Summer Festivals Festivals for all kinds of pastimes abound in Colorado Editor’s Note: While all attempts have been made to make these lists as accurate as possible, times and program availability may be subject to change. Please check information in advance to avoid disappointment. Colorado Shakespeare Festival: July 1-Aug. 15, showtimes vary. Enjoy summer evenings with Shakespeare’s plays along with gourmet picnics, backstage tours, the Shakespeare gardens, free Green Show concerts, and “Prologue,” an introductory discussion with Producing Artistic Director Philip Sneed. The plays this summer are Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). $5-$204. Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and University Theatre, University of Colorado Campus, Boulder. 303-492-0554. www.coloradoshakes.org. Cherry Creek Arts Festival: July 2, 7-10pm (preview event): July 3-4, 10am-8pm; July 5, 10am-6pm. Enjoy a wide variety of visual, culinary and performing arts and interactive activities for the whole family on the streets at this award-winning cultural event. After hours (8-10pm) on Friday and Saturday, there will be a variety of musical events. Cherry Creek North Business District, starting at 2nd Ave. and Clayton, Denver. www.cherryarts.org. Colorado Renaissance Festival: Sat. and Sun. through Aug. 2, 10:00am-6:30pm. Experience the 16th century through authentically costumed performers including jousters, jugglers, minstrels and maidens, in addition to more than 200 skilled artisans and great food. Different themed events each weekend, including a children’s prince, princess and pirate party weekend on July 4 and 5. $17.95 adult, $8 ages 5-12, free under age 5. Discount tickets available at King Soopers. Colorado Renaissance Festival, 650 W. Perry Park Ave., Larkspur. 303-688-6010. www.coloradorenaissance.com. Crested Butte Music Festival: July 4-26. Free patriotic concert on July 4, followed by four weeks of music for every taste including opera, symphony and chamber music, bluegrass, jazz and dance. $10-$200 depending on show; many ticket packages available. Downtown Crested Butte. 970-349-0619. www.crestedbuttemusicfestival.com. Crested Butte Wildflower Festival: July 6-12. Nearly 200 events for wildflower lovers including photography classes, hikes and walks, backcountry jeep excursions, historic garden tours, cooking classes and catered parties, gardening/landscaping workshops, arts and crafts classes and a series of free events focusing on conservation. Crested Butte Nordic Center, 620 2nd St., Crested Butte. 970-349-2571. www.CrestedButteWildflowerFestival.com. Aurora KidSpree: July 18-19, 10am-5pm. Featuring more than 60 hands-on activities, including life-size board games, a musical petting zoo, balloon artists, face painting and inflatable rides. Following the theme of “Your Hometown Playcation,” many activities tie into travel and vacationing. Free for admission and activities, cost for food and beverages. Bicentennial Park, 13655 E. Alameda Ave., Aurora. 303-326-8386. www.auroragov.org/kidspree. Colorado Dragon Boat Festival: July 25, 10am-6pm; July 26, 10am-5pm. Celebrate Colorado’s rich Asian Pacific American population with a festival featuring performing arts, cultural customs, cuisine and a marketplace of unique and hard-to-find items, in addition to dragon boat racing. Children and families can enjoy Dragonland, an area offering hands-on activities such as face painting, origami and calligraphy. All ages. Sloan’s Lake Park, W. 23rd Ave. and Stuart St., Denver. www.cdbf.org. Buffalo Bill Days: July 22-26. The largest community festival in Golden includes a parade, car show, kid’s games and live entertainment with a small-town feel. Washington Ave., Golden. 303-384-0003. www.buffalobilldays.com.