Well hello everyone out there in Spire land!

Lauren here to help in-SPIRE you to get off your fanny and get out there this weekend.

With the 4th of July this Saturday, there are more than just a few events going on around this spectacular city. This star spangled holiday is about so much more than having a day off to spend with your family and eat as much BBQ as you can stomach……..it’s about celebrating the independence of our great nation and honoring those who have fought for it and of course………FIREWORKS!!!!!!

So, fire up those grills, cut up those watermelons and start getting ready for the best weekend of the summer…….(we all know you’ve given up actually working by this point anyways).

Put on your walking shoes and channel your inner artist- It’s time for the 19th annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival. I used to think this was an event for those looking for overrated, over priced art and clay-like sculptures BUT I was proven very wrong when a girlfriend of mine tricked me into going last year. This free to the public event has something for everyone and I mean EVERYONE……The streets of Cherry Creek North are closed down for 3 days while numerous artists set up shop to display and sell their works of art, painting and………… That’s just the beginning; this festival offers fine cuisine from all over Denver, interactive displays and games, and even an “around the world” experience by Starbucks, where you can sample different blends from around the world. If this sounds amazing, wait until you hear this! There is a wondrous kids corner where you can create arts and crafts…..I wasn’t the only over aged kid dumping glitter all over the place (and perhaps eating some glue) ….many other adults were indulging their inner children as well. Don’t let this one pass you by. Just be sure to wear some comfortable shoes.  http://www.cherryarts.org/RelId/33637/ISvars/default/Home.htm

Shoop de dooop – That’s right, Salt n’ Peppa are coming to town this Friday night at the Fillmore Auditorium. It’s not just the lovely ladies of Salt n’ Peppa rockin the stage but other soul singing’ artists such as John Legend, Anita Baker and even Lionel Richie. If that doesn’t get you over there, try Beyonce, one of the hardest working women in show business will be headlining. http://www.essencemusicfestival.com/?content=artists

Didn’t you mother ever tell you that classical music is good for you?- What better way to nurse that hangover (other than a stiff bloody mary) than to travel to one of Colorado’s most spectacular natural monuments and listen to the Colorado Symphony Orchestra? It’s even free! http://www.coloradosymphony.org/ Guess what? There will be fireworks afterwards.

MY PICK

Usually I only have weekend pick but seeing as how one of my favorite summer past times are the spectacular fireworks shows this city has to offer, I’m going to share my favorite fireworks displays.

Coors Field- Not only are the Rockies on a roll since Jim Tracey has taken the helm, they are home to one of the best and most popular fireworks displays in town. Watch the Rockies as they continue to climb their way up the NL West against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday and Saturday with fireworks displays after both games. http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=col

Lax is not just an East coast thing anymore – If baseball isn’t your thing, head down the street to Invesco field Saturday night and watch the fast paced action as the Denver Outlaws take on the Boston Cannons. The games are exciting, the beer is cold, and you can even buy tickets to watch the game on the field complete with fireworks immediately following the game! Oh, and did I mention they have cheerleaders? If that’s not enough to reel you in, then I don’t know what will. http://www.denveroutlaws.com/

It’s Futbul, not Soccer stupid – Over on the other side of town, the Colorado Rapids are creating some excitement of their own this Saturday against the Chicago Fire. Speaking of fire, I hear their fireworks display is awesome. http://www.coloradorapids.com

That’s it for this weekend. Stay tuned for more exciting tips to get inSPIRED for your weekends.