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6 Best Winter Festivals In Denver, Colorado

The National Western Stockshow is held every January in Denver.

Baby, it’s Colorado Cold outside. Rodeo and Livestock, Art, Food, Music, Parades and Green Beer are just a few reasons to get together from January to March for the annual winter festivals in Denver, Colorado.

Held every January, the National Western Stockshow is an annual winter festival in Denver, Colorado
Held every January, the National Western Stockshow is one of the best winter festivals in Denver, Colorado

From rodeos to leprechauns, these are the 6 best winter festivals in Denver, Colorado.

From rodeos to leprechauns, these are the 6 best winter festivals in Denver, Colorado

1. National Western Stock Show, Rodeo and Horse Show

Channel your inner cowboy by attending Denver’s annual National Western Stock Show, Rodeo and Horse Show, held each January since 1906.

The National Western Stock Show & Rodeo includes the ode to the Old West with its stock show portion, literally a chance to view dozens of breeds of animals including alpacas.
The National Western Stock Show & Rodeo includes the ode to the Old West with its stock show portion, literally a chance to view dozens of breeds of animals including alpacas.

One of the world’s largest indoor rodeos, this 2-week event takes over the National Western Complex housing thousands of animals in its stockyards while hosting nightly rodeo performances, including the popular Mexican Rodeo and PBR Bull Riding.

And don’t forget to take in the Stock Show, which is actually based upon its original Old West purpose to demonstrate better breeding and feeding techniques to area stockmen.

Hundreds of western-themed booths line the complex. The event kicks off with the annual downtown Rodeo Parade, driving Texas Longhorn cattle through the streets of downtown Denver.

Tickets to these events on sale at National Western Rodeo tickets.

The National Western Stockshow is held every January in Denver.
The National Western Stockshow is held every January in Denver.

2. Colorado Indian Market and Southwest Showcase

Every January brings the fun and festive Colorado Indian Market and Southwest Showcase to Denver, featuring three magical days of art, craft, song, dance, and culture. With more than 300 artists presenting their work, dozens of performers, and dazzling costumes at every turn, the Indian Market is a great way to get acquainted with Native American traditions. Click here for details.

3. Martin Luther King Marade (March and Parade)

Denver hosts another annual January event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This combination march and parade (marade) is the largest in the United States. It begins at City Park through Civic Center Park, ending at the Colorado State Capitol Building to commemorate Dr. King’s life.

4. Denver Restaurant Week

Get ready for a 10-day food coma. Denver Restaurant Week is a February culinary celebration of the Mile High City’s restaurants. Hundreds of Metro Denver’s top restaurants participate Try out some of Denver’s top restaurants during the 16th annual Denver Restaurant Week, Feb. 21 to March 1, 2020. Multi-course dinners will be available at three tasty price points: $25, $35 or $45.

Ready to be inspired at your next restaurant? Preview Denver Restaurant Week’s menus and then try something different in Denver.

Denver Restaurant Week is so popular that it's now a bi-annual event. The first is an annual winter festival, a 7-day fun foodie experience, starting at the end of February.
Denver Restaurant Week is an annual winter festival, a 7-day fun foodie experience, starting at the end of February. Restaurant week often includes a stop at the popular Linger Restaurant, located in Denver’s Lower Highlands neighborhood.

Need more foodie inspiration? We got you covered, whether it’s during Denver’s Restaurant Week, or you just need a night out experiencing the Mile High City’s culinary scene.

5. St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Denver

The luck of the Irish will be with you when you attend downtown Denver’s annual St. Patrick’s Day, the largest west of the Mississippi with more than 200,000 parade fans! Let your Irish roots show during the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the largest west of the Mississippi. You’ll join 200,000 “Irishmen” when the sidewalks of Blake Street turn green with St. Patty’s Day pride.

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.

6. Denver March Powwow

Cultural celebrations at the annual Denver March Powwow. Photo courtes: Denver March Powwow Facebook page
Cultural celebrations at the annual Denver March Powwow. Photo courtesy: Denver March Powwow Facebook page

Yet another cultural event is the 3-day Denver March Powwow, honoring the heritage of American Indians. This event is the largest of its kind in the country welcoming nearly 2,000 tribal dancers representing 100 tribes from 38 states and three Canadian provinces. The experience is packed with Native American cultural experiences and an ideal outing for families.

And of course, you don’t want to neglect Colorado’s favorite past time – skiing and other snowy past times in Rocky Mountains, where every day is a winter festival.

From rodeos to Native Americans, St. Patrick's Day to culinary festival, 6 best winter festivals in Denver. #Denverwinterfestivals #Denverwinter #DenverColorado #familyvacation #multigentravel