A Look Ahead to Denver Events in 2009
2008 was one of Denver’s biggest years ever, but the Mile High City isn’t one to rest on its laurels. That’s why you’re going to want to start planning for 2009 early! The first couple of months of the year will see an incredible amount of can’t-miss Denver events and activities. Check out a sampling of some of the big ones below.
National Western Stock Show
When: January 10-25, 2009
Where: The National Western Complex, Denver
More Info: www.nationalwestern.com
Denver’s year always gets off to a rip-roaring start, thanks to the National Western Stock Show, held annually in January since 1906. Called the “Super Bowl of Cattle Shows,” The National Western Stock Show is a Denver tradition, honoring the country's Old West heritage. Held at the National Western Complex, it is the world’s largest stock show. Each year is bigger and better than the last, with more than 15,000 animals, rodeo performances, Mexican rodeos, bull riders, horse shows, livestock competitions, auctions and booths selling everything from cowboy boots to Native American jewelry. Don’t miss out on this “only-in-Denver” event, celebrating its 103rd year in 2009.
Denver Center Attractions Presents The Color Purple, Chicago and Phantom of the Opera
When: January-March, 2009
Where: The Buell Theatre at the Denver Center for Performing Arts
More Info: www.denvercenter.org
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts has outdone itself with its upcoming 2009 season, which is packed with a wide array of fan-favorite musicals. Things get started January 7-18 with The Color Purple, presented by none other than Oprah Winfrey. This musical version of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Alice Walker was nominated for 11 Tony® Awards and is highlighted by a joyous Grammy®-nominated score featuring jazz, gospel and blues. Next, February 3-8, catch Chicago, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. A sensational Roaring 20s tale of sin, corruption and "all that jazz," it’s no surprise that Chicago has wowed audiences from Mexico City to Moscow, from Sao Paulo to South Africa. Next up is the dark romance and grandeur of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Phantom of the Opera, February 25-March 22. With some of the most lavish sets ever produced and a wildly popular score, this award-winning musical has woven its magical spell over standing room audiences in more than 100 cities worldwide and is now the longest running show in Broadway history. Get your tickets to these amazing shows now!
Denver Restaurant Week 2009
When: February 21-27, 2009
Where: At more than 100 restaurants citywide
More Info: www.denverrestaurantweek.com 
Hope you’ve got a big appetite, because this February in the Mile High City, you’re going to need it. Denver Restaurant Week is a seven-day celebration of the culinary scene in Denver – the perfect opportunity to find out why the city’s chefs and eateries have been earning rave reviews on a national level. For one week, participating restaurants will offer a multi-course dinner for the fixed price of $52.80 for two, or $26.40 for one (not including tax or gratuity). Dates are still to be determined, but if you love food – and who doesn’t? – Denver Restaurant Week will be one of your favorite weeks all year.
Found in a Belgian Basement:
Lakota Artifacts from the 1935 World’s Fair
When: March 1, 2009-January 24, 2010
Where: Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
More Info: www.buffalobill.org
For years it was known as the “ghost collection.” His friends knew that butcher Auguste Hermans had purchased an outstanding collection of Lakota beadwork and other artifacts at the 1935 Brussels World's Fair. But no one ever saw the collection, which he kept in the backrooms and basement of his Brussels home. Now, after nearly 75 years, the “ghost collection” is out of the basement and back in America for the first time, on exhibit at Denver’s Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave beginning on March 1, 2009. It will feature a selection of 40 artifacts from the “ghost collection,” ranging from elaborately beaded vests to moccasins and headdresses. Most of the items were made especially for the Brussels Worlds Fair by Lakota families, who used them for performances and then sold them to Hermans before returning home. Anyone with an interest in Native American history and memorabilia should definitely mark their calendar for this unique exhibit.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
When: March 14, 2009
Where: Lower Downtown, beginning at 27th & Blake
More Info: www.denverstpatricksdayparade.org
The city's largest annual parade – and one of the largest St. Patty’s Day parades in the country – features horses and stagecoaches, marching bands, floats and fun with a Western flair. The parade begins at 27th & Blake Street at 10 a.m. and generally lasts until 1:30 p.m. More than 200 entries and 10,000 marchers will participate. It is estimated that more than 200,000 people lined the route last year, so get there early to get the best spot! Various Irish-themed events follow the parade through downtown Denver. Don’t forget to wear something green!
Denver March Powwow
When: March 20-22, 2009
Where: Denver Coliseum
More Info: www.denvermarchpowwow.org
Since 1984, the heritage of American Indians has been celebrated in Denver every year at the Denver March Powwow, one of the largest events of its kind in the country. The 35th Powwow, taking place March 20-22, 2009, will feature more than 1,600 dancers from close to 100 tribes from 38 states and three Canadian provinces. The three-day event in the Denver Coliseum is packed with singing, dancing, storytelling, food, art and more, ensuring a spectacular event for everyone.
Jazzfest Denver
When: March 20–22, 2009
Where: Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge
More Info: www.jazzfestdenver.com
Music fans love this annual event, featuring three evenings filled with straight-up jazz at Denver’s premier jazz venue, Dazzle. Both local and national acts are featured in an intimate setting and all proceeds go to charity. Tickets for 2009’s fest go on sale December 1.
The Psychedelic Experience: Rock Posters from the San Francisco Bay Area, 1965-1971
When: March 21-July 19, 2009
Where: Denver Art Museum
More Info: www.denverartmuseum.org
The Denver Art Museum (DAM) will celebrate the era that espoused free love, a vibrant rock music scene and spectacular graphic design with The Psychedelic Experience: Rock Posters from the San Francisco Bay Area, 1965-1971. The exhibition will showcase more than 250 wildly experimental and visually stunning works from DAM’s newly acquired collection of posters promoting dance concerts and other “happenings” that have since become iconic symbols of the youth culture of the 1960s and '70s. Put some flowers in your hair and get ready for an eye-opening art experience! (Image Credit:
Victor Moscoso, March 28-30/April 4-6, 1967, Matrix Denver Art Museum: Collection of David and Sheryl Tippit, 331.2007 © 1967 Victor Moscoso)
Denver International Auto Show
When: April 1-5, 2009
Where: Colorado Convention Center
More Info: www.denverautoshow.com
Rev up your engines! The Denver International Auto Show is bigger and better than ever in 2009. The show fills nearly 400,000 square feet at the Colorado Convention Center, where you'll not only see all the new 2009 models, but also be treated to sneak peeks of selected 2010 intros, concepts and the latest in tricked out cars.
Colorado Rockies Home Opener
When: April 10, 2009
Where: Coors Field
More Info: www.coloradorockies.com
Denver’s beloved Rockies return for their 2009 home opener, going up against 2008 World Series champs the Philadelphia Phillies. The home opener is always a sellout, so get your tickets early!
Find out about more great upcoming 2009 events at www.Denver365.com.