Weekend things to do around Denver, May 2-5: Art, gun show, Derby Day, and Cinco de Mayo

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

Currently ongoing through May 10, the Center for Visual Art at Metropolitan State University of Denver (965 Santa Fe Drive) invites you to the Spring 2024 BFA Thesis Exhibition. This event features 23 upcoming artists and designers who are completing their undergraduate programs. For more information on the exhibit and the artists, visit the exhibition’s website. Admission to CVA is free and open to everyone. The center is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

The Boulder Potters Guild will be showcasing and selling their works this weekend at the Boulder County Fairgrounds (9595 Nelson Road, Longmont, CO). Local, handmade, artisan pottery makes a great gift or option for decorating around the house. The event will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free but bring your cash for purchases.

FRIDAY

Adults are invited to embrace their inner child as the City of Loveland Parks and Recreation hosts Adult Field Day at Mehaffey Park (3285 W. 22nd St. Loveland, Co). Get your eight person team together to participate in a variety of games including axe throwing, pony races, cornhole, life-sized beer pong, human foosball and mini golf. Registrations are $400 for a general team or $475 for a corporate team. Beers will be onsite for purchase. The event will take place 2-5 p.m. For more information or to register a team, visit their website.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Colorado’s largest gun show is back! The Tanner Gun Show will take place May 3-May 5 at the Crowne Plaza in Denver (15500 E 40th Ave, Denver, CO 80239). A $15 ticket is good for all three days of the show and kids 12 and under get free admission. Veterans receive a discounted rate of $12. Attendees must be of legal age to purchase firearms. The show is buy, sell and trade, and attendees are welcome to bring in their firearms for appraisal. Show hours are Friday 3 p.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting the show’s website or purchased at the door.

SATURDAY

Saturday marks Derby Day where party goers will drink and mingle while wearing their best as they watch the 150th edition of the famous horse race. Downtown Denver will feature several derby parties including the Denver Mini Derby, Denver Derby Party, and Denver Derby Day 2024 at the Ritz Carlton. Union Station will also host its own Derby Day festivities. The Denver Gazette has compiled a short guide on some of the most popular derby parties in town.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in Denver. Civic Center Park will be the hub for festivities beginning with a community parade which will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Saturday will also feature Chihuahua races at noon. Sunday’s festivities feature a taco eating contest starting at 2 p.m. A lowrider car show and entertainment stages will run on both days. Visit the event website for a schedule and list of vendors. Not able to make it downtown? The Denver Gazette has compiled a list of top taco spots and places to enjoy tequila drinks to celebrate Cinco De Mayo.