By: Kevin VanBuskirk
(Photo Credit: Natalie Starr)

If you’re looking for the best way to enjoy one of the last few weekends of the summer season, look no further than the Velorama Festival, August 10th through the 13th. This weekend-long event will be packed with activities, entertainment and sports, enough to satisfy the entire family.

The festival will take place right in the heart of Denver’s RiNo district, featuring local breweries, arts & crafts, and a solid lineup of musical performances. This year’s headliner bands will include Wilco, Deathcab for Cutie and the Jayhawks. Ticket holders will have access to a curated selection of artists and vendors at the Denver Flea, plus tastings of craft beers and whiskies, ciders and urban wines in coordination with Drink RiNo. Younger guests will have access to the Kids Zone, a section of events and activities specifically geared toward youth.

The signature event of the festival is the Colorado Classic, a multistage professional bike race featuring some of the world’s greatest cyclists. The race will consist of 4 stages, Colorado Springs, Breckenridge and the final two stages starting and finishing in the RiNo District. The men’s race will include pros with Tour de France experience such as Peter Stetina and Taylor Phinney both whom have roots in Colorado. The biggest star slated for the race is Tour de France runner up Rigoberto Uran of Team Cannondale-Drapac. The women’s race will include 12 of racing’s best teams including Team Colavita-Bianchi whose roster includes Colorado residents Abby Mickey and Whitney Allison.

In addition to the high profile world tour athletes, the field will include notables such as Team Rwanda, who will be making their historic debut in the U.S. as well as 10 other continental teams that have produced some of the best young talent in the sport. Tickets to Velorama are required to get close to the finish line on the last two stages but there are plenty of free opportunities to spectate along the routes. Kids 10 and under are free on Sunday and kids 2 and under are free on Friday and Saturday.

Those looking to get in on the bike riding action will have opportunities to do so throughout the weekend. For adults, 17 and 33 mile morning group rides will take place starting from Alchemy Bicycling Company. On Saturday morning, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock will commence the Colorado Classic with a ribbon cutting ceremony and lead a bike ride for kids ages 5 to 15 from the main start/finish line at Walnut St. and 30th St. Adults looking to for a short, fun and nostalgic bike ride in the afternoon will have the unique opportunity to participate in a Big Wheel race on Saturday and Sunday.

While the pro racers are tearing up the course, fans and festival goers will be able to take in all that downtown Denver has to offer. This is one event that is sure to bring out the active side in everyone.

For a full list of events and more information on the Velorama Festival and the Colorado Classic visit veloramacolorado.com

Visit the Active Denver activities directory to explore a full range of sports, fitness and recreational opportunities in and around the Denver area. #BeActive