COLORADO NEWS

Broncos, Dragon Boat Festival, Colorado State Fair and more | What’s Up, Colorado

Aug 26, 2026, 2:49 PM | Updated: Aug 27, 2026, 4:52 pm

Colorado, this weekend has everything, football, festivals, fair food and a whole lot of heart! Here are a few fun things happening around the state this weekend.

Denver Broncos vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Broncos close out the 2026 preseason Friday night against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High. Kickoff is at 7 p.m., and this is the final tune-up before the regular season gets real. You can catch the broadcast beginning at 6 p.m. on 9NEWS and the 9NEWS app. Go Broncos!
More info: HERE

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival returns to Sloan’s Lake Saturday and Sunday for a weekend full of culture, food, music, performances, martial arts and of course, dragon boat races. It’s the largest pan-Asian dragon boat festival in the country, and the “Taste of Asia” food lineup alone is worth the trip. The opening ceremony is Saturday at 9:45 a.m.
More info: HERE

Colorado State Fair in Pueblo

Fair season is officially here! The Colorado State Fair opens Friday in Pueblo with carnival rides, rodeos, 4-H exhibits, agricultural competitions, concerts, tractor pulls, bake-offs and all the fair food you’ve been waiting for. The State Fair Parade steps off Saturday at 10 a.m. in downtown Pueblo. This weekend’s performers include Ian Munsick, Dylan Scott and Neal McCoy. The fair runs through Monday, September 7.
More info: HERE

Melodies of Gratitude IV Benefiting Denver Animal Shelter

Melodies of Gratitude IV is a benefit concert for the Denver Animal Shelter on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m. Denver Animal Shelter helps more than 10,000 lost and abandoned pets every year. This event brings together music, community, and compassion to support animals waiting for care, comfort and forever homes. Tickets are $40 for ages 21 and up, $20 for ages 6 to 20, and free for kids 5 and under. Tickets include light snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and two alcoholic beverages for guests 21 and older.
More info/tickets: HERE!

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Broncos, Dragon Boat Festival, Colorado State Fair and more | What’s Up, Colorado