Wanting to Visit Latine Denver: What to Do and Where to Go 2023-2024
If I were to share my story of growing up in Denver, it would be incomplete without sharing the very important influence of Mexican American Denverites on my lived experience. I grew up with stories of Cesar Chavez, eating tortillas for snack and seeing low riders cruise up and down Federal Boulevard. That said, a lot of things have changed in Denver with gentrification.
The Northside is now referred to by many as “The Highlands” Fresh roasted chiles and piñons are getting harder to find at the end of summer and the stories and contributions of Brown Denverites sometimes feel like they’re being lost. Denver’s Latine community has expanded in recent years with Brazilians, Central Americans and South Americans making impactful contributions to the City. Just like my things to do in Denver When Black, this post deliberately focuses on a community often forgotten in content written about Colorado (unless it’s Hispanic Heritage Month). Adding a visit to Latine Denver is a must add to your time here in town.
* 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.*
Where to Stay in Denver
Below are a wide-range of nice hotels (and a few hostels) to check out for your stay in Denver. I’ve picked accommodation that is located primarily in Denver’s city center making it easy to get around town.
Related Posts
How to Get Around Town
If you’re in Denver’s city center you can walk around, take the bus or light rail, use a scooter or take a ride share. But, if you plan on exploring beyond downtown Denver you’ll need a car. I highly recommend using Discover Cars, a free tool that helps travelers compare prices before booking their rental car. Discover Cars helps users get the best price before you say “yes” to your next rental car.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Denver
Here are a few items that you should bring with you on your trip. I’ve listed some things to protect you from the sun and to prepare for because it’s so dry in Denver.
What is Denver’s Weather Like
Denver’s weather gets a bad rap which is so strange because the weather is significantly milder than people believe it is. In fact, if you’re from the Northeast, you’ll be shocked by how nice Denver’s weather is during the winter months.
The biggest tip for planning a trip to Denver is the following:
- 10 days before your visit start looking at the weather app every single day before your trip so that you pack appropriately. The weather changes quickly here
Book a Fun Tour
If you’re wanting to visit the mountains but aren’t sure how to go about doing it and don’t want to deal with the logistics-book a tour. I’ve included a few tours below that I think you would enjoy. No visit to Denver is complete without adding a mountain experience.
- Cannabis Tour (for those who indulge)
Visiting Denver Throughout the Year (2023-2024)
We have so many fun things to do in Denver that I thought it would be cool to list some of the best events happening in 2024. I will continue to add to this list as I discover new and interesting experiences that should be included on the list below. While fall is my favorite season to enjoy Denver, there is a lot to do throughout the year.
- January 2024
- Ski Season continues
- Mexican Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show
- Cebollas-Denver Center for the Performing Arts
- NBA Season continues
- NHL Season Continues
- Post-Season Football
- February
- Ski Season continues
- NBA Season continues
- NHL Season Continues
- Soccer Season Begins-Let’s Go Colorado Rapids!
- March
- Semana Santa March 24-March 30, 2024
- Ski Season continues
- NBA Season continues
- NHL Season Continues
- April
- Where Did We Sit on the Bus-Denver Center for the Performing Arts
- 420 Festival
- Ski Season Ends
- Baseball Season Starts! Let’s Go Colorado Rockies!
- May
- Cinco de Mayo
- ¡Viva Streets Denver! (Bike event inspired by Colombia’s Ciclovia event)
- June
- Frozen-Denver Center for the Performing Arts 2024
- Fan Expo Denver
- Denver Chalk Art Festival (TBA)
- Five Points Jazz Festival (TBA)
- Pride Festival
- ¡Viva Streets Denver!
- July
- Cherry Creek Arts Festival
- Dragon Boat Festival
- UMS Music Festival
- ¡Viva Streets Denver!
- August
- La Raza Park Celebration
- Football Season Begins! Let’s Go Denver Broncos
- ¡Viva Streets Denver! Last one of the summer.
- Peso Pluma Concert (2023)
- Fuerza Regida Otra Peda Tour
- September
- October
- Fritzler Corn Maze (a lot of fun!)
- Basketball Season Begins! Let’s go Denver Nuggets
- Hockey Season Begins! Let’s go Colorado Avalanche
- November
- Dia de los Muertos
- Ski Season Begins
- December
Venues and Events
There are a number of venues and events that visitors and locals alike should check out. I’ve listed a few of my favorites below.
- Hecho en Westwood
- One of my favorite community spaces in Denver
Semana Santa in Vail
If you love to ski and are planning a Semana Santa ski trip in 2024, I checked and it’s the last week of March. Start planning your ski trip now because that is also the end of the Spring break season for college students.
Latine Owned Restaurants and Coffee Shops
One of the biggest areas of tension in cities across the US (especially post COVID) is helping small, local businesses thrive. I’ve included a short-list of businesses to support during your visit to Denver. If you live in the Denver Metro area please share additional businesses that I can add to other posts.
- La Diabla Mezcal Y Pozole
- Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Winner 2023
Denver is a Great Town to Visit
If you’ve never visited Denver or Colorado before book your trip now! It’s a wonderful place to visit, the people are great and there’s a lot to do.