Weekend things to do around Denver and beyond

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

Cosplay, sci-fi, anime, celebrities, comics. They're all part of the gigantic Fan Expo Denver, Thursday to Sunday at Colorado Convention Center downtown. A fandom of 100,000+ expected to visit with an impressive lineup of celebrities. Show hours 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (5 p.m. on Sunday). Parking and Light Rail to the Convention Center restricted because of construction. Plan alternatives on RTD Trip Planner. fanexpohq.com/fanexpodenver/celebrities

THURSDAY

Fireworks shows are in cities and towns all across the area and the state and some of the largest in Denver are Coors Field post-game for the Colorado Rockies, games at 6:10 p.m. Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers and Friday against the KC Royals. Elitch Gardens fireworks follow the park's closing at 9 p.m. Friday. Also there are art and beer festivals in resorts and towns all across the mountains.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Head to Cherry Creek North for the primo holiday Cherry Creek Arts Festival, one of a kind with 250 artists chosen from 1,942 applicants from around the country and other countries, vendors, food and creative activities for the youngsters. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (6 p.m. Sunday). CherryArts nonprofit provides art education for students year round. cherryarts.org/events/cherry-creek-arts-festival

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Opening weekend for the acclaimed annual Colorado Music Festival, Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder. A full summer concert season, chamber and orchestral music and even a "Green Eggs and Ham" family fun concert. coloradomusicfestival.org.

FRIDAY-JULY 10

Holiday rodeo time at the Rooftop Rodeo at Estes Park, called "the rodeo with altitude." Six days of PRCA rodeo competition and activities. Tickets: $12-$35. rooftoprodeo.com

SATURDAY

Get those yoyo fingers ready to Rock the Baby and even more difficult moves at Mile High Yoyo Club Jamboree 2: Electric Bugaloo, noon to 4 p.m. at 9995 E. Colfax Ave., in Aurora. All ages, all yoyo levels, beginner instructions and there will be great tricks to watch. Free club also meets monthly. tinyurl.com/34awuuxy

THURSDAY-SATURDAY

Want some holiday racing, a car show, drifting, music and fireworks? It's the ASCEND Music & Motorsports Festival at Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR). Time Attack Series and cash prizes, too. 16650 Midway Ranch Road, Fountain. ppir.com

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

The annual ColoradoArtShows.com holiday Fine Art Festival in Colorado Springs is on the grounds of the historic Broadmoor area Trianon, now the private Colorado Springs School. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

FRIDAY

The 117th birthday of fascinating artist Frida Kahlo is a Cultural First Friday celebration at Museo de las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Drive. 5-9 p.m. Free. Vendors and a food truck. museo.org

​THURSDAY-JULY 14

The highly anticipated Green Box Arts Festival in Green Mountain Falls is underway through July 14 with more than 140 events in dance, the arts, art installations, music, theater, conversations and even water lanterns. There are five visiting dance companies performing. greenboxarts.org