Word on the streets of Denver, it’s a lively weekend full of celebration, community, and a snapshot of the city’s dynamic spirit. I’m Morgan Riley, grateful as always to be your neighbor in the news. Here’s what’s unfolding across the Mile High City.
This weekend, all eyes are on Civic Center Park, where Denver Pride is making history with a fresh parade route and a reimagined series of events. Organizers anticipate nearly half a million people will join the festivities, making this one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Rockies. Saturday morning kicks off with the Pride 5K, winding from the State Capitol to Cheesman Park and back, drawing thousands of runners and supporters. Throughout the weekend, more than 250 exhibitors and 30 local food vendors are featured, and performers like Pattie Gonia, Detox, Vanessa Vanjie, and CHIKA energize the crowd. A growing “Gayborhood Market” will showcase nearly 90 queer-owned businesses, doubling in size from last year—a testament to Denver’s commitment to visibility and inclusion, and to supporting local entrepreneurs, especially those whose businesses are rooted right here in Colorado, both brick-and-mortar and virtual.
But the word on the streets of Denver is not just about celebration. Just a couple weeks ago, the Capitol area saw thousands gather for the “No Kings” protest. While the majority of demonstrations were peaceful, Denver police reported 36 arrests, mostly tied to a small fire and closed roadways. These recent demonstrations highlight the city’s passionate activism and ongoing debates over rights and representation. As one organizer put it, “So long as people’s rights are under attack, people are going to come out and demonstrate.” That’s the Denver spirit—resilient, engaged, and never afraid to march for what matters.
Turning to a local story that captures the heart of our community, I want to spotlight the City Park Jazz series, running through June. If you stroll by 17th and Steele, you’ll hear Colorado’s own jazz artists bringing neighbors together in a tradition that threads the city’s historic love of music with our hunger for connection—a bit like revisiting the classics, only every note feels brand new.
Looking ahead, the forecast calls for sun-filled days with highs in the mid-80s—a perfect setup for outdoor concerts, Rockies baseball at Coors Field, or catching Widespread Panic at Red Rocks. Don’t forget, MAMMA MIA is onstage at the Buell Theatre, and local festivals like the Scandinavian Midsummer are bringing culture to every corner of the metro.
As we close this week, I’m reminded that Denver’s true strength lies in its people—neighbors who show up, speak up, dance, protest, and gather, from the center of the city to the edges of the Front Range. Our city lives at the intersection of tradition and progress, with each event and each voice contributing to our larger story.
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