As summer draws to a close, Colorado offers a variety of arts and culture events to soak up the last bit of warm weather and celebrate the arts. From visual arts to car shows to live music across a variety of genres, there’s an event for everyone.

Arts and culture news

Greg Carpenter, the longtime general and artistic director of Opera Colorado, announces his departure

After twenty years, Opera Colorado will be under new artistic leadership, starting next year. General and Artistic Director Greg Carpenter announced that he is leaving the company.

“I feel like I’m ready to make a change and I think the company is ready for a change,” Carpenter told CPR News. “My time with this company has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done, both in terms of what we’ve been able to accomplish at Opera Colorado over the last few years and the tremendous generosity of the people I’ve been able to work with.”

But now, he said, it is time for new leadership.

Matthew Staver for Opera Colorado

While this marks the end of his tenure with Opera Colorado, Carpenter clarified that he is not retiring; he plans to remain in Denver to explore new opportunities. And he still has the company’s 24-25 season ahead of him.

“I’m excited to make this coming season a great season. A season of great art, great artists and a celebration of not where we’ve been, but the great opportunities of where we’re going,” he said.

Carpenter’s influence will continue to be felt next season, as the company sets its schedule two years in advance.

Opera Colorado’s upcoming season opens on November 9 with Donizetti’s “The Daughter of the Regiment.”

Oktoberfest returns to Beaver Creek

Fall isn’t quite here yet, but that doesn’t stop Beaver Creek from raising a glass to the season. Beaver Creek’s annual Oktoberfest takes place from August 30th to September 1st, and features a weekend of Bavarian food, beer, and merriment. The festival takes place at various times throughout the weekend, with suggested arrival times each day to accommodate parking and transportation.

Arts and culture events this weekend

Music and arts lovers will have plenty of choice this Labor Day weekend, and theater buffs will have a number of different options.

Front range

Art: For something a little different, consider Tom Everhart’s new show at Fascination St. Fine Art, featuring works based on his unique relationship with Peanuts creator Charles Schulz. The artist will appear at the gallery twice, Friday night and Saturday afternoon, offering visitors a chance to learn more about his process and maybe even go home with an iconic piece of art.

Music: For fans of Latin American music: world star Carín León will perform at the Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater on Thursday, August 29.

Music: Swallow Hill Music in Denver is offering group lessons for a variety of instruments starting September 3. This eight-week session features a lineup of 143 lessons geared toward aspiring musicians of all ages and levels. Taught by a team of 32 professional musicians.

Theater: The Arvada Center opens its 24-25 season this Friday with the musical Waitresswhich runs through October 13. The show features music by Sara Bareilles and celebrates themes of friendship and finding your voice.

Northern Colorado

Art: The Estes Park Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show showcases the work of numerous artists and craftspeople throughout the long weekend. Admission is free, and visitors can expect to see a variety of media, from painting to jewelry to woodworking.

Music: Grammy-winning artist Rick Springfield performs Friday night at the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley.

Music: If swing is more your thing, head to the Exchange in Fort Collins on Saturday nights for an evening of live music and dancing to the tunes of Groovilization.

Other fun things: Car enthusiasts can visit the Cruise-In Car Show in Windsor on August 31. The event will feature a wide range of vehicles, a live band and food stalls.

Southern Colorado

Film: The Independent Film Society of Colorado (IFSOC) presents a screening of The divided braina film about the human brain, will be shown Thursday at the Cottonwood Center for the Arts in Colorado Springs.

Music: Saturday night, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss headline an all-ages show at the new Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs.

Western slope

Theater: The Art Center and The Theatre Project present a production of Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor this weekend in Grand Junction. The show runs from Friday through Sunday.

Other Arts and Culture Events in Colorado

How we select our events: CO Arts Spotlight highlights events throughout the state to give readers a sense of the breadth of Colorado’s arts and cultural events; it is not—and cannot possibly be—a comprehensive list of all weekly events. Submissions are not recommendations or reviews. Each week’s list is published on Thursdays and is not updated. Some groups listed may also be financial sponsors of CPR but have no input into our editorial choices.