Denver’s Biggest Events for 2026

Elitch Holidays (Thru Jan. 4, 2026) – This family-friendly event brings larger-than-life holiday displays and immersive experiences for all to enjoy. It features millions of dazzling lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, twinkling snowmen who never melt, a 300-foot-long candy cane tunnel, giant presents and ornaments, a wall of lights, rides on Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park attractions, interactive activities like a light-up hopscotch, strolling holiday entertainers, Old Saint Nick and his elves, and more. 

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo (Jan. 10–25, 2026) – Held every January at the National Western Complex, it's the nation's premier livestock, rodeo and horse show, serving agricultural producers and consumers throughout the world. Enjoy rodeos featuring top-notch bull riders, horse shows, livestock competitions and auctions. And don’t miss acres of shopping at Colorado’s largest Western trade show. 

Blossoms of Light (Thru Jan. 12, 2026) – Celebrate the holiday season with a dazzling and ever-changing display of light and color.

Martin Luther King Marade (Jan. 19, 2026) – This annual event, combining both a march and a parade (hence the name), is the only one of its kind in the nation. It honors Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.

Rockies Fest (Jan. 24, 2026) – Get ready for a full day of purple-powered fun! Meet your favorite players, coaches and front office staff during autograph and Q&A sessions, check out the Family Feud Game Show featuring players and fans, shop unbeatable deals at the Garage Sale, and let the kids test their table tennis skills in the Kids Zone against a Rockies player. And there's much more.

The Secret World of Elephants (Thru Jan. 25, 2026) – Enter The Secret World of Elephants at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to discover the remarkable science behind nature’s most lovable giants. How do elephants “hear” with their feet? What animals are their closest living relatives? How have elephants and humans coexisted for thousands of years? Through hands-on interactions, you will feel the low-frequency rumbles elephants use to communicate, explore how they reshape their environments and come face-to-face with some of their ancestors, including dwarf elephants.

Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks (Feb. 7, 2026) – It's a hip-hop and soul extravaganza for the annual concert's 20th anniversary! The only winter concert at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre features a hip-hop-heavy lineup: BigXthaPlug, Smino, Mick Jenkins and PawPaw Rod. You'll quickly forget about the cold.

Denver Restaurant Week (March 6–15, 2026) – For more than two decades, Visit Denver's Denver Restaurant Week has been serving up a much-anticipated experience for locals and visitors alike to celebrate the city’s thriving culinary scene. You can dine at Michelin-recognized restaurants and eateries helmed by James Beard Award-winning chefs.

No Man's Land Film Festival (March 7, 2026) – The premier all-woman and gender-nonconforming adventure film festival has been celebrating the full scope of athletes and adventurers by un-defining femininity in adventure, sport and conservation since 2015.

Cardi B at Ball Arena (March 9, 2026) – Cardi B has finally returned to the spotlight with her long-awaited sophomore project, "Am I the Drama?," her first record in seven years. The Little Miss Drama Tour, as it has been dubbed, is her first major solo outing aside from the occasional festival performance since 2019. 

World's Largest Dinosaurs (March 20–Sept. 7, 2026) – Size affects just about everything an animal does: eating, breathing, moving and reproducing. This traveling exhibition goes beyond bones and into the bodies of sauropods, the biggest land animals ever, to take a look at how these titans pulled it off. Find out how scientists study fossils and living animals to understand sauropod biology; how heart rate, respiration, metabolism and reproduction are linked to size; and what we can learn from these extinct animals about what it means to be big. 

Denver March Powwow (March 20–22, 2026) – Since 1984, the heritage of American Indians has been celebrated in Denver every year at the March Powwow, one of the largest events of its kind in the country.

Inaugural Summit FC Match (March 28, 2026) – The journey begins as the Colorado’s women’s professional soccer club plays its inaugural match at Empower Field at Mile High. 

Colorado Rockies Home Opener (April 3, 2026) – What would spring be without baseball? Don’t miss the annual return of the Colorado Rockies to Coors Field!

Raye at the Fillmore Auditorium (April 6, 2026) – Soul-pop phenom Raye has built a formidable following after departing from her dancefloor topline roots and embracing ‘40s nostalgia and updating it with modern flair and prose. That creative pivot ensured a Best New Artist Grammy nomination and groundbreaking performances at BST Hyde Park as well as Coachella. 

Denver Jazz Fest (April 9–12, 2026) – This four-day inaugural event will establish Denver as a major jazz destination. Denver Jazz is a Colorado nonprofit corporation that will engage the Front Range community through diverse regional, national and international jazz performances and educational programs. Denver Jazz Fest will take place annually in April as a celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month.

Twice at Ball Arena (April 14, 2026) – The nine-piece K-pop outfit, Twice, continues their world domination, expanding their wildly successful This Is For World Tour that included a well-publicized headline performance at this year’s Lollapalooza. As with most K-pop concerts, expect a sensory overload of harmonies, large-scale choreographed dance routines and of course, the over-the-top production.

Colorado Rapids 30th Anniversary Match Featuring Lionel Messi (April 18, 2026) – Lionel Messi visits Denver as the Colorado Rapids mark 30 years since their inaugural home match in 1996. The anniversary matchup against Inter Miami CF takes place at Empower Field at Mile High, celebrating three decades of professional soccer in Colorado and bringing one of the sport’s biggest names to the Mile High City.

Mile High Asian Food Week (April 26–May 3, 2026) – This week-long culinary celebration highlights Colorado's growing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community.

Lewis Capaldi at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (April 28 and 29, 2026) – The heartwarming return of Lewis Capaldi is upon us. After his devastating diagnosis of Tourette syndrome and the increased pressure of maintaining his ability to perform, taking a mental and physical toll on the artist, it was uncertain when and whether Capaldi would be able to resume his life as a touring artist. Fortunately, it seems as though Capaldi has gotten to a place in his mental and physical health where he’s ready to return to the limelight.

Cinco de Mayo Festival (TBA 2026) – A weekend filled with food, fun and culture, this annual festival puts the spotlight on the Mile High City’s vibrant Latino population. With more than 300,000 attendees in Civic Center Park, it’s one of Denver's most fun and family-friendly events.

Demi Lovato at Ball Arena (May 6, 2026) – The ever-talented “Cool For The Summer” singer has genre-hopped in recent years, from balladry to hard rock anthems, and now the dance floor beckons with fresh air atop the boom of EDM culture. Watch out, because Demi’s got her groove back. 

Denver Colfax Marathon (May 16–17, 2026) – Denver's only marathon is much more than a marathon with seven races over two days, including a half-marathon. The full-length marathon follows seven miles of rivers, lakes and bridges.

Outside Days (May 28–31, 2026) – Now in its third year, celebrate the outdoors during this one-of-a-kind weekend festival that features live music, films, speakers and tons of gear. 

Fan Expo Denver (May 28–31, 2026) – Experience the ultimate fandom weekend of celebs, cosplay, comics, anime, gaming and so much more. 

Morgan Wallen at Empower Field at Mile High (May 29 and 30, 2026) – Pop-country megastar Morgan Wallen heads to two (no doubt) sold-out nights at Empower Field following the wildfire success of his newest album, "I’m The Problem." At this point, whether you're a fan of the often controversial singer or not, Wallen has a knack for creating massive cultural waves with his juggernaut music releases, massive concerts and large personality. That’s all to say, his "I’m Still The Problem Tour" will only be a problem if you’re not able to get tickets — good luck. 

Denver PrideFest (TBA 2026) – Denver PrideFest is an annual celebration of community and culture that is welcoming, inclusive and fun for all attendees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Juneteenth Music Festival (TBA 2026) – One of the nation’s largest Juneteenth celebrations, look for a parade, live performances, art, vendors and fun for the entire family.

Colorado Black Arts Festival (TBA 2026) – This free annual celebration honors African American art and culture in the historic City Park West neighborhood. Enjoy live music, art shows, a marketplace and food court.

Colorado Indian Market & Powwow (TBA 2026) – On the grounds of The Fort restaurant, Tesoro Cultural Center hosts an annual tribute to the American Indian tribes that shaped the cultural community of Old Bent’s Fort, an important fur trading post that operated along the Santa Fe Trail in the 1840s.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July 3–5, 2026) – This major arts festival offers a perfect opportunity to find inspiration, connect with others through art and expand your worldview.

Ed Sheeran at Empower Field at Mile High (July 4, 2026) – The king of loops is back in town on the Fourth of July for the aptly titled Loop Tour. Taking center stage for his impressive one-man stadium-filling loop extravaganza, Ed Sheeran brings his newest album, "Play," and his prior mathematics-themed albums to life in only the way he can.

Tyler Childers at Folsom Field (July 18, 2026) – Hot on the heels of releasing his seventh studio album, "Snipe Hunter," Childers is bringing his brand of country to the Flatirons in Boulder. Tagging along is special guest Jon Batiste (plus Evan Honer, Wednesday and Scott T. Smith), bringing positive vibes to an already happy place.

AC/DC at Empower Field at Mile High (July 28, 2026) – The legendary rock outfit is set to continue their "Power Up Tour," which began in 2025, through stadiums across the U.S. With a band of their caliber and the race against time and age, this very well could be the last time Denver gets a chance to see the “Hells Bells” group in their current form. 

Zach Bryan (Aug. 13–14, 2026) – The rising country singer-songwriter will be in Denver for two dates at the city's largest venue, Empower Field at Mile High. 

Savannah Bananas at Coors Field (Aug. 14–15, 2026) – “Banana Ball” is a fast-paced, action-packed style of baseball with rules that include a two-hour time limit, fans catching foul balls for outs and games that are won by points — not runs.

My Chemical Romance at Coors Field (Aug. 27, 2026) – The pivotal goth band reemerged in 2019 to roaring excitement that has led the “Black Parade” rockers to be bigger than they’ve ever been, leveling up from arena headliners to stadium giants.

Denver Food + Wine Festival (TBA 2026) – A multi-day extravaganza of food, wine and spirits. Need we say more?

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (TBA 2026) – Honor Asian culture with food, shopping, art and thrilling dragon boat races.

Westwood Chile Fest (TBA 2026) – This one-day event in the Westwood neighborhood celebrates Hispanic-centric cultures with a strong focus on authentic food and local arts.

Denver International Festival (TBA 2026) – Enjoy live music, food, beer, wine and art from around the world.

Denver Oktoberfest (TBA 2026) – From keg bowling to stein hoisting, live music and more, there’s something for everyone, split over two weekends.

Rush 50th Anniversary (Oct. 5 & 7, 2026) – The legendary Canadian rock band, Rush, is embarking on one last career-spanning reunion, celebrating 50 years as a group. 

Great American Beer Festival (Oct. 8–10, 2026) – It’s America’s favorite beer festival and cultural phenomenon that brings together 500 breweries and 2,000-plus beers over three days. 

Denver Arts Week (Nov. 6–13, 2026) – Hundreds of events, including the visual arts, music and comedy, showcase Denver’s creative scene. Plus, dozens of the city’s top cultural spots are open for free during Night at the Museums.

Denver Film Festival (TBA 2026) – Welcome to the largest film festival in the region, featuring international and local films at venues across the city.

Mile High Holidays (Nov. 26–Jan. 1, 2026) – During the holiday season, Denver will twinkle with millions of lights all across the city. Feel the warmth of family-friendly performing arts classics, find the perfect gifts and marvel at elaborate lights displays. No other city creates holiday miracles quite like Denver. Mile High Holidays has something for everyone.

Mile High Drone Shows (TBA 2026​) – For 41 magical nights, 600 drones will soar into the sky, creating breathtaking holiday-themed animations. See these dazzling displays from across the city every night at 7 p.m. for free. From Santa and his reindeer to iconic Denver landmarks like the Mile High Tree and Denver Union Station, each night will bring a new visual experience to life.

The Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity (TBA 2026​) – Denver’s holiday season will once again be illuminated by the spectacular Mile High Tree’s dazzling light and music show. Everyone's invited to get close and step inside this brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation that will be erected on the Great Lawn in Civic Center Park.

'A Christmas Carol'  (TBA 2026) – Essential to the holiday season in Denver, this joyous and opulent musical adaptation for the whole family traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption.

Colorado Ballet: 'The Nutcracker'  (TBA 2026) – The annual event returns to delight audiences of all ages with this timeless tradition that captures the festive spirit of the season, replete with mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums and a symphony of swirling snowflakes.

New Year's Eve (Dec. 31, 2026) – Celebrate the new year with your family by checking out fireworks, blockbuster museum exhibitions, stunning lights displays like Zoo Lights and art shows all over town. Plus, fireworks over downtown from two locations.