Going to Denver for the NBA Playoffs: Plan Your Visit
The Denver Nuggets are going to the NBA Playoffs for the 8th year in a row. If you’re a fan-that’s an awesome feeling (I’m a fan) BUT, maybe you’re a fan of a team that gets to play against the Denver Nuggets during the playoffs and you’ve decided to head to Denver to watch a few games but you have no idea what to do, where to go or where to stay because there’s not a lot of time to plan for these events.
I’ve got you covered.
I grew up in Denver, live in the state and spend a lot of time at Ball Arena watching games. I also have a lot of out of state friends who come into town to visit and help them plan their itineraries. It’s my hope that some of these tips will make planning your trip easier. If your going to the Denver for the NBA Playoffs, like most Denverites it’s my hope that you have a great time in town even though we look forward to your team losing while you’re here LOL!
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Book a Tour While in Denver
There are so many fun places to explore, activities to enjoy and experiences to be had while you’re in town. Below are a few of my favorite local tour experiences that I recommend for both visitors and Coloradans who are looking to leave the driving and trip planning to someone else.
These tours are a great way to experience Colorado, the lifestyle and some of the fun activities that we enjoy as a perk of living here.
Hotels Close to Ball Arena
The hotels below are the absolute best to stay at while you’re in town and are ridiculously easy to get to Ball Arena via public transit, walking or ride share. While of these hotels are pretty close to Ball Arena, the first three hotels listed are the best ones to stay at in terms of proximity, access to transit and food.
Springhill Suites by Marriott Denver Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Denver Union Station
What’s Denver Weather Like in April and May
Springtime weather in Denver is wildly unpredictable and even at times can feel really confusing. Typically, April is the second snowiest month of the year. In 2026, Colorado is solidly in a severe drought situation. You should anticipate wildly unpredictable weather and I would strongly recommend checking Denver’s weather frequently before you depart. Expect the possibility of rain, snow, heat, sun and clouds.
Basically, anything could happen weatherwise, especially if you head to the mountains. The temperatures typically are cooler because you’re at a higher altitude.
What to Pack and Denver’s Weather
Denver’s weather in April and May can be described as wildly unpredictable. Technically, it’s supposed to be one of the snowiest months of the year. However, Colorado has been experiencing a severe drought for years now so the weather has become a lot milder. Be prepared for wild changes in weather, especially if you plan on going to the mountains while you’re here.
What to Pack
- Moisturizer-It’s VERY dry here
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses-It’s VERY sunny in Denver
- Sunblock
- Layered clothing
- Sweaters
- Blouses/Tops
- Pants
- Exercise wear-Your Colorado friends might make you go hiking or work out.
- Comfortable shoes
What to Expect at Ball Arena
I’ve written a pretty lengthy post about what it’s like to attend games at Ball Arena. I cover the following in that post-and strongly encourage you to read it if this is your first time attending a game at Ball Arena:
- The ticketing experience-There is NO BOX OFFICE at Ball Arena.
- What it’s like to enter the building-Security
- Why you need to know purse and bag sizing before you go
You can read about all of that at the following link. Don’t have a bad playoff experience because you didn’t check out the arena expectations.
Other Notable Events
(During the Playoffs)
You may be coming into town to watch the Denver Nuggets play (or, support your home team) you’re probably thinking about what to do when you’re not watching the series. The last couple of weeks are pretty busy in Denver and I would recommend that you purchase tickets for those events ASAP.
- Colorado Rockies Games
- April 17-April 20th-Los Angeles Dodgers
- April 21st-April 23-San Diego Padres
- Denver Summit FC Game-Women’s Professional Soccer
- 2026 Temporary location
Where to Eat
Denver gets a bad rep for its food and while it’s not a food city, there IS good food here. I thought I would start you off with some restaurant suggestions to get you started.
- Dragonfly Noodle-Ramen and Pho
- 1350 16th St, Denver, CO 80202
There are a number of other restaurants to enjoy around town but I thought that these were a nice variety to get you started.
Let’s Go Nuggets
Michelle Jackson is the founder of the website and podcast Square State Colorado. She’s focused on supporting local businesses, sustainability and sharing a more nuanced and thoughtful experience of Denver and the state of Colorado. She grew up in Colorado and is excited to square this Square State with her readers and listeners. Go to: https://squarestateco.com to learn more about Denver and the state of Colorado if you live here or are planning to visit or move here.