Recap of last week
Major Political & Special session News
Colorado’s legislature concluded a six-day special session on Tuesday, addressing a massive $1.2 billion budget deficit caused by federal tax code changes from the Trump administration. Lawmakers passed bills to generate approximately $350 million by closing corporate tax loopholes and eliminating certain business tax breaks, including repealing the 4% vendor fee that retailers keep from sales tax collections. Colorado special session 2025: Updates from the Capitol
A contentious debate over artificial intelligence regulations dominated much of the special session, with deals repeatedly collapsing due to disagreements over legal liability. Ultimately, lawmakers only delayed the implementation of existing AI regulations from February to June 30, 2026. Colorado special session updates on artificial intelligence, budget
Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order giving him authority to suspend certain spending to ensure the state’s budget remains balanced, utilizing a three-pronged approach: closing corporate tax loopholes ($250M), using General Fund reserves ($325M), and making spending cuts ($250M). Colorado special session wrapped: Gov. Polis signs bills to address state’s $1 billion budget gap | KRDO
The week ahead
Major September Events
Denver Gem Show (September 5-14, 2025) at the National Western Complex – Explore gemstones, fossils, minerals and jewelry from around the globe, perfect for collectors and newcomers alike. The Denver Gem Show
25th Annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (September 6-7, 2025) at Sloan’s Lake – Celebrate Asian culture with food, shopping, art, and thrilling dragon boat races. This is billed as the largest Dragon Boat Festival in the country with free admission. The Dragon Boat Festival
Denver Oktoberfest returns for its traditional two-weekend celebration (September 19-21 and September 26-28), featuring keg bowling, stein hoisting, and live music in downtown Denver – a staple since 1969. Oktoberfest
Arts & Culture
Comedy Works Downtown presents “Interrogation: True Crime Stories” on August 31st, featuring veteran investigator Korey David and special guests. Korey David Comedy Performance
Gallery Crawl in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe – Free monthly event on the last Sunday (September 1st) featuring local galleries and artists. Sundays on Santa Fe
Sports & Recreation
Pacific Nations Cup (September 14, 2025) – Denver hosts the semi-finals of the world’s third-largest annual rugby event, featuring teams from Fiji, Tonga, Canada, Japan, and the U.S. Tickets here
Golden Hours at Riverfront Park continues with live music from national and local acts, plus food trucks and pop-up bars. Denver Events & Things to Do This Weekend | Aug. 29–Sept. 1, 2025
Family fun
Free night at Joy Park On Sept. 19th Explore 60,000 square feet of outdoor fun, including Adventure Forest, for FREE! Prepare for climbing, zip-lining, splashing, digging and JOY. Register here.
Ongoing Attractions
Bright Nights at Four Mile Historic Park continues through October 5th, featuring larger-than-life illuminated sculptures across 12 acres in collaboration with Tianyu Arts & Culture. Bright nights at Four Mile
Bottom Line: Denver is rebounding from a challenging week dominated by legislative budget battles while gearing up for a packed September of cultural festivals, outdoor events, and major sporting competitions that showcase the city’s diverse entertainment landscape.