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Top Spring Festivals Near Denver

Denver March Powwow(credit: Denver March Powwow)
The first day of Spring is March 20, and it's also the unofficial beginning of festival season in Colorado. Colorado loves its festivals, as each one is a fun opportunity to embrace the arts, culture, music, heritage and history of this amazing state. It's also finally a chance to get out of the house as the weather warms up and you can start enjoying all the wonderful activities of the season. Festivals in Colorado are just one of the many reasons it's so great to live here, so head out to all of these upcoming Spring festivals this season.
Denver March Powwow
4600 Humboldt St
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 934-8045
www.denvermarchpowwow.org

March 25 – 27, 2016
Price: $7 per day/$20 for three days

The Denver March Powwow is the region's largest celebration of Native American culture and American Indian heritage. It's actually one of the largest events of its kind in the country and has been going strong since 1984. Head over to the Denver Coliseum for three days packed with more than 1,600 dancers from nearly 100 different tribes in 38 states (and three Canadian provinces.) You'll love all the dancing, food, storytelling, art and crafts, and it's a truly educational (and entertaining) weekend for the whole family. There is a reason this event is always so popular, so head over to the Denver Coliseum to find out just why that is.

Animeland Wasabi
Ramada Plaza Denver
10 E. 120th Ave
Northglenn, CO 80233
www.animelandwasabi.com

March 25 – 27, 2016
Price: Registration ranges from $25 to $40

If you're a fan of Japanese Anime then this should already be on your agenda for the month of March. It's almost like a mini-comic-con with lots of ways for anime fans to enjoy the culture, art and entertainment. Check out the Artist Alley with lots of incredible artwork from many different artists, or enjoy the vendor room and pick up some awesome souvenirs. You can also show up in your best cosplay costume to show off your stuff and be sure to get a schedule of guest appearances at the many different fan panels. Yes, this upcoming festival is a must-see for any Anime fan or fan of the culture.

Related: Top Spring Salads In Denver

Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival
1942 Broadway St
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 449-3772
www.boulderdowntown.com

April 3, 2016
Price: Free

This festival is the unofficial start to spring in Boulder, so bring the whole family out to celebrate this wacky, colorful and totally family-friendly festival in style. You'll enjoy the day as hundreds of little fairies and elves parade down Pearl Street Mall as they bid welcome to the tulips. In fact, more than 15,000 tulips are found around Pearl Street Mall, so this festival is a beloved local tradition. In addition, the festival features lots of live entertainment, free face painting and plenty of other fun activities for the whole family. Of course you'll also be on Pearl Street Mall, so you'll find lots of great food and shopping to enjoy while you're there.

Doors Open Denver
Many locations in Denver
www.Doorsopendenver.com

April 23 and 24, 2016
Price: Free

This annual event is a celebration of Denver and all of its beautiful design and built environments. It's a two-day event that will give you a chance to see many of the amazing buildings you drive past every day but you have never gotten the chance to go inside. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn more about this great city and its rich architectural history. The theme for 2016 is "Explore Our City Inside Out" and will feature lots of different events at locations all over the city during the two days. Check the website to get updated on all the events and plan to enjoy at least a couple of these great opportunities.

Related: Top Spring Break Activities For Kids In Denver

Five Points Jazz Festival
Multiple Locations in Five Points
Denver, CO 80202
www.artsandvenuesdenver.com

May 21, 2016
Price: Free

The third Saturday of May is always the home of one of the best free jazz festivals in the country. The Five Points Jazz Festival takes place in the area once called "The Harlem of the West" and features a full day with more than 35 different bands showing off all their musical skills. This huge festival sees nearly 26,000 attendees every year with multiple blocks, several stages and plenty of art, food and crafts to peruse while you enjoy the music. Grab the whole family and head over to Five Points to check out this fantastic free concert. Introduce the kids to jazz and find some new favorite bands of your own.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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