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Top Labor Day Celebrations In Denver

Taste of ColoradoTaste of Colorado (credit: CBS)

As summer winds to a close, there is still one very special long weekend to enjoy. Before you start worrying about autumn and the approaching cooler weather, take your chance to get out and enjoy summer at least one more time. There are a lot of different things going on every Labor Day weekend. From festivals to musicals to famous bands, you'll find tons of great ways to enjoy the remaining summer hours. Here are just a few of the fun ways to enjoy Labor Day weekend this year.

14th Labor Day Tango Festival
Denver Doubletree Hotel
3203 Quebec St.
Denver, CO 80207
(303) 725-5963
www.denvertangofestival.com

Dates: Aug. 29 through Sept. 2, 2013

Do you tango? If so, then you simply must make the time to visit this annual tango festival. For 14 years, the Denver Tango Festival has danced its way through the Labor Day weekend, bringing many high-level dancers from all over to show off their tango skills.
Several classes will be offered but none for beginners. The competition and lessons are for dancers who already have some fancy footwork skills. The classes are offered over all three days of the festivaland include six milongas.

Related: Best Summer Festivals and Music Tours

PhishPhish at Dick's in 2012 (credit: Phish.com)

Phish 2013
Dick's Sporting Goods Park
6000 Victory Way
Commerce City, CO 80022
(303) 405-6066
www.tickethorse.com

Date: Aug. 30, 31 & Sept. 1  2013

One of the new best traditions for jamband fans in Colorado is spending Labor Day weekend with Phish in Commerce City at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. This legendary band formed at the University of Vermont in 1983 and has sold out many of their shows since their 2009 reunion after a big breakup. Phish's sound is a blend of  styles from rock to jazz to bluegrass and even some country and blues. There is a little bit of everything, making a Phish concert a great way to enjoy this time at the end of the summer. The dedicated fan base for Phish is sure to make every night packed, but tickets shold still be available right up to the start of the shows because it's such a large venue.

Taste of Colorado
Civic Center Park
Broadway and Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
www.atasteofcolorado.com

Dates: Aug. 30 through Sept. 2, 2013

One of the biggest festivals in Colorado, A Taste of Colorado is one of the best ways to say goodbye to summer and celebrate all the culinary treats available in this beautiful state. No matter what kind of food you like, you'll find plenty of it at this huge annual festival. More than 50 Colorado restaurants feature their best recipes. From small bite-sized portions to full meals, you'll fill up as you wander the festival tasting the huge variety of options. And while you dine on all the delicious food, you can peruse five different stages featuring every type of music from jazz to rock. The annual Taste of Colorado festival is a  great way to enjoy Labor Day as a family.

Related: Top Free Summer Music Events in Denver

Evil Dead: The Musical
The Bug Theatre
3654 Navajo St.
Denver, CO 80211
(720) 984-0781
www.equinoxtheatredenver.com

Dates: Aug. 23 through Sept. 14, 2013

Are you a horror fan? Did you watch all three "Evil Dead" movies multiple times? Still debating where you stand on the 2013 remake? Then check out "Evil Dead: The Musical." This Denver premier is the only musical with a splatter zone, ensuring that the most dedicated Deadite fans are sure to have a blast. "Evil Dead: The Musical" starts with the original story but has a bit of "Army of Darkness" thrown in for good measure. Even if you aren't a huge fan of Bruce Campbell and the film series, this hilariously fun musical is a still must-see. You'll be dancing in the aisles as Ash battles the Deadites and saves mankind. Just don't sit in the first three rows. (Disclaimer: The author of this article works with Equinox and is involved in this production.)

Nick Cave: Sojourn
Denver Art Museum
100 West 14th Ave. Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 913-0130
www.denverartmuseum.org

World-renowned artist Nick Cave has a stunning new exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. Featuring 40 new artworks and more than 20 new Soundsuits, this multi-sensory experience will take you on a journey through color, sound, texture and movement. Even if you aren't familiar with the work of Nick Cave, then you should definitely visit this amazing exhibit. His work is larger than life with huge sculptures described as "textiles meet modern dance." His well-known Soundsuits have been worn by Cave as well as other professional dancers and have been part of many impressive performances. The Soundsuits are made of a variety of materials, all designed to make sounds as the dancer moves.

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

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