Denver’s Biggest Events for 2023

'Beetlejuice' (Thru Sept. 17, 2023) – It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. See it at the Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

Desert Rider: Dreaming in Motion (Thru Sept. 24, 2023) – Inspired by the counterculture developments of the 1960s epitomized in films like Easy Rider, the objects in Desert Rider examine how Southwestern Latinx and Indigenous artists express identity, pride, and a sense of community by transforming vehicles associated with the American West, challenging stereotypes and embodying hope. See it at Denver Art Museum.

Civic Center Eats (Thru September 28, 2023) – This annual food truck event brings a variety of Denver's best mobile restaurants together to serve lunch throughout the summer.

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. 

Ansel Adams: Early Works (Thru Oct. 1, 2023) – Head to Denver Botanic Gardens to 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. 

Justin Favela: Vistas in Color (Thru Oct. 1, 2023) – Justin Favela's large-scale piñata-paper installations exist at the intersection of cultural identity and pop culture. Vibrant and immersive, Vistas in Color honors and celebrates the sweeping desert landscapes of the U.S. and Mexico and the role that they have played in Latinx identity. A tissue paper floor-to-ceiling mural, created specifically for this Denver Botanic Gardens’ exhibition, combines imagery from desert landscapes.

'A Little Night Music' (Thru Oct. 8, 2023) – Love makes fools of us all. Lean into the comedy of it with "A Little Night Music," which traces the plotting, flirting and foibles of three affluent couples in circa-1900 Sweden. In the perpetual twilight of the Nordic summer, lovers waltz in and out of each other’s lives and arms during a weekend romp in the country. Winner of seven Tony Awards, Stephen Sondheim's beloved musical has inspired decades of theater lovers with its masterful music and lyrics and its iconic number, “Send in the Clowns.” See it at Wolf Theatre.

National Hispanic Heritage Month (Thru 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.

Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms (Thru Oct. 28, 2023) – Get lost in Chatfield Farms' seven-acre Corn Maze, or simply watch the fun from one of two 15-foot tall illuminated bridges. Smaller visitors (age 10 and under) can explore the corn mini-maze. 

2023 Colorado Fall Home Show (Sept. 16–17, 2023) – The Colorado Fall Home Show in the Colorado Convention Center is your one-stop marketplace to get ideas to remodel, refresh and renew your home. You’ll find more than 200+ exhibitors well-versed in home renovation, remodeling and sustainable living. Many exhibitors will be standing by with tips, tools and ideas on how to winterize your home.

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.

High Plains Comedy Festival (Sept. 21–23, 2023) – Founded in 2013 by Denver comedian/writer Adam Cayton-Holland, this festival features a mix of local and national comics in venues throughout the city, with a special emphasis on the historic Baker neighborhood surrounding South Broadway. High Plains has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talent-packed and fun-filled festivals in the country. While the curated list of comedians changes from year to year, it always features a diverse mix of nationally and internationally known headliners, rising-star road warriors and burgeoning talent from the amazing local scene.

Denver Oktoberfest (Sept. 22–24 and Sept. 29–Oct. 1, 2023) – The free annual Denver Oktoberfest is almost here! Get ready for beer, pretzels, games and so much more celebrating German culture and cuisine. Denver Oktoberfest has been a staple two-weekend festival in Downtown Denver since 1969. From keg bowling to stein hoisting, live music and more, there’s something here for Oktoberfest pros and first-timers.

Denver Walls (Sept. 22–Oct. 3, 2023) – Denver is the 25th city to become a part of the globally recognized Worldwide Walls series of street art events, which, since 2010, has brought murals to public spaces. Spearheaded by Denver-based artist Ally Grimm (aka A.L. Grime), Denver Walls will feature 15 to 18 local and international artists painting across 12 to 15 walls in and around RiNo Art District. Mural installations will begin on September 22, with the majority of public events taking place over the weekend of September 29 to October 1.

Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns (Sept. 22–Oct. 31, 2023) – Presented and produced by The Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns will delight adults and children alike under a magnificent glow of 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin displays. A magical carnival, a nautical sea-scape, a pirate ship, dinosaurs and dragons illuminate the grounds of Hudson Gardens in a soft, inviting glow where you’ll find magic around every corner.

Tyler Childers (Sept 27 & 28, 2023) – Country/bluegrass singer Tyler Childers is set to play two consecutive nights at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre! His music, bursting at the seams with lyrical detail and emotional depth, have put him in line with the likes of Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell.

Fright Fest (Sept. 30–Oct. 29, 2023) – Every October, Elitch Gardens transforms into a frighteningly fun haunted theme park, with family-friendly scares during the day and spine-tingling frights by night. Enjoy Halloween decor, spooky live performances, and all your favorite rides!

Rodeo All-Star Weekend (Oct. 6–7, 2023) – It's the ultimate pro rodeo competition with all-star contestants from around the globe! This year's Rodeo All-Star Concert, presented by Mountain Dew on Friday night, features TikTok sensation George Birge. The weekend also includes three professional rodeo performances jam-packed with bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding and fan-favorite Mutton Bustin'.

Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms (Oct. 6–8, 2023) – Enjoy a day of fall activities at Chatfield Farms! Your ticket price includes access to the 10-acre pumpkin patch, Corn Maze and family and children’s activities, like the antique tractor exhibit, hayrides, a mini-maze, face painting, carnival games and bounces, and more. There's also live music, local craft and artisan booths, food trucks and food vendors, and beer and hard cider vendors.

Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks (Oct. 8, 2023–Feb. 19, 2024) – This is the debut museum solo exhibition tour for Ghanaian artist Amoako Boafo (born 1984). One of the most acclaimed artists of his generation, Boafo’s works focus the viewers’ gaze on his subjects’ presence through his portraits representing Black life. More than 30 works created between 2016 and 2022 are featured at Denver Art Museum, displaying Boafo’s vibrant use of color and thick gestures shaped by improvisational techniques such as finger-painting. His works actively center Black subjectivity, Black joy and the Black gaze as the foundation of his inspiration and artistic practice.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival (Oct. 14–15, 2023) – Pick out the perfect pumpkin, build a scarecrow to take home, and browse for unique local treasures in the marketplace with more than 40 vendors on-site. The festival will also feature a Western-themed scavenger hunt, and guests can pan for gold, pack a wagon, and play prairie games! Catch live music and performances on the Autumn Harvest Community Stage and dine on seasonal favorites like apple cider donuts for an unforgettable day at Four Mile Historic Park.

'TINA - The Tina Turner Musical' (Oct. 18–29, 2023) – Her voice is undeniable. Her fire is unstoppable. Her triumph is unlike any other. An uplifting comeback story like no other, "TINA – The Tina Turner Musical" is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. See it at Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

P!nk (Oct. 25, 2023) – P!nk returns to Ball Arena atop her newest album, "TRUSTFALL." The powerful pop singer and occasional acrobat is known for her high-flying stunts and vocal prowess live, oftentimes doing what few other singers will do. 

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.

Denver Film Festival (Nov. 3–12, 2023) – The 46th Denver Film Festival is a 10-day festival bringing international cinema, filmmakers, virtual reality, immersive experiences and creative conversations to Colorado. The Denver Film Festival takes place at four primary locations throughout the city of Denver, with dozens of locations hosting pop-up events to engage audiences in the Denver and Aurora Metro areas, as well as greater Colorado and its surrounding states.

Veteran's Day Parade & Festival (Nov. 11, 2023) – This family-friendly event at City Park offers free admission, a music stage, kids and family activities, military displays and marketplace vendors. The festival serves as a celebratory “Thank You” to our veterans who have fought to ensure our freedoms.