bringing its famously devoted community back to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for the start of another Labor Day weekend run. Known for improvisational performances where no two shows are exactly alike, the band’s annual Colorado appearances have become one of the state’s most anticipated end-of-summer traditions.

Buy tickets

Gareth Emery

When: Sep 5, 9:00 p.m. Where: Mission Ballroom – 4242 Wynkoop St Cost: $45+ The Lowdown: 

Two hip-hop heavyweights are teaElectronic music fans have a massive Saturday night planned as Gareth Emery takes over Mission Ballroom. The British producer and DJ has spent years moving between trance, progressive and vocal-driven electronic music, making his live performances a staple for dance music fans around the world.

Buy tickets

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

When: Sep 5, 8:00 p.m. Where: Bluebird Theater – 3317 E Colfax Ave Cost: $119+ The Lowdown: 

One of contemporary blues’ most exciting performers, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram brings his explosive guitar playing to the Bluebird Theater. The Grammy-winning artist has earned a reputation as one of the leading voices helping bring blues to a new generation.

Buy tickets

Joshwa

When: Sep 6, 1:00 p.m. Where: Club Vinyl – 1082 Broadway Cost: $12+ The Lowdown: 

British DJ and producer Joshwa brings his club-ready house sound to Club Vinyl on Sunday. Known for high-energy sets and releases that move between tech house and underground electronic music, Joshwa is a strong pick for anyone looking to spend Labor Day weekend on the dance floor.

Buy tickets

FOOD EVENTS

Public Tasting and Tour

When: Sep 4, 1:00 p.m. Where: Novo Coffee (Roastery + Supply) – 3008 Larimer Street Cost: $33+ The Lowdown: 

Each cupping is capped at 6 people and includes a tasting and discussion on origin, brewing, and flavor profiles. Best of all, it includes a free bag of freshly roasted coffee!

Visit site

Denver Food Tour

When: Sep 4, 1:00 p.m. Where: 2129 Larimer St. Cost: $75 The Lowdown: 

Taste unique and delicious dishes from award-winning local restaurants and learn fun history about the Mile High City on this signature downtown Denver walking food tour.

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Rum & Reggae

When: Sep 5, 8:00 p.m. Where: Bear Creek Distillery – 1879 S Acoma St Cost: Free The Lowdown: 

Rum & Reggae is a laid-back monthly reggae and Caribbean music night in Denver, happening every first Saturday at Bear Creek Distillery — where good sound, good spirits, and good people come together.

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Mimosa Concert with El Javi

When: Sep 5, 11:00 a.m. Where: Carboy Winery Denver – 400 E 7th Ave Cost: $25 The Lowdown: 

Spend a late-summer Sunday morning on the private patio at Carboy Winery Denver with internationally acclaimed guitarist El Javi.

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A Labor Day Bluegrass Cookout

When: Sep 6, 5:00 p.m. Where: All Inn Hotel – 3015 East Colfax Ave Cost: Free The Lowdown: 

Before the interstates, Colfax was the road trip—thirty miles of neon signs, diners, and motor courts leading out to the mountains. This Labor Day, close out summer the way Colfax always has: with a great burger and fries.

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LIFESTYLE EVENTS

Five Points Jazz in the Park

When: Sep 4, 5:30 p.m. Where: 2401 Welton Street Cost: Free The Lowdown: 

Bring your dancing shoes! The Puppet Theater returns to entertain the kids in the children’s play area at 5pm. The first performance will start prior to the band. If you miss the 5pm show there will be another one. Villa’s Kitchen will be back with some delicious food.

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Destination Solar System

When: Sep 4, 2:00 p.m. Where: Denver Museum of Nature & Science – 2001 Colorado Blvd. Cost: Varies The Lowdown: 

This out-of-this-world tour, departing from Gates Planetarium, takes place on board the Space Express. Travel hundreds of millions of miles in just seconds with Jesse, an enthusiastic, knowledgeable—but inexperienced—tour guide, and Max, a highly advanced, fully integrated onboard computer. Tours of the hottest hot spots and the coldest, stormiest, and most spectacular sights in the solar system await curious space explorers of all ages.

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Sabados Sabrosos

When: Sep 5, 7:00 p.m. Where: La Rumba – 99 W 9th Ave Cost: $25 The Lowdown: 

Get ready for an incredible night of live music and dancing at Sábados Sabrosos! Hosted at La Rumba in Denver.

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Behind the Scenes Tour: Arts Complex

When: Sep 5, 10:00 a.m. Where: Denver Center for the Performing Arts – (DCPA) 14th & Curtis in downtown’s Denver Performing Arts Complex Cost: $14 The Lowdown: 

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ public tour program offers Behind-the-Scenes Tours of the Arts Complex every Monday and Saturday. During these ninety-minute to two-hour walking tours, you will experience recent updates to our storied performance spaces and discover the people and processes that bring theatre to life. 

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Rupprecht Matthies: ¿Being Home?

When: Sep 6, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Where: Denver Art Museum – 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. Cost: General Admission The Lowdown: 

Rupprecht Matthies is interested in the power of language and shared creative processes to engage and inspire communities. Drawn from the museum’s permanent collection and reconceived by the artist for installation in the Hirschfeld Atrium, ¿Being Home? is a community-generated artwork that comprises words transformed into colorful mobiles and wall pieces.

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Maná and Phish each bring massive crowds to the Front Range, Garth Brooks takes over Ball Arena for multiple performances and Gregory Alan Isakov returns to Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony. Elsewhere, Gareth Emery, Black Flag, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Sonu Nigam and many more are filling venues throughout the weekend.

Whether you want to dance, mosh, sing along or simply close out summer under the stars, here are the concerts and music events happening this Labor Day weekend.

Friday, September 4

Maná

Latin rock icons Maná return to Red Rocks for the first of two Labor Day weekend performances. The Grammy-winning Mexican band has spent decades building one of the most recognizable catalogs in Latin music, with songs including “Rayando el Sol,” “Oye Mi Amor” and “Labios Compartidos.” Expect a massive sing-along at one of the world’s most iconic outdoor venues.

Venue: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Tickets: Get tickets
Instagram: @manaoficial

Phish

Phish is bringing its famously devoted community back to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for the start of another Labor Day weekend run. Known for improvisational performances where no two shows are exactly alike, the band’s annual Colorado appearances have become one of the state’s most anticipated end-of-summer traditions.

Venue: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Address: 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, CO 80022
Tickets: Get tickets
Instagram: @phish

For a darker and more intimate Friday night option, cult favorite Have A Nice Life heads to the Gothic Theatre. The Connecticut duo is known for its atmospheric blend of post-punk, shoegaze, industrial and experimental rock, with the acclaimed album Deathconsciousness remaining a cornerstone of its catalog.

Venue: Gothic Theatre
Address: 3263 S Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113
Tickets: Get tickets
Instagram: @haveanicelife

Also happening Friday

• Garth Brooks — Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
• LaMP — Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, 2637 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205
• Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears — Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W Florida Ave, Denver, CO 80223
• OhGeesy — The Church, 1160 Lincoln St, Denver, CO 80203
• Los Parras — Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80216
• Rio Rosa — St. Julien Hotel & Spa, 900 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302
• White Rose Motor Oil — Skylark Lounge, 140 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
• chanantho + Zachary Light — Deep Space Drive-In, 3420 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
• Noiseheads + Malkasian — BAR 404, 404 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
• Glueman + Low Blow! — Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
• Cavo — Campground, 4909 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220

Saturday, September 5

Gareth Emery

Electronic music fans have a massive Saturday night planned as Gareth Emery takes over Mission Ballroom. The British producer and DJ has spent years moving between trance, progressive and vocal-driven electronic music, making his live performances a staple for dance music fans around the world.

Venue: Mission Ballroom
Address: 4242 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80216
Tickets: Get tickets
Instagram: @garethemery

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

One of contemporary blues’ most exciting performers, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram brings his explosive guitar playing to the Bluebird Theater. The Grammy-winning artist has earned a reputation as one of the leading voices helping bring blues to a new generation.

Venue: Bluebird Theater
Address: 3317 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Tickets: Get tickets
Instagram: @kingfishblues

Eliseo Robles, Lalo Mora and Raúl Hernández

Regional Mexican music takes center stage Saturday night as three legendary artists come together for one major show. Eliseo Robles, Lalo Mora and Raúl Hernández each bring decades of experience and influence to the stage, making this a standout pick for fans of música norteña and classic Mexican music.

Venue: National Western Complex
Address: 4655 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80216
Tickets: Get tickets
Instagram: Lalo Mora, Raúl Hernández

Also happening Saturday

• Maná — Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
• Phish — Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, CO 80022
• Garth Brooks — Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
• Mo Lowda & the Humble — Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W Florida Ave, Denver, CO 80223
• Cosmic Gate — The Church Nightclub, 1160 Lincoln St, Denver, CO 80203
• Jerro — Vinyl Rooftop, 1082 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
• Melt-Banana — Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
• Dizzy Wright — Coco Bongos Denver, Denver
• The Egyptian Lover — Club Vinyl, 1082 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
• TYNAN — Ogden Theatre, 935 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218
• LSR/CITY — Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80216
• Royale Lynn + Team Nonexistent — Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
• Edith Márquez — Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl, Denver, CO 80202
• Serfs, Pink Lady Monster, The Clue and Plastik Mystik — Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
• Brothel — The Basement at Club Vinyl, 1082 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
• Club 90’s — Summit, 1902 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
• Of The Orchard, Brittany Bridgewater and Jack Campbell — Skylark Lounge, 140 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209

Sunday, September 6

Gregory Alan Isakov With the Colorado Symphony

One of Colorado’s most beloved musicians returns to Red Rocks for a special evening with the Colorado Symphony. Gregory Alan Isakov’s cinematic folk songs are practically made for the venue, and hearing his orchestral arrangements against the Red Rocks landscape makes this an especially fitting way to close Labor Day weekend.

Venue: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Tickets: Get tickets
Instagram: @gregoryalanisakov

Sonu Nigam

Bollywood music superstar Sonu Nigam brings his celebrated catalog to Bellco Theatre. Known internationally for his playback singing and decades-spanning career, Nigam’s live performances are built around the kind of powerhouse vocals that have made him one of Indian music’s most recognizable voices.

Venue: Bellco Theatre
Address: 1100 Stout St, Denver, CO 80204
Tickets: Get tickets
Instagram: @sonunigamofficial

Joshwa

British DJ and producer Joshwa brings his club-ready house sound to Club Vinyl on Sunday. Known for high-energy sets and releases that move between tech house and underground electronic music, Joshwa is a strong pick for anyone looking to spend Labor Day weekend on the dance floor.

Venue: Club Vinyl
Address: 1082 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Tickets: Get tickets
Instagram: @joshwaofficial

Also happening Sunday

• Brantley Gilbert — Blue Federal Credit Union Arena, 5290 Arena Cir, Loveland, CO 80538
• Phish — Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, CO 80022
• Garth Brooks— Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
• Flying Mojito Bros + Jennifer Hartswick — Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, 2637 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205
• Wade Forster — Bluebird Theater, 3317 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
• Armed For Apocalypse + Signs of Tranquility — The Black Buzzard at Oskar Blues, 1624 Market St, Denver, CO 80202
• Bosses — Skylark Lounge, 140 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
• The Mssng, The Unsolved and Elyse Therose — BAR 404, 404 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
• The Peasantry — Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Denver, CO 80216
• Gasolina Party — Summit, 1902 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
• On Air — Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
• Open House + Zenith — Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

Formed in Denver in 2013, the John Weeks Band built its reputation on a blend of blues and rock, eventually
representing Colorado at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. But the band’s move toward country and Americana has roots that go much further back.
When Weeks returned to the United States in 2000 after years living and playing music overseas, he spent
considerable time driving around the American West. In many of the places he traveled, the radio choice was
simple: country.

The music stuck. Weeks always wanted to incorporate more of it into his own work, and more than two decades later, the John Weeks Band finally arrived at that destination – without leaving its past behind.
Along the way, drummer John Anthony Martinez joined the band and began writing the songs that would become Empty Bottle Confessions. Martinez wrote all of the material on the album, creating a collection that fits naturally with the band’s evolving musical direction.

The album is built around a simple idea: someone sitting at a bar, at a turning point in his life, telling stories. Each song becomes one of those stories – memories, observations, and confessions that don’t necessarily arrive in chronological order, because recollections rarely do.
The title track, “Empty Bottle Confessions,” reveals exactly where the storyteller finds himself. It’s honest and raw, serving as the center of an album that looks backward while pointing toward what’s next.
Weeks describes that next direction as “Rocky Mountain Rock” – music that doesn’t fit comfortably into a single genre. It’s not quite blues, rock, country, or folk, but carries pieces of all four. Empty Bottle Confessions occupies the transitional space between the band’s earlier sound and that evolving identity – one that will become even clearer on the band’s next album.

For the release celebration, the band is returning to a familiar stage. The John Weeks Band has performed at Prost Brewing for years, and its Highlands Ranch location has become a favorite venue for the group. With its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, it’s hard to imagine a better place to celebrate a new record on a Labor Day afternoon.

The John Weeks Band celebrates Empty Bottle Confessions on Labor Day afternoon, September 7, at Prost
Brewing Highlands Ranch.

Learn more about Empty Bottle Confessions and the John Weeks Band at johnweeksband.com.
Follow the John Weeks Band on Facebook and Instagram.