Square State Colorado

87 Things to Do in Denver in 2023 (By a Long-Time Local)

Sometimes I feel like I live in a completely different Denver than the people who curate their favorite lists of things to do in town. No shade. But length of time in town, age, family life, interests and identity can impact what you feel like participating in. With that in mind, I’d like to share my list of things to do in Denver this year. I’m endlessly curious about the Queen City of the West as it changes and grows overtime. That’s part of the reason why I initially started Square State Colorado. With this in mind, here’s my list of things to do in Denver by a local.

* In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please read my disclosure here.*

Listen to the Episode

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Show Notes

The City was changing so fast and this project gave me an excuse to have conversations with other residents, participate in fun events “just to check them out” and lean into my curiosity about my hometown. Some things I don’t like, others I absolutely love! But, at the heart of Square State is the goal of sharing the story of my hometown as I experience it in “real time” and give more nuance to the content that often I see shared about Denver which feels like the same thing over and over again. 

It’s important to also mention how COVID has drastically changed the landscape of cities across the world, Denver is no stranger to this change. Long-time businesses have closed, new ones have opened and the city is still finding its footing again in many ways.  

On a final note, I wish more creators of color from so-called “Underrepresented communities” would start their own content focused projects about Denver and the state of Colorado because we are here. And people still seem surprised to find this out.

If you’re looking to visit or move to Denver, I would also encourage you to check out Inclusive Journeys and the conversation that I recorded with the Denver-based creators of that resource. See if the spaces you’re looking to explore have made it onto this list.

In case you’re wondering why I didn’t include the Denver Art Museum,the Children’s Museum,  the Museum of Nature and Science, anything with beer or the Denver Zoo on this list here’s why-they are on every freaking list out there. Every single list of XYZ things to do in Denver includes them and I want to be clear-I LOVE those spaces. But I wanted to shout out some of the other spaces and events that don’t get enough love or that people might not be aware of because they’re new to town.

Visiting Denver

I love using the light rail, car or ride shares and local transit services. But, you might not have enough time to use them the way that I do. Or, you might be traveling with kids or several people. In that case, you’re going to need a car. To go to the mountains, to explore around town, or to check out Red Rocks. I’m a proud affiliate partner of Discover Cars, a cool tool that helps travelers find and compare car rental services and the cost of picking up your next rental. Fly into Denver International Airport and have your car picked out and ready to pick up without having to worry if there was a different car in a better price range. 

Before I share my list of things to do in Denver, I wanted to shout out 10 of my absolute activities or spaces that you absolutely must know about-even many people in the Denver metro area are unfamiliar with these spaces

I love any tool that helps people stay true to their vacation budget. If you’re planning a trip to Denver and know you’ll need a car, check out Discover Cars today. Go to: squarestateco.com/car-rental

Top 10 Events, Spaces or Communities I’m Excited about in 2023

• Meow Wolf

• Hecho en Westwood Collective

• Juneteenth Festival

• Meetup Groups

• Chalk Art Festival 

• Night Lights Denver

• La Esquina del Sabor

• Red Rocks + Yoga or a concert

• Viva Streets Denver

• Coark Collective

87 Things to Do in Denver in 2023

Dikeou Collection:

I do not understand why this incredible collection of art doesn’t make it on most people’s lists. I feel like most art aficionados are completely unaware of this gem of a collection. You do have to reserve a time slot now due to COVID, but it’s worth visiting.

Enjoy a brunch at the following new venue:

McGregor Square –I love this new mixed use space in Denver. During the winter there’s even a mini ice rink in the center plaza. During the summer McGregor Square hosts free movies, yoga and other fun experiences for guests of the Rally Hotel and locals. There’s even a food hall, MilePost Zero, with a serve yourself beer and bar wall. 

Go to Meow Wolf:

The best way to describe Meow Wolf is to tell people that it’s an interactive art experience. However, that description undersells how cool it is. My favorite thing about Denver’s Meow Wolf experience is that it’s accessible to everyone. Visually, through touch, smell and even height. Children through Adults can have a great time going through the experience. I’ve even recorded a podcast interview that shares more of what it’s like and what to expect. 

Catch a show at the Emancipation Theater

Why doesn’t this theater get more attention for the work that it’s doing? At the time that I’m working on this post it’s presenting the following show: In the Pocket: The Ballad of Bobby Trombone. All performances of this show are sold out!

Take the Bustang/Snowstang or Pegasus into the mountains and avoid driving in the insanity that is Colorado’s mountain traffic:

I need more people to understand (locally) what a gift it is to have this service. I remember NOT THAT LONG AGO how difficult it was to get to the mountains without a car. The day before I worked on this post I took the Bustang to Vail and walked over Unravel Coffee in the Gravity Haus Vail location. I love that there is a bathroom and internet available onboard. 

¡Viva Streets Denver! 

I recently shared a podcast episode directed at Denver’s Mayoral Candidates where I discussed what I wanted to see happening in town. One of the activities that I shared that I wanted was a ciclovia! It’s a cool bike event inspired by the country of Colombia’s weekly bike event. The roads are shut down and citizens take over on bikes without worrying for their safety. Happily we’re going to have 4 of these events from May-August. I’m so excited! 

Denver Cruiser Ride

Bike themes continued. This is such a fun event during the summer. Hundreds of riders meetup at designated locations across town, dress up based on a theme and ride around town. It’s a party.

Aksels Hidden Room

If you’re into getting Denver and Colorado branded apparel-Aksels is a great locally owned company to pick it up from. BUT, did you know that they have a secret room at their Santa Fe location? 

Casa Bonita

Many Coloradans who grew up here have a pivotal Casa Bonita story. I have one. I’m excited about the next adventure we’re about to have with this quintessential Denver experience now owned by the South Park guys. One thing that will be weird is having good food there because the new chef is a James Beard nominee. If you are excited about cliff diving, and interactive experiences then Casa Bonita has to be added to your list of Denver experiences. It looks like it’s going to reopen in May 2023.

Roller Derby

There is a serious Roller Derby scene in Denver and it pains me to admit that I haven’t gone to a derby yet. This is the year that I change it. 

Black American West Museum and Heritage Center

Many folks might not know that African-Americans have lived in Colorado since the 1800’s when the state was formed. The Black American West Museum shares this history of Doctors, Cowboys and more.  

Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens

This is a beautiful event during the holiday season that always sells out. You have to move fast to get those tickets but it’s worth it. The Botanic Gardens is one of my favorite spaces in Denver that I don’t visit often enough.

 Hecho en Westwood Collective

It drives me crazy that so many people don’t have a clue about this gem in the West side of Denver. Throughout the year it hosts incredible cultural events including Mexican vegan dinners, markets and more. 

Grab some Kolaches at Kolache House Bakery in Lakewood (across from Casa Bonita)

 Kolaches are a Czech pastry that are sold in sweet or savory options at the Kolache House Bakery. It’s a bright, friendly and fun space to get some doughy goodness. 

Black Arts Festival

To me this event is more than art, it’s about community, conversation and having a space to celebrate creative work. All are welcome. The festival almost always seems to fall on a stunningly beautiful weekend and there’s nothing better than walking around enjoying incredible art, meeting amazing people, eating and enjoying creative work made by local and out of state artists. 

Pick up some freshly roasted green chilies during the fall

I often worry that we’re going to lose this tradition. I remember when my local Safeway had a vendor who would set up their stand in the parking lot and sell freshly roasted chilies and pinion nuts from August through the first or second week of September. If you know of vendors that still do this in the Denver metro (besides Brighton because it’s a little too far) let me know.

Union Station

Denverites should really be proud of the gem that they have with Union Station. The redevelopment has created a mixed use space for travelers, tourists and locals on the move. You can eat brunch at Snooze, get a phenomenal coffee at Mercantile Provision and Design (incredible food service and great staff) , enjoy a fabulous Spanish tapas experience at Ultreia and finish the evening off with a drink at one of the many bars in the space. Or, you can sit in front of Union Station by the water fountain and people watch.

Play some volleyball at Wash (Washington) Park during the summer

It’s like recreating that Top Gun episode but without the beach. 

Yoga on the Rooftop at Larimer Square

I really love the events hosted by Larimer Square’s team. Last summer I even had a chance to take a donation-requested yoga class on the rooftop of the Larimer Square parking garage. It was so beautiful with a stunning view of the mountains and was taught by an instructor from the Urban Sanctuary.

Civic Center Eats

There’s nothing better than combining food trucks, music and other experiences together. During the summer Civic Center Eats is a great place to people watch and eat when you’re next to the Capitol or City and County Building. 

Civic Center Moves

I really hope that they bring back Hip hop classes in 2023. Civic Center Moves are fitness classes hosted in Civic Center Park. They are typically free but they do ask that you sign up and fill out a waiver. Classes in the past have included yoga and HIIT. Classes typically begin in May.

Go Outlet Shopping at Colorado Mills Mall

I’m not really into going to the mall anymore but I do have a special place in my heart for Colorado Mills Mall and consider this a visit to Colorado Mills an experience worth having. It’s not just shopping. It has gone through some things including a devastating hail storm that shut the mall down for a little under a year. I worked a side-hustle when it reopened to help welcome back patrons to the mall and it was so fun. I was even given a very old silver dollar by an older gentleman who I think carries those around to meet people. Colorado Mills has outlet shopping, a ton of uniquely local shops such as Kataluma Chai, Smith and Cannon’s Ice Cream and Coffee’s new location and Antojitos Mex, a Mexican snack bar. If you like chamoy, elotes and other yummy stuff-you have to stop by. Or, you could walk the mall with the mall walkers. 

Grab a Milk Tea at Milk Tea People on 16th Street and Market (formerly where Market Street Transit Station was located) 

Go to Milk Tea People when you’re able to sit down and relax and enjoy your tea. Don’t go if you’re in a rush!

Want a Matcha Flan Sua Da

Go to Ti Cafe on Broadway. I want more people to know about Ti Cafe. It’s so good! 

Grandma’s House 

For Spicy Cross Stitching and a beer.

Dairy Block Development

Go when they’re hosting an event such as a market, yoga or a holiday event during the Christmas season. I was able to take a picture with the Grinch last year. Dairy Block and the Denver Milk Market development is one of my favorite new spaces in Denver. I feel like there still are a lot of Denverites who haven’t checked it out and you really should. I love visiting when they have the holiday lights up, but it’s just as fun during the warmer months when they’re hosting a cute market. 

Slam Nuba

I love these events so much and I just wish that they would have the event scheduled up to a month out so that I don’t miss them. If you’re a fan of spoken word poetry, high energy positive spaces and inclusive communities-you must attend a Slam Nuba event. 

West Coast Swing Dance Classes at Mercury Cafe

I am a life-long dancer. But, I’ve always participated in jazz, lyrical jazz and hip hop. While I enjoyed watching ballroom dancing, couple style dancing never intrigued me until I watched a TikTok video sharing a style called West Coast Swing. The music, the moves and the energy. Luckily, the Mercury Cafe hosts lessons and an evening of dance. Check their website for more details. 

Enjoy a Community meal at Somebody People on Sunday evenings

One of the underlying areas of focus of Square State is to foster community. What better way to do that than to enjoy a delicious meal at a community table. Somebody People is one of the best restaurants in Denver. Period. It also happens to be a plant forward menu meaning-it’s a vegan restaurant. I would comfortably take meat eaters to Somebody People how do I know? I eat meat. The food there is delicious and in a previous life I was a long-time vegetarian. 

Go to Denver’s Juneteenth Festival

I have to admit that I was very surprised to discover how many people (Black people) were unfamiliar with Juneteenth. Then, I realized that living so close to Texas and growing up with Juneteenth celebrations in Denver was a more unique experience than I realized. What’s Juneteenth? It is the celebration of when enslaved Texans were told about the Emancipation Proclamation…one year later. Colorado is so close to Texas that the African-American communities have many similarities and deep connections. Denver’s Juneteenth celebration is massive! I love it so much, bring money, a great attitude and understand that it will likely be hot as hell that weekend. 

City Park Farmer’s Market

Just edged out South Pearl Street Farmers Market for me as the best Farmers Market in Denver. It is so welcoming, is accessible to patrons who are eligible for SNAP and is the most diverse community of market shoppers in town. Also, I like that there is a pretty balanced number of vegetarian and meat focused vendors.

Yoga on the Rocks

One of the most transformative yoga experiences that I’ve had was at Yoga on the Rocks. Red Rocks is such a beautiful venu and there is something about being outside with several thousand people focusing on a yoga practice. 

La Esquina Del Sabor/La Plaza Marketplace (Aurora) 

Imagine being in a place with dozens of food trucks all selling food from all over Mexico/Central America and South America plus a splash of the Caribbean. Oh, hell yes. I’ve actually combined these two experiences despite the fact that I think they’re run by different people. I really don’t understand why more people don’t talk about La Esquina Del Sabor which is held in Aurora.

 Movies on the Rocks

Red Rocks aren’t just for going to concerts. Other fun events are hosted there including one of my favorites-Movies on the Rocks. Enjoy watching movies throughout the summer at Red Rocks. It’s such a good value too because there’s usually a comedian, some other performance, a cartoon and then the movie. I watched Black Panther with a sold out crowd (around 9,000 attendees) and it was amazing. 

Experience an Ethiopian Tea Ceremony at the Whittier Cafe

As a coffee lover I am always excited about any opportunity to experience coffee traditions from across the world. Whittier Cafe is the one place that I can think of in the Metro area that regularly shares one of those traditions. If there’s a shop that brews Turkish coffee-let me know!

Butterfly Pavilion Rainforest Yoga Classes

Not going to a rainforest anytime soon? Take a yoga class at the Butterfly Pavilion for a similar experience. When you’re done see if you get the opportunity to hold Rosie the Tarantula.

Denver Nuggets Game

The Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies have been dealing with some rough seasons lately. Go to a Denver Nuggets game and watch the team that is the gift that keeps on giving. I love this team so much and I’m so excited about this season.

Pick up tamales at the Festival Del Tamal Y Atole at Hecho en Westwood

This festival was held for the second time in December 2022 and it’s my hope that it continues during subsequent holiday seasons. I’m a huge fan of this unique and beautiful community space and I hope that more people learn about it and support the different events and vendors who are a part of the community.

Colorado Rapids Game

It’s called SOCCER! Colorado has a professional soccer team that is so much fun to watch. Each time they score a goal a cannon goes off. My only complaint is that there isn’t bus service (as far as I know) to the facility. 

Coark Collective Food Hall

One of the most exciting food developments happening in the Denver Metro area is related to all things across the Asian Food Diaspora. Coark Collective is a food hall with primarily Korean food stalls that opened at the beginning of 2023. Located in Aurora you can take the train to it!

Eat at Mango House

For immigrant communities across the Metro area, Mango House is a helpful resource. For other community members it’s a great way to experience delicious foods from across the world. This space isn’t sexy but the food absolutely is. Many people are familiar with Urban Burma, but I encourage you to support the other vendors who are a part of this important space. 

Wolf Wednesdays

I love R&B. So I discovered that there is a space for artists to share their love of R&B here in Denver. I was so excited to hear about this space and to support  this project. 

Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Sloans Lake

SUP is a popular summertime activity if you can get to a lake that is deep enough for it. Fortunately, Sloans Lake fills the bill.

Join a Meetup Group

I’ve often heard that Denver’s Meetup community is described as exceptional/on fire/and amazing. There is a group for almost every interest. And, if for some reason you can’t find the right group-you can start one yourself. Meetups in Denver (especially focused on outdoors activities) tend to be incredibly active. Newbie Tip: Attend each meetup at least 3 times before you make a final decision about whether or not it’s the right fit for you. 

Workout with The November Project

I’m really wanting to get back in shape and one of the best workouts I’ve ever done is with The November Project. These free workouts utilize the City as a gym. Attendees are so freaking nice and peppy that it makes the 45 minute workout fly by. The only downside is that these workouts are early in the day and I’m not a morning person.

Check out the art at Under Study

Every time I’m about to take the light rail at the Convention Center station I make sure to pop into Under Study, a free art space that has some of the most accessible, diverse and interesting art installations in town. It’s a small space so it’s easy to pop in and out pretty quickly. 

Groov3 Hip Hop Dance Workout

Whenever I read the top 10 workouts in Denver, I’m baffled as to why Groov3 hip hop dance workouts aren’t on the lists? We need to change that immediately. If you love an hour of continuous movement, great music, a warm and welcoming group of people-this class is for you. 

Urban Sanctuary Soul Flow heal with R&B vibes

I’m a huge fan of yoga expressions that veer a different way from the traditional. And I absolutely love R&B music. Spend an hour getting your flow on in a warm space with fantastic music.

Grab a Good Cup of Coffee

Denver has an incredible coffee culture. It’s so good that I review coffee shops on a regular basis. The City has a wide variety of locally owned shops to choose from, many of whom roast their own coffee beans or source from local roasters. And there are so many shops with their own patios. 

Go to the Chalk Art Festival

In 2022, the Chalk Art Festival finally moved to a space that could accommodate its growth and it was fantastic! For art lovers, people who love live music and drinking refreshing drinks out of coconuts (I hope that vendor returns in 2023) the Chalk Art Festival is in my mind one of the top 5 festivals held in Denver. I also think that it needs A LOT more publicity due to its move from Larimer Square to the Golden Triangle neighborhood (near the Denver Art Museum) 

420 Festival Denver

Ironically, I voted “no” to legalize cannabis. I’m happy to say that I’m pleased with how things have gone now. For cannabis lovers and people who like good music the 420 Festival held in Civic Center park is a must attend event.

Attend a Colorado Mammoth Lacrosse Game

Every person that I’ve ever met who has gone to a Mammoth game raves about how much fun they are. The Mammoth also happens to be one of the best professional lacrosse teams in the US. 

Walk through rows of lavender at the Denver Botanic Gardens Lavender Festival

Lavender is one of my favorite scents and plants to experience. My ultimate goal is to go to the South of France to enjoy their lavender season but until that happens I will happily enjoy this festival and the one in Palisade.

Run in the Colfax Half Marathon

One day I need to share the story of how I woke up one weekend and decided to run a half-marathon because it had been on my list for too long. That was an insane thing to do but I would run the Colfax Half Marathon again-this time after training. One of the best moments of that race was turning west on Colfax, facing the mountains and running underneath a giant American flag while looking at the mountains. It took 5 days for me to recover and I love sharing that story.

Sip a cocktail at a speakeasy

I find Denver’s speakeasies to be pretty cozy, lowkey affairs. While we lost a great one with the closure of the Green Russell on Larimer Square, I’m sure that a couple of new concepts will likely open in the next couple of years. 

Enjoy a $30 happy hour

Living in Denver can get expensive. I love checking out the different happy hours around town and have a goal of seeing which ones give the best bang for your buck. In fact, I’m creating a whole list of reviews on the best $30 Happy Hours (including tip) in Denver. Make sure to check out some of my recommendations. 

Browse the art in the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

Has become one of my favorite art spaces in town. As one would expect with a contemporary art museum MCA Denver pushes the envelope with its many thoughtfully curated exhibits. I also like the rooftop cafe/bar and hope that they will continue hosting bands this summer

Sun Valley Viaduct Night Market

One of the newer markets in town, The first Sun Valley Viaduct Night Market  will be held next to Mile High/Empower Field on May 20th from 4:00-10:00 pm. It’s about time we had a market like this one on the West side of town.  

Hang out in Olde Town Arvada

Every once in a while I feel like taking the train from Union Station and going to Olde Town Arvada to hang out. I really like the shops, the vibe and the fact that the train literally stops in the middle of Olde Towne. Vegans you also can enjoy eating at So Radish if you’re hungry. 

Take a tour of Denver Metro Food Halls

There are so many food hall concepts that have opened up in the metro area. Each one is a little bit different but I do wish a few would push the envelope a little more and not be so “safe” with the vendors that they have on board. Let me know what you think.

1. Zeppelin Station (Denver)
2. Milepost Zero (Denver-McGregor Square) 
3. Mango House (Aurora)
4. Junction Food and Drink (Denver)
5. The Source Hotel and Market Hall (Denver)
6. Grange Hall (Greenwood Village)
7. Milk Market (Denver)
8. Avanti Food and Drink (Denver)
9. The Denver Central Market  
10. Edgewater Public Market (Sloans Lake) 
11. Cork Collective Food Hall (Centennial)
12. Freedom Street Social (Arvada)
13. Parkside Eatery (Aurora)
14. Golden Mill (Golden)
15. Rosetta Hall (Boulder)
16. Morris and Mae (Golden)
17. Tributary Food Hall and Drinkery (Golden)

Spend a day at Epic Sky Trek in Castle Rock

I have been trying to get some people together to go to Epic Trek. Imagine a massive jungle gym made for adults. That is Epic Trek. I must go to there. 

Waterworld

If you’re looking for summertime fun and a way to escape the heat, Waterworld has to be on your list. It’s so much fun. I used to take the adult international students that I worked with at the university to Waterworld. They were hilarious.

Pop-Up Events in Denver

If there is a cool pop up event touring across the US, Denver will likely be on the list of locations to host it. If you live here or are visiting I highly recommend seeing if one of the pop up events that you’re excited about will be in Denver when you are. 

Wings Over the Rockies

This space is so cool and even has a life-sized Star Fighter from Star Wars in it. A great place to hang out on May 4th.

Izba Spa Denver

If you’re looking for a Russian Banyan spa, Izba Spa Denver is it. 

Lake Steam Baths (Non-Sexual) 

I might have giggled a little bit when I saw the Lake Steam Bath website recently with the added context (non-sexual) on it. I love this place and feel like I’m way overdue a visit. My favorite is the eucalyptus steam. You will be nekkid! 

International Cannabis Church

I have a lot of thoughts about this space. But, one thing cannot be denied, it’s really beautiful inside and is worth a visit. 

Go to a concert at Mission Ballroom

I’ve heard from a lot of music aficionados in town that Mission Ballroom is the best place in Denver to see a concert. Yes, even better than Red Rocks. 

Orphelia’s Electric Soapbox

Right before COVID hit, I went to an event at Ophelia’s and it was so much fun. The food was incredible too. You can catch a free show, enjoy a great happy hour or just go for a night of dancing there. It’s a great venue that I want more people to know about, especially post COVID.

Check out the Night Lights Denver display on the Daniels and Fisher Clock Tower

Why is it that no one talks about how cool Night Lights Denver is? You know, the video art show projected onto the clock tower during the evenings? I get that downtown is going through a revitalization process right now (as well as going through some things) but Night Lights is a cool, free and relatively quick thing to enjoy when in town. 

1st Fridays on Santa Fe (Especially when the street is blocked off) 

The best way to enjoy 1st Fridays is on Santa Fe. What are 1st Fridays? It’s a celebration of art and culture throughout the city on the first Friday of every month. My favorite area to enjoy this is in the Santa Fe Art District when the street is blocked off and there’s more space to walk around and enjoy the events. I think at this point it would be better to just block off the street during the June/July/August 1st Friday Events.

Denver Center for Performing Arts

I have been visiting and enjoying theatrical productions at the Denver Center for Performing Arts for as long as I can remember. I truly love this space and the productions that are brought in. But, one thing I do want to mention is how incredible the Theater Company productions are. Don’t sleep on those. In fact, The Whale, the production that has revived Brendon Frasier’s career, first debuted in Denver. And that show was PHENOMENAL. 

Search for Murals around town

I love wandering around Denver and exploring all of the things that we have to offer. But, one of my favorite activities happens to be checking out all of the murals that we have in town. I have some favorites, but I love seeing the art on display around town.  I still need to check out the mural on the grain elevators at 38th and Wynkoop.

Centennial Flower Garden

I LOVE this tiny, beautiful park within walking distance of REI, Confluence Park and Elitches. It’s like a perfect little surprise. Make sure to visit during the spring when the flowers are blooming.

Attend a free or $25 dollar concert at Levitt Pavilion

The first concert that I went to as I made my way back into the world during the COVID pandemic was at Levitt Pavillion. It also happened to be free. I had an amazing time while sitting far from people and just trying to enjoy myself. Levitt Pavilion is so cool. It hosts both free and inexpensive concerts throughout the summer. 

Free Snowboarding in Denver (if only it would snow more)

Levitt Pavilion has some nice hills for snowboarding and skiing. You can also “rent” equipment for free. This is great when you don’t have the time to go up I-70 or don’t want to drop a ton of cash to go skiing over the weekend. 

Enjoy a nice brunch

There are so many great brunches around town that I’ve thought about doing a tour of the different restaurants that are known for hosting great brunches. It would basically be an excuse to eat my way through town. 

Enjoy a meal at Denver Restaurant Week

Every single year, I wait with baited breath to see which restaurants will be participating in Denver Restaurant Week. I love trying out new to me restaurants that I might not have had a chance to check out before. If you’re participating don’t forget to tip generously and have fun!

Dress up and Attend Denver Derby Party

I never thought I would be that girl. You know, the one who looked for any reason to wear a fascinator. The big hats are a PITA to party in. I have attended the Denver Derby Party two or three times prior to COVID and I love its mission to help students attend CSU with a full-ride and a nod to the life of Sean “Ranch” Lough who is the inspiration behind this incredible project. 

Take the Winter Park Ski Train

I’m of the mind that any reason to take a train is a good reason. But, avoiding I-70 traffic and enjoying time in Winter Park is a perfect reason to take the Ski Train. I just wished that it would run all year around. 

Zed’s Dead Concert

Every once in a while, I find myself in the mood for EDM. Zed’s Dead will be in Denver this summer playing at the Sculpture Park Backyard Jamboree. 

Hammond’s Candy Factory

I am not sure why but I still haven’t gone on this tour. I plan to change that this year! I love Hammond’s candies and am excited to see where the magic happens.

The Inventing Room (Dessert)

I have a friend who is so obsessed with The Inventing Room that, more often than not, I can guess where she and her husband will be going on date nights. If you love whimsical experiences, deserts and fun with food-The Inventing Room is a must visit. 

VR Social (Edgewater Public Market)

Do you like virtual reality experiences and escape rooms? Look no further! VR Social has you covered. Once you’re done go shopping and enjoy a great meal or walk around Sloan’s Lake. 

Eat at El Borrego Negro

I didn’t grow up eating goat like relatives did but I’m 100% excited to pick up some deliciously slow roasted goat in a horno enterrado. You can pick up your meal Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00 am until it runs out. 3738 Morrison rd (inside the gallery, entrance by the parking lot) Hecho en Westwood!

Reuter-Hess Incline

If the Manitou Incline is too aggressive a climb for you, check out the Reuter-Hess Incline instead. You’ll still be going up a ton of stairs, but you likely won’t experience the vertigo that I often experience on the Manitou Incline.

Curious Theater Company

More theater! I enjoy going to the theater so much and Curious Theater Company is a must add to your list.