(Updated March 2023)
Here in Colorado, we’re used to spring showing up on a delayed schedule as compared to other climates around the US. This year has tested even the biggest winter lover’s patience, but temperatures are finally starting to shift
We would not be surprised if it dumps one final blizzard over the next few weeks, but the feeling around Cheesman Park these days is that spring has sprung. Get excited for warm days again with this list of Denver spring activities! Know of something we missed? Leave us a comment and we’ll add it to the list.
Denver Summer Staples
Red Rocks Prepares For Another Summer Of Shows
Red Rocks season is in full swing! Check out the 2023 schedule here. Notable shows in the 2023 summer season include Trevor Hall on Sunday, April 30th, All Time Low on Tuesday, May 23rd, Lord Huron on May 31st and June 1st, Oliver Tree on June 20th, Trampled by Turtles on July 13th, Joe Bonomassa on August 6th, and Brandi Carlile on September 8th & 9th (and so many more!!).
Baseball's Back In Full Swing
When the Rockies returned after their Covid hiatus to win their season opener to the Dodgers a few seasons back, the game was by far the largest public gathering in Colorado since the pandemic, allowing 21,000 fans to once again fill seats at Coors Field. Fast forward and it feels mostly normal again to attend sporting events, maybe a little less novel than in 2021, but Denver folks are still excited to spend their afternoons at Coors Field, starting with opening day on April 6th, 2023.
Civic Center Eats
Every Wednesday and Thursday From May through September from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Civic Center Eats transforms Civic Center Park into a lunchtime extravaganza with Denver's best food and fashion trucks and live music. Savor a variety of cuisines while supporting our city's small local business scene and the Civic Center Conservancy's mission to restore and enhance Civic Center Park, Denver's only National Historic Landmark.
Spring-Lovin’ Outdoor Activities That Anyone Can Enjoy
Mile High Beer Fest
Where: Stockyards Event Center
What: Can't wait for summer to start celebrating warmer days? The Mile High Beer Fest is back on April 1st, 2023 with the some of the best craft beers in the state of Colorado! Get your friends together for an evening of unlimited beer samples from more than 30 local breweries.
Where: Winter Park
What: This live music event happening over several summer dates also has craft beer and cocktails, festival shopping, and a mobile food cart. Decide which music session you’d like to see, and bring a friend and a lawn chair to this super fun event. If you opt for the more expensive “Open Bar” ticket, some food and beverages are included in your ticket. This year, also on April 1st.
Carson Nature Center and South Platte Park
Where: Littleton
What: South Platte Park is a sprawling sanctuary with 880 acres of open space along the South Platte River. From fishing to kayaking, you can also take classes, hire a naturalist for custom presentations or training, or rent space in the park for a family event. Not far from home, this hidden gem is a great spot to visit all year long.
The Hudson Garden And Event Center
Where: Littleton
What: We absolutely love Denver Botanic Gardens, a city staple for tourists and locals, but try visiting the more intimate Hudson Gardens in Littleton. Explore their newly finished River Integration project, which added a new entry point and connecting trails near the South Platte River along a beautiful boardwalk. Whatever floats your boat, they have everything from painting classes, to outdoor yoga, to live concerts.
Where: Follow Wadsworth Boulevard (Highway 121) south of C-470 past Chatfield Reservoir
What: If you have not been before, Waterton Canyon is known for having some of the most beautiful scenery and wildlife of any area close to Denver. Hop on the bike for a ride through the canyon up to the Waterton Dam, or pack a picnic and enjoy the sounds of birds and water rushing by.
Where: Several locations throughout Denver (see link above)
What: If hitting the trails to beat the summer crowds is not exactly your cup of tea, Denver has a rich history of local farmer’s markets that are open all Springs & Summer long. We love the South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market, which starts up again the first weekend May and usually runs through early October. Grab a fresh smoothie, local goods, or as much produce as your heart desires and call it a day.
Where: Boulder
What: Happening May 26th-29th, 2023, the Boulder Creek Festival touts live music, a marketplace, local culinary vendors, and activities for the whole family. Enjoy spreading out on the grass or walking the path along the river. Boulder really knows how to have a good time, and the Boulder Creek Fest is no exception to that. Take a quick yoga class, ride the Ferris wheel, or make your way down the river in a giant plastic floating ball!
Where: Larkspur, Colorado (Just south of Castle Rock in I-25)
What: A classic Colorado event, the Renaissance Festival returns Saturdays And Sundays Only, June 17th-August 6th in 2022! Bring sunscreen, an appetite, and a medieval disposition to get the most out of this jolly festival, with shopping, live shows, traditional festival food, and more. Pro-tip: go to any King Soopers and ask the customer service desk for tickets to the festival and you can get a slight discount for you and yours.
Indoor Experiences + Colorado Summer Traditions
Where: 5 Locations Across the Greater Denver Area (Baker, Boulder, Golden, Englewood, and RiNo)
What: This modern, all inclusive climbing gym has walls to accommodate beginners to experts honing their climbing craft. You can make a reservation for you and a few friends and check out everything they have to offer.
Where: Museums all over Denver and the greater metro area
What: Follow this link to see all of the free days this year for museums and places around Denver including the Denver Zoo, the Molly Brown House, and the Colorado Railroad museum. Need more details on museum visits in CO? Read our full post on all of the fantastic museums in the area.
Where: Estes Park
What: Estes Park has hosted its annual river duck race every first Saturday in May since 1989. In order to support the local charities of the Estes Valley, the event has grown into a beloved Colorado tradition. Sponsor a duck on the water, or sign up to watch the event and support CO non-profits! The event is happening Saturday, May 6th, 2023!
Where: Downtown Denver
What: A great place to escape on a hot (or rainy) summer's day. If you still haven't been to Denver's latest mega art-installation, Meow Wolf creates “immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration.” Including art installations, video and music production, and extended reality content, Meow Wolf Denver is an interactive museum and art space, and the latest installation to join Meow Wolf Santa Fe and Meow Wolf Las Vegas. Be prepared for the ultimate weirdness...
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Take a look at this list of other Denver festivals and events happening throughout the Spring and Summer.
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If you have any questions about living, working or playing any of the areas we serve, please contact us. We are happy to help. Seize the day, every day, that’s what we say!