
Your Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Denver, Colorado in 2026
Denver is a great city that blends outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and vibrant urban life. Stunning mountain views, thriving arts scene, and ever-growing culinary landscape make it easy to find something to do in Denver, no matter the time of year! Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you discover what’s happening in the Mile-High City throughout the year.
Events by Month
January
Celebrate the new year by staying active and exploring all Denver has to offer. January is the perfect time to explore a winter sport, check out a festival, and focus on self-care.
Specific Events:
- National Western Stock Show (Jan 10-25, 2026) –The National Western Stock Show is a non-profit livestock, horse, and rodeo show that provides education in agriculture.
- Downtown Denver Rink (Jan 6 – Feb 2, 2026) – Bring your own skates or rent a pair and hit up this ice skating rink! Admission is free for all.
- Denver Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival (Jan 24, 2026)– A festival for whiskey lovers and connoisseurs. Try different drinks, eat food, and jam with a DJ to stave off the cold.
February
February may be cold, but Denver’s charm heats up with romantic getaways, cultural experiences, and snowy outdoor fun.
Specific Events:
- The Great Gatsby – Ballet ( Feb 1, 2026) – Head to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and see this beautiful adaptation of the classic novel.
- Ski at Echo Mountain (2025-2026) – Echo Mountain Ski Resort is less than an hour from Denver, making it the perfect place for a weekend ski getaway.
- Sweetheart Festival, Loveland CO (Feb TBA, 2026) – Bring the family or your sweetheart for FREE fun in the Sweetheart City, including a day full of LIVE ice sculpting, fire and art demonstrations, musical and dance performances on our community stage and the Little Miss Valentine & Little Mister Cupid Contest at the Historic Rialto Theater. The Sweetheart Festival is an extension of Loveland’s 80 year history as the nation’s Sweetheart City. There is something for everyone – chocolate, running, art, and MUCH MORE!
- Loveland Ski Area Mountaintop Matrimony (Feb 14, 2026) – Marriage on the top of a mountain, in mass. Registration required.
March
March in Denver means longer days and a city stirring to life with St. Patty’s events and spring celebrations, while still offering a final taste of winter adventure.
Specific Events:
- St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl – Grab your friends and your best green shirt and bar hop!
- Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Mar 14, 2026) – Celebrate with Celtic flair in one of the nation’s largest parades.
- Denver Restaurant Week (TBA) – Savor special menus at top local restaurants.
April
While it’s still cold, April brings in more warmth and signs of spring, making it the perfect time to explore Denver’s culture and green spaces. There are 420 events, spring kickoff gatherings and many opportunities to connect.
Specific Events:
- Denver Walking Tour – Explore Denver on foot in this guided pay-what-you-wish tour. Hear interesting stories, take pictures, and learn more about the Milk High City.
- RedLine Contemporary Art Center Exhibitions – Discover works by emerging and local artists.
May
Warmer days have finally hit and this May there’s plenty going on in Denver. Explore outdoor activities, art, festivals, and all the city has to offer.
Specific Events:
- Fisher: Outdoor Block Party (TBA, 2026) – This block party is DJ’d by FISHER, known for his wild sense of humor and energetic play style.
- Troutfest Colorado (TBA, 2026) – Troutfest Colorado is a one-of-a-kind summer festival and celebration of conservation, education, and community.
- FanExpo (May 28-31, 2026) – If you’re into comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, or cosplay, come share our playground. You’ll feel out of this world – and right at home.
- Clyfford Still Museum (May 7, 2026): Music and Art: A Symphonic Exploration. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
June
As summer begins, Denver fills with color and sound—from big-name concerts to Pride celebrations and weekend hikes in the foothills.
Specific Events:
- Renaissance Festival (Summer, 2026)
- Cherry Blossom Festival (TBD, 2026)– Fans of Japanese culture can enjoy food, drinks, and shopping at the 51st annual festival in downtown Denver. FREE admission.
- Denver PrideFest (TBD, 2026) – Celebrate love and inclusion at Civic Center Park.
July
July brings full-blown summer vibes and along with the high temps experience convention season and patriotic celebrations. This is the month to be out late, dance with strangers, and soak up the Mile High summer at its most electric.
Specific Events:
- Indy Eve (July 3, 2026)– Experience an evening full of family-friendly activities, with live DJs, food trucks, a night market, and fireworks. Civic Center Park events.
- Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July 4-6, 2026)- The Cherry Creek Arts Festival offers a perfect opportunity to find inspiration, connect with others through art, and expand your worldview. Our annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival fills the streets of Cherry Creek North with over 200 juried artists. Expect plenty of live music, kids’ activities, art, information about art education, food, and more.
- Underground Music Showcase (Jul 25-27, 2025)– 200+ musical acts live from South Broadway.
August
August in Denver means hot nights, big events, and chances to cheer for your favorite teams and artists in electric venues.
Specific Events:
- Evergreen Duck Derby (Aug 1, 2026)– Thousands of yellow ducks hit Bear Creek with a huge splash and float their way to the finish line.
- Jack Bryan at Ball Arena (Aug 13-14, 2026) – Ditch your phone and experience a show like no other.
- Bridesmaids at Red Rocks (Aug 3, 2026) – Film on the Rocks
September
September brings golden light, cool evenings, and a vibrant festival calendar. The city starts to slow just slightly as kids return to school, but weekends remain packed with culture, craft brews, and leaf-peeping in nearby foothills.
Specific Events:
- Billy Strings (Sept 17-18, 2026)
- Denver Gem Show (Sept 11-20, 2026) – Collectors and newbies alike are welcomed to explore the dazzling collection of minerals, gemstones, and jewelry.
- Denver Oktoberfest (Sept 18-20 and Sept 25-27, 2026) – Enjoy German brews and bratwurst downtown.
October
October is a season of creative expression, spooky fun, and cozy evenings. It’s one of the most atmospheric months in Denver—perfect for haunted houses, glowing pumpkins, and enjoying crisp walks under changing leaves.
Specific Events:
- Great American Beer Festival (Oct 10-11, 2026) – The nation’s favorite beer festival, with over 500 vendors.
- Denver Film Festival (Oct 22-Nov 1, 2026) – Denver’s premiere film festival is back with the best of global cinema.
- Bloody Mary Festival (Oct 26, 2026) – Guests will have the chance to try a range of unique and tantalizing Bloody Mary mixes and cast their vote for the “People’s Choice Award”.
- Cider days (Oct 4-5, 2026) – Annual fall festival held in Lakewood, Colorado, celebrating the harvest season with apple-themed activities, food, and entertainment. It typically takes place at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park.
November
As the temperatures drop, Denver turns inward to spotlight its creative soul. November is all about film, performance, and gratitude—offering a mellow, thoughtful vibe before the rush of the holiday season begins.
Specific Events:
- Free Day at Air & Space Museum – Learn about the history of flight at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
- Denver Arts Week (Nov 7-16, 2026)– Enjoy special programming at museums, galleries, and theaters, and even buy some art!
- Mile High Holidays (Nov 27-Jan 1, 2026)– Millions of lights takeover Denver. Enjoy family-friendly events and find the perfect gift!
December
December wraps the year with unique Christmas markets perfect for your holiday needs, festive performances, and winter vacations that make for a picture-perfect end to the year.
Specific Events:
Christkindl Market at Civic Center Park (Nov 21-December 23, 2026)– Shop, sip, and stroll through this European-style holiday market.
See something we missed? Please email and let us know to add it to our calendar. The schedule is updated monthly.
Looking for something more adventurous? Schedule an eBike Tour of Denver and see Denver’s top landmarks all in one trip!

