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Start planning now for exciting events and festivals in Denver. Scroll down our month-by-month list and choose from annual favorites, splashy debuts and exclusive showings. Make a night of it and take advantage of great hotel deals.
For more events and things to do, see our Denver 365 calendar.
Events by Month
August
Back to Top of List'Spamalot' (Aug. 11–23, 2026) – Based on the classic film, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," this dramatic live version features flying cows, killer rabbits and tons of international humor.
Toto, Christopher Cross and the Romantics (Aug. 22, 2026) – The late 1970s are back as a trio of powerhouses that formed during that era will rock Ball Arena.
Flock Party 2026 (Aug. 22, 2026) – Now in its seventh year, this all-inclusive event features curated culinary stations, signature cocktails, live music and unforgettable animal experiences — all in the company of real party animals.
Avenged Sevenfold and Good Charlotte (Aug. 23, 2026) – Heavy metal converges with punk rock for an epic extravaganza at Ball Arena.
Denver Food + Wine Festival (Aug. 26–29, 2026) – A multi-day extravaganza of food, wine and spirits. Need we say more?
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.
Chicago and Styx at Ball Arena (Aug. 28, 2026) – We did the math. These two classic rock bands have more than a century's worth of experience combined. Countless hits. Countless performances. While nothing can go on forever, see these rock heroes while they're still going strong.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (Aug. 29 & 30, 2026) – Honor Asian culture with food, shopping, art and thrilling dragon boat races.
John Fogerty at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (Aug. 31, 2026) – This legend, who had a string of hits with Creedence Clearwater Revival, along with acclaimed solo material, will be performing his greatest hits.
September
Back to Top of ListManá at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (Sept. 4 & 5, 2026) – Maná, the legendary Mexican rock outfit, is slated to bring it back to the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre for two consecutive nights following last year’s successful outing. The “Oye Mi Amor” and “Rayando el Sol” band are cross-general icons, and naturally, if you were lucky enough to be raised under their spell, Red Rocks will be the place to be once again this September.
Phish at Dick's Sporting Goods Park (Sept. 4–6, 2026) – Phish returns to Dick's Sporting Goods Park for three nights over Labor Day weekend. As part of their Summer Tour ’26, the iconic jam band will bring their free-flowing, anything-can-happen live show to the soccer stadium in Commerce City.
38th Star: Colorado Becomes the Centennial State (through Sept. 6, 2026) – On Aug. 1, 1876, Colorado became the Centennial State — but it almost didn’t happen. It took five tries and more than 15 years for Colorado to become a state. This exhibition explores Colorado’s long road to statehood.
'Celestia' (through Sept. 6, 2026) – "Celestia" is a seated, multisensory arts experience that transforms Saint John’s Cathedral into a living canvas through a visually stunning and emotionally rich narrative of light, projection and music.
Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism (through Sept. 7, 2026) – Experience towering portrait sculptures at Denver Botanic Gardens, along with the artist's iconic seated figures, portrait busts and more. It's the first retrospective of the internationally acclaimed artist’s work in the United States.
'The Outsiders' (Sept. 8–27, 2026) – This classic coming-of-age story takes you to Tulsa, Okla., in 1967, where Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their family of Greaser “outsiders” dream about who they want to become in a world that will never accept them.
Sunnyside Music Festival (Sept. 12, 2026) – This free family-friendly music festival in the Sunnyside neighborhood keeps getting bigger each year, with various bands performing from noon to 7:30 p.m. The annual event at Chaffee Park supports local bands, businesses, artisans and youth organizations through year-round programming.
Denver Oktoberfest (Sept. 18–20 & Sept. 25–27, 2026) – From keg bowling to stein hoisting, live music and more, there’s something for everyone, split over two weekends.
Andrea Bocelli at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (Sept. 20–21, 2026) – World-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli visits Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre for two nights. The milestone tour marks three decades since the release of “Romanza,” one of the best-selling classical albums of all time, in a venue famous for its powerful natural acoustics.
Bodies: The Science Within (Thru Sept. 20, 2026) – This national touring exhibition is starting in Denver. Go on a journey through real human specimens, carefully and respectfully preserved, uncovering the intricate systems that sustain life. This immersive experience reveals how our bodies work, what we are made of, and how we became who we are.
October
Back to Top of ListSkynets Over Downtown (Thru Oct. 1, 2026) – Created by Colorado-based artist Patrick Shearn and Poetic Kinetics, the Skynet Art Series has appeared around the world, most often in expansive natural settings such as parks, waterfronts and botanical gardens. Denver’s installations are uniquely woven into three active downtown spaces: Skyline Park, 16th Street at Glenarm Plaza and Denver Union Station. Made from thousands of hand-attached ribbons constructed from ultra-light material, each installation is kinetic, responding to changing wind and weather conditions. The materials will then be recycled by the artist, leaving behind shared memories and moments captured with the artwork.
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.
Doja Cat at Ball Arena (Oct. 8, 2026) – The Queen of Pop-Rap is heading back to the Mile High City.
Great American Beer Festival (Oct. 10–11, 2026) – It’s America’s favorite beer festival and cultural phenomenon that brings together 500 breweries and 2,000-plus beers over three days.
Oktoberfest – The Denver Wiesn (Oct. 16–18 and Oct. 22–25, 2026) – Authentic Bavarian tradition meets high-altitude Colorado fun! Hosted proudly by the Bavarian Guild, they're bringing the unstoppable energy and heartfelt spirit of Munich’s legendary festival straight to the Rocky Mountains.
The Moments That Made US (through Oct. 18, 2026) – A marquee exhibition featuring more than 40 artifacts that witnessed the moments that shaped the United States. See artifacts spanning eight centuries, including ceramics made by Ancestral Puebloan people long before Europeans arrived in North America, tobacco pipes used by the colonists in Jamestown, the spurs George Washington wore at Valley Forge, the inkwell used by Grant and Lee to sign the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House, Jackie Robinson’s bat, moon rocks from Apollo 11 and more.
Denver Film Festival (Oct. 22–Nov. 1, 2026) – One of the oldest film festivals in the country (going on 49 years) is returning for yet another encore with a new slate of films, stars and more.
November
Back to Top of ListDenver Arts Week (Nov. 6–15, 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.
Bright Nights at Four Mile (Thru Nov. 8, 2026) – Denver’s original lantern festival experience returns. Each year unveils a brand-new theme, fresh experiences and stunning new sculptures.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market (Nov. 19–Dec. 24, 2026) – The Cherry Creek North Holiday Market at Fillmore Plaza features more than 50 local artisan vendors, live music, and festive drinks and decor. The market is free, open to the public and family- and dog-friendly.
Denver Christkindlmarket (Nov. 20–Dec. 23, 2026) – The city’s only authentic German holiday market features lights, food, music and, of course, unique gifts. It will be located on the Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus.
Mile High Drone Shows (Nov. 20–Dec. 31, 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 (Nov. 20–Dec. 31, 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.
Journey at Ball Arena (Nov. 22, 2026) – Denver is among the last stops on the extended "Final Frontier" tour, and it's a special one with no opening act. In other words, it's all Journey playing the hits you want to hear, plus songs they haven't played in decades. Will this be the last tour for Journey? Maybe, maybe not.
'A Christmas Carol' (Nov. 25–Dec. 27, 2026) – Essential to the holiday season in Denver, "A Christmas Carol" is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation for the whole family that traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, the DCPA Theatre Company’s production is “a splendidly festive tradition” (BroadwayWorld) that illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.
Mile High Holidays (Nov. 26, 2026–Jan. 1, 2027) – 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.
Elitch Holidays (Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027) – 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.
Colorado Ballet: 'The Nutcracker' (Nov. 28–Dec. 27, 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.
December
Back to Top of List
9NEWS Parade of Lights (Dec. 5, 2026) – This free holiday spectacular features more than 40 units, including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, magnificent marching bands, traditional equestrian units and vibrant cultural displays. And, of course, special appearances by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa!
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.
January 2027
Back to Top of ListHarry Potter™: The Exhibition (Thru Jan. 3, 2027) – This magical exhibition celebrates all things "Harry Potter™" with many of your favorite moments, characters, settings and creatures from the film series, as well as the extended wizarding world. Get up close to authentic props and costumes, practice your Quidditch™ skills, pot a Mandrake and more in this unforgettable experience.
National Western Stock Show & Rodeo (Jan. 9–24, 2027) – 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 (TBA 2027) – Celebrate the holiday season with a dazzling and ever-changing display of light and color.
February 2027
Back to Top of ListIcelantic’s Winter on the Rocks (TBA 2027) – The only winter concert at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre features today's top acts. Stay tuned for the 2027 lineup.
March 2027
Back to Top of ListDenver Restaurant Week (TBA 2027) – 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.
Denver March Powwow (TBA 2027) – 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.
April 2027
Back to Top of ListColorado Rockies Home Opener (April 1, 2027) – What would spring be without baseball? Don’t miss the annual return of the Colorado Rockies to Coors Field as they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers!
Denver Jazz Fest (April 6–11, 2027) – 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.
Mile High Asian Food Week (TBA 2027) – This week-long culinary celebration highlights Colorado's growing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community.
May 2027
Back to Top of ListDenver Cinco de Mayo Festival (TBA 2027) – 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.
Denver Colfax Marathon (May 15–16, 2027) – 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 (TBA 2027) – 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.
June 2027
Back to Top of ListFan Expo Denver (July 2–5, 2027) – Experience the ultimate fandom weekend of celebs, cosplay, comics, anime, gaming and so much more.
Denver PrideFest (TBA 2027) – 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 2027) – 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 2027) – 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.
July 2027
Back to Top of ListCherry Creek Arts Festival (July 2–4, 2027) – This major arts festival offers a perfect opportunity to find inspiration, connect with others through art and expand your worldview.
For more events and things to do, see our Denver 365 calendar.