The Best Weeks to Visit Denver, Colorado
Figuring out the best time to visit a city or place that is new to you can feel a little overwhelming. What’s the weather like, where will you eat and most importantly what is there to do and what will the energy feel like when you visit? For those of you who’re planning a future vacation to Denver-you’re in luck. Why? Because I grew up in Denver and live in the city now and so I’ve noticed that there are a several weeks throughout the year that really stand out as a fantastic time to visit.
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Want to Move to Denver?
Are you planning a visit to Denver because you’re thinking about moving here? I’m a local who is sharing what to consider before you quit your job and pack your moving van. Imagine we’re having a cup of coffee (or tea) while I share a quick break down on life in Denver. If you’re thinking about moving to Denver, watch this first.
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- Things to Do in Denver in May
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Book a Tour
Before I share the itinerary, I do recommend that you also make sure to book a tour while you’re here. There are so many places to visit such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks. If you’re not planning to rent a car, don’t feel like dealing with mountain driving conditions (a nightmare during the summer and winter) then I strongly encourage you to book a tour with Viator. Leave the driving and planning in their hands.
Hostels
Denver has 3 hostels and I recommend all three of them. I like their proximity to downtown Denver, public transit and the overall setup of each spot.
Hotels
There are a number of great hotels in downtown Denver and locations close to downtown. I’ve picked my favorite hotels to refer visitors to or enjoy for a nice staycation.
The Best Weeks to Visit Denver, Colorado
I thought it would be helpful to share a break down on a monthly basis. Some months might not have a week that I feel truly stands out as a great week to visit. I also want to mention that there will be some months with more than one week that’s a great time to visit. Additional there may be specific days that are fun to be in town.
January
In my view, January is a great time to visit Denver but it has more standout days vs. a specific week that’s insanely fun. This month is particularly fun because of all of the different events happening at this time of year.
These events include the following:
- NFL Playoff season
- Denver Nuggets regular season (Professional Basketball)
- The Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theater Season begins after the holiday season.
- The National Western Stock Show returns to town. I have a couple of favorite events that I like to enjoy each year.
- The kickoff parade that makes its way down 17th Street at 12:00 pm on the second Thursday of the month.
- Mutton busting-This has little kids riding sheep until they’re bucked off the sheep.
- MLK Jr. African-Heritage Rodeo
- International Ice Carving Championships (I attend this almost every year)
- Breckenridge, Colorado
- Colorado Mammoth Games (Professional Lacrosse)
- Colorado Avalanche Games (Professional Hockey)
You can also take the Ski Train to Winter Park for the day. Or head to Glenwood Springs via Train for a couple of days adventure.
February
Similar to January, I feel like there are cool individual events-but, not a specific week that stands out. February is typically the quietest month in Denver and I think that’s because it’s usually pretty cold for part of the month. Except for this year (2026) which has been incredibly hot.
- Denver Nuggets regular season continues (Professional Basketball)
- The Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theater Spring Season has begun. I’ve already seen Godspeed which was phenomenal
- Colorado Mammoth Games (Professional Lacrosse)
- Colorado Avalanche Games (Professional Hockey)
- Lunar New Year Celebrations
- Havana Street (Aurora)
- Far East Center (Denver)
All things related to skiing during a normal snow year. Also, February is a great month to head to one of the many hot springs that we have around the state.
March
This is the month where things start to get a little spicier in and around town. March is also one of our snowiest months of the year. Don’t stress, the snow melts fast (if we have any).
- Frozen Dead Guy Days (Estes Park)
- Colorado Mammoth Games (Professional Lacrosse)
- Colorado Avalanche Games (Professional Hockey)
- Colorado Rapids Soccer
- Denver Summit FC (Women’s Professional Soccer)
- Denver Center for Performing Arts-Still hosting amazing performances
April
This is the first month that has a very notable and busy week that is very on brand for Denver: 420 IYKYK. The closer we get to April the more I will add to the list below.
Notable Days in April
- Opening Day for the Colorado Rockies (Professional Baseball) they may be painful to watch but it’s always a fun time to visit Coors Field. Especially if you’re a fan of the opposing team LOL!
- Dancing with the Stars at the Bellco Theater (located in the Colorado Convention Center)
- Hell’s Kitchen first time theatrical run at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
Sunday, April 19, 2026-Sunday, April 26, 2026
Yes, it’s a bit of a cliche that 420 week is wildly busy in Denver and that should be surprising. I do want to bring up the fact that the weather at this time of year is wildly unpredictable. It could be hot, cold, snow or rain all in one day. Definitely during the same week. Make sure to pack with weather volatility in mind.
Sunday, April 19th
- Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Series
- 4/17-4/20/2026
Monday, April 20th
Tuesday, April 21st
- Colorado Rockies vs. San Diego Padres Series
- 4/21-4/23/2026
Wednesday, April 22nd
Thursday, April 23rd
Friday, April 24th
Saturday, April 25th
Sunday, April 26th
May
It may surprise you to find out that May has one of my favorite weeks to be in Denver during the year.
Friday, May 1st-Sunday, May 10th, 2026
- Farmers Market Season typically begins the first weekend in May with a few notable markets opening their stalls.
- Graduation season is just around the corner
- First Friday Art Walks begin to feel like a summer event
Why I love the first 10 days of May (yes, I extended the week) is that it’s a big party.
- May the 4th Be With You
- Kentucky Derby Shenanigans
- Cinco De Mayo
- Cinco De Mayo Festival
- Cruising Federal
- The Red Rocks concert season is starting to gear up. Notable concert that week:
- David Guetta-The Monolith Tour
- Yungblud
- Denver Summit FC first official season starts (Women’s professional soccer)
- NBA Playoffs have started
- NHL Playoffs have started
- Hadestown theatrical run at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts
- Another notable event at the theater: MJ is back in town. The musical covering the life and times of Michael Jackson.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will begin its run at the end of May at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Outside Days
This is actually a festival that takes place from May 29-May 31st, 2026. I actually plan on sharing a guide to attending and enjoying this event. For those of you who are in the outdoors space (apparel/clothing/food/etc.) This is a fantastic event to attend. There’s also music and programming touching on topics related to the outdoor industry.
Fan Expo Denver
This is the last event that I’m going to add to this list. If you’re into cosplay, sci-fi, pop-culture, anime and movies-this is a must attend event if you’re in Colorado at the end of May. Interestingly, it overlaps with Outside Days with the event running from May 28-May 31st. That weekend also happens to be Memorial Day weekend-the official start to winter.
June
One of my absolute favorite months of the year in Denver is June. The weather is confusing but the energy in town kicks up a notch because there’s so much to do.
June 1st-June 9th
I may have added a few days to this week. You’ll understand why in a second.
- June First Friday
- Free weekend shuttles to Red Rocks
July
July doesn’t actually have a standout week, but the month is a fantastic time to visit. It’s just hot AF. July is the month where you just chill out and have a good time.
Notable Events
August
Summer is still going strong in August and even though Back-To-School typically happens the third week of the month, there isn’t a specific week that I would point out as an epic week. The entire month of August is a fun time. Pick up some Palisade Peaches and get ready for some end of summer fun.
Here are some notable events happening in August.
- The Savannah Bananas return to Coors Field-I had an amazing time in during their first visit to Denver. If you can get tickets-go!
- Broncos Pre-Season Games Begin-If you love football, even pre-season, get a ticket and enjoy a game.
- Car Free First Friday Art Walk-This is my favorite First Friday on Santa Fe. The road is shut down and attendees are able to walk up and down the street without worrying about getting knock down by cars or people.
September
Even though there’s the possibility of snow in September, typically it’s the weather is wonderful at this time of year. It’s the time of year when Denverites and other Coloradans head up to the mountains, typically Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, to observe the Elk Rut (mating season). There are two specific weeks in September that typically have a lot to do.
- Labor Day Weekend-this should be a surprise to anyone.
- The third week of September. This is the week when Colorado Start Up Week (formally known as Denver Start Up Week) happens. It’s also the first week of Oktoberfest.
October
I love this time of year in Denver. The weather is perfect, the new theater season has started and the professional basketball, football and hockey pre and regular seasons are happening concurrently. There are a number of fun things happening this month but the one event that I’m really looking forward to is the DIVA exhibit coming to the Denver Art Museum.
Can’t Miss Events in October
- Great American Beer Festival–Things are changing this year. The event is moving from the Colorado Convention Center to Levitt Pavilion.
- Denver Nuggets Regular Season begins
- Colorado Avalanche Regular Season begins
- The 2026-2027 Denver Center for the Performing Arts theater/ballet/opera season begins-I’m really excited to see what shows will be coming to town.
- There’s an epic concert coming to Red Rocks-Cypress Hill, Method Man and Redman: Haunted Rocks. I’ve seen Cypress Hill in concert before at Red Rocks. I’m looking forward to this.
November
I love how things slow down in November. The lights go up all over town and if it’s a normal start to winter, you begin hearing about ski resort Opening Days. There’s still a lot to do, but November is a super chill month. My favorite week is Thanksgiving and Black Friday weekend. Not because of the shopping, but because of the vibes.
- Wander up and down 16th Street (Mall) and enjoy the ambience and the many different shops that have opened up post pandemic.
- Head to one of the many Christmas markets happening around town.
- Take the train to Winter Park or Steamboat Springs (at the time that I’m working on this post it’s rumored that Steamboat Springs may get train service winter of 2026-2027)
December
Similar to November, I find December to be a quieter month in Denver as people relax and ease into the holiday season. What I love about this time of year is all of the holiday decorations around town, how chill everything is and the opportunity to enjoy winter fun in the mountains.
There’s a lot to do in Denver but I think it’s easier to plan a trip around a fun event or experience that you’d like to have while in town.