36 Hours in Denver for the Theater Lover
Denver, at times, can be a contradiction. Warm one moment, crazy snowy the next, then windy. An extreme sports town with professional teams in the following sports: Football, Basketball, Hockey, Soccer, and even Rugby. Denver has made a name for itself as a go-to destination for theater lovers. And, if you only have 36 hours in Denver and want to get your culture fix, Denver is the place for you.
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Start Saving Now
Going to the theater and eating your way through town costs money. There are two ways you can start saving for your trip to Denver (or, even in your hometown)
- Rize-An awesome savings platform where you can set savings goals each month. If your goal is to have a paid off trip (even if you’re travel hacking) or, fattening your savings account. Rize is a great way to start saving. Sign up HERE. You will receive $10 towards your savings goal after you complete setting up your account.
- Ibotta-I.Love.This.App-Created in Denver, Ibotta is an all-around savings app. I love to use it for groceries, but, you can also use it to save on Amazon, Groupon, and Costco. If you sign up with the following link and are a new user-you will receive $10 after you redeem your first savings. Here’s more information on how it works.
Denver isn’t Just for Jocks
I am a huge theater lover. I remember being in Kiss Me Kate during my high school years? And, going to see Les Miserables at for a French club excursion. There is nothing better than being transported to a magical place of song, dance, and drama. As luck would have it, Denver has the second largest theater complex in the United States-the Denver Center for Performing Arts.
But, first, let’s get you to downtown Denver from the airport. Here’s the link for information on how to take the train from DIA to Union Station located in the heart of Downtown. Union Station also happens to be a transportation hub for: bus, train, and light rail.
It’s easy to get around downtown from Union Station via LYFT (new user? Sign up here and get $5 off your next ride). There are a couple of great hotels that will be a great fit for your theater vibe:
- The Curtis Hotel (conveniently located across from the DCPA) it has a really cool interior.
- The Moxy-NOT located downtown, but in Cherry Creek North. It’s about a 10-minute LYFT drive. Or, you can take the 83L/3L bus if you good with public transit.
- The Mavin Hotel-I’m in love with this place. It has a giant hand installed and hanging from the ceiling. It’s also the home of Kachina which is a South Western style restaurant. Fantastic food.
- Hotel Teatro-a beautiful, sophisticated hotel with phenomenal service and a beautiful lounge called “The Study.” I tend to go for the coffee and enjoy sitting in front of the fireplace.
Now that you’ve found a hotel (booked before arrival) you’re ready to figure out your plan. By the way, make sure to check out the following post about altitude sickness.
Denver Center for Performing Arts
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts has shows for every taste. We’ve been fortunate enough to experience world premiers for a number of shows including:
- The Whale-An intense look at loneliness and obesity
- An all-male retailing of the story of Macbeth that was incredibly well done and did push the envelope.
The Whale eventually debuted in New York City. The DCPA has a number of larger and smaller theaters. And, the theatergoer who is in Denver for only 36 hours could return to the DCPA daily and get their theater fix.
2017-2018 Theater Season
The current season has begun to wind down, but, there are a number of shows that you can still check out. Please note: the shows listed below may be a major touring show or a production held at one of the smaller theaters in the complex.
- Hamilton February 2-March 11, 2018 the tickets have sold out, but, you can participate in the day of ticket raffle for discounted tickets.
- Lady Day March 5-April 23, 2018 this show explores Billy Holiday’s life through music (smaller venue).
- Native Gardens April 6-May 6, 2018 What happens when you move into a neighborhood where you don’t fit in?
- Aladdin April 7-April 28-Broadway brings the tale of Aladdin to the stage.
- The Who’s Tommy-April 20-May 27, 2018 Nothing like a rock opera to bring theater goers to their feet.
- The Book of Mormon June 13-July 1, 2018 Keeps returning to Denver and selling out. It’s a hilarious, somewhat crass story that will have you laughing your a@@ off throughout the show.
There are a number of other smaller theaters throughout the city, but, to keep things simple we’ll start with the DCPA first. This is an incomplete list, so make sure to check the DCPA website for more information.
2018-2019 Theater Season
Every year I wait for the new theater season details. They always exceed expectations. The upcoming season is no different. Here is an incomplete list of what’s coming next year!
- Dear Evan Hansen
- Sex Tips for Straight Women From a Gay Man
- Cirque Eloize “Hotel”
- Anastasia
- Rock of Ages
- Cats
- Wicked
Now, start figuring out which shows you would like to check out and create a show plan.
Where to Eat
Denver has an awesome food scene and it’s getting better and better every day. In 2018, we have several cool restaurants and food concepts that you can check out. Here are some of my favorites (hop into a LYFT for most of them).
- El Five-The views from this restaurant are stunning. If you like tapas and platters, this is the place for you.
- The Source-It’s a multi-use food concept/coffee shop/butcher/wine shop space. It also has a cool new hotel (The Source Hotel) opening in May.
- Zeppelin Station-Is the newest food hall on the scene. Opening in March 2018, it will offer food options ranging from banh mi to Montreal smoked meats.
- Machete Union Station-If you love tacos and tequila, this noisy, chill place is for you.
Now you have a basic itinerary, places to and stay, and eat. Welcome to Colorado!
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