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.
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Annual Denver Events Not To Miss
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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
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.
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Such a useful list for anyone visiting Denver! So much to do!
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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