Sure, it’s sizzling summer, but by “playing it cool” August can be quite delightful. Planned with a frosty twist, you’ll discover most of the 31 days are “devilishly divine!”
Denver usually enjoys low humidity, making for beautiful, sun-filled days, and cool, comfortable evenings. The average daily high in August is a mild 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Stirred with a spade so you’ll have it made in the shade,” here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to cover a cool, cheerful, and carefree summer romp:
Wicket & Stick It — Colorado’s longest running croquet tournament — returns to Wash Park’s Croquet Lawn Aug. 4, 2:30 to 6 p.m. Tourney has 32, 2-people teams. Spectators get three drink tickets, English Croquet Box. Information: 303-388-6022.
Chill each Sunday during brunch at ART Hotel’s Sounds of Summer Concerts on the rooftop restaurant patio of Fire, noon to 2 p.m. Information: 720-709-4431.
For sandy toes and sun-kissed nose, sail to Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek to enjoy rock-driven Beachside Blues Aug. 9, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-741-2995.
Enjoy violin, piano, and guitar music at the Smash Fine Arts Festival on Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek Aug. 12-13, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
One of Cherry Creek’s few remaining quaint shops, Adornments is celebrating 20 years in the chic district this October. Shop fashionable-flattering clothing, jewelry, and accessories to adore at 2401 E. 2nd Ave. Information: 303-321-7992
Make Sam’s No. 3 in Glendale your cool diner for breakfast, lunch, and dinner this summer. Famous for steak and eggs plus Mexican cuisine, eatery is equally as popular for cold beer, cocktails & milkshakes. Information: 303-333-4403.
Experience the dynamic-sassy daughter of B.B. King and the Gregory Goodloe Band playing at Dazzle@Baur’s Aug. 18, 7 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Load up on tacos from 40 eateries during this year’s sixth annual Tacolandia being held at Civic Center Park Aug. 19, 4 to 7 p.m. Information: 303-861-4633.
Join Cancer League of Colorado’s Race for Research at Wash Park Aug. 20, 9-11 a.m. Run by volunteers, goal is to raise $40,000. Information: 303-292-8065.
Rock band Kansas, that also plays Ukrainian rock, bring their 50th Anniversary tour to the Paramount Theatre Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Make Aug. 25-27 your sports holiday weekend, as world rugby converges on Glendale’s Infinity Park for the 8th RugbyTown 7s Tournament. See 20 world teams plus all five U.S. Military branches play. Fri. and Sun. tickets $5; Sat. $15. Fri. has beer, food, kids 12-under free, and fireworks. Military plays Sat. plus the Bruises & Brews Beerfest is from 3-7 p.m. See the championship match Sunday. Gates open at 11 a.m. with luau brunch and mimosas. Information: 303-692-5799.
Featuring sudden thunderstorms, Denver is a masterpiece of weather bluster in August. On August 1, 1976, the Mile High City received 1.50 inches of rain in slightly over one hour.
This is the month for early morning or late evening walks, pool parties, picnics, cycling, barbecues, and homemade ice cream. It brings a sense of freedom and a “yes” to everything.
Just another 31 days of summer, but it certainly gets one primed to welcome and enjoy the fall. Why do watermelons wish for lavish August weddings? Because they cantaloupe!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.