Following the Italian Renaissance tradition of replicating art pieces outdoors in chalk, La Piazza is a strange, exciting way to see the recreation of a masterpiece. For a whole weekend, the block of Larimer Square closes down to allow artists to continue this tradition of copying masterpieces and pop art pieces with only colored chalks. These experienced chalk artists carefully sketch out the designs for their pieces then layer on the colors one by one. Out of the bare bones design first set out, a whole masterpiece slowly emerges, and watching this process for a few minutes or a few hours is incredibly captivating and inspiring.

Over 200 street artists come to Denver for this festival of art and the outdoors, and thousands of Denverites wander by throughout the weekend to catch a glimpse of the artists in action and the completed works. Get in the Italian mindset with a bite of authentic Italian food from one of the vendors that work the event, and definitely have some gelato to keep you cool as the midday temperature rises. Aspiring child artists even have their own corner of the pavement to design and decorate, for only the cost of a small donation to charity.

It's all a big party at the Capitol Hill People's Fair, where for a whole weekend locals from all over Denver flock to Civic Center Park to simply celebrate Denver life. Six stages fill the entire area with the original sounds and tunes of local bands. Filling the entire park and even spreading out beyond its boundaries, the festival is a big party with food, beer (for adults), kid-friendly activities, local artisan tents and community groups. The celebration is so big that it actually shuts down Colfax around the park for the entirety of the two-day festival, creating a fun, safe and exciting environment for the whole family to enjoy.

Celebrating the GLBT community of both Denver and the world, PrideFest Denver is a chance to celebrate acceptance and understanding for people in all walks of life. Fun is the main goal of the event, where outrageous dress and star-worthy characters always give the celebration a unique flavor. In addition to vendors selling everything from food to jewelry, events at the festival include live music all day long and a full-fledged parade that winds its way from Cheesman Park to Civic Center Park on Sunday. Kids and dogs are both welcome at the festival too, with plenty of hands-on activities for youngsters and even a "Dogs in Drag" competition for you and your pup.