While it doesn’t say so on the calendar, we all know Labor Day marks the beginning of the end of the summer season — the kids are in school and football is back on TV. Summer’s last three-day weekend is just around the corner. Get out there and make it a good one with these six suggestions of where to catch both drink and fun in the Denver region.

A Taste of Colorado: Celebrating its 30th year as Denver’s largest Labor Day festival, this event features over 50 of Colorado’s tastiest food vendors and plenty of Colorado-made beer, wine and spirits. Look for the Pub in the Park, a tent where patrons can purchase a wrist band to sample fine craft brews both local and national — several brewers will offer “one keg only” specialty beers just for the event. This year’s musical lineup will have you dancing in the streets:  Aaron Neville, former Idol finalist Colton Dixon, America, Casey James, the Wild Feathers and MC Hammer will all rock the main stage. Held August 30–September 2 at Civic Center Park, admission is free and food and drinks are pay as you go. Go forth and taste!

The Rocky Mountain Showdown – CU vs. CSU: Since 2003, the in-state rivalry of Colorado State University and the University of Colorado, Boulder, has been held in the relatively neutral territory of Denver, to the delight of college football fans. CU holds the overall win record, but CSU was won the game last year, so Sunday's game should be interesting. Get to Sports Authority Field early for a tailgate party, since no alcohol is served during the game. Whether you'll be wearing green and gold or the black and gold, good luck (and try to behave)!

Colorado Rockies: What better way to send off summer than with a hot dog, a craft beer and some baseball at Coors Field. The Rocks have a three game series vs. the Cincinnati Reds August 30-31 and September 1, and start a three-game series against the Dodgers on Monday, September 2. Don’t have tickets? Watch the game on TV at Ballpark neighborhood bars and restaurants.

Voodoo Island Tiki Ball: Head to Boulder for what promises to be the most unique experience of the weekend. Travel back to the decade of Martin Denny and Dick Dale with a dinner and dance spectacular that includes Hawaiian fire dancers, flaming scorpion bowls and a Polynesian BBQ. With music from a nine-piece Afro-Cuban orchestra, Hawaiian Elvis and Carmen Miranda, the event will be held in the Tahitian-inspired oasis of the Millennium Harvest House and Pool (don’t forget your swimsuit). Look for hula dancers, parrots, mermaids, indoor/outdoor music stages and much more. Attend the History of the Tiki Drink Symposium by Hula Moon Bartending providing how-to’s on the legendary drinks of Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic’s. The event is Saturday, August 31, from 4 PM–1 AM and tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door (does not include food and drink). Wear your tackiest Hawaiian shirt as 1950s Tiki attire is strongly encouraged. The Millennium Hotel has special room rates available. Bali Ha’i!

Phish at Dick’s Sporting Good Park: For Phish Phanatics, and Denver is full of them, the seminal jam band will hold concerts for three nights during Labor weekend starting Friday, August 30. Hopefully you have already recovered from the Dave Mathews Band the previous weekend. Tickets start at $49.75 and are available through TicketHorse.

Bear Creek Lake Park: Head to the beach for Labor Day weekend. Think Denver doesn’t have a beach? Not so! Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood, at Morrison Road and C-470, has a swim beach and marina with boat rentals (non-motorized). With 47 camp sites available, consider making a weekend of it. Day passes are $7 per vehicle, so pack up the cooler (cans only!), an iPod and a blanket and head to the beach for a last blast of summer.