Denver’s Biggest Events for 2023

Civic Center Eats (May–September 2023) – This annual food truck event brings a variety of Denver's best mobile restaurants together to serve lunch throughout the summer.

¡Viva! Streets Denver (June 4, July 9 and Aug. 6) – From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., a 3.5-mile street closure will provide a safe space for all to walk, bike, roll and scoot separately from motorized vehicles. The street closure will include Broadway at Lincoln and Alameda to Welton where it intersects Downing. In addition, Taste of Colorado at ¡Viva! Streets will take place in Civic Center Park and along 14^th Street between Broadway and Bannock. Similar to past years, there will be live music, food trucks, marketplace vendors, a beer garden, kids activities and sponsor activations.

Taste of Colorado at ¡Viva! Streets Denver (June 4 and July 19) – This reformatted annual festival will take place over three Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Civic Center Park to celebrate diverse food, music and culture.

The Denver BBQ Festival (May 27–28, 2023) – This festival brings together top pitmasters from Denver and around the country to serve award-winning barbecue. The festival also features live music, cold drinks and barbecue tutorials and demonstrations. Admission is free; guests pay for food and drinks.

Vance Kirkland’s Cosmos (Thru May 28, 2023) – Vance Kirkland (1904–1981), namesake of Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, was among the most important Colorado and regional painters of the 20th century. During the last half of his career, Kirkland’s paintings made a break from the earthly environment and explored outer space, first with his Nebulae paintings, beginning in 1954 pre-Sputnik, using his unique mixtures of oil paint and water.

Denver Day of Rock (June 3, 2023) – This free music festival features four stages of live music in LoDo/downtown Denver. The event unites the community through music and family-friendly entertainment while also raising funds to help Amp the Cause, which supports local non-profits.

ayA Con (June 9–11, 2023) – Denver's Indigenous comic and art festival is coming soon. ayA Con is a celebration of indigeneity hosted by and highlighting North American Indigenous creators. This all-inclusive family festival will feature comic creators, bead artists, musicians, digital illustrators, designers, dancers and much more. It will be held at the McNichols Civic Center Building and Denver Art Museum.

Five Points Jazz Festival (June 10, 2023) – This free festival celebrates the history of Denver's Five Points neighborhood. Once known as the Harlem of the West, Five Points was home to several jazz clubs which played host to many of jazz music's legends such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and many more. The festival features a diverse lineup of music, from Latin to blues to funk and many other styles of jazz.

Big Gear Show - Consumer Festival (June 10–11, 2023) – Get ready outdoor enthusiasts, a special festival is coming to the Colorado Convention Center this summer. At The Big Gear Show, learn from top experts, test out gear in a professionally designed experiential zone, meet the innovators behind your favorite brands and find new spots to recreate. In conjunction with the festival is (e)revolution, the first North American show dedicated to the growing electric bike market where you can test ride commuter, cargo and mountain e-bikes.

Ansel Adams: Early Works (June 11–Oct. 1, 2023) – Discover the early work of the renowned landscape photographer with photos of the American West. Known best for his high-contrast photos made in the 1970s and 1980s, Adams’ earlier prints feature a softer focus, smaller scale and warmer tones, providing a glimpse into the evolution of the photographer’s signature style. 

Juneteenth Music Festival (June 16-19, 2023) – Celebrate with a parade, live performances, art, vendors and fun for the entire family. Don’t miss the interactive and educational programming at acclaimed African American cultural institutions and landmarks.

Cherry Blossom Festival (June 17–18, 2023) – Fans of taiko drumming, teriyaki chicken, sake and Japanese artwork won't want to miss this annual festival in Sakura Square. 

Birdcage Pride Kickoff Party (June 17–18, 2023) – Join the ultimate kick-off party for Pride Week. There will be an open bar, interactive experiences and a dance party. Costumes are encouraged, especially those with wings (any size or color). 

Renewal: Sculptures by Tamara Kostianovsky (thru June 18) – Textile sculptor Tamara Kostianovsky’s exhibition presents 13 large-scale sculptures of tropical birds, flora and tree stumps. The works draw inspiration from her childhood home in Argentina and seek to envision a utopian future restored from past and present exploitation.

Denver PrideFest (June 24–25, 2023) – This two-day celebration of community and culture is welcoming, inclusive and fun for all attendees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. There’s also a parade and 5K (run, walk, roll or sashay).

Fan Expo (June 30–July 2, 2023) – Experience the ultimate playground for comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming. Enjoy three big days of citywide events, family-friendly attractions and world-renowned celebrities. 

'The Book of Mormon' (June 21–July 2, 2023) – This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July 1–3) – This beloved annual community tradition has been a part of the cultural fabric of Denver for more than three decades. Some 150,000 visitors enjoy more than 250 of the nation’s top juried visual artists, curated exhibits, performing and culinary arts, and art activities for the whole family.

Cirque du Soleil – Kooza (July 5–Aug. 13, 2023) – Kooza combines acrobatic performance and the art of clowning while exploring fear, identity, recognition and power. 

Colorado Black Arts Festival (July 7–9, 2023) – Celebrate African American art and culture. It's a Colorado experience like no other in historic Denver City Park West.

Taylor Swift (July 14–15, 2023) – See the Eras Tour live with Muna and Gracie Abrams!

Rod Stewart with special guest Cheap Trick (Aug. 1, 2023) – The iconic singer will be performing with a quintessential 1980s band at Ball Arena. 

Ed Sheeran: + - = ÷ x Tour (Aug. 19, 2023) – The award-winning artist has announced a monumental North American tour in 2023 behind his latest album '='.

'1964' The Tribute (Aug. 24, 2023) – See the world's No. 1 Beatles show live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15, 2023) – Each year, Americans celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

2023 Great American Beer Festival (Sept. 21–23, 2023) – GABF represents the largest collection of U.S. beer ever served in a public tasting event plus a private competition. GABF brings together the brewers and diverse beers that make the U.S. the world's greatest brewing nation.

Return of the Corn Mothers (Thru Sept. 30, 2023) – What began in 2007 with a small grant from the Rocky Mountain Women’s Institute and eight local women has now expanded to include more than seventy women. Join in the rich tradition of honoring Southwest women through this revitalized exhibit. 

Rodeo All-Star Weekend  (Oct. 6-7, 2023) – It's the ultimate pro rodeo competition with all-star contestants from around the globe.

Mile High Holidays (Thru Jan. 1, 2024) – This holiday season, Denver will twinkle with millions of lights all across the city. Feel the warmth of family-friendly performing arts classics, find the perfect gifts and marvel at elaborate lights displays. No other city creates holiday miracles quite like Denver. Mile High Holidays has something for everyone.