By Patte Smith

The outdoors beckons to everyone, especially this year. Open-air events are at the top of the list, so gather the clan, friends, picnic basket, lawn chairs, blankets and be sure to have gas in the car; it’s time to get out and enjoy all that Colorado’s great outdoors has to offer.

Close by, Lone Tree Arts Center is featuring a summer night under the stars at the Terrace Theater. The first show in June features the swing jazz sextet After Midnight with swing dancers, Watch Your Step. From the songs of the ‘80s and ‘90s to the award-winning Mariachi Aztlán and Ballet Folklorico UTRGV, listen to amazing music on a beautiful summer night. The show will go on if there is inclement weather and be held on the main stage. Food and non-alcoholic drinks may be brought to the theater. For more information and tickets, visit www.lonetreeartscenter.org.

In Castle Rock, enjoy the picturesque setting of the Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater for the 2021 Summer Concert Series. Beginning on Saturday, June 19 38 Special brings southern rock to the Colorado outdoors. Pack up the family for more great music featuring Parmalee, The Beach Boys, Castle Rock Summer Jam – an all-day music festival featuring local bands and Super Diamond with the Denver Pops are on the schedule. For tickets, season lawn passes and more information, visit www.crgov.com/2618/Summer-Concert-Series.

From symphony to soul, rock to reggae, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is open in 2021 for a fabulous setting on summer evenings. Concerts and events run through October featuring musicians and comedians from various genres and generations. Movie lovers, remember Film on the Rocks is happening this summer at Red Rocks. Be sure to check all information before purchasing tickets. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.redrocksonline.com.

This year, the Denver Botanic Gardens and Swallow Hill Music are presenting Evenings al Fresco in the gardens. What could be more soothing than that? For 20 summer nights, visitors can stroll through the gardens while enjoying musicians and ensembles placed throughout the grounds. One hundred duos, trios, and quartets are scheduled for Evenings al Fresco. For more information, visit https://swallowhillmusic.org/denver-botanic-gardens-evenings-al-fresco/ or www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events.

The colorful fireworks for Independence Day are planned in Castle Rock but have not officially been announced. Weather conditions may cancel the plans, but take heart, if it is all clear the show will go on at Santa Fe Quarry Mesa (from the butte located just south of The Meadows, above Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course) at sundown. For more information as the event draws closer, visit www.crgov.com.

Parker has three drive-in only areas to view fireworks on the 4th of July at Salisbury Park. The three viewing areas are the north Salisbury Park parking lot, tailgating in the main polo field parking lot or watching from the multi-purpose field. Tickets and details will be announced closer to the event, so keep checking www.parkeronline.org/82/Community-Events.

Highland Heritage Regional Park is having a spectacular display of fireworks this year, but the park will be closed to the public. Get out the lawn chairs and find a great place to view the display at locations throughout Highlands Ranch. There are no organized activities or live bands in the park. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://hrcaonline.org/classes-camps-activities/events-celebrations/events/july-4.

A few festivals are back this summer and the Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur is always a big hit. Scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays July 3 through August 22, each weekend has a theme. Choose your costume and head out for an exciting time. Full armor jousting, music, artisans galore and yes, the giant turkey leg is still part of the fair. For more information and tickets, visit https://coloradorenaissance.com.