Denver Botanic Gardens

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Memorial Day Weekend & Summer Kickoff

Ready to celebrate summer? 

During Memorial Day weekend (May 22–25, 2026) and the following week, enjoy high-energy events such as the Outside Festival, a Speed Climbing World Cup competition, a special festival to celebrate the 16th Street Mall revitalization project, live music (hint: DJ Fisher is hosting an epic outdoor block party), stunning museum exhibitions, outdoor activities and urban excitement like street artoutdoor and patio dining, and craft beer along the Denver Beer Trail

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Art & Museum Exhibitions

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World's Largest Dinosaurs

WHEN: March 20–Sept. 7, 2026
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
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. 

A Century of Art in Latin America  

WHEN: Thru June 15, 2027
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
From soaring mountains and scorching deserts to sprawling forests and splendid beaches, Latin America is a vast place. As a concept, it tries to contain cultures and landscapes with millennia of differing histories under one name. Works that artists from Latin America created during the 20th and current 21st century showcase a range of practices as complex as the places they call home. While previous exhibitions have centered around a single art movement, such as Surrealism or Abstraction, A Century of Art in Latin America offers a broader and more inclusive exploration of the rich and varied artistic trends across the region, encompassing an array of styles, time periods, nationalities and mediums, and presenting a comprehensive survey of Latin American art throughout the past 100 years.

Fuse Box: Sarah Sze

WHEN: Thru July 31, 2026
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
Fuse Box: Sarah Sze presents a recently acquired new media art installation by internationally recognized artist and 2003 MacArthur Fellow Sarah Sze. In Sleepers, a six-channel video installation, moving images are projected onto over 300 hand-torn paper screens suspended from parallel lines of string. Sze’s visuals of landscapes, still-lifeism and portraits celebrate the mundane and the extraordinary, the personal and the universal, the eternal and the ephemeral, exploring our relationship with an ever-changing digital world.

Traqueros: Mexican Trackworkers and the American Railroad

WHEN: Thru Aug. 1, 2026
WHERE: Colorado Railroad Museum
Traqueros: Mexican Trackworkers and the American Railroad is a new exhibit that examines the little-known story of traqueros, Mexican and Mexican American railroad workers who were recruited to build and expand the U.S. railroad network from the mid-19th to the early 20th century.

Moments That Made US  

WHEN: Thru Oct. 18, 2026
WHERE: History Colorado Center
See more than 40 artifacts that shaped the United States, 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.

Guest of Honor: Rembrandt  

WHEN: Thru Feb. 6, 2027
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
A masterpiece by Rembrandt van Rijn titled A Woman Holding a Pink and an additional portrait of Rembrandt, likely painted by his studio, are on view in the European Art Before 1800 galleries (on the 6th level of the museum’s Martin Building) as part of the National Gallery’s “Across the Nation” program. The collaboration, which brings some of the most important and beloved works of art to communities across the country, is part of the NGA’s program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in 2026. 

Catalysts  

WHEN: Thru March 1, 2027
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
The Denver Theatre District (DTD) presents Catalysts, a community artwork by renowned British-American artist Jann Haworth. Catalysts features a collage of 34 stenciled portraits of behind-the-scenes individuals who are integral to the success and vibrancy of Denver arts and culture, as selected by participating arts organizations. Each participating arts organization selected an honoree to be recognized and submitted an essay highlighting their remarkable contributions. See it on the side of the Buell Theatre on Champa Street between 13th Street and 14th Street.

Music, Movies & Performing Arts

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Seven Lions

WHEN: May 22, 2026
WHERE: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

This noted DJ will get things going for the weekend with a Friday night performance. 

Fisher

WHEN: May 23, 2026
WHERE: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Regarded as one of the top DJs in the world, Fisher will keep the party going on the Rocks.

Alabama Shakes

WHEN: May 24, 2026
WHERE: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

The trio is back with new music. 

Pro Sports

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Colorado Rapids vs. FC Dallas

WHEN: May 23, 2025
WHERE: Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City

Soccer fans won't want to miss the Colorado Rapids playing Dallas!

Outdoor Activities

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Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

Head to the only downtown theme and water park in the country for roller coasters, water slides, family entertainment and much more! Look for fireworks at 9 p.m. (as the park closes for the day) on Sunday, May 24, 2025.

Water World

Beat the heat, relax in the park's beautifully landscaped 64 acres — and ride some serious waterslides. Water World is opening just in time for Memorial Day weekend fun!

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Carved from towering red rock monuments, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre in Morrison is one of the world's most renowned concert venues. The surrounding park has hiking trails that weave in, around and over the colorful red rocks.

Farmers' Markets

The Mile High City's more than 20 farmers' markets aren't just about locally grown produce, delicious baked goods and prepared foods — though you'll find those in abundance! Each market is a festive, weekly street fair, many with live entertainment and family-friendly activities. 

Denver Zoo

With over 3,500 animals on 84 gorgeous acres, Denver Zoo is an amazing experience year-round. Your donation helps to provide world-class care for the lions, giraffes and elephants, as well as other wild animals and wild places, from the Rockies to Mongolia.

Denver Botanic Gardens

One of the top five botanic gardens in the nation, Denver Botanic Gardens is an oasis in the city, offering year-round events, a children’s garden, lifelong-learning opportunities and research to preserve Colorado’s precious natural resources. Meanwhile, Chatfield Farms, located in nearby Littleton, takes pride in its exemplary nature preserve and gardens. Located on 750 acres, this picturesque site includes display gardens and a historical farm with a rustic barn.

Hudson Gardens

Enjoy thirty acres of natural beauty offering recreational, educational, and social opportunities for all ages. 

Museum of Outdoor Arts

Despite the name, MOA's Englewood collection includes both outdoor sculptures as well as indoor exhibits, including the always-popular Cabinet of Curiosities.

Outdoor Movies

From classic drive-in theaters to movies in the park. 

Spring Tours at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary

A tour of Erie-based Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary is much more than a fun day spent getting to know our amazing family of rescued animals. In fact, it is nearly impossible to leave without developing a deeper understanding of the unique personalities and complex emotional lives that all animals lead.

City Parks

No matter where you find yourself in The Mile High City, you’re likely only a few steps away from a lush and relaxing green space. Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to explore Denver's more than 5,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, as well as an additional 14,000 acres of spectacular mountain parks in neighboring counties that are maintained by the City and County of Denver.

Lesser-Known, Hidden-Gem Parks

If you’re looking for a quiet spot to have a picnic, take in great views or experience a different side of the city, check out these lesser-known Denver parks.

How to Explore the South Platte River by Bike

Take a two-wheeled tour through the heart of the city along this beautiful river. You'll cruise by some of the city's biggest attractions. 

Denver's Best Urban Hikes

Denver is a city with boundless outdoor fun and has an ideal location next to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. While The Mile High City is conveniently close to major peaks for hiking, there's actually no need to head into the mountains when Denver's regional trail system encompasses hundreds of miles for all ages and abilities to explore. 

How to Explore the Colorado Trail in Waterton Canyon

Many people think that Denver’s prettiest, closest and most accessible bit of mountain scenery is Waterton Canyon. This is the start of the famous Colorado Trail, one of the great long-distance hikes (or mountain bike rides) of the Rocky Mountains.   

Pet-Friendly Denver

Denver is home to dozens of pet-friendly activities and destinations, including dog-friendly hotels and dog parks. Find the best on-leash and off-leash fun for your best friend. 

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