Union Station Live Jazz | July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Denver

Denver Union Station Summer Concert Series continues with the Paizley Park Prince Tribute Band  and featuring the New Belgium brews.

Check out all the fireworks and festivities in Denver and the surrounding suburban areas, July 2-4. In addition to the light shows, many communities have day-long events, parades and contests, culminating with the fireworks at dusk. Click on the various websites for all details.

Regardless of whether you’re a native or a newcomer, it’s good to have a plan of attack when it comes to selecting the best things to do in and around Denver this summer. This is my personal favorite list and it includes places, venues and events that I’ve enjoyed for decades. As Denver has grown, so has the number of events, festivals, attractions and outdoor activities, and it’s hard to keep it to just 10. The bottom line is Labor Day will be here before you know it so don’t delay in getting out and enjoying all that Denver and Colorado have to offer.

“One of the most important days of my life was when I learned to ride a bicycle.” Michael Palin -- English comedian and actor, Monty Python comedy group member

“She who succeeds in gaining the mastery of the bicycle will gain the mastery of life.” Susan B. Anthony, women’s rights activist

Telluride Balloon Festival | May 31-June 2 | Telluride

While the Telluride Balloon Festival is one of the smaller festivals, it is arguably the most beautiful of the season. Weather permitting, dozens of hot air balloons launch from Town Park on the east end of town and sail down the valley landing about one mile out of town. The balloons launch at sunrise and bystanders often get to help with the launch. On Saturday night of the festival, the balloon pilots inflate their balloons along Main Street and fire up the propane for the "glow.”

One of my favorite things about living in Denver is that there are so many hikes to explore! See our favorite picks below. From quick 1 mile hikes to 7+ mile treks. Grab some water, sunscreen, snacks, and head outside! Comment at the end and share your favorite Colorado hike!

With Memorial Day approaching, there are two things that excite us here in Denver. One, we can all start wearing white, and two, it's time for the pools to open. When my wife and I were looking for a condo to buy, one of our requirements was that the condo building had to have a pool. We looked at buildings all around Denver that had rooftop pools and here are some of the best.

Civic Center Eats | May 1-Oct. 10 | Denver

Denver's favorite summer lunch tradition returns! Delicious food, fresh air, gorgeous views, live music and a great cause. Excluding July 2, 3 & 4; August 7, 28 & 29; September 3 & 12, enjoy Metro Denver's largest gathering of gourmet food trucks. Civic Center Eats showcases 69 deliciously diverse vendors.  With approximately 25 options available each day, downtown employees, residents and visitors will enjoy an authentic local lunch while experiencing Civic Center 's architectural, horticultural and historic beauty. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Civic Center Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring, enhancing and activating downtown Denver's Civic Center Park, a National Historic Landmark. Civic Center Eats is produced by the Civic Center Conservancy and presenting event sponsor Westword.

• Civic Center Park, Broadway & Colfax
• 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Tuesdays-Thursdays)

Thursday, August 18

Easter Egg Hunt | Greenwood Village

Easter egg hunt for toddlers to 11 year olds.

Closing Days for Colorado Ski Resorts | April 2019

There is still plenty of great skiing left but the season is fast coming to a close. Check out our blog for the closing dates of your favorite ski areas.