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Swallow Hill Summer Tribute ­Concert Series Returns To Four Mile Historic Park

Swallow Hill Summer Tribute ­Concert Series Returns To Four Mile Historic Park

by | Apr 1, 2026 | General Featured

by Mark Smiley

 

A Tribute to Joni Mitchell featuring Liz Barnez, Rebecca Folsom, and Celeste Krenz performs at Four Mile Historic Park in 2025. The show is returning in 2026 as part of Swallow Hill Music’s Summer Music Series at Four Mile.  Photo credit: Kit Chalberg, Courtesy Swallow Hill Music

A popular summer music tradition is returning to Glendale’s backyard as Swallow Hill Music brings back its Summer Tribute Concert Series at Four Mile Historic Park.

The Wednesday evening concert series, which runs June 3 through July 15, features seven performances celebrating legendary artists such as The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, John Prine, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead, and the Traveling Wilburys.

Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m., with the park opening at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and lawn seating.

In recent years, the series has shifted to an all-tribute format, which organizers say has helped draw record crowds eager to relive the music of iconic artists performed live by skilled regional musicians.

Returning acts include several Front Range favorites, such as The 3eatles, a Beatles tribute band; Shakedown Street, honoring the Grateful Dead; and The Traveling Wilburys Revue. The lineup also includes A Tribute to Joni Mitchell, featuring Liz Barnez, Rebecca Folsom, and Celeste Krenz, as well as Sugar Britches, performing the songs of the late folk legend John Prine.

Two performers will make their debut in the series this year: The Other Brothers, paying tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, and Colorado Springsteen, celebrating the music of Bruce Springsteen.

The concerts take place on the lawn at Four Mile Historic Park, offering a relaxed setting where attendees often bring picnic dinners and blankets to enjoy an evening of live music outdoors. Outside food, coolers, and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed, although outside alcohol is not permitted. A bar will be available onsite.

Tribute bands have grown increasingly popular in recent years, with acts like Brit Floyd, Bjorn Again, and Hell’s Belles touring nationally and internationally. These performances allow fans to experience the music of legendary artists live, often with remarkable attention to detail.

For performers like Sugar Britches, the tribute format also offers a chance to honor musical heroes.

“Playing these shows really makes us ap­preciate John Prine’s legacy,” said Brian Johanson of the band. “After John Prine passed, there was just such a big hole in the world, and I really wanted to pay homage to him.”

Johanson said the connection audiences feel during the performances is powerful.

“The last two years at Four Mile Historic Park, I have had several people come up to me after the show in tears telling me how much the show meant to them,” he said. “Seeing that connection to our hero and knowing we can help keep his legacy alive makes it worth it.”

Swallow Hill Music, a Denver nonprofit dedicated to music education and performance, uses ticket sales from events like the summer series to help support its programs and expand access to the arts.

2025 Swallow Hill Summer Concerts at Four Mile Historic Park

All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.)

June 3 — The Other Brothers: A Tribute to the Allman Brothers

June 10 — The 3eatles: A Tribute to The Beatles

June 17 — A Tribute to Joni Mitchell (featuring Liz Barnez, Rebecca Folsom and Celeste Krenz)

June 24 — Sugar Britches: A Tribute to John Prine

July 1 — Colorado Springsteen: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen

July 8 — Shakedown Street: A Tribute to the Grateful Dead

July 15 — The Traveling Wilburys Revue: A Tribute to the Traveling Wilburys

Tickets and additional information are available through Swallow Hill Music’s web­­site at www.swallowhillmusic.org/four-mile.

Mile High Beer Fest Returns March 7 With New Location And Nearly 50 Breweries

Mile High Beer Fest Returns March 7 With New Location And Nearly 50 Breweries

by | Feb 13, 2026 | Travel

by Mark Smiley

Tasting Glass: A Mile High Beer Fest tasting glass catches the light as attendees sample unique pours from local and regional breweries, highlighting the relaxed, discovery driven atmosphere of the festival.

Five Iron: Representatives from Five Iron Hard Seltzer share their offerings with festivalgoers during Mile High Beer Fest, highlighting the growing variety of craft and non-alcoholic beverage options in Colorado’s evolving beer scene.

The Mile High Beer Fest is returning to Denver on March 7, 2026, bringing nearly 50 breweries together for a celebration of Colorado craft beer, community, and creativity.

This year’s festival will take place at Denargo Market in the RiNo Arts District, a new development featuring expansive public spaces, green lawns, and one of the neighborhood’s most recognizable landmarks, the giant climbing rhino.

Festival organizer Lacey Spruce said the move to Denargo Market offers both flexibility and a fresh experience for attendees. “We’re really excited to partner with Denargo Market,” Spruce said. “The space is beautiful, and it gives us the ability to create a fun, easy to navigate festival while keeping the spirit of Mile High Beer Fest the same.”

The 2026 festival is expected to draw approximately 1,500 attendees and will feature breweries from across Colorado and beyond. Registration for breweries filled quickly, prompting organizers to cap participation at nearly 50 vendors.

Spruce credits the festival’s continued success to its strong focus on local breweries and community connection.

“This event is about celebrating local beer,” she said. “A lot of the time, the people pouring the beer are the brewers or the owners themselves. That personal connection is really special for attendees.”

While the craft beer industry has faced challenges in recent years, including brewery closures and shifting consumer habits, Spruce believes events like Mile High Beer Fest continue to resonate.

“Trends change, but there will always be people who enjoy beer,” she said. “We’re also seeing a big increase in non-alcoholic options, and we’re embracing that by offering more variety every year.”

New breweries joining the festival in 2026 include Goldspot Brewing and Fiction Beer Company, adding to a lineup that blends well known favorites with new discoveries.

In addition to beer, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Hopscotch, a new beer garden opening this spring at Denargo Market. Operated in partnership with Drink Denver, Hopscotch will feature 16 taps, local beers, canned options, non-alcoholic drinks, wine, and cocktails.

Tickets to Mile High Beer Fest are all inclusive, with no tokens or drink ­tickets required. Attendees can sample freely through­out the event, a feature Spruce says helps maintain a smooth flow and relaxed atmosphere.

With fewer beer festivals taking place in Denver, Mile High Beer Fest has become a standout event for both brewers and enthusiasts.

“Our goal is to keep delivering a great experience,” Spruce said. “We want people to have fun, discover something new, and feel connected to the local beer community.”

For tickets and event details, visit milehighbeerfest.com.

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