Despite all the snow that’s fallen in May, it is safe to say that Memorial Weekend marks the start of summer. That means getting outside and enjoying our city with a drink in hand. Here are some holiday happenings that will have you enjoying our fair city. Don’t forget to take time to say thanks to our military men and women while enjoying this three-day weekend. Salute!

MUSIC

Denver Day of Rock
If you visit downtown on Saturday, May 27, you will hear music. The eighth annual Denver Day of Rock will rock the 16th Street Mall both Saturday and Sunday. Listen to awesome local and regional bands on five stages including national country singer Cam, The Railbenders and Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers. This is event is free to all ages. New this year is a Passbook that will feature promotions and discounts to 65 downtown bars and restaurants. Also new  are VIP passes that include hosted catering and open bar access at five VIP lounges throughout the mall. Cost is $250 per person for VIP. While that seems like a lot, the event is a fundraiser for Amp the Cause, a nonprofit that works to improve the lives of children throughout Colorado. (16th Street Mall)

Various Artists at Red Rocks
Red Rocks Amphitheatre will have live music all weekend long starting with Jethro Tull and the Colorado Symphony on Friday, May 26. Odesza takes the stage both Saturday and Sunday, May 27-28. Capping off the weekend will be Tom Petty & the Heartbreaks for two nights, Monday and Tuesday, May 29-30. Tickets are available from Red Rocks Online. (18300 W. Alameda Pkwy.; 720-865-2494)

SPORTS

Colorado Rockies at Coors Field
The NL West first place Colorado Rockies will host the St. Louis Cardinals from May 26-28 and then the Seattle Mariners May 29 and 30. Watching the Rockies at Coors Field is a great place to drink and celebrate the opening weekend of summer. Enjoy the Jack Daniel’s Terrace Bar or select a beer from one of the 52 taps at the Tavern Ballpark. Tickets holders can also visit the home of Blue Moon Brewing Company in the lower level of the ball park. (2001 Blake St.)

Denver Outlaws vs. Rochester Rattlers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Head to the football stadium for some exciting Lacrosse action. The Outlaws take on the Rattlers of Rochester starting at 6:30 PM. The Outlaws are currently undefeated so get out this weekend to cheer them on and let the streak continue. Stay after the game for fireworks and the 3rd annual World Burrito Eating Championships.  (1701 Bryant St.; 720-258-3600)

FESTIVALS

Festival of the Brewpubs at Arapahoe Basin
Hit the slopes one last time because May snows were good to the mountain. After a morning of carving, enjoy some delicious beer at the 16th annual Festival of the Brewpubs at Base Area Plaza from 12-4 PM. Enjoy featues outdoor food stations, live music, and the best beer from Summit County and beyond. Cost is $35 per person for unlimited sampling in a commemorative mug. There is also a VIP tasting for $59 per person. Free transportation is available to and from Keystone on the Summit Stage Bus. (28194 US Hwy 6, Keystone)

Boulder Creek Festival
Head to Boulder for the 30th annual Boulder Creek Festival May 27-29. This uniquely Boulder festival features arts and crafts, educational seminars, live music, carnival rides and lots of local food and beverages. The event is held in downtown Boulder along the Boulder Creek corridor from 9th Street to 14th Street. The festivals begins at 10 AM Saturday and Sunday and at 11 AM on Monday. This year there is a RallyBus providing safe rides from Denver, Golden, and Fort Collins. The festival is free to the public, but you do have to book the bus in advance on the Boulder Creek website. (Downtown Boulder)

Old South Gaylord Kick-Off to Summer Festival
Take a stroll down Denver’s second oldest shopping and dining district this weekend. The Old South Gaylord Kick-Off to Summer Festival has live music, carnival games and lots of food and drinks on a few intimate city blocks just east of Washington Park. The event is free to the public, food and drink are PAYG, and it begins at 4 PM Saturday, May 27, with live music until 10 PM. Sunday and Monday the festival begins at 10 AM. (1000 Block of S. Gaylord St.)