What's New

The Latest and Greatest in the Mile High City in 2026

Denver is an outdoor city with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and plenty of urban adventures for all ages. Explore the Mile High City’s farm-to-table cuisine, local craft breweries and unique live music venues like the famous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Visit the Denver Art Museum with its famous Indigenous art and Western art collections, see the giant blue bear public art sculpture, shop at Cherry Creek or get an authentic western shirt at the iconic Rockmount Ranch Wear. The opportunities are endless!

New & Notable Rankings

In May 2026, Sports Business Journal named Denver the No. 16 Best Sports Business City.
Denver International Airport (DEN) was recognized by Food & Wine as the No. 3 Top Airport for Food and Drink in May 2026.
Coors Field ranked No. 5 in USA Today's 10 Best Baseball Stadium Food in March 2026.
In March 2026, Denver ranked No. 10 in USA Today’s 10 Best Beer Cities for the second year.
Travel + Leisure named Denver the No. 7 best city in the U.S. for nightlife in February 2026.
Denver was ranked No. 7 in the country in USA Today’s 10 Best Cities for Street Art in February 2026.
In January 2026, Sport Business Journal announced that the Broncos placed No. 1 in the NFL’s Voice of the Fan survey for overall game-day experience and game entertainment. Additionally, the Broncos came in No. 2 in crowd energy and pregame on-field entertainment.
In December 2025, Billboard Magazine named Red Rocks Amphitheatre the No. 2 attended venue in the United States.
Pollstar Magazine named Red Rocks Amphitheatre the best-attended amphitheater of 2025 in December.
In December 2025, Denver was listed as No. 3 on Meetings Made Easy’s Top Meeting Destinations for 2025.
WalletHub ranked Denver one of the Most Fun Cities in America in December 2025.
In December 2025, WalletHub ranked Denver among the Top 20 Best Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve in the U.S.
In October 2025, USA Today ranked DEN as No. 2 for Best Airport for Dining, No. 2 for Best Airport for Shopping, No. 3 for Best Large Airport and No. 4 for Best Airport for Art. Additionally, the new Williams & Graham speakeasy was ranked No. 3 for Best Airport Bar.
Visit Denver and the Colorado Convention Center were both honored in the Northstar Stella Awards in September 2025. The Colorado Convention Center received the Gold Award for Best Convention Center in the Southwest region, and Visit Denver received the Silver Award for Best CVB/DMO in the Southwest region.
In September 2025, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival received the Gold Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) for the second consecutive year.
DEN was awarded the No. 1 Green Fleet of 2025 by NAFA Fleet Management Association for its outstanding efforts in reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainability within its fleet operations. (September 2025)
As of August 2025, DEN proudly holds the No. 1 spot in the nation for the most nonstop domestic destinations, making it the premier gateway to more U.S. cities than any other airport.
Denver ranks in the top five of America's most desirable cities, according to Clever Offers, which evaluates cities based on weather, crime rates, cost of living, housing costs, natural beauty and taxes. (August 2025)
In July 2025, DEN received the Airport of the Year award from the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC).
Denver was named the fourth best cycling city in the United States in a study by Buycycle. (June 2025)
In May 2025, Denver's city parks ranked No. 10 in the nation by Trust for Public Land's 2025 ParkScore Index.
Denver was named the No. 10 Top Meeting Destination in North America in May 2025.
In March 2025, The Westin Denver International Airport was voted No. 3 for Best Airport Hotels by readers of Newsweek.
In April 2025, TODAY named Denver as one of the best spring break destinations for 2025.
According to Airports Council International (ACI), DEN ranked as the third busiest airport in North America for the fourth year in a row and the sixth busiest airport in the world for the second year in a row. (April 2025)
Misterb&b’s Queer Safety Index ranked Denver No. 7 in the Top 30 Safest Cities for LGBTQ Travelers in 2025. (April 2025)
Denver ranked No. 6 in Betway's Top 10 Coolest Cities in the United States. (April 2025)
In April 2025, WalletHub ranked Denver No. 7 among the healthiest cities in the United States.
The Populus Hotel was named one of Time’s World’s Greatest Places in March 2025.
In March 2025, Visit Denver was recognized as Convention & Visitor Bureau of the Year by ConferenceDirect and acknowledged as the “BEST Convention & Visitors Bureau to work with.”
Great American Beer Festival was ranked No. 4 in USA Today's 10 Best Beer Festivals in March 2025.
River North (RiNo) Art District was ranked No. 9 in the country in USA Today’s 10 Best Art Districts in February 2025.
DEN has been named the Overall Winner at the Routes Americas 2025 Awards, as well as triumphing in the Over 20 Million Passengers category in February 2025.
In December 2024, Billboard Magazine named Red Rocks Amphitheatre the most attended amphitheater in the world and the most attended outdoor venue in the United States.
Denver was ranked No. 8 among the best cities for digital nomads by CoworkingMag in December 2024.
The Denver Christkindlmarket was ranked No. 4 in the country in USA Today’s 10 Best Holiday Markets in December 2024.
In December 2024, Denver’s Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity was ranked No. 5 in the country in USA Today’s Best Public Holiday Lights Displays.
WalletHub ranked Denver No. 13 among the Most Fun Cities in America in December 2024.
Denver was voted No. 1 for Best in Beer 2024 by the readers of Craft Beer & Brewing in November 2024.
In October 2024, Empower Field at Mile High was ranked #3 for Best NFL Stadium and #5 for Best NFL Stadium Food by USA Today.
In October 2024, Meetings Today named Visit Denver one of the best CVB's/DMO's in the West. They also named the Colorado Convention Center (CCC) one of the best convention centers in the United States.
Denver was ranked the 15^th most sustainable city in the U.S. by Coworking Café, recognized for its large number of green buildings and eco-friendly coworking spaces. (August 2024)
Google revealed its top 20 destinations that travelers have taken an interest in for any warm weather getaways, with Denver ranking #17. The list reflects people in the U.S. searching on Google Flights for travel anytime between June 1 through August 31, 2024. Google gathers insights from mid-January to mid-March from U.S. users to find out what travel-related queries are top of mind ahead of summer (April 2024)
The Events Industry Council announced that Visit Denver has achieved PLATINUM Level certification to the EIC Sustainable Event Standards. Denver is the first destination to achieve the highest level of certification (November 2023)
Kelly and Erika Whitaker, co-founders of Id Est Hospitality Group were awarded Outstanding Restaurateur by the James Beard Foundation in June 2024. Id Est Hospitality Group owns and operates six Denver-area restaurants, including Michelin-star winners Brutø and The Wolf’s Tailor.
In Men’s Journal’s 2024 Travel Awards, Denver took the No. 25 spot on a list of the "50 Best U.S. Vacation Destinations" (April 2024)
Travel + Leisure proclaimed Denver the cheapest place to travel in “20 Cheapest Places to Travel Around the World in 2024” (January 2024)

Hotels

In October 2025, the Michelin Guide revealed a brand new list of One, Two and Three Key hotels in the United States. Four Denver hotels were among properties in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York and Washington DC that received this distinction:

La Vista Denver is a new fully restored 1956 motor lodge that blends mid-century charm with modern comfort, offering a relaxed and nostalgic stay just minutes from Denver’s top attractions. With only 23 thoughtfully designed rooms, La Vista delivers an intimate, boutique experience that feels both retro and refreshed.

Just down the street, the new All Inn Hotel is now open as a 54-room bespoke hotel in Denver’s East Colfax neighborhood, pairing layered mid-century architecture with a coastal Mediterranean restaurant, All is Well lobby bar, and a sprawling outdoor wine garden designed for lingering and connection.

Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center has just completed a comprehensive $70 million transformation, coinciding with the hotel’s 20-year milestone in the heart of downtown Denver. The renovation introduces a full reimagination of its 1,100 guestrooms and suites alongside new and enhanced gathering spaces, designed to elevate both the guest and local experience.

The Curtis Hotel, downtown Denver, has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, covering all 13 themed floors of the hotel, including guest rooms, hyper-themed suites and meeting and event spaces. The redesign reflects the hotel’s playful style with new modern technology and features art curated by NINE dot ARTS. Each themed floor reflects a different concept, including a summer camp-inspired “Camp Curtis” floor, an arcade-focused “Level Up” floor and a “Knock on Wood” floor, known for its superstition-themed decor.

Populus at Civic Center Park, a new downtown hotel inspired by nature opened in Oct. 2024. The 265-room, 13-story hotel features an event space, multiple food and beverage venues, a rooftop deck and bar. Populus was noted as one of Times Magazine's World Greatest Places of 2025 , Esquire Magazine's Hotel of the Year 2025 and received One Michelin Key in October 2025.

Urban Cowboy, in the historic George Schleier Mansion in the heart of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, is the newest western outpost for the national hotel brand. With current locations in the Catskills and Nashville, this boutique hotel offers a luxurious western experience with a historical nod to Denver’s roots.

Culinary Scene

Michelin recognized more than 30 Denver restaurants in the third year of their Michelin Guide Colorado. The famously anonymous Michelin Guide inspectors honored a diverse range of restaurants across the city that exude culinary excellence. Denver joins Boulder, Aspen and Snowmass Village, the Town of Vail and Beaver Creek Resort in the Colorado Michelin Guide. More information about these restaurants and the Michelin Guide program are available on the Visit Denver website.

Two Michelin Star:

The Wolf’s Tailor (NEW!)

One Michelin Star:

Alma Fonda Fina
Beckon
Brutø
Kizaki (NEW!)
Margot (NEW!)
Mezcaleria Alma (NEW!)

Michelin Green Star:

Brutø
The Wolf’s Tailor

Bib Gourmand:

Ash’Kara
The Ginger Pig
Glo Noodle House
Hop Alley
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
MAKfam
Mister Oso
Tavernetta

Denver’s 2025 Recommended restaurants:

A5 Steakhouse
Alteño (NEW!)
Barolo Grill
Brasserie Brixton
Dio Mio
Guard and Grace
Hey Kiddo
Kawa Ni
Marco’s Coal Fired
Mercantile Dining and Provision
Olivia
Safta
Smok
Temaki Den
Ukiyo (NEW!)
Wildflower (NEW!)

Michelin Special Awards:

Michelin Outstanding Service Award (sponsored by Capital One Dining): Heather Morrison – Olivia
Michelin Young Chef (sponsored by Sysco): Aiden Tibbetts – Wildflower
Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award: Dustin Lawlor – Hop Alley

Kelly and Erika Whitaker, co-founders of Id Est Hospitality Group were awarded Outstanding Restaurateur by the James Beard Foundation in June 2024. Id Est Hospitality Group owns and operates six Denver-area restaurants, including Michelin-star winners Brutø and The Wolf’s Tailor.

On the heels of creating a community anchor with his first solo-restaurant concept, Marigold in Lyons, Colorado, James Beard Semifinalist Chef Theo Adley turns his attention to Denver as he debuts his second project, Heretik. Heretík captures the dynamic intersection of culinary traditions from Northeast Spain and Southern France, offering a thoughtfully composed selection of small plates that celebrate exceptional seafood and rotisserie cooking that honors American-raised heritage poultry breeds, with items like the French 'cou-nou' chicken, alongside guinea fowl, squab, duck and quail in regular rotations.

Michelin-starred Chef/Owner Johnny Curiel introduced his sixth restaurant to Denver in spring 2026. Milpero is Curiel's first tasting menu restaurant, with 16 seats and space for eight guests at a time, allowing Curiel and his team to engage with each group. Located in the RiNo neighborhood, the 18-course tasting menu stays true to Mexican tradition with deep respect for masa, showcasing the depth of his heritage.

Chef Tommy Lee, owner of the Michelin-recognized Hop Alley, and chef Michael Diaz de Leon, former chef at Bruto when it earned its first Michelin star, have joined forces to bring Denver one of the year’s most anticipated restaurants. Molino Chido, located in Stanley Marketplace, serves locally sourced, scratch-made tacos paired with bold spirits. Honoring the culture of Mexico City, the pair aim to bring the joy of shared tables and late-night bites to the Mile High City.

Opened May 2026 in the former Fruition space, chef Quincy Cherrett brings Madeline to life. Madeline embodies rustic elegance and a genuine sense of service, trading the formality of fine dining for the warmth of intentional hospitality. The menu blends the familiarity of bistro fare with seasonal American cooking, offering an unexpected delight.

Co-owners of the Michelin-recommended Restaurant Olivia, Ty Leon, Austin Caron and Heather Morrison, have opened a second concept at 3615 Delgany St. on the ground floor of The Current. Dear Emilia celebrates the flavors of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

Riot BBQ co-owners Manny Barella and Patrick Klaiber opened a new sister concept in Cherry Creek this spring. Chicken Riot is a love letter to chicken, bringing together the bold techniques of Texas barbecue with the traditions of Northern Mexico, where smoke and live fire shape the region’s culture.

After captivating Denver's culinary scene as a celebrated Monday night pop-up for over three years, Chef Justin Fulton's Margot has now found its permanent home at 1551 S Pearl St in Denver's historic South Pearl district. Sharing the space with Chef Toshi Kizaki's (Sushi Den, Izakaya Den) long-awaited solo omakase restaurant, Kizaki, Margot offers both a signature twelve-course tasting menu experience at the Chef's Counter (reservations required) and an expanded à la carte menu featuring contemporary American cuisine with global influences. Chef Fulton, a Colorado native trained at prestigious East Coast restaurants, opened Margot as a pop-up in 2022 before securing its full-time location in 2025. With a menu focused on seasonal Colorado ingredients, paired with natural wines, Japanese whiskeys, and signature cocktails, Margot combines sophistication and approachability in a welcoming setting.

Michelin-starred Chef/Owner Johnny Curiel opened his fifth restaurant in January 2026. Mar Bella Boqueria, a Spanish neo-bistro and wine bar, is located next to his concept that opened in March 2025, Alteño, in the Clayton Hotel and Members Club. He also recently opened Alteño in March 2025 at The Clayton Hotel. This creation pays homage to his Jaliscan Highland roots and traditions, incorporating a mix of heritage flavors and rustic preparations that spotlight the cuisine and culture of the iconic Los Altos de Jalisco.

Chef Harrison Porter made his solo debut this summer with the opening of Bear Leek in Denver's RiNo neighborhood. The name, inspired by the German word for "ramp," reflects Porter's playful food philosophy, which blends nostalgia with unexpected flavors drawn from his experiences in kitchens across New York City and Melbourne. The menu features inventive dishes like a French Onion Tartlet with caramelized onions and Schlossberger fondue.

On Friday, March 27, McGregor Square Food & Drink opened just in time for the return of Major League Baseball. Located just steps from Coors Field, diners can enjoy a variety of food and drink offerings from six different concepts:

Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta - A Denver classic serving pizza, hero sandwiches, fresh salads, hearty pasta dishes and savory desserts
C Burger - Regenerative smash burgers made from sustainably Colorado-raised beef, along with chicken sandwiches and bites, fries, onion rings and more
G-Que BBQ - Southern-style BBQ favorites including Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage and Chicken Wings, along with delicious sides like Mac & Cheese, Apple Slaw and Pit-Smoked Beans
High Point Creamery - Artisanal ice cream featuring a creative lineup of flavors locally made from scratch with high-quality ingredients
TaCo! - Authentic and colorful Mexican cuisine, including tacos, nachos, burritos and quesadillas
Tora Ramen - Offering a fresh take on traditional Japanese techniques, with Rice Bowls, Banh Mi, Noodles, Pho, Ramen and build-your-own Poke Bowls

Boombots Pasta Shop is a new fast-casual dining experience now open in the Sunnyside neighborhood. Created by Chef Cliff Blauvelt, it will offer inventive pasta dishes inspired by global flavors, with a focus on playful yet elevated ingredients. Blauvelt, who is the chef behind the renowned Odie B's, plans to create unique pasta dishes that blend traditional comfort food with innovative twists. His approach reflects his belief that pasta should be fun and approachable while still showcasing complex and bold flavors.

Adventure Time is Denver’s newest immersive cocktail bar. With rotating themes, guests are transported into unique worlds featuring floor-to-ceiling set design, interactive features and a curated cocktail menu.

Opened September 2025, F1® Arcade Denver brought a new food, drink and simulator racing experience to Denver's RiNo Arts District. It covers more than 15,000 square feet and features an outdoor terrace, as well as an island bar.

Austin's award-winning breakfast spot, Paperboy, made its debut in the West Highlands neighborhood, Paperboy features delicious brunch staples, a thoughtful beverage program and some fresh rotating specials that highlight local producers and seasonal ingredients.

Velvet Lasso is the Highlands’ newest coffee shop and bakery. Opened in February 2026, Velvet Lasso combines bakery vibes with a Western-themed setting and serves pastries, sandwiches, coffee and more.

The Peach Crease Club, opened in late 2025 in Denver's RiNo neighborhood, is set to become a standout on every best-new-bar list. Founded by Denver bartenders and husband-and-wife duo Alex Jump and Stuart Jensen, the bar combines elegant cocktails with inclusive hospitality. Its menu offers carefully crafted drinks (including non-alcoholic options), beers on tap and expressive wines.

Cimera opened in The Source Hotel + Market Hall this fall and offers a menu of elevated Latin American cuisine and cocktails.

Rougarou opened this summer in Denver's Five Points Neighborhood. From the creative forces behind the award-winning bar, Yacht Club, Mclain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright, alongside her brother JohnDavid Wright as executive chef, Rougarou is a living, breathing tribute to the rich regions that molded them – a wine & cocktail focused restaurant highlighting the culinary traditions of the American South.

Ash and Agave, which opened in the heart of Cherry Creek in April 2026, offers guests an atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from daytime brightness to a glowing golden-hour ambiance. The concept centers on wood-fired cooking, shareable plates and an agave-forward cocktail program that encourages guests to settle in and stay awhile

This once-iconic 1950s motor inn enters a new era as a bespoke 54-room boutique hotel, The All Inn Hotel & Fino, brought to life through a $22 million investment and a commitment from Denver-based developer Brian Toerber to reinvest in the East Colfax community. Once an emblem of Colfax Avenue’s vibrant spirit, the property was purchased in 2016 and is now reborn as a neighborhood anchor, serving its community and a new generation of travelers.

The fifth location of Olive & Finch, a “fine-casual” eatery from chef Mary Nguyen, is now open in the Golden Triangle for dinner, happy hour, lunch and breakfast. It offers a robust selection of grab-and-go options, including its own proprietary line of cold-pressed bottled juices, sandwiches, salads, freshly baked pastries and more. Olive & Finch can also be found in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Uptown, Cherry Creek and Denver's Union Station.

The second location of Little Finch, a counter-service café offering craft coffee, cocktails cold-pressed juices and pastries, is now open at the CSU Spur education center. The sixth sport for chef Mary Nguyen's Olive & Finch Collective will also feature a rotating menu of chef-crafted grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, breakfast favorites and snacks.

Ogo Kitchen, opened in Union Station in early 2026, brings a new, more casual style of Korean barbecue to LoDo. The menu features a build-your-own bento box setup, offering a great to-go option for the area. This style, popular in Japan, provides a single-portion boxed meal perfect for the busy train station.

Champagne Tiger - housed in the old Tom’s Diner building the French-American diner serves up oysters, caviar and Champagne in addition to burgers, BLTs, and old-school Grasshoppers with entertainment throughout the week, including a “Piano and Pasta” night every Wednesday and drag brunch on Sunday.

Denver’s rooftop scene got an exciting new addition with Rook, a playful social clubhouse that blends clever cocktails with classic gameplay. Opened on May 21, 2025, atop the Catbird Hotel in RiNo, Rook transforms the former Red Barber space into a distinctive bar destination. Designed to encourage face-to-face interaction and friendly competition, the space features a relaxed vibe where guests can enjoy signature cocktails while engaging in classic games like cornhole and shuffleboard.

Semiprecious opened in May 2025 in Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood, it’s the latest from Mike Capoferri and the international award-winning team behind Thunderbolt in LA. Designed to be an anchor for Sunnyside’s neighborhood spirit, design community and cocktail culture, Semiprecious is where good taste and good company meet.

Pig and Tiger, opened August 2025 in RiNo, is showcasing the cuisine of Taiwan through traditional classics, modern favorites, and new interpretations combining flavors and techniques, all while using local Colorado products.

Named after the 1999 U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) that took home the FIFA Women’s World Cup, 99ers Sports Bar opened in Denver this December and is city's first Women's sports bar. Women’s games are celebrated and the space is dedicated to empowering all people who may not feel welcome at a traditional sports bar, including the LGBTQ community.

Mamas & Papas Hospitality Group, the team behind Dio Mio and Redeemer Pizza, opened Little Johnny B's Woodfired Pizza in the Urban Cowboy Public House Bar on April 21, 2025. The same Mamas & Papas Hospitality Group also plans to open Johnny Bechamel's, which will serve both pizza and pasta in the West Wash Park neighborhood

Leven Deli Co. is opening two new concepts:

Leven Supply is a new counter-service restaurant, grocer and gift shop, now open in the Wash Park Supply retail center (300 E. Alameda Ave.)
Leven Downtown aims to expand Leven’s offerings into a full-service experience with a wider array of lunch and dinner options as well as a full bar and thoughtful wine service curated by Leven owner and sommelier Anthony Lygizos. Opening in 2026, Leven Downtown will occupy the large ground-level retail space at Block 162, located in the Central Business District.

Legends Hospitality, the food and beverage provider for Ball Arena, has partnered with six new vendors to bring local fare to the 2025/2026 season. These Local Eats partners are:

Big Belly Brothers - Feast on some of Denver's best BBQ, serving up their brisket sandwiches, baby back raspberry chipotle ribs, smoked poblano chicken nachos and more.
Redeemer Pizza - A well-known slice in Denver, Redeemer Pizza is bringing its New York style to the arena.
Nola Jane - Experience New Orleans staples, like a Debris Po’boy or Jambalaya, while watching your favorite teams.
Illegal Burger - Delight in this elevated burger that's fresh, never frozen, antibiotic-free and hormone-free.
Mexico City - Enjoy this third-generation family-owned staple and their delicious fried tacos.
Jake's Baby D's - Returning after a few years away, indulge in their famed mini donuts.

After extensive renovations, Pigtrain Coffee Co. and Milkbox Ice Creamery reopened in September 2025 in Denver Union Station. Both establishments received a bold redesign and new menus featuring craft caffeinated beverages, sweet and savory breakfast treats and artisan ice cream flavors.

Opened in April of this year, the Schoolyard Beer Garden & Café, located in Denver's historic Evans School, offers craft beers, hearty meals and artisanal coffee in a charming, nostalgic setting. The space, a school that originally opened in 1904 as a public elementary school and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been transformed into a community gathering spot with a unique, artistic flair. The beer garden serves a variety of Colorado craft beers, while the café offers a diverse menu of delicious breakfast and lunch options.

LoDo's Denver Milk Market unveiled it's extensive refresh in August 2024, including new food concepts, the addition of a game room, a major mural by a local artist and more. This summer, Denver Milk Market welcomes four new concepts:

Konjo Ethiopian Food was created by longtime friends Fetien Gebre-Michael and Yoseph Assefa, who both come from Ethiopia. Konjo provides healthy, fast, and delicious Ethiopian food with genuine hospitality.
Lucky Bird Fried Chicken is Colorado’s premier fried chicken concept, serving hand crafted chicken tenders, sandwiches, salads and wraps.
East3 ensures freshness comes first, while highlighting flavors from Thailand, Japan, and Philippines - all in one bowl.
YumCha Noodles & Dumplings is inspired by Chef Lon Symensma’s travels around Asia and is serving creative Asian street food.

Coming Soon!

Michelin- and James Beard Foundation-recognized restaurant MAKFam is opening its second location later this year. This new, larger space will allow co-owners Kenneth Wan and Doris Yuen the opportunity to try out new drinks and dishes. The location is expected to open in the last quarter of 2026 in the RiNo Art District.

From the owners of Nocturne, La Vie En Rose will be a Parisian-inspired Champagne and cocktail bar, offering guests an elegant, transportive experience. The wine and cocktail program is inspired by Parisian ideals of culture and craftsmanship, with Champagne served with reverence, cocktails layered with nuance and a focused menu of delicate hors d’oeuvres and composed plates.

Two-time James Beard Award-winning Chef/Owner Alon Shaya is opening Ceci! Italian Lounge in 2026. This will be his second restaurant located in The Source Hotel.

Museums & Attractions

This year, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is celebrating its 85th year in operation. Just 15 miles from downtown Denver, the world-famous venue has nearly 10,000 seats flanked by 300-foot red sandstone rock formations, creating the best natural acoustics. This year’s lineup includes Rod Stewart, Paul Simon, The Avett Brothers, Hilary Duff, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Mt. Joy and many more. Red Rocks is a can’t miss attraction on any Denver itinerary.

Mt. Blue Sky, North America's highest paved road, has reopened after more than a year ago for repairs. Reservations are required to access the summit and various hiking trails and natural areas beyond the welcome site.

16^th Street Renovations - Built in 1982, the 40-year-old 16th Street completed a major restoration in fall 2025. The renovated street features wider sidewalks, vibrant public spaces, expanded restaurant patios, a new tree canopy, outdoor furniture, free electric shuttle buses, interactive art and family-friendly play structures all in a car-free environment that meeting planners look for. 16th Street’s transformation prioritizes walkability, connectivity and community engagement.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts/Denver Performing Arts Complex – The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) boasts an impressive calendar of performances and events for the 2026/2027 season, including Disney's Beauty and the Beast, The Book of Mormon, The Great Gatsby, Death Becomes Her and more.

The New National Western Center – Renovations at the Denver Coliseum will result in a 246-acre campus to preserve the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo as Denver’s largest event for the next 100 years and add state-of-the-art spaces to hold concerts and festivals, farmers’ markets, sporting events, trade shows and conventions, as well as office space, business incubators, classes, public art, cultural events, family activities, shops and more. More than 2.2 million square feet of indoor and outdoor space is being developed, including 20 acres of public plazas and flexible stockyards.

Denver Art Museum – The Denver Art Museum (DAM) completed an extensive renovation project and revealed new permanent collection galleries in its Frederic C. Hamilton Building on May 14, 2023. The completed project resulted in the museum’s African Arts, Modern and Contemporary Art and Arts of Oceania collections on display to the public for the first time since construction kicked off in 2016. Reinstallation of the Hamilton Building contributes to the DAM’s mission to represent a broad array of art in an inclusive and thought-provoking environment.

Kirkland Institute of Fine & Decorative Art at the Denver Art Museum, formerly Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, completed it's merger with the Denver Art Museum in 2025, enhancing the cultural landscape of Denver and beyond. The Kirkland is adding its renowned collection of decorative arts, a specific focus on Colorado artists and extensive holdings of artist Vance Kirkland to the DAM’s world art collection.

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA) – The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Denver now offers a viewing experience for color blind visitors. After acquiring Technicolor-inspired glasses made by EnChroma, MCA Denver became one of the first museums to offer an experience in color to those who are used to seeing art in black and white. MCA Denver has acquired the Holiday Theater, located in the Lower Highlands neighborhood at 2644 W 32nd Ave. The space is open for programming including panels, performances and more to uplift the creative community and further contribute to the museum’s mission in advancing contemporary art.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) – DMNS unveiled the Infinity Theater early 2023, featuring improved audio and visual accessibilities, including a hearing induction loop, updated closed captioning, new programming and both 2D and 3D capabilities. The space can be used for a variety of purposes, including conferences, private events, performances on stage and infinite possibilities to showcase movies, films, videogames, concerts, live streaming and much more.

History Colorado Center – History Colorado Center's permanent exhibit, The Sand Creek Massacre: The Betrayal that Changed Cheyenne and Arapaho People Forever tells the tragic history of the U.S. Army attack on a camp of mostly women, children, and elders at Big Sandy Creek in southeastern Colorado. The soldiers murdered more than 230 peaceful people, marking the deadliest day in Colorado history.

In honor of Colorado's 150th birthday, History Colorado Center is celebrating by giving us "38th Star: Colorado Becomes the Centennial State." Through September 6, 2026, explore Colorado’s long road to statehood through authentic photographs, documents, artifacts and voices that formed the Centennial State. The first four attempts at statehood throughout the 1860s were derailed by questions like who should be allowed to vote and what policies the government should adopt, while other voices were left out entirely. Southern Coloradans found themselves in a new territory they had never asked to be in, and Native people living across Colorado were displaced from their homelands. Each attempt at statehood faced problems of politics and power as factions sought consensus in building a new state.

Additionally, History Colorado will welcome America's founding documents on the "Freedom Plane National Tour." The "Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation" is a traveling exhibition honoring 250 years of American independence. The exhibition will be in Denver from May 28 through June 14, 2026, providing an opportunity to experience historic artifacts such as an original engraving of the Declaration of Independence and a tally of votes approving the U.S. Constitution.

Blockbuster Events

Formerly known as Outside Festival, Outside Days returns to the Mile High City from May 28 through May 31, 2026, with music from Death Cab for Cutie, My Morning Jacket, Cage the Elephant and more. Now in its third year, the festival finds a new home on the Tivoli Quad at the Auraria Campus. Outside Days is the premier annual celebration of outdoor community and culture, with four days of programming featuring athletes, explorers, artists, storytellers and industry leaders designed to inspire attendees to reconnect with the outdoors and each other.

Red Bull Soapbox Race will be returning to the Mile High City on June 13, 2026. Back for the first time in 24 years, the iconic contest will challenge teams and their homemade soapbox cars to a winding race at the iconic Empower Field at Mile High.

Denver PrideFest (June 28, 2026, and all month long) – Same Pride, new place! This year, Denver PrideFest is taking over downtown and bringing the party to 16th Street. Since 1974, Denver Pride has created a space where the LGBTQ+ community, allies, families and local businesses come together for a day of joy, celebration and protest. With the move downtown, folks can expect all the Pride classics like Latin Stage, The Gayborhood and the youth and family area. Denver Pride doesn't stop there, with programming all month long; there is something for everyone. Explore all events at denverpride.org.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July 3–5, 2026) – Cherry Creek Arts Festival is celebrating 35 years this summer and offers a perfect opportunity to find inspiration, connect with others through art and expand your worldview. The annual Festival fills the streets of Cherry Creek North with over 250 juried artists ready to share their talent with the world. Expect plenty of live music, kids’ activities, art, information about art education, food and more.

Denver will host the Rugby Nations Cup on July 4 at DICK'S Sporting Goods incorporating their fan favorite Fourth Fest including the biggest and longest fireworks show in the state. Fans can catch two matches, Zimbabwe vs. Spain and USA vs. Portugal. The Denver match kicks off the Rugby tournament that will last for six weekends throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™: Glow-N-Fire will be bringing fan favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to Ball Arena on July 11 and 12, 2026. This action-filled experience will feature never before seen stunts performed by the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, including Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Skelesaurus™, and also includes FMX riders performing high-flying stunts and a fire-breathing, car crushing robot dinosaur.

It’s the summer of soccer! Don’t miss the Soccer Celebrations, June 11-July 19, 2026. Colorado Rapids and the Downtown Denver Partnership have launched the program as an immersive fan zone experience designed to be the ultimate destination for the Colorado soccer community. Local food vendors, retail specials and surprise guests including Rapids legends, will be featured on the block. In addition, the location downtown will host the Visa Street Soccer Park and Bank of America Fields, available for drop-in play for all ages. The festivities kick off Thursday, June 11, 2026, with Mexico facing off against South Africa. The United States will open play against Paraguay on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. MT.

Underground Music Showcase (July 24–26, 2026) – The Underground Music Showcase (UMS) returns in a new home, moving from South Broadway to the River North Art District. Long known for spotlighting emerging and independent artists, the festival will present more than 200 performances across outdoor stages and venues throughout RiNo. UMS is truly the best weekend in Denver. Established in 2001, the Underground Music Showcase stands as Denver's longest-running and largest music festival.

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.

New this year, the Great American Beer Festival® (GABF) will move outdoors to Levitt Pavilion. Returning Oct. 10–11, 2026, GABF will feature taprooms showcasing innovative small and independent craft brewers and their incredible beers; experience areas designed to transport guests to different worlds, each offering a unique blend of themed decor, specialized brews, engaging activities and vibrant entertainment; live music and more.

Meetings and Conventions

The Colorado Convention Center expansion was completed in December 2023. New features include 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and ballroom space, plus 35,000 square feet of pre-function space and a jaw-dropping 20,000-square- foot outdoor terrace, all of which will be located on the roof of the existing building.

Transportation News

Denver International Airport (DEN) set a record for passenger traffic for 2025, as the airport served 82,427,962 passengers during the year, which represents a 0.1% increase over the 82,358,744 passengers served in 2024.

Ranked as one of the busiest airports in the world for the second year in a row, DEN is Colorado’s largest economic engine, bringing in $42 billion annually.

DEN serves 35 international nonstop destinations in 19 different countries, plus 201 domestic nonstop destinations.

In January 2026, Volaris announced new flights between DEN and Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO) in Querétaro, Mexico. Starting June 3, 2026, these year-round service will operate twice weekly.

United Airlines filed two new international routes from Denver International Airport, with the carrier adding flights to Mexico City and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, both operated by the Boeing 737 MAX 8. On Oct. 26, 2025, the flights began operating daily. This marked a return of United Airlines’ Denver -- Mexico City route after a several-year break.

April 2025 also saw the first-ever flight into Denver by the Airbus A380 plane, operated by Lufthansa Airlines between Denver and Munich. With a whopping 509 seats – a capacity increase of nearly 75% over the previous plane – the flight operated daily between April 30 – Oct. 24, 2025. In October 2025, Lufthansa announced that the aircraft will return to the Mile High City with flights beginning June 9, 2026.

The Center for Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) at DEN is transforming the future of aviation through equity, opportunity and innovation. As an anchor of DEN’s Vision 100 strategic plan, CEEA is preparing the region for 100 million annual passengers. This expansion in capacity will require thousands of new jobs to be created and filled, and hundreds of opportunities for new businesses to support the airport and its expanded passenger and cargo services. CEEA is redefining what equitable workforce development looks like in one of Colorado’s most dynamic industries.

With 9,750 average daily active bus stops, RTD maintains the largest fleet of electric buses in the nation (26) to service 16th Street.

Travelers who wish to experience an awe-inspiring train journey through the Southwest United States can now book on Canyon Spirit (formerly known as the Rocky Mountaineer). The Rockies to the Red Rocks route will fall within the Canyon Spirit company. Additionally, in 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to travel on the stunning new three-day route option between Denver, Colorado, and Salt Lake City, Utah. This will operate in addition to the current two-day route option, between Denver and Moab, Utah. Canyon Spirit, and the Rocky Mountaineer journeys in Western Canada, will both fall within their new parent brand: Armstrong Collective.

In October 2025, Rocky Mountaineer, North America was ranked No. 3 in Condé Nast Traveler's Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Train Trips in the World.

The Winter Park Express Ski Train takes travelers from Denver to Winter Park every weekend in the winter. The ski train – which runs from Denver Union Station in the heart of downtown right to the base of the ski slopes – is the perfect way to make Denver the basecamp for experiencing Winter Park Resort’s many seasonal activities, from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing, tubing and more.

Sustainability

The City and Country of Denver announced in May 2026, that it has achieved LEED for Cities Platinum certification - one of only eight cities worldwide to reach this milestone.

Visit Denver was first certified at the Silver Level by the Colorado Green Business Network in 2023. Maintaining that recognition, Visit Denver was again awarded the Silver Level in 2024 and 2025. This honor goes to businesses that have shown a strong commitment to improving sustainability in their daily operations.

Denver International Airport (DEN) was awarded the No. 1 Green Fleet of 2025 by NAFA Fleet Management Association for its outstanding efforts in reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainability within its fleet operations.

DEN remains dedicated to energy efficiency and the environment. Programs like the Environmental Management System, wastewater reduction, airport solar program, single-stream recycling and a partnership with the Colorado Green Business Network support the airport’s goals to reduce its impact on the environment.

The Westin Denver International Airport was awarded 4 Green Keys by Green Key Global for their sustainability efforts in April 2025.

The RTD A Line offers a “green” way to travel to and from the airport.

Colorado Convention Center (CCC)’s commitment to sustainability include the Waste Management Program, Energy and Water Conservation efforts, Air Quality policies and sustainable catering with the goal to make all events held in the space sustainable. The CCC has been a LEED Existing Building at Operations and Maintenance Level GOLD since 2010.

Through the months of July and August 2023, RTD offered zero fares across its system as part of the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative. This collaborative, statewide initiative, made possible by Colorado Senate Bill 22-180, in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office, was designed to reduce ground-level ozone by increasing the use of public transit.