{"id":69463,"date":"2026-04-14T10:33:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T16:33:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=69463"},"modified":"2026-04-24T09:05:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T15:05:52","slug":"things-to-do-in-may-in-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/things-to-do-in-may-in-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover exciting May activities and events in Colorado"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Thousands
Thousands of rubber duckies are dropped into Fall River to \u201crace\u201d through town. Each duck has been \u201cadopted,\u201d and their owner has a chance to win cash prizes. This year’s event starts at Performance Park. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Estes Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

May is the perfect time to explore Colorado and try new things. As the days grow longer and summer nears, it\u2019s a great time to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re looking for fun cultural festivities or outdoor adventures, Colorado offers a plethora of events in May that appeal to people with a variety of interests. From fashion shows to Memorial Day exhibitions and historic festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, embrace the season and discover exciting activities in Colorado this May.<\/p>\n

May 1-9: Denver Fashion Week in Denver<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"With
With eight runway shows, Denver Fashion Week is a must-attend May activity. Photo courtesy of Denver Fashion Week.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Denver’s vibrant fashion community comes together once again as Denver Fashion Week<\/a> returns May 1-9 with a full week of runway shows celebrating creativity and emerging style trends.<\/p>\n

There will be eight runway shows that spotlight rising designers and established talent from Colorado and beyond. New this year is an “outerwear and athleisure fashion show,” created to reflect Colorado’s blend of fashion and function. There also is an “adaptive fashion show” that highlights innovative designs created for individuals of all abilities.<\/p>\n

All shows take place at the Furniture Row Showroom, 5445 Bannock Street. This year’s fashion week nonprofit partner is Ardent Grove<\/a>, a mental health clinic offering low-cost therapy, assessments and community education.<\/p>\n

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May 2: The Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race in Estes Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"During
During one of Estes Park\u2019s most beloved community events, participants adopt a rubber duck for a chance to win prizes. Since its inception in 1989, this Rotary Club event has raised over $3.7 million for local charities. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Estes Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Watch as thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks splash into the Fall River for this beloved spring tradition that takes place in downtown Estes Park on Saturday, May 2.<\/p>\n

The Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race<\/a> is a wildly popular, family-friendly event that draws locals and visitors alike for a lively day of fun and mountain-town charm. “Adopt” a rubber duck (now until the day of the event) for the chance to win some significant cash prizes. Then gather along the riverbank and bridges throughout downtown to cheer as the ducks race downstream. The race starts at Performance Park on Fall River and ends at Estes Park Visitor Center along the Big Thompson River.<\/p>\n

Events go beyond the river race. There is a full slate of entertainment, including face painters, balloon twisters and local musicians. There also is a Jeep show because where rubber duckies gather, so too do Jeeps.<\/p>\n

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May 2-3: Cinco de Mayo festival in Denver <\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Traditional
Denver’s Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” Festival has been a city tradition for more than three decades. Photo courtesy of Visit Denver and TruBlu Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cinco de Mayo marks the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In the U.S., people widely observe Cinco de Mayo as a day to celebrate Mexican culture<\/a> and heritage.<\/p>\n

With more than 400,000 attendees expected, Denver\u2019s Cinco de Mayo festival<\/a> is a wonderful family-friendly event, which includes live music, traditional dance performances and a variety of food and drink vendors.<\/p>\n

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May 9: Blooms at the Buell in Pueblo<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Blooms
Blooms at the Buell is a great way to spend Mother’s Day with your family, especially those with younger children. Photo by David Hayden, courtesy of Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at Blooms at the Buell<\/a>, a free, family\u2011friendly event at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center.<\/p>\n

This relaxed, come\u2011and\u2011go event is a great way to spend quality time with mom or another special person in your life. Families can enjoy a variety of hands\u2011on activities, including painting flowerpots, designing handmade cards and participating in both indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts.<\/p>\n

Moms can also treat themselves to complimentary self\u2011care offerings, such as mini facials or free neck\u2011and\u2011shoulder chair massages. Kids will love exploring a real fire truck and meeting local firefighters. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/p>\n

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May 9: Mom & Son Nerf contest in Pueblo<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Looking
Looking for something fun this Mother\u2019s Day? Grab your kids and their Nerf guns for a family-fun event. Photo courtesy of Pueblo West Parks and Recreation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Grab the kids and your Nerf launcher for an\u00a0epic Nerf battle at Lovell Park<\/a> in Pueblo. Children ages 5 to 13 will be divided into age groups for play sessions. A $5 entry fee per person includes snacks and drinks, safety goggles, Nerf darts and a special gift for mom. No high-power or Rival blasters are allowed.<\/p>\n

The event takes place from 12:30 to 3:15 p.m. at Lovell Park Ballfield #1, 362 E. Hahn’s Peak Ave. Dads can volunteer to referee the games.\u00a0Sign up online<\/a> through May 7 (and more details will be emailed to you by May 8).<\/p>\n

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May 22-25: Learn about the history of America’s war for independence in Fort Collins<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"The
The Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans Plaza is the largest event of the year. This year will feature a powerful exhibition on the war for independence. Photo courtesy of Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During Memorial Day weekend, honor veterans and America’s history at the Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado<\/a>, 2626 West Horsetooth Road, Spring Canyon Community Park, southwest Fort Collins.<\/p>\n

Weekend events include the Liberty 250 exhibit that, through a series of large-scale illustrated panels, brings to life the struggles, turning points and enduring principles that define America’s fight for independence.<\/p>\n

A special ceremony takes place at noon on Sunday, May 24. It will include keynote speaker, Tom Hand, an author, historian and founder of “Americana Corner.” \u00a0There is a 21-gun salute, vendors from over 30 local veteran service organizations and food trucks. All events are free and open to the public.<\/p>\n

Throughout the weekend, there will also be:<\/strong><\/p>\n