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 (anyone else learn what a snow squall is this year?), but temperatures are finally starting to shift. It's been in the high 60s all week and March isn't even over yet!
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 Spring & Summer Staples
Red Rocks Prepares For Another Summer Of Shows
Red Rocks season is in full swing! Check out the 2024 schedule here. Notable shows in the 2024 summer season include Dom Dolla, Wiz Khalifa, Hippo Campus, Trevor Noah, and so many more!!).
Baseball's Back In Full Swing
Denver folks are excited to spend their afternoons at Coors Field, starting with opening day on April 5th, 2024. Make sure to checkout the rooftop bar for sweeping views of the city and the Rocky Mountains.
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.
With locations all over the greater Denver Area, you may have eaten Little Man Ice Cream without even knowing it. A Denver staple when it comes to everyone's favorite summer treat, make sure to make a pit stop at the legendary milk bucket location in LoHi.
Spring-Lovin’ Special Events For everyone
A Whiskey Affair
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Denver
What: Enjoy an exclusive evening of upscale vices. Indulge in select whisk(e)y flights and craft cocktails, appetizers and light bites expertly paired with your whisk(e)y. Retire to the patio to enjoy a cigar or stay inside for whisk(e)y-infused house-made truffles. All guided and encouraged by ambassadors from world-renowned distilleries. Thru March 27, 2024; Wednesdays 6 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Winter Park
What: Don't miss the sixth annual TheBigWonderful at Winter Park Resort, featuring BEER FEST, Bluegrass & BAZAAR from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.! Bigger than ever before, TheBigWonderful will feature 15+ local breweries serving unlimited samples from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy live bluegrass while shopping at 30+ Colorado makers featuring a wide range of outdoor apparel, locally-made jewelry, unique gifts and more! The shopping & live music portion of this event is free to the public and open to all-ages.
Made By Us Markets
Where: RiNo, in the Lot on Larimer
What: Made By Us curated vendor and artist events will be in RiNo, in the Lot on Larimer, on the first Saturday of every month from April through October from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. right next to the Denver Central Market! Events are always free to attend, and there's always a great group of vendors, food and music. April–October, 2024; First Saturday of the month
Where: Boulder
What: Happening May 24th-27th, 2024, 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!
CO SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS
Five Points Jazz Festival
Where: Five Points neighborhood
What: Five Points Jazz Festival is a free, all-day event held annually in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood. Once known as the Harlem of the West, Five Points was home to several jazz clubs that played host to many of jazz music's legends, including Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and many more! Along Welton Street, residents and visitors groove to the music while exploring a culturally diverse collection of food, shopping and entertainment. Happening June 8, 2024.
The Denver Ska Fest
Where: Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA)
What: The Denver Ska Fest will feature Goldfinger, Less Than Jake & Five Iron Frenzy with The Planet Smashers, The Potato Pirates, Kill Lincoln, Joystick! and Sorry Sweatheart live at Sculpture Park at Denver Performing Arts Complex. This year on June 15, 2024.
Juneteenth Music Festival
Where: Five Points Neighborhood
What: Juneteenth Music Festival is the nation's signature Juneteenth event. The Historic Five Points Neighborhood hosts the celebration, which has expanded immensely, from a very little-known piece of American history to a nationally celebrated holiday. Find the tunes on June 15–16, 2024.
Edgewater Music Festival
Where: Citizen's Park, Edgewater
What: On June 22nd, enjoy great barbeque and great music, all to benefit affordable housing in our community. Tickets are $10 and support Habitat Metro Denver's affordable housing programs across the city!
MOre Colorado Summer Traditions
Where: Casa Bonita
What: This legendary Colorado building and nostalgic staple for many locals has gotten a major facelift. The new owners, Trey Parker and Matt Stone (CU Boulder graduates and CO legends themselves), clearly put a lot of love and effort into the revamp, from the hilarious South Park vibes to the fresh aesthetic and improved food menu. Grab a tasty margarita from one of the many bars before catching a dive or magic show!
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: 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: 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.
Photo by Kristina Iodice, 303 Magazine
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...
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.
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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