Things to do in Denver this weekend: Colorado Black Arts Fest, free family fun in Golden, and MCA’s B-Side series

Colorado Black Arts Festival returns

Friday-Sunday. The annual and still free Colorado Black Arts Festival arrives with considerable momentum — not only because it’s celebrating 36 years, but because it’s increasingly surrounded by the sort of African American arts and culture events (Juneteenth, Five Points Jazz Fest, Black Love Mural Fest) that severely lacked in Denver in the past.

The Friday, July 8-Sunday, July 10 gathering in City Park West offers performance stages (including The Original Lakeside on Saturday night), a visual-arts row, an activity-driven children’s pavilion, scavenger hunt, art garden, senior’s pavilion, local vendors (food, drink and crafted products), and the Boogaloo Celebration Parade.

That last event begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday and winds through the festival grounds, followed by a burst of DIY community performances on the fest’s Kuumba Stage. Learn more by calling 303-306-8672 or viewing the full schedule at colbaf.org.

Free family fun in Golden

Saturday-Sunday. The juried art festival, Artsweek Golden Festival, is back for its fourth outing in highly walkable downtown Golden. Running from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, July 9, and Sunday, July 10, it features about 100 artist booths, demonstrations, music, food and kids’ activities.

The kids activities are particularly attractive this time of year for harried parents, and all events are within walking distance of dozen restaurants, outdoor cafes and beer gardens. Head to 12th and Arapahoe streets for the event, and learn more from its hosts at the Foothills Art Center: foothillsartcenter.org/artsweek-golden-2022. The overall event runs through July 15.

B-Side Music at MCA Denver

Fridays through Aug. 19. One of Denver’s best live music series returns Friday, July 8, with The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver’s B-Side Music Fridays — rooftop concerts with excellent views of the city and tasty cocktails.