Family events in Arvada, CO

The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival brings live music to Anderson Park with performances by Kingpin Posse and Judgement Day. Enjoy a festive atmosphere as these bands take the stage as part of the celebration.

Part of Levitt’s free concert season, presented by Kaiser Permanente, this Fiesta CO performance brings Mariachi sol De Mi Tierra together with Chicano Heat. All ages are welcome, and the show will go on rain or shine. Free RSVPs are available, with upgrade options now offered.

Market in the Park brings The Aurora Highlands community together in Winged Melody Park with a festive, family friendly outdoor market held once a month from June to September. Stroll among artisan and craft booths featuring handmade goods and local products, a relaxed way to support small businesses and uncover unique finds. A farmers market atmosphere adds plenty to taste and take home, from fresh produce and baked treats to food trucks, sweets, and refreshing beverages. While the market is open, the Winged Melody Park carousel offers complimentary rides for all ages, adding a nostalgic touch to a day of shopping, snacking, and play.

Jeffco’s back to school celebration returns for its third year at Jeffco Stadium. This free community event welcomes students, families, staff, and community members from Jeffco. It features a full day of fun, food, and back to school resources to help everyone prepare for the start of classes.

Celebrate the finale of Denver Days with a free, family-focused fest for Denver families. Look forward to more than 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, access to community resources, a vaccination and basic physical exam clinic, and activities for all ages. With support from Goodwill of Colorado, students can personalize their new backpacks at a dedicated customization station. The day also includes live performances from Youth on Record, fresh haircuts provided by R&R Headlabs, and more, all centered on community, culture, and opportunity as everyone gets ready for a successful school year.

Market at the Center is a monthly marketplace at the National Western Center that spotlights local makers, food vendors, artists, and community groups. Presented in partnership with the National Western Stock Show and CSU Spur’s Second Saturdays, it welcomes families, entrepreneurs, and neighbors to connect, explore, and have fun. Hosted in the Main Campus Plaza, the outdoor setting features shopping, activities, and CSU Spur programming. Browse vendor booths, support small businesses, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of a distinctive Denver community space. This edition highlights a Back to School theme with a backpack giveaway.

Arvada Marketplace hosts a playful day centered on bubbles and family fun. Kids and the young at heart can explore bubble machines and a foamy play area, zoom down giant inflatable slides, and try hands-on bubble science. Face painting adds a splash of color while a live DJ keeps the energy upbeat with family-friendly music. Entertainment is planned for all ages, and visitors can check out local shopping and treats throughout the event.

This 60-minute, docent-led architecture tour explores the dynamic character of the Denver Art Museum campus, showing how its three distinct buildings reflect evolving ideas about what an art museum can be. Weather permitting, the experience includes time outside to take in the buildings’ exteriors as well as time in the galleries. To get started, look for a trained docent in the lobby of the Hamilton Building. Groups of more than 10 are encouraged to arrange a group tour. Participation is included with general admission and is free for members.

Northglenn Parks and Recreation presents the sixth annual youth wiffleball tournament for participants from age 9 through high school. Competition is divided into four brackets, ages 9 to 10, 11 to 12, 13 to 14, and high school, with teams of three to six players depending on the division. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three games. The registration fee is $135 per team and includes a wiffleball T-shirt. Registration remains open until filled.

There will be live music, a splash pad for kids to enjoy, and a wide selection of fresh produce and baked goods, plus treats such as cheese curds.

The Sazón Latin Food Festival brings a family-friendly outdoor celebration of Latin cuisine and music to Improper City. This annual event features a curated lineup of vendors serving dishes from the Caribbean, Central, and South America, plus drinks, desserts, and lively performances. There are options for many dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan, while gluten-free offerings vary by vendor. Tickets or an RSVP are required for entry, and outside food or beverages are not allowed. Pets should be left at home unless the venue states otherwise. By attending, guests consent to being photographed or filmed, and all sales are final.

Magical Meet & Greets brings playful character encounters to Town Center at Aurora. This edition spotlights Chase and Skye from Paw Patrol for a family-friendly experience with meet and greets, photos, and interactive moments at the Lower Level Center Court. The event is free and created for families looking for a little adventure in the middle of the mall. It can also be a fun stop before a movie at Century Movie Theater. As part of the ongoing monthly series, this gathering offers memorable photo opportunities and plenty of smiles.

Mark a 130th anniversary with a summer-long celebration filled with surprises, fun activities, and fresh experiences. Look for animal birthday parties, extended zoo hours, member exclusives, special events, and more unfolding throughout the season. With new highlights appearing all summer, one visit may not cover it all.

Families can enjoy a free swim event at Kiwanis Outdoor Pool with access to the pool, a slide, and a splash pad. Unwind by the water or jump into the activities to share summer moments with friends and loved ones. Bring swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen. Admission is free.

Families can pick up the school supplies their children need at a Back to School event that also offers community resources, raffles, and more. Participants must bring either a school ID or a birth certificate, or have the child present. School supply donations from the list can be dropped off at Servicios.

Part of Levitt’s Free Concert Season presented by Kaiser Permanente, this all ages, rain or shine performance features Shwayze with Claire Wright. Free RSVP is available, with optional upgrades. Shwayze blends hip hop and alternative textures with an easygoing pulse and candid storytelling, shifting from feel-good tunes to reflective tracks. His album Shwaycation highlights a drive to explore new directions while staying true to his signature sound, and he is also involved in television and film projects. Working independently, he has progressed from coastal chill roots to a firm place in today’s music landscape. Claire Wright, a Northern California artist, brings sunny, carefree energy shaped by years of full-time songwriting in Southern California and Nashville. Influences like Jack Johnson and The Dirty Heads inform her mix of country-style storytelling and reggae-leaning sonics. Following her debut release on Ineffable Records, which includes collaborations with Iration and G. Love & Special Sauce, she continues to build momentum within the West Coast reggae community.

A weekly Thursday bike ride suited for families. Participants meet at Ketner Park, then depart together for a group ride.