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🎀 Denver = Summer Storms & Summer Fun
Kiki Ash
June 27, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
⛅ Partly cloudy • High: 91°F • Low: 61°F
Inside this issue:
Quick Note from Kiki:
Hi Everyone!
The summer is on full swing in Denver and I hope you are getting ready for all the Fourth of July celebrations!
Always feel free to email me at [email protected] with comments, ideas, or any topics you would like to see more or less of.
Hope you enjoy all the news and events.
Kiki ❤️
Local News
Cherry Creek Billion Dollar Transformation!
Photo by Nick Bruce Blog.
I promised to give you more details once I knew what was happening in the Cherry Creek neighborhood, so here is the rendering and the real estate update.
East West Partners is transforming 13 acres of Cherry Creek into a $1 billion mixed-use development called Cherry Creek West.
The project will include 825 residential units, office buildings, retail space, and four acres of green space in Cherry Creek Shopping District.
What makes it special? They're calling it a "15-minute community" where you can live, work, and play within walking distance.
Demolition of the old Sears and Crate & Barrel buildings started in March 2025, with construction ongoing.
12% of the housing will be affordable units, addressing Denver's housing needs while maintaining the area's upscale character.
This development will completely revolutionize Cherry Creek's vibe and create a new model for urban living.
The timeline shows completion dates are still being determined as the massive project moves forward.
Watch Out for Summer Storms
The Denver metro area faced a Level 2 "slight risk" for severe storms on Tuesday afternoon, June 24, 2025.
Things have "cooled off" across Colorado after a sweltering weekend, but severe weather threats are growing as the week progresses.
The storms represent a shift from extreme heat to more typical late-June weather patterns for the region.
Eastern Colorado is also preparing for strong to severe storm activity throughout the week.
Weather officials are monitoring developing thunderstorm patterns that could bring hail, high winds, and heavy rainfall.
Residents are advised to stay weather-aware and have severe weather plans in place during peak afternoon and evening hours.
The storm threat continues the pattern of volatile late-spring weather conditions across the Front Range.
Pride in Larimer Square Kicks Off this Weekend
Larimer Square launches Pride weekend celebrations on Friday, June 27, with a high-energy block party from 4-10 PM.
Live music features Dog Tags, Alysia Kraft, and May Be Fern performing throughout the evening celebration.
Saturday's festivities continue from noon to 6 PM with DJ sets and pop-up sidewalk bars creating a festive atmosphere.
Sunday's finale features Drag Bingo Brunch at Osteria Marco from 11 AM to 1 PM with resident queen Shirley Delta Blow.
Local legends Amerikah J Misdemeanor and LaLa Queen will join the Sunday brunch celebration.
While most events are free, the drag bingo brunch is ticketed at $25 general admission and $50 VIP.
The three-day celebration creates a festive lead-up to the main Denver PrideFest events at Civic Center Park.
Metallica Returns to Denver After 8 Years
Heavy metal legends Metallica are playing Denver for the first time in 8 years with their M72 World Tour hitting Empower Field at Mile High.
The band performs two completely different shows this weekend: Friday, June 27, with Limp Bizkit & Ice Nine Kills, and Sunday, June 29, with Pantera & Suicidal Tendencies.
Each night features entirely different setlists and support lineups, following Metallica's "No Repeat Weekend" tradition.
The concerts happen on the 50-yard line in the round, creating a unique stadium experience for metalheads.
This marks a major return for one of metal's biggest acts to the Denver music scene after nearly a decade absence.
Tickets are still available through official channels, with parking permits expected to sell out before show dates.
New Colorado Laws Take Effect July 1, 2025
Two major laws go into effect on July 1, 2025, that will significantly impact Colorado residents across the state.
The first law tightens concealed carry permit requirements, mandating applicants complete an 8-hour training course within one year of applying.
The course must include federal and state gun laws, deadly force regulations, conflict resolution, plus written and live-fire exercises.
Instructors must be verified by county sheriffs and classes must be taught in-person, replacing the previous looser training standards.
The second law makes it easier for homeowners to build "granny flats" or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their property.
These one-to-two person second dwellings can house family members or be rented to tenants as affordable housing options.
The law aims to address Colorado's housing shortage by reducing barriers to ADU construction statewide.
Hiking Trails
Peak Wildflower Season Goes On
Herman Gulch Trail by All Trails
Colorado's wildflower season is reaching its peak in late June 2025, with trails throughout the region showcasing vibrant blooms.
The Willow Creek Trail in Roxborough State Park displays silvery lupines and purple larkspurs at their seasonal best.
Herman Gulch Trail near Silver Plume offers hikers access to lush wildflower meadows and an alpine lake via a 6.5-mile trek.
Red Rocks Trading Post Trail provides a family-friendly 1.6-mile loop through iconic red rock formations with seasonal flowers.
Late June represents the optimal viewing window before summer heat diminishes the wildflower displays across the state.
Business Buzz
Farmers’ Market in Full Summer Swing
Denver's farmers markets are operating at peak summer capacity this week with full vendor lineups and seasonal produce.
Cherry Creek Fresh Market continues Saturdays 9 AM - 2 PM with over 60 vendors offering Colorado produce, flowers, and artisan goods.
South Pearl Street Farmers Market runs Sundays 9 AM - 1 PM, featuring 120+ vendors in its 18th season of operation.
City Park Farmers Market operates Saturdays 8 AM - 1 PM with live music, chef demos, and 60+ Colorado-based vendors.
The markets are experiencing peak attendance as summer weather brings out both vendors and shoppers for fresh seasonal offerings.
Free parking and family-friendly atmospheres make these markets popular weekend destinations for Denver residents.
Summer markets provide vital support for local farmers and food producers during their busiest growing season.
Mile High Global Bazaar Creates Small Business Showcase at Union Station
This weekend's Mile High Global Bazaar at Union Station provides a major platform for local small businesses and artisans to reach new customers.
The Mile High Global Bazaar will be held on Saturday, June 28th and Sunday, June 29th from noon – 6 p.m. The event features artisanal crafts, international cuisines, and cultural vendors, offering local entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their products in one of Denver's most iconic venues.
This type of marketplace event is important for small businesses looking to expand their customer base without the overhead of permanent retail space.
Milieu Fermentation Expands Community Engagement Through Events
Aurora-based Milieu Fermentation is hosting the Colorado Brewery Running Series 5K this Saturday, June 28th at 10:00 AM.
It's brilliant when you think about it: runners get their endorphins AND a well-deserved craft beer, while the brewery builds genuine connections with their community. These aren't just customers anymore, they're neighbors and friends.
We're seeing more local breweries realize that success isn't just about making great beer (though that helps!). It's about creating experiences that bring people together and give them reasons to keep coming back.
Events
Fri June 27
Widespread Panic – Night 1 • 7 PM • Red Rocks, Morrison
Southern-jam titans open their annual three-night run in the foothills; GA & reserved seats from $75.
Outdoor Movie Night: The Fast and the Furious • 7 PM (gates 6:30) • Infinity Park, Glendale
BYO blankets for a free screening on the rugby field—food trucks + trivia pre-show.
Pushloop + Sub.mission Residents • 9 PM • The Black Box, Capitol Hill
Deep-dub bass in Denver’s most notorious sound bunker; $25 door / $20 advance.
Sat June 28
Widespread Panic – Night 2 • 7 PM • Red Rocks
Night two of three; same legendary lights—new, improv-heavy set.
Yoga on the Rocks: The River Power Vinyasa • 7 AM • Red Rocks
1,500 mats under sunrise sandstone; class + souvenir mat $24.
Audio Goblin w/ Langwidj • 9 PM • The Black Box
Experimental halftime + riddim on the custom Basscouch system; 18+, $20.
Denver PrideFest – Day 1 • 10 AM–6 PM • Civic Center Park
Parade floats, 250+ vendors, and the Center Stage drag showcase—free entry.
Sun June 29
Widespread Panic – Night 3 • 6 PM • Red Rocks
Finale traditionally leans into deep cuts and guest sit-ins—don’t bail early.
City Park Jazz: Buckner Funken Jazz • 6-8 PM • City Park Bandstand
Free, family-friendly funk with food trucks and lake-view sunsets.
Colorado Symphony – The Music of John Williams • 7 PM • Fiddler’s Green
Laser-guided nostalgia: Star Wars to Harry Potter with full orchestra and 70-ft screens.
Denver PrideFest – Day 2 • 10 AM–6 PM • Civic Center Park
Finish the celebration with the Equality Rally and Big Queer Beer Bust.
Mon June 30
Film on the Rocks: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) • 8:30 PM • Red Rocks
Live School of Rock set + cult classic in 35 mm; GA $22 includes popcorn.
fwd:cloudsec North America – Day 1 • 8 AM–6 PM • Embassy Suites Downtown
Hands-on cloud-security conf: Azure, AWS, GCP threat-hunting labs; passes from $160+
Tue July 1
fwd:cloudsec North America – Day 2 • 8 AM–5 PM • Embassy Suites
Keynote by Google’s Anton Chuvakin + zero-trust war-stories panel.
The California Honeydrops • 6:30 PM • Denver Botanic Gardens
Bay-Area soul-funk party among the roses; resale tickets only.
Dr. Dog + Crumb • 7:30 PM • Red Rocks
Philly psych-folk heroes reunite for one night with bedroom-pop openers.
Wed July 2
Zeds Dead – Night 1 • 4:30 PM doors • Red Rocks
Heavy bass, Rudimental live set, and fireworks-grade visuals.
Glendale Fireworks + Outdoor Movie • 6:30 PM • Infinity Park
Free family festival capped by one of metro-Denver’s earliest pyrotechnic shows.
Thu July 3
Zeds Dead – Night 2 • 5:30 PM • Red Rocks
Second slate brings Distinct Motive & HerShe for a deeper dubstep dive.
Indy Eve 2025 • 5-10 PM • Civic Center Park
Free symphony concert, light-show and 8,000-shell fireworks finale—arrive early.
Cherry Creek Arts Opening Night • 5-9 PM • Cherry Creek North
$90+ cocktail preview lets you buy from 260 juried artists before the crowds.
Fri July 4
Blues Traveler w/ Gin Blossoms & Spin Doctors • 6 PM • Red Rocks
The harmonica-jam institution’s 31st Independence-Day throw-down; tickets from $65.
Colorado Rockies vs. Chicago White Sox + Fireworks • 6:10 PM • Coors Field
Stadium-wide post-game pyro show; single-game seats start ≈ $19.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival – Day 1 • 10 AM–8 PM • Cherry Creek North
260 artists, Canvas Credit Union Main-Stage concerts, kids’ Creation Station—free.
Park Hill 4th of July Parade • 1:30 PM • E. 23rd Ave. & Dexter St.
Denver’s largest homegrown parade—70 floats, marching bands, vintage fire-trucks; free.