Arvada Harvest Festival 2019: Events Schedule, Parade Route, More

ARVADA, CO — The Arvada Harvest Festival marks its 94th year this weekend, and three days of fun and activities will be underway Sept. 6 and continue through Sept. 8. This year’s theme for the festival and parade is “Arvada Frontier Days,” incorporating a Western concept throughout the event.

Arvada Harvest Festival’s history dates back to October 1925 when the community celebrated "the completion of the first concrete road between Arvada and Denver," organizers said. It's now hosted by a committee of volunteers with the Arvada Junior Chamber Foundation.

The festival also features a robust schedule of events including a parade, live music, carnival rides, games and vendors, as well as a garden harvest contest, spelling bee, food fair and karaoke. The fest will also include a free family-friendly movie screening in the park on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at McIlvoy Park, 5750 Upham St.

While Harvest Festival events are held throughout the city, a majority will be at the McIlvoy Park Pavilion and the Midway, located on Grandview, Upham Street and 57th Avenue.

PARADE ROUTE AND MAP

This 2019 parade will not be held in Olde Town as it was in previous years, organizers said. This year’s parade will start at Allison and Ralston roads, traveling west on Ralston (which will be completely closed) and finishing at Garrison Street. The parade kicks off at 9 a.m.

BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE PARADE

The best viewing areas, according to festival organizers, are at Wolff Park and Ralston Central Park. The main judging stand is across from Ralston Central Park at Field Street. Wolff Park may be accessed by foot from Carr Street.

PARADE PARKING

Parking will be available at Arvada City Hall and Memorial Park. Options also include Brooks Drive between Garrison and Carr streets, and 59th Avenue between Carr and Olde Wadsworth.
Accessible parking also is available at Arvada City Hall and Memorial Park.

ROAD CLOSURES

To accommodate the festival, the following roads will be closed starting at noon Sept. 6 and ending at 7 p.m. Sept. 8.

• Upham Street will be closed between Ralston Road and Grandview Avenue.
• Grant Place will be closed between Webster and Upham streets with limited access for residents and school traffic.
• West 57th Avenue will be closed between Webster and Upham streets.
• Grandview Avenue will be closed between Vance Street and Saulsbury Court with limited access for residents.

Roads also will be closed on Sept. 7 to accommodate the parade. Roads include:

• Ralston Road will be closed from Independence St. to Olde Wadsworth Boulevard with limited access for parade participants and area residents and businesses.
• Allison Street will be closed from West 57th Avenue to Ralston Rd.
• West 57th Avenue will be closed from Independence to Allison streets with limited access for parade participants and area residents.
• Side streets connecting to Ralston Road and West 57th Avenue will be closed with limited access for residents.

ENHANCED FESTIVAL SAFETY

The city of Arvada is planning enhanced safety precautions this year which includes heavier barriers in some places, as well as barricades to limit traffic in the festival area while still allowing for emergency access during the event. The precautions are designed to have a minimal impact to the event, the city said.