<\/p>\n
Denver is anticipating a busy summer of festivals and outdoor concerts this year, including numerous free events. Lincoln Davie, associate professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences<\/a> at Metropolitan State University of Denver, has some tips to make sure your big day stays on track.<\/p>\n Denver\u2019s elevated location means that it misses out on much of Earth\u2019s densest protective atmosphere, and the sun\u2019s powerful ultraviolet rays can do real damage.<\/p>\n \u201cDo not underestimate the sun \u2014 and also remember that not all sunscreen is equal,\u201d Davie said. At the city\u2019s raised elevation, he explained, the UV index runs higher than most visitors expect, and many conventional sunscreens just don\u2019t cut it. \u201cI run anything I\u2019ll be putting on my skin through EWG\u2019s Skin Deep database<\/a> before committing to buying \u2014 it\u2019s always worth checking the ingredients.\u201d<\/p>\n Another tip: The high altitude means it can feel quite mild even when the sun is pretty intense, so don\u2019t forget to take a hat and sunglasses, and reapply your sunscreen every two hours.<\/p>\n Colorado\u2019s weird and wonderful weather means that even the sunniest day can be interrupted by a heavy downpour. Denverites are accustomed to sudden meteorological turns. In one recent notorious incident<\/a>, a hundred concertgoers at Red Rocks were injured by giant hailstones in June.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile Denver in summer runs warm and sunny, afternoon thunderstorms can build fast on the Front Range,\u201d Davie explained. \u201cCheck the forecast on the morning of \u2014 not the night before \u2014 your event, and have a plan in place before the sky starts building to the west.\u201d<\/p>\n Another great hack is to carefully plan your clothing layers. \u201cMornings here can be cool, afternoons can push into the high 80s, then a quick storm can drop temperatures pretty fast,\u201d Davie said. \u201cIdeally, you want to be dressed and ready for all three.\u201d<\/p>\n Bear in mind that Denver\u2019s semiarid climate means that it\u2019s halfway to being a desert. If you plan to be outdoors for hours on a scorching day, drinking plenty of liquids to stay hydrated is essential. \u201cDenver\u2019s altitude and dry air will work against you faster than you\u2019d expect,\u201d Davie warned. \u201cThirst is a lagging indicator up here, not a reliable early warning.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s a good idea to take along a refillable water bottle (collapsible ones are especially handy) and also consider an electrolyte boost. \u201cMy trail staple is Nuun electrolyte tablets<\/a> \u2014 compact, easy to carry, and a straightforward way to stay ahead of dehydration on a long day moving between stages and experiences,\u201d Davie said. \u201cThrow a few in your bag before you head out.\u201d<\/p>\n Finally, remember that the lack of humidity means dry skin and chapped lips are occupational hazards in Denver, so slather on the lotion.<\/p>\n RELATED: Concerts strike a chord with mental health<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Any large-scale summer event is bound to attract pickpockets. The combination of close crowds, flowing alcohol and easily liftable possessions are just too irresistible. One smart idea is to take along a zipper-secured, front-facing bag (or fanny pack) to deter light-fingered neighbors.<\/p>\n It also pays to think ahead. \u201cDecide in advance what you actually need: The shorter that list, the fewer items you\u2019ll be managing all day,\u201d Davie advised. \u201cI typically avoid leaving valuables in my car, and if you have something that\u2019s especially valuable or cherished, maybe just leave it home for the day.\u201d<\/p>\n Festivals can get really loud, particularly when you head close to the stage. Live music at concerts typically exceeds 100 decibels, and prolonged exposure at those levels can cause permanent hearing damage.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to enjoy the day and<\/em> protect your hearing, invest in some good quality earplugs \u2014 they will reduce sound by 25 decibels and give you hours of safe listening,\u201d Davie said. And remember: If you\u2019re taking kids along, earplugs are a must.<\/p>\n Telluride Bluegrass Festival<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Telluride (June 18-21)<\/p>\n Head to the mountains for four days of music, camping and breathtaking views.<\/p>\n Juneteenth Music Festival and Parade<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Five Points (June 20)<\/p>\n Join 50,000 attendees for live music, food, art, activities for kids and an awesome parade.<\/p>\n Colorado Music Festival<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Boulder (July 9 \u2013 Aug. 9)<\/p>\n Celebrating its 50th year, this festival features worldclass classical artists.<\/p>\n Colorado Black Arts Festival<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Denver City Park (July 10-12)<\/p>\n A three-day celebration of African American arts, culture and community.<\/p>\n Underground Music Showcase<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n RiNO Art District (July 24-26)<\/p>\n Denver\u2019s most raucous and spirited indie musicians get a new home this summer.<\/p>\nProtect yourself from the sun.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
And did we mention rain, cold, storms, hailstones?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Stay hydrated and moisturized.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Keep your belongings safe.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Protect your hearing.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best festivals this summer<\/h4>\n