While it doesn’t say so on the calendar, we all know that Labor Day signifies the end of the summer season. The kids are back in school and football is back on TV. But don’t despair, summer’s last holiday is just around the corner. With a three-day weekend on the horizon, let’s get out there and make it a good one.

A Taste of Colorado at Civic Center Park: For you foodie fanatics out there, the 31th annual Taste of Colorado is Denver’s largest holiday festival featuring over 50 of Colorado’s tastiest food vendors and plenty of Colorado-made beer, wine and spirits to sate your thirst. This year’s musical lineup is awesome as well featuring: En Vogue, For King & Country, The Wallflowers, David Cook, The Commodores, Jana Kramer, and Creedence Clearwater Revisited. Held at Civic Center Park August 30 through September 2, admission is FREE, but the food and drinks are PAYG. (Colfax and Bannock)

BMW Championship at Cherry Hills Country Club: It’s been a while since the PGA has had a tournament in Denver and this is a big one. The BMW Championship will help determine the FedEx Cup winner so the best players in the world will be in action. For those who like to drink while spectating there will be two Biergarten tents at the 1st and 10th tees. For those who own a BMW automobile, simply show your car key for access to the BMW Owners’ Pavilion located between the 7th and 14th holes where you can enjoy special food and beverages (you’ll still need to buy a tournament ticket though). Tickets start at $75 per person. The event runs from September 1-7. (4125 S. University Blvd.; 303-350-5200)

The Rocky Mountain Showdown – CU vs. CSU at Sports Authority Field at Mile High: Since 2003, the in-state rivalry of Colorado State University and the University of Colorado, Boulder, has been held in the somewhat neutral territory of Denver to the delight of college football fans. The Buffs won it last year so there’s revenge on the minds of the Rams. Get to Sports Authority Field early for a tailgate party since no alcohol is served during the game. There are also plenty of bars nearby. Game time is 7 PM, Saturday, August 29. (1701 Bryant St.; 720-258-3000)

Colorado Rockies at Coors Field: 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 double header with the San Francisco Giants on Labor Day, September 1. Get a Blue Moon beer from the source while you’re there. (2001 Blake St.; 303-292-0200)

OneRepublic at Red Rocks: Local boys done good. OneRepublic will return home for a one-night performance at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Monday, September 1. Doors open at 6:30 PM and tickets start at $39.50. (18300 W. Alameda Pkwy, Morisson; 720-865-2494) 

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 Day weekend starting Friday, August 29, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Tickets start at $49.75. (6000 Victory Way, Commerce City; 303-727-3500)

ViewHouse Centennial Grand Opening: Hey DTC! The ViewHouse is opening a second location this weekend. Starting Friday, August 29, listen to the awesome sounds of Colorado’s own The Samples at the “Music on the Green” party starting at 6:30 PM. On Saturday, August 30, is the Red Bull Motocross Extravaganza show. Show times are 2 PM, 5 PM and 7 PM. After the late show, dance the night away to DJ Squirt. Sunday, August 31, is the Bottomless Buffet Brunch featuring lots of bacon and a complimentary bottomless mimosa with the purchase of an entrée. (7101 S. Clinton St. (The former Traildust Steakhouse location); 303-790-8439)

Cherry Creek and Chatfield Reservoirs: Labor Day Weekend is our last chance to enjoy swimming areas at both of Denver’s State Parks, Cherry Creek in Aurora and Chatfield in Littleton. Biking, boating, camping and jet skiing are also available. A day pass is $7-9 per vehicle. Both parks also have off-leash dog areas for a $2 day pass. Alcohol is allowed in cans only and no drinking and driving, even in the boat.   

Photo via Flickr