Axios Denver Weekender

July 31, 2026
๐ค Howdy! It's Esteban with how to celebrate this weekend's biggest birthday bash.
๐ง Sounds like: "Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver
Today's newsletter is 767 words โ a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: ๐ฅณ Celebrating our sesquicentennial
It's time to wish Colorado a very happy 150th birthday.
State of play: Local businesses, cultural institutions and the state Capitol will commemorate the Centennial State's sesquicentennial this weekend.
- The festivities mark President Ulysses S. Grant's proclamation formally admitting Colorado as the 38th state on Aug. 1, 1876.
Dig in: Here's where to raise a glass, grab some cake and celebrate Colorado's big 1-5-0.
- ๐ค Note: Events are free unless otherwise marked.
๐ TOMORROW
- The Civic Center Night Market will spotlight the products and flavors that make Colorado special, with a silent disco and live local bands.
- State 38 Distilling in Golden releases a new Colorado Day bourbon finished in a cherry vanilla barrel โ available to sample and purchase while supplies last.
๐ SATURDAY
- The Colorado Day Celebration at the Capitol will feature a proclamation of statehood reenactment, a birthday cake cutting and other festivities.
- Colorado Day at McGregor Square brings an all-day party with live music, including by Brothers of Brass โย plus face painting, balloon artists and other family activities.
- Colorado Rapids vs. Austin FC will feature a special buy-one-get-one free deal for Celebrate Colorado Night. ๐๏ธ From $32
- Dairy Block will host live local music, chalk art, plus food and drinks starting at noon. ๐๏ธ Prices vary
- Denver Art Museum will offer free admission and an Art Market featuring local artists and craftspeople.
- Colorado Day Community Fest at History Colorado Center will celebrate the state's culture with music, art, food and activities, plus a free community pancake breakfast.
- The Mile Long Table at the National Western Center invites you to share a meal at a 5,280-foot-long table. ๐๏ธ From $5.28
What's next: If you're looking for more, the state has a map with celebrations, discounts and festivals.
2. ๐ค Beyond the bday
Not into sesquicentennials?
- Fear not. There are plenty of other ways to spend the weekend around town.
โพ๏ธ The Colorado Rockies host the Kansas City Royals tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. Starting at $16.75
๐ง Denver Botanic Gardens hosts a yoga session with live violin music and a picnic tomorrow evening. Starting at $24
๐ถ Dog Days of Summer will mark National Dog Month with dog-friendly activities along the historic Larimer Square on Saturday. Free
๐ฉฐ The Mile High Dance Festival features food, vendors and, of course, dance performances at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance tomorrow and Saturday. Free
๐น Red Bull LEDGEnds takes over 16th Street and Glenarm Place for a skate competition Saturday with a $2,000 prize pot at stake. Free
โฝ๏ธ Summit FC hosts Boston Legacy FC at the Centennial Stadium Sunday night. Starting at $38
3. ๐บ Streaming this weekend
We'll save you some scrolling. Here are the hot new titles on streaming.
The Drama โ Film available tomorrow on HBO Max.
- Zendaya and Robert Pattinson play an engaged couple whose wedding week starts to fall apart in this dark comedy from A24.
- Between the lines: Much of the drama stems from the bride-to-be's dinner-party confession, revealed early, about the worst thing she's ever done.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 โ Now on Hulu and Disney+.
- Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) and Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) are back nearly 20 years after Andy left Runway magazine.
- Zoom in: Emily Blunt's character now controls Dior's ad budget, putting her in a new power position over Miranda and Runway.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie โ Animated sequel available today on Peacock.
- Mario heads into space in the follow-up to "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," with Brie Larson joining as Rosalina, Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr. and Donald Glover voicing Yoshi.
- By the numbers: The nostalgia-filled blockbuster grossed more than $1 billion worldwide.
Furious โ Crime series available now on Hulu.
- Emmy Rossum plays an FBI agent chasing a serial killer (Lola Petticrew) in a story inspired by the 1987 movie "Black Widow."
- Behind the scenes: Creator Liz Meriwether โ best known for creating "New Girl" โ told Decider that "Furious" pushed her to write about anger without deflecting it through comedy.
Lioness โ Season 3 premieres Sunday on Paramount+.
- The CIA thriller returns with Zoe Saldaรฑa, Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Kelly.
- Behind the scenes: The series has become another Paramount+ ratings hit from Taylor Sheridan, who's also behind "Yellowstone," "1923," "Landman," "Tulsa King" and "Mayor of Kingstown."
Go deeper: See last week's picks.
๐บ John is sipping beer at Off Hours, a hot new Chicago brewery.
โฝ๏ธ Alayna is taking advantage of the Rapids' BOGO ticket deal to take Cyrus to his first soccer game Saturday.
๐ Esteban is watching "The Devil Wears Prada" sequel at some point this weekend.
Thanks to our editor, Gigi Sukin.






