What better way to spend Labor Day weekend 2013 then by hanging out at A Taste of Colorado? Patrons can get lessons in history, art, cultural traditions, and wildlife. Featuring entertainers showcasing the state’s heritage and diversity, the four-day, free admission, food, music, and entertainment Festival will take place Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 through Sept. 2, in Downtown Denver’s Civic Center Park.
A Taste of Colorado provides numerous opportunities to experience music and dance that reflect the uniqueness of the state on the Colorado Heritage Stage presented by Westword. The Wu Lan Lion Dance Team will perform Vietnamese lion dances that entertain, educate, and bless with good luck. The Mile High Banjo Society will put a smile on your face with its joyful, toe-tapping, knee-slapping tunes performed by multiple banjos, a tuba, accordion, and more. Paa Kow’s By All Means Band is an energetic Afro-fusion group with lyrics that are a mixture of Paa Kow’s native language, Fante, and English. Tyree Morris & Hearts of Worship offer a style that fuses gospel, hip-hop, R&B, retro-funk, jazz, and nuances of neo-soul into engaging performances. Dan Treanor’s Afrosippi Band featuring Erica Brown delivers a fiery mix of blues, roots, and grooves. Sambadende shares the energy of Brazilian music and other soulful rhythms.
In addition to these cultural demonstrations and performances, families can journey back to the roots of Colorado and have fun learning about the state’s pioneer past, nature, and the environment. In the Festival of Mountain and Plain area, featured artisans will demonstrate Navajo weaving and culture, spinning, rug braiding, lace crocheting, felting, and quilting, along with the popular blacksmith demonstrations.
Live Music from smooth jazz to feisty rock-n-roll, the outdoor stages will be on fire with entertainment. Five stages in all with no cover charge will offer something for everyone. Create your personalized Taste 2013 music experience below by searching for your favorites or sorting artists by stage, day, time or genre. More than 50 of Coloradoans’ favorite restaurants and food establishments will gather at the Festival, featuring small portions to full meals and ensuring that everyone in the family will find something they can enjoy!
The KidZone presented by MIX 100 is a family-friendly area offering play equipment and table tennis. There will also be a great variety of free, hands-on craft activities for children of all ages, presented by 101.9 WAY-FM. KidZone hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 30; and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sat., Aug. 31 through Mon., Sept. 2.
Enjoy Carnival Rides and Games, Saturday through Monday, presented by KOOL 105. EARLY BIRD wristbands can be purchased for $15 from 10:30 a.m. — 3 pm, Saturday through Monday. These wristbands are good for unlimited rides on the day purchased until 5 pm. ALL DAY wristbands can be purchased for $25 anytime from 10:30 a.m. to 2 hours before closing Saturday through Monday and are good for unlimited rides on the day purchased until closing. Individual rides are also available for generally two to ten tickets per ride. Carnival hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sat., Aug. 31 through Sun., Sept. 1 and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon., Sept. 2.
Fireworks to celebrate the 30th annual A Taste of Colorado will kick off after the Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx performance on the Access Health Colorado Main Stage on Fri., Aug. 30 at approximately 9 p.m. The display will also feature synchronized lights on the City and County Building and classic rock music choreographed by 103.5 The Fox. Signature rock tunes will include “Blinded by the Light” by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen, “Rocky Mountain Way” by Joe Walsh, and more.
This year marks 30 years of A Taste of Colorado, an end-of-summer Labor Day Weekend celebration of community pride and spirit in the Denver region. Festival hours are Friday, Aug. 30, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 31, and Sunday, Sept. 1, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Monday, Sept. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
WIN IT!
I have teamed up with A Taste of Colorado to give 3 lucky Colorado readers the chance to win a $50 gift certificate for A Taste of Colorado! To enter fill out the rafflecopter form below!
Acacia
Sunday 25th of August 2013
the food? We've never been! This would be a good excuse to go! :)
tia albright
Sunday 25th of August 2013
spending time together with family and eating yummy food :)
chelly colon
Sunday 25th of August 2013
just getting out enjoying the air and spending time with the family
stephanie
Wednesday 21st of August 2013
The food!
Jo
Wednesday 21st of August 2013
The food is the best! Such a great variety, and with the tickets you can let the teens choose their own!