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Denver Events Not to Miss – From January to December

Linger is one of the Mile High's popular restaurants that participate in Denver Restaurant Week. Photo credit: VISIT DENVER

No matter the month or season, there is always something exciting happening in Denver! When you want to know what’s happening in Denver events this week, check out our updated list below, and get ready for some Mile High fun and adventures. Read on for the most popular annual celebrations and community Denver events not to miss — and get ready to enjoy the best Colorado vacation.

Looking for things to do in Denver? Read all about these Denver events not to miss. Photo credit: VISIT DENVER
Looking for things to do in Denver? Read all about these Denver events not to miss. Photo credit: VISIT DENVER

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Annual Denver Events Not To Miss

From the annual National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in January to the 9News Parade of Lights Weekend in December, with help from our Denver Party Bus partner, we compiled this list of annual Denver events not to miss.

Local Tip: Not looking forward to dealing with traffic or securing a good parking spot? Leave that responsibility to the professionals! Party buses and limos Denver will pair you with the right driver and vehicle to enhance your fun without emptying your pocketbook.

January – Denver Events not to Miss

National Western Stock Show, Rodeo & Horse Show

Longhorn steer leave Union Station at the beginning of the National Western Stock Show Parade in downtown Denver. Photo Credit: Steve Crecelius & VISIT DENVER
Longhorn steer leave Union Station at the beginning of the National Western Stock Show Parade in downtown Denver. Photo Credit: Steve Crecelius & VISIT DENVER

The National Western Stock Show is the first major rodeo of the year, held annually in January since 1906. Grab your cowboy boots and don your cowboy hat for a fun-filled, family friendly 16-day festival that is much more than a rodeo. Considered the Super Bowl of livestock shows, this Denver tradition brings thousands of spectators from all over the world to view cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and poultry competing for ribbons and prize money.

Every day includes fun activities from mule pulls to cutting-horse contests. Other popular sell-out events include the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, Professional Bull Riders (PBR) evening shows, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) sanctioned rodeos.  Bundle up and head to downtown for the National Western Parade, an actual cattle drive through the streets of downtown Denver.

February – Denver Events Not to Miss

SnowBall Gala

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun out in Denver. The Shining Stars Foundation hosts this fundraiser at the Colorado History Museum downtown, and it raises funds for the Winter Games in March. The theme changes each year, last year it was Brazilian.

March – Denver Events Not to Miss

Denver Restaurant Week

Hands down my favorite foodie experience is the annual Denver Restaurant Week, returning in 2023, March 3-12.

Linger is one of the Mile High's popular restaurants that participate in Denver Restaurant Week. Photo credit: VISIT DENVER
Linger is one of the Mile High’s popular restaurants that participate in Denver Restaurant Week. Photo credit: VISIT DENVER

Why is it so amazing? First of all, the local chefs and restaurants in Denver are simply fantastic. Many Denver area chefs snag nominations and awards, including the prestigious James Beard Foundation.  This is your chance to sample these yummy delights showcasing Denver’s fine dining, global cuisine, gourmet food halls and markets, and local and fresh ingredients including Colorado beef and green chile.

And the best part? Denver Restaurant Week allows guests to explore hundreds of its top restaurants and three price points: $25, $35, and $45 for a three-course meal.

So what are you waiting for?

Located on Market Street in downtown Denver, Nallen's Irish Pub is an always popular pub, especially during St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Located on Market Street in downtown Denver, Nallen’s Irish Pub is an always popular pub, especially during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

St Patrick’s Day Parade

More than 200,000 fans attend downtown Denver’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the largest west of the Mississippi. Let your Irish roots show — even if you don’t have Irish heritage– and get in on the fun to celebrate this holiday! Enjoy unique local floats, stagecoaches, marching bands, and other live entertainment in downtown Denver.

April – Denver Events Not to Miss

Whether a baseball fan or not, opening day of Colorado Rockies in April is always one of many Denver events not to miss.
Whether a baseball fan or not, opening day of Colorado Rockies in April is always one of many Denver events not to miss.

Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza

If you’re a fan of whisky, this event is right up your alley. In past years, this event has been held at the Brown Palace Hotel, and in 2019, Four Seasons Denver is the host. There are usually over 80 whisky samples from around the world that guests can enjoy, and they’re all super high quality.

Colorado Rockies Opening Day

Whether a fan of baseball or not, Colorado Rockies opening day in April is always a favorite. Show up early for the pre-game festivities and then make your way to Coors Field in time for the first pitch.

May – Denver Events Not to Miss

One of the largest in the U.S., annually in May, the Denver celebration of Cinco de Mayo includes a parade. Photo credit: Denver Cinco de Mayo
One of the largest in the U.S., annually in May, the Denver celebration of Cinco de Mayo includes a parade. Photo credit: Denver Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo

Did you know Denver’s Cinco de Mayo parade is considered the biggest in the country? It is known for bringing over 400,000 people to Civic Center Park each year with hundreds of vendor booths selling amazing food, clothing, crafts, home goods, and art. And admission is free!

June – Denver Events Not to Miss

Participants and onlookers of the Denver Pridefest parade in downtown Denver. Photo credit: Evan Semon
Participants and onlookers of the Denver Pridefest parade in downtown Denver. Photo credit: Evan Semon

PrideFest

This wholesome community event is a great way to meet like-minded people and enjoy summer in the Mile High City. Denver PrideFest parade starts in the morning and is followed by the festivities like live music and entertainment as well as food and drink vendors from the area.

July – Denver Events Not to Miss

Summer Brew Fest

Don’t miss out on this celebration of beer! This Summer Brew Fest event usually happens in Mid July and is thrown at the Mile High Station. There will be nearly 50 state and local brewery companies here with over 125 craft beer choices to sip on with friends. Proceeds benefit the Swallow Hill Music Association.

August – Denver Events Not to Miss

Fans of pro bicycling racing will enjoy the Colorado Classic, an annual August event in Denver. Photo: Colorado Classic
Fans of pro-bicycling racing will enjoy the Colorado Classic, an annual August event in Denver. Photo: Colorado Classic

Colorado Classic & Velorama Festival

Fans of pro bicycle racing will want to add this annual event to their list. The Colorado Classic takes full advantage of the state’s beautiful scenery with a 4-day epic race starting in Vail and ending in Denver, featuring some of the world’s best female and male competitors.  After the race, the celebration continues with the Velorama Festival in Denver’s RiNo district featuring live music, craft beer, food, and bicycle-themed fun.

Colorado State Fair

While the Colorado State Fair doesn’t take place in Denver, this annual event is worth the drive to Pueblo. It lasts for around 11 days, so you have ample time to come out and have fun. There will be concerts, a petting zoo, comedians, horse shows, tractor pulls, and more.

Jeffco Fair & Festival

Looking for a local fair?  Located west of Denver at the Jeffco Fairgrounds in Golden, the Jeffco Fair & Festival is also an annual event in August.  Check it out here.

September – Denver Events Not to Miss

Children eating corn on the cob during Taste of Colorado festival Photo credit: Evan Semon and VISIT DENVER
Children eating corn on the cob during Taste of Colorado festival. Photo credit: Evan Semon and VISIT DENVER

Taste of Colorado

Each Labor Day weekend in September, Civic Center Park in downtown Denver gets local with its annual Taste of Colorado.  Sample appetizers, entrees and desserts from more than 50 Colorado’s restaurants and food trucks.

In addition, the festival hosts dozens of local bands and guests can shop at over 175 arts and craft booths, while families can enjoy a Kids Zone experience with arts, crafts & a children’s entertainment stage. Admission is free to explore during the three-day weekend, with tickets available to taste and sip.

Great American Beer Festival & Denver Beer Fest

Celebrate America’s favorite brews during the annual Great American Beer Festival® (GABF) returns to Denver’s Colorado Convention Center each September. The granddaddy of all U.S. beer festivals offers the largest collection of U.S. beer ever assembled, all served in single-ounce tasting portions. And this beer festival sells out quickly (usually within hours), so if you want to attend, be sure to be ready to purchase online.  If you’re one of the unlucky ones without the golden GABF ticket, don’t worry. Denver brings all its local brews together with with the annual Denver Beer Fest.

October – Denver Events Not to Miss

Channel your inner "undead" during the annual Denver Zombie Crawl in October.
Channel your inner “undead” during the annual Denver Zombie Crawl in October. Photo: Pixabay

Denver Zombie Crawl

Fans of Walking Dead and Halloween shenanigans can channel their inner “undead” with the annual Denver Zombie Crawl. For over a decade, Denver has celebrated the tradition in which citizens share the excitement in the fun and scary holiday season by dressing up as the undead, sharing local Killer Deals, and zombie parties. Planned by those who know the season the best, the Denver Zombie Crawl is a legendary, must-attend, October event.

November – Denver Events Not to Miss

Denver Arts Week

People enjoying the art displayed during Denver Arts Week. Photo: VISIT DENVER
People enjoying the art displayed during Denver Arts Week. Photo: VISIT DENVER

This November annual event in Denver celebrates the city’s vibrant arts community during Denver Arts Week.  The city-wide celebration occurs throughout Denver at its neighborhood art districts,  various galleries, museums, and theaters.

Denver Arts Week also includes the always popular Night At The Museums, with free admission to several of Denver’s amazing museums.

December – Denver Events Not to Miss

During the holiday season the City & County building is lit up with festive lights Photo credit: VISIT DENVER
During the holiday season, the City & County building is lit up with festive lights, one of Denver events not to miss.
Photo credit: VISIT DENVER.

Downtown Denver comes alive during the holidays, and what is more beautiful than holiday lights and snow?  Discover all that and more during the month of December in downtown Denver. Shop til you drop on the 16th Street Mall.  Be sure to stop by the City and County Building to view the most amazing holiday lights that you can imagine.

9 News Parade of Lights

One of metro Denver’s most popular annual events is the 9NEWS Parade of Lights. This family-friendly and FREE Colorado tradition is a two-mile parade route in Downtown Denver.

New Year’s Eve in Denver

From family-friendly celebrations to fine dining, Denver is THE place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. And New Year’s Eve would not be complete without amazing fireworks.  Denver offers two fireworks shows, the earlier show at 9 p.m, is perfect for a family friendly New Year’s Eve, while the more traditional midnight fireworks are perfect for adults.

For the best view, stand along the 16th Street Mall and get ready to enjoy an 8-minute show synched to a music playlist from live DJs along the mall, who will also play from 8pm-12midnight.

Looking for a romantic New Year’s Eve dinner?

Read more -> 6 Best Winter Festivals in Denver

Denver Events not to Miss, from annual rodeo to parades to fireworks #Denverevents #DenverColoradoevents #thingstodoindenver

 

When planning to attend Denver events, be sure to consider a company like Denver Party Buses. It can be surprising how much transportation can impact the quality of your time in the city. When you’re not worrying about traffic, parking, and finding directions, you’re better able to focus on the experience at hand. Plus, it’s the responsible thing to do if you plan on drinking.

Disclaimer: Thanks to our partner Denver Party Buses for sponsoring this post. Opinions expressed are my own.

2 thoughts on “Denver Events Not to Miss – From January to December”

  1. Zombie Crawl?! Oh my goodness! I had no idea Denver had all these events! I was briefly there this summer but clearly need to come back soon.

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