Memorial Day marks the first official weekend of summer. That means get outside and drink Denver! Here is a rundown of special events coming up this weekend. Don’t forget to show your respects to our military, since that is what the holiday is all about.

Denver Day of Rock (16th Street Pedestrian Mall, Downtown)
For the sixth year in a row, Denver is going to rock out this Memorial Weekend. The Denver Day of Rock starts Friday, May 23 and rocks on all weekend. The event kicks off with a special evening concert in Skyline Park on May 23 featuring the Wallflowers. Other featured acts include Black Joe Lewis, Plain White T’s and The Hold Steady. These and many other local, regional and national acts will perform on the Mall and at Skyline Park. This year’s featured charity is the Food Bank of the Rockies so bring some cans of food with you to donate. The music is FREE, but the food and drink are pay as you go.

The Bark Bar (4132 W. 38th Ave.; 720-550-6970)
Celebrate Memorial Day with your canine friend at The Bark Bar. All day the bar offers $1 off drafts, wine and wells and there will be FREE hot dogs (for the humans, not the dogs). If your dog has not been to The Bark Bar before, be sure to fill out paperwork stating that your dog has had all the proper shots when you arrive.

Colorado Rapids (6000 Victory Way; 866-461-6556)
With the USA getting ready for the World Cup next month, enjoy a tradition fútbol match as the home team Rapids take on Montreal Impact Saturday, May 24, at 7 PM. Enjoy a pre- or post-game drink at The Cantina’s full service bar inside Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Lowry Beer Garden (7577 E. Academy Blvd.; 303-366-0114)
What better way to celebrate the arrival of summer than an afternoon spent drinking beer outside at Lowry Beer Garden. Live music on Sunday, May 25, from Danny Shafer starting at 4 PM.

Viewhouse (2015 Market St.; 720-878-2015)
Time to get out the white shoes, dresses and shirts. Billed as Denver’s largest Memorial Eve party, the downtown ViewHouse is having a white-out this Sunday, May 25, starting at 1 PM. As a way to celebrate the unofficial date we are allowed to wear white, the ViewHouse will be giving away white sunglasses and starting at 8PM will host a dance party with DJ Scene and a performance by the Denver Nuggets Dancers.

Zengo (1610 Little Raven St.)
Mondays are always special at Zengo in Riverfront Park. Enjoy the patio with $5 mojitos all day. On Memorial Day,  Zengo will open early offering a special bottomless brunch from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Brunch will also be available at Zengo’s next door neighbor, La Biblioteca.

Photo: Lowry Beer Garden