The Ultimate Guide to Seeing Taylor Swift in Denver
I will never forget when Taylor Swift released Folklore during the summer of 2020. Yes, that summer. We were all pleasantly surprised and the album became a beautiful way to tune out all of the noise and stress that we were dealing with in the world at that time. Fast forward several years and finally, finally Taylor announces her upcoming tour.
As luck would have it, she is performing for two nights in Denver, Colorado. If you’re thinking about traveling to town to see Taylor here is the ultimate guide to seeing Taylor Swift in Denver. Consider this a loose framework that you can use to see and enjoy Denver.
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How to Prepare for a Summer Vacation in Denver
I love living in Denver, but I wish more people would better prepare visitors for a trip to Denver and what to expect while you’re here. It’s nothing serious, but being aware of these things and preparing for them will help you have a much better trip.
Mocare Duffle Bag-Must Have Personal Bag
Hopefully you plan on hanging out in Denver for at least 5 days, if that’s the case pack light my favorite personal bag for Frontier-the Mocare bag. I even wrote an entire post about my experience using it for a 5 day trip to Las Vegas. Check out my review and things to consider if you’re hoping to travel with just a personal bag and no carry on or additional luggage.
Additional Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Denver
- Altitude Sickness-I’ve lost track of the number of people that I know who’ve had their trips to Denver ruined because they were unaware of the fact that you could get altitude sickness here. We’re a mile above sea level. Speak with your doctor about what this means and how to prepare. Locals drink a lot of water, advise folks to take it easy upon arrival (don’t do your regular exercise routine the first couple of days while you’re here) and remember that one alcoholic drink will hit you like two. Not medical advice. Again, speak to your doctor.
- It’s DRY here-If you’re from a humid place, you will notice how dry it is as soon as you step off the plane. Be prepared, your skin will appreciate you. Bring the following:
- Lip Balm
- Lotion
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- A water bottle (collapsable for travel)
Listen to the Taylor Swift in Denver Soundtrack
I thought it would be fun to create a soundtrack to listen to as you planned your trip to Denver. What songs would you add to this soundtrack?
Click the following link to listen to the Taylor Swift in Denver Soundtrack
When is Taylor Swift in Denver
To be honest, I’m surprised that she’s returning to Colorado considering what happened the last time (IYKYK) but, I’m so excited that she’ll be here. For Swifties considering buying tickets for one or both of the Denver shows here are the basic details that you’ll need.
- When: July 14 and 15, 2023
- Snoop Dogg is in town on July 12, 2023 in case you’d like to see him too.
- Where: She is performing at Empower Field at Mile High (or, Mile High Stadium as the locals call it. I’m the local)
- What to Expect: Empower Field at Mile High is the Denver Broncos home stadium and where they play when they are in town. It’s a massive stadium with over 76,000 seats in it. There are plenty of bathrooms and food vendors within the venue. It’s very likely that concertgoers will be subject to the following:
- Bag searches
- Rules on the size of any bag that you bring
- Clear Bag Policy-I would review this policy and assume that it will be the same for the Taylor Swift concert.
- Empower Field is a cash free venue now. So, plan accordingly. I checked the website and it does take Apple Pay. BUT, I would have a secondary payment option just in case because things happen and I would hate for something to happen when you want to buy food, drink or memorabilia at TayTay’s concert.
- ADA compliance-Empower Field is ADA compliant and it is recommended that you reach out ahead of the event to get information and details on how to access any ADA assistance that you may need.
- How to Get There: There are a couple of different ways you can get to the stadium.
- Light rail-This is my favorite way to attend any event at the stadium because it allows you to enjoy cocktails and not deal with traffic after the event. In order to take the light rail you would take the W Line from the Union Station stop. Pay $6 for a day pass because you’ll be at the venue over 3 hours. You can also park at a Park-n-Ride location and take the light rail into town. For example, if you take a train from I-25 and Broadway Station to Union Station you can get off at the Empower Field Light Rail stop and walk to the stadium. Don’t forget to pay for parking before getting on the light rail.
- Ride Share-If you opt to use a ride share, do note that there will likely be surge pricing because of demand. Factor that into what you’re willing to pay to return to where you’re staying.
- Driving-There’s a ton of parking available. Bring cash because I think that it’s cash for parking…but, I could be wrong because I take the light rail in.
What To Do in Denver in July
Just like most places in the US, Denver is pretty hot in July and there is a ton of things to do while you’re here. I’ve curated a list of fun things for adult Swifties who are in town for the concert. I’m hoping that you’ll be visiting for 5-7 days.
Visit the Mountains-I feel like if you visit Denver but don’t make at least once into the mountains you’ve missed out on an opportunity. I’ve included a link below for a tour of the mountains that takes care of everything: the driving, the itinerary, etc. This is a great time of year to explore Rocky Mountain National Park.
- High Tea at Babe’s Tea Room-This place is so dreamy and has wonderful teas as well. It’s a great place to relax, drink tea and take beautiful photos at the same time.
- Check Out Murals-There are beautiful murals throughout the city of Denver and a huge number of them are in the RINO (Five Points) neighborhood. I regularly check them out as they do change from year to year. While you’re in that area enjoy breweries and great food.
- ¡Viva Streets Denver! If you arrive the weekend before the concert, ¡Viva Streets Denver! is a new event where a huge stretch of road will be shutdown so that people can walk, bike and ride up and down it while enjoying food, music and shopping. That will happen on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 8:00 am-2:00 pm. I love that there are events like this happening across the US and I am excited to participate in each one throughout the summer. Bring cash and cards so that you can support vendors.
- Cirque du Soleil Kooza-I’m weirdly obsessed with Cirque du Soleil and their creepy clowns. That said, these are magical experiences that I try to catch every single time they’re in town. This time Cirque du Soleil Kooza will be in Denver from July 5, 2023-August 13, 2023.
- Meow Wolf-I love this new venue. It an interactive art experience. Very hard to describe other than-go and check it out. I highly recommend this experience and love hearing from people after they’ve gone.
Where to Stay
There are are a number of amazing hotels, hostels and things that are in between in Denver’s City Center. I’m sharing my favorites for a Swifty Weekend!
Hotels
- Lifehouse
- The Maven
- Le Meridiene
In-Between
- Sonder Zuni
- Catbird
- Espadin Lohi
Hostels
- 11th Avenue Hostel
- Hostel Fish
- Hostel Ember
Book Now
Where to Eat and Drink
I thought long and hard about creating an esthetic around your Taylor Swift experience in Denver. What places would give you consistent TayTay vibes? Here are the places that I recommend.
- Three Saints Revival-Beautiful space and a great tapas focused happy hour. The menu takes inspiration from mediterranean foods around that region.
- Lady Nomada-This beautiful restaurant is in Arvada. You would take the W Train from Union Station and get off at the Main Street stop in Arvada and walk a few blocks over. Think SoCal Baja vibes.
- Onefold-If you’re at Union Station, walk 3 blocks over and get some breakfast. There are several standout dishes but the congee is it for me.
- Local Jones-This spot is located in Cherry Creek North. Try the buttermilk ranch fried chicken.
- Denver Milk Market-This is a food hall in a really cute location. Great for a group of people who can’t decide on one place to eat. There are 16 food concepts in this space and a lively atmosphere.
Where to Go for Cocktails
- Lady Jane-Grab some drinks and relax before heading to the show.
- Forget Me Not-Located in Cherry Creek North, I love the patio and people watching.
- The Family Jones-Beautifully designed distillery in RINO (Five Points)
Seeing Taylor Swift in Denver
Denver is a great town for a concert and a week of fun and exploring. What I often find is that there’s almost too much to do and that I find myself almost overwhelmed by all of the things that I can do in and around town. I hope this list was helpful and that you enjoy yourself while in Denver.