For 95 years, Littleton residents have been holding a community celebration. This year’s Western Welcome Week is actually a 10-day fest, August 11 to 20, 2023. The event schedule is jam-packed spanning more than 40 events from a fishing derby to a hometown pig roast benefiting dozens of local nonprofits. Some highlights for true cheapskates:
Saddle up your stick horse for fun at Western Welcome Week. Image courtesy of Western Welcome Week.
Friday, August 11 — Concert & Laser Show with a FREE concert by The Denver Municipal Band at Sterne Park (5800 S. Spotswood St.) capped off by a 30-minute laser show choreographed to music at 9 p.m.
Saturday, August 12 — Go gold panning on the Platte. Equipment and instruction provided for this FREE event from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at South Platte Park (3000 W. Carson Dr.). From 10 a.m. to noon, kids can test their angling skills at the Little Elks Fishing Derby at Geneva Park Lake (2255 W. Berry Ave.)
Saturday August 12 — From 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Sterne Park enjoy the vocals and harmonies of The Petty-Nicks Experience for FREE. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food trucks on-site.
Sunday, August 13 — Play all sorts of games of old at Geneva Park for FREE from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Includes panning for gold & gems, bubble blowing, apple dash, tic tac toe, sack race, cactus toss, marble race, water shoot, and more. A Pancake Breakfast with pancakes, Polidori sausage, coffee, and juice is also at the park from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tickets are $5 per person, available at the event; children 4 years and under free.
Sunday, August 13 — Custom Car Show at the Littleton Elks Lodge (5749 S. Curtice) featuring local hot rods and custom rides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, August 15 — Kick up your heels at RiverPointe Swing Dance, featuring a FREE concert by Zing: The Great Big Band and dancing under the stars from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 5225 S. Prince St.
Friday, August 18 — Quilt Show & Used Book Sale from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Littleton (1609 W. Littleton Blvd.). More than 100 antique, vintage and new quilts on display, as well as demonstrations.
Saturday, August 19 — Festival Day along Main & Prince Streets from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Includes Grand Parade (starts at 10 a.m.), crafts & home improvement fair and more. Arcade bus and games at the Littleton Elks Lodge from noon to 5 p.m.
Sunday, August 20 — Duck Race at the Little’s Creek Bridge at Sterne Park (5804 S. Bemis St.). Cheer on the ducks as they race down Little’s Creek towards the Prince Street bridge. Registration starts at noon and the race begins promptly at 1 p.m.