Denver: Events

Denver is a regional cultural centre, where people from all over the state come to see national touring acts at the massive Performing Arts Complex and at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. There are events in Denver all year round: kicking off the new year in mid-January is the two-week National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, the largest show of its kind in the country. Mexico's independence is celebrated on the 5th of May (Cinco de Mayo) with two days of festivities at the 16th St Mall, although September 16th is the Mexican Independence Day (www.newsed.org).

The first weekend in June, head to the Civic Center Park to see a quarter of a million people of all walks of life at the Capitol Hill People's Fair (www.peoplesfair.com) - a gargantuan arts and crafts gala. The first weekend in July is the Cherry Creek Arts Festival (www.cherryarts.org), one of the country's largest arts and crafts shows. Bring a healthy appetite to A Taste of Colorado (www.atasteofcolorado.com), a showcase of the region's top restaurant talent, held on Labor Day weekend in September at the Civic Center Park. The Great American Beer Festival (www.beertown.org) takes place in early September, and features brews from around the country. It's one of the city's most popular events, drawing huge crowds.

The first week of October is Denver Arts Week (www.denver.org/artsweek). The city celebrates its kicking arts scene with concerts, art shows, theater, dance and street parties.