Fourth of July Weekend in Denver

Fan Expo Denver

WHEN: July 3–6, 2025
WHERE: Colorado Convention Center
Experience the ultimate fandom weekend of celebs, cosplay, comics, anime, gaming and so much more.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

WHEN: July 4–6, 2025
WHERE: Cherry Creek neighborhood
This major arts festival offers a perfect opportunity to find inspiration, connect with others through art and expand your worldview.

Special Deliveries  

WHEN: Thru Aug. 2, 2025
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Special Deliveries explores the story of three Colorado health professionals who cared for mothers and babies before, during and after pregnancies, as well as the realities of childbirth and parenting in the early 20th century. Practicing medicine in a time before jobs came with medical insurance, the medical professionals detailed in Special Deliveries were often paid with eggs, jars of preserved goods and offers to repaint the provider’s house in return for the care given to mothers and babies. Today, Colorado has more than 300 midwives who build their work on the traditions of expertise, love and care provided by these dedicated professionals.

Where is Denver’s Chinatown? Stories Remembered, Reclaimed, Reimagined  

WHEN: Thru Aug. 9, 2025
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Once located in the area known today as Lower Downtown (LoDo), Denver’s Chinatown was one of the largest in the American West during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It provided a welcoming space for Chinese people in Colorado who built a community and celebrated their culture against a backdrop of frequent ignorance, hostility and violence. The exhibition will invite visitors into this thriving cultural community through historic personal family photographs and objects, artifacts from the museum collection, a portrayal of a typical home and artistic reimaginings of the neighborhood.

Unearthed: Voices of Leadville's Shanty Irish  

WHEN: Thru Aug. 31, 2025
WHERE: Healy House & Dexter Cabin, Leadville
During the late 1800s, what was once a small gold camp in the high mountains of Colorado became one of the most important Irish immigrant communities in the United States. Three thousand Irish-born residents came from other mining communities across North America and the British Isles, seeking work. They occupied the lowest rung on the social ladder, with nearly two-thirds of the men working underground. Facing stark poverty and with few opportunities to improve their livelihoods, the Leadville Irish formed some of the strongest and most important labor unions in Colorado.

Held Impermanence (Artists Select: Katherine Simóne Reynolds)  

WHEN: Thru Sept. 14, 2025
WHERE: Clyfford Still Museum
In the museum’s largest six galleries, Katherine Simóne Reynolds illuminates competing desires held in constant tension at the Clyfford Still Museum. The collection reflects Still’s ambitious attempt to keep his collection intact, a commitment that allows us to see his works alongside paintings made in painful transitions, and others that bear the scars of time. Held Impermanence asks visitors to consider healing and rest over time; how we respond to this collection with our bodies; and to contend with his and our mortality—and, with it, a shared desire to hold impermanence.

¡Viva La Causa! Long Live the Cause! The Art of Change  

WHEN: Thru Oct. 5, 2025
WHERE: History Colorado Center
In every generation, some artists create work as a form of protest. Their art addresses the struggle for social justice and equality and encourages social change. ¡Viva La Causa! Long Live the Cause! highlights artwork created at the peak of two social justice movements: the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and ʼ70s and the Black Lives Matter movement in the early 2020s to explore themes of identity and empowerment in Colorado.

Confluence of Nature: Nancy Hemenway Barton  

WHEN: Thru Oct. 8, 2025
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
Confluence of Nature: Nancy Hemenway Barton features 12 textile wall sculptures and five works on paper by artist Nancy Hemenway Barton, each an exploration of the stunning locations from around the world that informed and inspired her artistic process. Hemenway, a multidisciplinary artist, found her voice as she traveled the world, experiencing rich colorful cultural traditions from the Andean weavers in Bolivia to appliquéd textiles by the Fon in Benin. She described these cultural traditions as natural art. Between 1966 and 1997, Hemenway created large-scale wall reliefs made from hand-loomed fabrics, primarily sourced from indigenous weaving communities, where she had lived and worked. Barton folded, tucked and embroidered her fabrics to create richly textured abstract works that reflected her deep connection to the natural world.

The 90s: Last Decade Before the Future  

WHEN: Thru Oct. 26, 2025
WHERE: History Colorado Center
Step back into the 1990s, a decade marked by cultural shifts and technological breakthroughs. Recall memorable moments as you walk through the defining events from this pivotal era. Revel in 90s nostalgia as you explore its technological innovations, vintage fashion and iconic toys and gadgets. Featuring a treasure trove of artifacts from influential actors, musicians, athletes and politicians, The 90s: Last Decade Before the Future brings this transformative decade to life, inviting reflection on its lasting impact on today's world.

Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia  

WHEN: Thru Aug. 24, 2025
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through time to discover the untold story of Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia. How could an empire that built one of the world’s most astonishing architectural and engineering marvels all but vanish into the Southeast Asia jungle? Discover how modern technology is providing new insights into Angkor’s legacy and celebrate its remarkable resilience as a vibrant, living temple and a captivating destination for travelers worldwide.  

Red, White & ROCK!

WHEN: July 3, 2025
WHERE: Hudson Gardens & Event Center
The family-friendly festivities will feature live music from Yachty Got Back, a high energy 13-piece yacht rock band from Denver, plus a variety of food options from sweet to savory, ice cold libations, face painting, axe throwing, a golf simulator and a grand finale fireworks show.

Deadbeats Backyard Jamboree: Zeds Dead & Friends

WHEN: July 4, 2025
WHERE: Civic Center Park
Now in its fifth year, don't miss this concert. The doors open at 3 p.m. and the music continues on into the evening.

Blues Traveler

WHEN: July 4, 2025
WHERE: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
The music hasn't stopped since the band was formed in the late 1980s.

Vulfpeck

WHEN: July 5, 2025
WHERE: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Jam funk outfit Vulfpeck has kept their infectious groove going, and now they’re heading to Red Rocks for their official headline debut. On July 5, they head to the famed venue with burgeoning newcomer Arc De Soleil, and it’s sure to be nothing short of a mountain-high joyride with one of the tightest groups on the road today. 

Eli Brown

WHEN: July 5, 2025 
WHERE: Civic Center Park
Don't miss this techno powerhouse who's in a category of his own. 

Colorado Rockies vs. Houston Astros

WHEN: July 1–3, 2025
WHERE: Coors Field
Come cheer on the Rockies at Coors Field as they take on the Houston Astros!

Colorado Rapids vs. Sporting Kansas City

WHEN: July 4, 2025
WHERE: Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City
Soccer fans won't want to miss the Colorado Rapids playing Sporting Kansas City!

Colorado Rockies vs. Chicago White Sox

WHEN: July 4–6, 2025
WHERE: Coors Field
Head to Coors Field as the Rockies take on the Chicago White Sox!

Street Art

Denver street artists have been busy brightening (and enlightening) the urban landscape for decades by making canvases of the city’s alleyways, building exteriors, warehouses, garage doors and storefronts. Grab your camera and take a stroll past some of the city's favorite murals. 

Outdoor and Patio Dining

There’s no better way to soak up summer than on one of The Mile High City’s splendid patios. From skyward rooftop terraces to lushly landscaped gardens, these are the ultimate spots to eat and drink alfresco in Denver.

Denver Beer Trail

Denver is a mecca for craft beer. But with 100 brewpubs, breweries and tap rooms in the metro area, where do you begin? Let the Denver Beer Trail be your guide with this sampling and interactive map.

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

Head to the only downtown theme and water park in the country for roller coasters, water slides, family entertainment and much more!

Water World

Beat the heat, relax in the park's beautifully landscaped 64 acres — and ride some serious waterslides.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Carved from towering red rock monuments, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre in Morrison is one of the world's most renowned concert venues. The surrounding park has hiking trails that weave in, around and over the colorful red rocks.

Farmers' Markets

The Mile High City's more than 20 farmers' markets aren't just about locally grown produce, delicious baked goods and prepared foods — though you'll find those in abundance! Each market is a festive, weekly street fair, many with live entertainment and family-friendly activities. 

Denver Zoo

With over 3,500 animals on 84 gorgeous acres, Denver Zoo is an amazing experience year-round. Your donation helps to provide world-class care for the lions, giraffes and elephants, as well as other wild animals and wild places, from the Rockies to Mongolia.

Denver Botanic Gardens

One of the top five botanic gardens in the nation, Denver Botanic Gardens is an oasis in the city, offering year-round events, a children’s garden, lifelong-learning opportunities and research to preserve Colorado’s precious natural resources. Meanwhile, Chatfield Farms, located in nearby Littleton, takes pride in its exemplary nature preserve and gardens. Located on 750 acres, this picturesque site includes display gardens and a historical farm with a rustic barn.

Hudson Gardens

Enjoy thirty acres of natural beauty offering recreational, educational, and social opportunities for all ages. 

Museum of Outdoor Arts

Despite the name, MOA's Englewood collection includes both outdoor sculptures as well as indoor exhibits, including the always-popular Cabinet of Curiosities.

Outdoor Movies

Catch everything from classic drive-in flicks to blockbuster movies in the park or even films at iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre!

City Parks

No matter where you find yourself in The Mile High City, you’re likely only a few steps away from a lush and relaxing green space. Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to explore Denver's more than 5,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, as well as an additional 14,000 acres of spectacular mountain parks in neighboring counties that are maintained by the City and County of Denver.

Lesser-Known, Hidden-Gem Parks

If you’re looking for a quiet spot to have a picnic, take in great views or experience a different side of the city, check out these lesser-known Denver parks.

How to Explore the South Platte River by Bike

Take a two-wheeled tour through the heart of the city along this beautiful river. You'll cruise by some of the city's biggest attractions. 

Denver's Best Urban Hikes

Denver is a city with boundless outdoor fun and has an ideal location next to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. While The Mile High City is conveniently close to major peaks for hiking, there's actually no need to head into the mountains when Denver's regional trail system encompasses hundreds of miles for all ages and abilities to explore. 

How to Explore the Colorado Trail in Waterton Canyon

Many people think that Denver’s prettiest, closest and most accessible bit of mountain scenery is Waterton Canyon. This is the start of the famous Colorado Trail, one of the great long-distance hikes (or mountain bike rides) of the Rocky Mountains.   

Pet-Friendly Denver

Denver is home to dozens of pet-friendly activities and destinations, including dog-friendly hotels and dog parks. Find the best on-leash and off-leash fun for your best friend.