For most people, Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer fun. It also means a three-day weekend for most of us. Memorial Day is officially observed on Monday, May28, but celebrations will happen all weekend long. All we ask is that you remember what the holiday is all about and take a moment to toast to those who sacrificed in the line of duty during this important holiday.

17th Annual Festival of the Brewpubs
For almost two decades, Arapahoe Basin has celebrated all things Colorado in a single Sunday in May, spring skiing, beer, and live music. On Sunday, May 27, swish down the slopes in the morning and then hit the Festival of the Brewpubs starting at noon with music headliners Mojomama. Fifteen mountain breweries will pouring tasty brews and tickets include a souvenir mug. Tickets to the festival are $35 per person and can be purchased online.(28194 US Hwy 6, Keystone)

Colorado Sports Teams
The boys of summer are home for Memorial Weekend as the Colorado Rapids take on the Portland Timbers in MLS on Saturday May 26, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Downtown the Colorado Rockies spar with the Cincinnati Reds May 25-27 and then begin a series versus the San Francisco Giants on Memorial Day.  Plenty of tailgating and bar hopping will be available around the stadiums. (Dicks’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Wy.; Coors Field, 2001 Blake St.)

Denver Arts Festival Stapleton
Enjoy an afternoon perusing beautiful and intriguing works of local art and live music at the 20th annual Denver Arts Festival at Stapleton’s Conservatory Green on Saturday and Sunday, May 26-27. The festival will feature artists from around the country. And when visitors get a little thirsty, they can head for the Wine and Beer Garden in the center of the event to refresh with tasty adult beverage. Enjoy local Tivoli beers and Decadent Saint wines. Guests do need to pay for the beverages, but the proceeds will go to the Colorado Pet Pantry. The festival is located at The Green in Stapleton just north of the shops at Northfield, I-70 and Quebec St. Entry and parking are free. (8304 E. 49th Pl.)

Denver Day of Rock
Once again the streets of the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver will be filled with rock and roll on Saturday, May 26, at the 10th annual Denver Day of Rock. This year’s national musicians include Elle King, Delta Rae, Dwayne Dopsie and The Zydeco Hellraisers, A thousand Horses and Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. Local and regional bands round out the afternoon on two separate stages. While the music is free to listen to on five stages all day, guests can purchase festival packages starting at $50 and includes drink tickets, t-shirt, koozie, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm and a drawstring bag to keep it all in. VIP Lounge passes are $250 each and include five hosted lounge areas throughout the festival and open bar access. All proceeds will benefit Amp the Cause, a Denver non-profit that improves the lives of children in Colorado. (16th Street and Skyline Park)

Elitch Gardens
Memorial Weekend is when Elitch Gardens celebrates its full opening for the summer season. Take the kids to ride the rides while you enjoy brews at Surfside Beer, cocktails at Island Breeze Bar or specialty drinks at The Saloon. There is even a stand that sells just beer and pretzels. Other than a sunny day, what more do you need? (2000 Elitches Cir.; 303-595-4386)

Memorial Weekend Street Festival
The street closes down at Old South Gaylord Street near Washington Park for a fun festival of food, drinks and family entertainment. Enjoy all kinds of delicious specials from local restaurants including Homegrown Tap & Dough, Max’s Gill & Grill, Reiver’s Bar and Grill and Washington Park Grille. This neighborhood block party will be held May 26-28 and is free to enter. Food and drinks are pay as you go. (1062 S. Gaylord St.)

Red, White and Brew Run
Hit the pavement on Sunday, May 27, at Grist Brewing in Highlands Ranch for a special Memorial Weekend version of Rocky Mountain Brew Runs. Enjoy a serious or leisurely run, depending on your skill level, through a 4ish-mile course of trails around Highlands Ranch followed by beers at Grist. Cost is $35 per person and includes run entry, a Grist beer, coaster, and custom pint glass. All current and former military members receive $5 off entry. The run is dog and stroller friendly so sign up online now. (9150 Commerce Center Cir., Ste. 300)