Things to Do This Spring and Summer in Denver

Denver is packed with major events and festivals all spring and summer. Here are some upcoming highlights:

Troutfest Colorado (June 27, 2026) – Calling all anglers, Troutfest Colorado will be back at Coors Field with lots of exhibitors, clinics on fly tying and casting, and live music.

Denver PrideFest (June 28, 2026) – The signature event of the month-long Denver Pride celebration moves to downtown this year, taking over the 16th Street pedestrian promenade.

Bodies: The Science Within  (Thru June 28, 2026) – Learn all about the body, with real human specimens, as this national touring exhibition starts in Denver. 

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.

Colorado Black Arts Festival  (July 10–12, 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 a food court. The event is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Bright Nights at Four Mile  (Aug. 8–Nov. 8, 2026) – Denver’s original lantern festival experience returns. Each year unveils a brand-new theme, fresh experiences and stunning new sculptures. 

Blucifer's First Rodeo  (July 23–26, 2026) – This new music festival is set to rock South Broadway (and slightly beyond) with around 170 local bands. It aims to spotlight the neighborhood and DIY culture. 

Underground Music Showcase in RiNo  (July 24–26, 2026) – The Underground Music Showcase 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.

Denver International Festival  (Aug. 1, 2026) – Enjoy live music, food, beer, wine and art from around the world.

Denver Food + Wine Festival  (Aug. 26–29, 2026) – A multi-day extravaganza of food, wine and spirits. Need we say more?

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (Aug. 29 & 30, 2026) – Honor Asian culture with food, shopping, art and thrilling dragon boat races.

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.

World's Largest Dinosaurs  (Thru 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.

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.

See our Denver Events calendar for exciting activities year-round, or take a look at the biggest events of the year. 

Whether you’re a fine dining fan, street food aficionado, cocktail sipper or craft beer lover, the city's culinary profile keeps getting elevated. 

There are more than 20 Michelin-recognized restaurants in Denver where you’ll have unparalleled experiences rated by anonymous inspectors. Looking for some locals’ favorite eateries or hot new spots? Check out these must-try restaurants. The warmer months also mean patio dining will be in full swing. 

Denver is widely known for its craft beer scene. But with 150 brewpubs, breweries and taprooms in the metro area, where to you begin? Let the Denver Beer Trail help you find your next favorite brew. For non-alcoholic options, check out these brilliant mocktail spots.

Denver is the outdoor capital of the U.S. with activities galore in the city and nearby Rocky Mountains. 

Have an epic girls getaway. From spas to shopping, from dining to dancing, we’ve got you covered. Also, check out our guys getaway and couples getaway. 

You can also relax in the city's vast greenspaces as the city has more than 5,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, including mountain parks. There are tons of opportunities to go hiking, running and fly-fishing in and around the city. Denver is a paradise for cyclists with bike lanes and paved paths that connect to hundreds of additional miles of dirt trails. Or check out the vibrant neighborhoods, from downtown to Highland to the River North Art District (RiNo), all of which are highly walkable with have fascinating things to see around every corner.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is only minutes from the city. The surrounding park has a network of trails for seeing the stunning scenery. Plus, you can sign up for yoga in the stands and have an almost ethereal practice. And Rocky Mountain National Park is a bucket-list destination for outdoor lovers. This spectacular natural playground, teeming with wildlife, is beautiful year-round. 

Denver is also known as a sports town with six pro sports teams. Here's how to be a baseball fan by cheering on the Colorado Rockies or how to be a soccer fan by getting behind the Colorado Rapids where you'll get the inside scoop on the teams and find out where to hang out. 

From museums and galleries to the country’s best street art, Denver is the perfect place to get your arts fix. There are discounts at top cultural attractions like Denver Art Museum. See our must-see art page to find out about mind-blowing exhibitions. 

Denver also has a thriving performing arts scene where you’ll see Broadway touring shows and local productions. There's no better way to spend a cool summer night in the Mile High City than enjoying a movie in the great outdoors.

The biggest musicians in the world descend on Denver throughout the year. Don’t miss these blockbuster concerts. One of the most enjoyable ways to experience summer is by combining Colorado’s delightful weather with live music at these outdoor venues. 

Your family will never run out of things to do in Denver with these family-friendly activities. Get discounts at major attractions like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and History Colorado Center and book a stay at these hotels.

From native Colorado species to exotic creatures from the other side of the globe, The Mile High City is filled with amazing animals in state-of-the-art habitats. Your little ones won’t want to miss wild Denver. Experience more of the natural world on these hikes for youngsters. 

There are also plenty of activities for teens such as shopping and extreme sports parks, free tours and attractions, and amusement parks. In between adventures, recharge at these kid-friendly restaurants. 

Whether it's your first time to Denver or your fifth, check out our travel planning guide to get you rolling. 

Getting to and from Denver International Airport is easy thanks to rail service that delivers visitors to the heart of the city, arriving at Denver Union Station, the city’s transportation hub.

From there, you can take the free 16th Street FreeRide shuttle buses that go up through the heart of the city or access the light rail and city bus network. See other ways to get around the city without a car.  

Denver's weather is mild but can change rapidly. It's best to dress in layers. Since Denver famously sits at 5,280 feet above sea level, check out these high-altitude tips before you travel. If you're heading up into the high country, you can rent a car or there are several mountain transportation options like trains and buses. 

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