Weekend things to do in Denver and beyond: Denver Century Ride and more

Each Thursday, explore Denver's essential weekend events curated by The Denver Gazette. Dive into cultural experiences and entertainment delights across the city. Whether you enjoy art galleries, pottery, or outdoor sports, there’s something for everyone in Denver's vibrant cultural scene. To submit an event for consideration, email listings@gazette.com.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

Doors Open Denver is an excellent gift for the community to learn the history of those special landmarks making up the past and present in the city. Denver Through Time is the free signature project of Denver Architecture Foundation and filled with gems like a photographic tour of Colfax Avenue and a first event at the soon-to-open and breathtaking Populus Hotel. Up close looks at Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, Byron White U.S. Courthouse and the Capitol Hill Mansion. For a full guide: denverarchitecture.org

SATURDAY

Visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge for free during National Wildlife Refuge Week, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Besides all the wildlife on the 15,988-acre refuge, there will be a day of special activities by Nature’s Educators, archery, arts and crafts and projects. No reservations are required. 6550 Gateway Road, Commerce City.

SATURDAY

More than 2,000 bicyclists are expected to hit the streets during Saturday's Denver Century Ride, starting and ending at The Shops at Northfield. Discover the urban biking areas through the city. Four courses: 100 miles, 85 miles, 50 miles, and 25 miles. Aid stations, course marshals, bike mechanics and meals from Epic Mountain Gear. A benefit for Bicycle Colorado. Routes, information and registration at denvercenturyride.com

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

Prost! It's that time of year. Weekend two for the wild Denver Oktoberfest on Larimer and 21st, thedenveroktoberfest.com/schedule. Greeley's OktoBrewfest fun this weekend is in Lincoln Park. Craft beers, pretzels, brats and music for sure, and Friday night the fire spinners from Fahrenheit 360 and a stein-hoisting competition. Saturday is family day with lots to do for the young ones, too. greeleydowntown.com/special-events/greeley-oktobrewfest. Longmont's Left Hand Oktoberfest is Friday ($10) and Saturday ($20) at The Garden, 1245 Boston Ave. and benefits nonprofits. Kids 12 and under free. Stein holding, costume contests, polka dancing, and all sorts of kids' contests. lefthandbrewing.com/event/left-hand-oktoberfest-2024

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Watch the artists who live in Central Park at work in their own studios in this self-guided Open Studios Tour, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Works by 32 artists in 19 locations. For information and a map to studios: flipsnack.com/EECD6A99E8C/central-park-denver-open-studios-tour/full-view.html

SATURDAY-OCT. 5

More interesting and creative murals, 16 in fact and many of them massive, arrive starting Saturday, opening day for RiNo's Creative Art District's Denver Walls 2024. Come watch the artists start their work during the Street Art Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Festival fun during the day celebrating street arts and they include a 3-on-3 paint battle, all-ages drawing workshop, graffiti gallery show at RedLine, and a block party at RiNo ArtPark. Painting continues through Oct. 5. rinoartdistrict.org

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Hit the trails around Buena Vista this weekend at 14er Fest. Choose your festival activity: 4X4, hiking, mountain biking, running or even go fly fishing on the Arkansas River. 14erfest.org.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

THURSDAY

The first public tours of Larimer County's new Canyon Edge Open Space start at 5:30 p.m. Thursday near Loveland. This was the former Heaven’s Door Ranch at the edge of Big Thompson Canyon and was acquired in 2022 and amenities are being added. Register for one of the tours, limited to 20 people each and a 1.5 hour walk along an existing road on the 1,547-acre property. Tours listed on offero.larimer.org/calendar or larimer.gov/naturalresources/parks/canyon-edge

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

A fall highlight, the Harvest Festival at The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey on the grounds in Cañon City. The Winery will have its wines available and a limited release of its Riesling. Delicious food, artisan vendor booths, local produce, freshly baked breads and more. Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No admission or reservations, only service animals. Harvest Festival 2024 on Facebook.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY

A special time of world-class vehicles, many of them traveling in road trips through the San Juan Mountains golden aspens, are just part of this weekend's Telluride Autumn Classic. Activities and a vehicle show through the town planned for all the visitors. tellurideautumnclassic.com.