May is the perfect time to explore Colorado and try new things. As the days grow longer and summer nears, it’s a great time to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities.
Whether you’re looking for fun cultural festivities or outdoor adventures, Colorado offers a plethora of events in May that appeal to people with a variety of interests. From fashion shows to Memorial Day exhibitions and historic festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, embrace the season and discover exciting activities in Colorado this May.
May 1-9: Denver Fashion Week in Denver
Denver’s vibrant fashion community comes together once again as Denver Fashion Week returns May 1-9 with a full week of runway shows celebrating creativity and emerging style trends.
There will be eight runway shows that spotlight rising designers and established talent from Colorado and beyond. New this year is an “outerwear and athleisure fashion show,” created to reflect Colorado’s blend of fashion and function. There also is an “adaptive fashion show” that highlights innovative designs created for individuals of all abilities.
All shows take place at the Furniture Row Showroom, 5445 Bannock Street. This year’s fashion week nonprofit partner is Ardent Grove, a mental health clinic offering low-cost therapy, assessments and community education.
May 2: The Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race in Estes Park
Watch as thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks splash into the Fall River for this beloved spring tradition that takes place in downtown Estes Park on Saturday, May 2.
The Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race is a wildly popular, family-friendly event that draws locals and visitors alike for a lively day of fun and mountain-town charm. “Adopt” a rubber duck (now until the day of the event) for the chance to win some significant cash prizes. Then gather along the riverbank and bridges throughout downtown to cheer as the ducks race downstream. The race starts at Performance Park on Fall River and ends at Estes Park Visitor Center along the Big Thompson River.
Events go beyond the river race. There is a full slate of entertainment, including face painters, balloon twisters and local musicians. There also is a Jeep show because where rubber duckies gather, so too do Jeeps.
May 2-3: Cinco de Mayo festival in Denver
Cinco de Mayo marks the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In the U.S., people widely observe Cinco de Mayo as a day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.
With more than 400,000 attendees expected, Denver’s Cinco de Mayo festival is a wonderful family-friendly event, which includes live music, traditional dance performances and a variety of food and drink vendors.
May 9: Blooms at the Buell in Pueblo
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at Blooms at the Buell, a free, family‑friendly event at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center.
This relaxed, come‑and‑go event is a great way to spend quality time with mom or another special person in your life. Families can enjoy a variety of hands‑on activities, including painting flowerpots, designing handmade cards and participating in both indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts.
Moms can also treat themselves to complimentary self‑care offerings, such as mini facials or free neck‑and‑shoulder chair massages. Kids will love exploring a real fire truck and meeting local firefighters. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May 9: Mom & Son Nerf contest in Pueblo
Grab the kids and your Nerf launcher for an epic Nerf battle at Lovell Park in Pueblo. Children ages 5 to 13 will be divided into age groups for play sessions. A $5 entry fee per person includes snacks and drinks, safety goggles, Nerf darts and a special gift for mom. No high-power or Rival blasters are allowed.
The event takes place from 12:30 to 3:15 p.m. at Lovell Park Ballfield #1, 362 E. Hahn’s Peak Ave. Dads can volunteer to referee the games. Sign up online through May 7 (and more details will be emailed to you by May 8).
May 22-25: Learn about the history of America’s war for independence in Fort Collins
During Memorial Day weekend, honor veterans and America’s history at the Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado, 2626 West Horsetooth Road, Spring Canyon Community Park, southwest Fort Collins.
Weekend events include the Liberty 250 exhibit that, through a series of large-scale illustrated panels, brings to life the struggles, turning points and enduring principles that define America’s fight for independence.
A special ceremony takes place at noon on Sunday, May 24. It will include keynote speaker, Tom Hand, an author, historian and founder of “Americana Corner.” There is a 21-gun salute, vendors from over 30 local veteran service organizations and food trucks. All events are free and open to the public.
Throughout the weekend, there will also be:
- Costumed docents and interpreters will enhance the exhibition by taking visitors back in time.
- A 16-by-24-foot theater featuring introductory videos telling the story of how the U.S. was founded, from American colonists’ conflict with Great Britain to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
- A child’s table with activities and giveaways.
- Historical American flag display of more than 30 flags.
- A field of 500 American flags, flying in formation to display red, white and blue. Known as the Field of Honor, it is a patriotic tribute to our country and community heroes.
May 23-25: Territory Days in Old Colorado City in Colorado Springs
This large three-day street fair on the west side of Colorado Springs has it all: hundreds of vendors, Native American cultural performances, educational activities, Wild West characters, live bands on four stages and much, much more.
Territory Days celebrates Colorado City’s rich history. Once known as the settlement of El Dorado, the community later became Colorado City in 1859 and was the first permanent town in the Pikes Peak region. The family-friendly Territory Days celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
May 25: Experience the BOLDERBoulder in Boulder
One of Colorado’s iconic events, the BOLDERBoulder brings tens of thousands of runners, walkers and spectators to the streets of Boulder. This legendary 10K road race isn’t just about speed. It’s a city-wide celebration that welcomes everyone from elite athletes to families pushing strollers and people completing the course in costume.
The day is packed with live music and neighborhood block parties, cheering as participants pass by.
May 30-31: The Centennial State Ballet performs Beauty and the Beast in Longmont
Be prepared to be swept away by a performance filled with romance, humor, jealousy and the timeless magic of love’s transformation.
Centennial State Ballet presents Beauty and the Beast as the grand finale of its 2025-26 season. This enchanting ballet features sweeping choreography, live musical accompaniment and stunning custom sets and costumes brought to life by the company’s most advanced dancers.
The show starts at 1 p.m. on May 30 and 31 at the ballet’s new home, the beautifully restored Longmont Performing Arts Center.
Celebrate the arts while supporting local youth and watching performances by up-and-coming ballet dancers.