Summer Kickoff & Memorial Day Weekend

Outside Festival 

WHEN: May 31–June 1, 2025
WHERE: Civic Center Park
Now in its second year, this one-of-a-kind celebration of everything outdoors features music, films, speakers and gear. The festival is designed for beginners and experts alike, with experiences and inspiration for climbers, hikers, cyclists, skiers and everyday recreationists. The live music headliners are Khruangbin, Lord Huron, Sylvan Esso, Trampled by Turtles, Neal Francis, Waxahatchee, Husbands and Hazlett.

Troutfest Colorado 

WHEN: May 31, 2025
WHERE: Coors Field
This one-of-a-kind summer festival will celebrate conservation and offer education and community. It’s for anglers, would-be anglers, outdoor enthusiasts or simply families looking for a fun and engaging day at Coors Field. There will be lots of exhibitors, clinics on fly tying and casting, and live music.

Vanity & Vice: American Art Deco 

WHEN: Thru June 1, 2025
WHERE: Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Vanity & Vice: American Art Deco explores the dynamic designs that emerged during the rebellious years of 1920–1933. American women were enjoying more independence inside and outside the home. Cutting hair into a chic bob, wearing rouge on lips and cheeks, hosting cocktail parties, and publicly consuming alcohol and tobacco all reinforced what it meant to be a modern woman. American designers and manufacturers responded to these societal changes with fashionable perfume atomizers and vanity sets and drinking and smoking accessories in the latest styles. This exhibition invites visitors into two distinct spaces occupied by a progressive Prohibition-era woman: her boudoir and a speakeasy. Explore the Art Deco objects that filled these rooms and how they reflect a time of freedom and change. 

The Life and Art of Tokio Ueyama 

WHEN: Thru June 1, 2025
WHERE: Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
The Life and Art of Tokio Ueyama features more than 40 paintings loaned to the museum by the Japanese American National Museum and Ueyama’s family, whose combined efforts to preserve his work have allowed the story of this accomplished and cosmopolitan artist to be told at the DAM for the first time. Born in Japan, Tokio Ueyama moved to the United States in 1908 at age 18, where he made a home until his death in 1954. This exhibition tells the story of Ueyama’s life, including his early days as an art student in San Francisco, Southern California, and Philadelphia; his travels abroad in Europe and Mexico; his role as artist and community member in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles; and his unconstitutional incarceration during World War II at the Granada Relocation Center, now the Amache National Historic Site, in southeast Colorado.

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 Feb. 1, 2026
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.  

Leon Bridges

WHEN: May 23, 2025
WHERE: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Warm soul-bearing singer Leon Bridges is heading back to Red Rocks following the release of his eponymous new album. The throwback crooner has made a name for himself with his vintage style that recalls the likes of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding over any modern-day figureheads of the genre. In that way, imagine turning the FM dial to the golden oldies station, grabbing a whiskey on the rocks and dancing in the living room with someone special — that’s the feeling you get from a Leon Bridges show, and Red Rocks is no exception. 

Justice

WHEN: May 25, 2025
WHERE: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Justice finally returned to the limelight, bringing with them their first new album since 2016's Woman. Since they’ve been back they’ve never been hotter, selling out rooms across the country including Denver’s Mission Ballroom last year. Returning for their biggest Denver show since the long but not-forgotten Monolith Music Festival ages ago. It’s like the heyday of the early aughts all over again. 

Fisher: Outdoor Block Party

WHEN: May 26, 2025
WHERE: 16th & Welton
Known for his wild sense of humor and energetic DJing style, Fisher has become one of the scene’s most in-demand talents.

'Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity'

WHEN: Thru May 29, 2025
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
There's a place from which nothing escapes, not even light, where time and space literally come to end. It's at this point, inside this fantastic riddle, that black holes exert their sway over the cosmos ... and our imaginations. In this Museum-produced show, zip through other-worldly wormholes, experience the creation of the Milky Way galaxy and witness the violent death of a star and subsequent birth of a black hole. Mathematical equations, cutting-edge science, and Einstein's theories fill in holes along the way, providing the most complete picture yet on this mysterious phenomenon. Can you feel the pull?

'Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure'

WHEN: Thru May 29, 2025
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Volcanoes tower 80,000 feet above a barren surface. Monstrous hurricanes rage for 400 years. And multicolored rings sit suspended in air. In "Cosmic Journey," you'll travel through our solar system faster than the speed of light, taking in the wonders of the planets and their moons.

'Destination Solar System'

WHEN: Thru May 29, 2025
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Explore space like never before in the live show "Destination Solar System"! This out-of-this-world tour, departing from Gates Planetarium, takes place on board the Space Express. Travel hundreds of millions of miles in just seconds with Jesse, an enthusiastic, knowledgeable—but inexperienced—tour guide, and Max, a highly advanced, fully integrated onboard computer. Tours of the hottest hot spots and the coldest, stormiest, and most spectacular sights in the solar system await curious space explorers of all ages.

'Dynamic Earth'

WHEN: Thru May 29, 2025
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
"Dynamic Earth," narrated by Liam Neeson, explores the inner workings of Earth's climate system. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans and biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales and fly into roiling volcanoes.

Colorado Rockies vs. New York Yankees

WHEN: May 23–25, 2025
WHERE: Coors Field - Home of the Colorado Rockies
Come cheer on the Rockies at Coors Field as they take on the New York Yankees!

Colorado Rapids vs. St. Louis

WHEN: May 24, 2025
WHERE: Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City
Soccer fans won't want to miss the Colorado Rapids playing St. Louis!

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! Look for fireworks at 9 p.m. (as the park closes for the day) on May 26, 2024.

Water World

Beat the heat, relax in the park's beautifully landscaped 64 acres — and ride some serious waterslides. Water World is opening just in time for Memorial Day weekend fun!

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

From classic drive-in theaters to movies in the park. 

Spring Tours at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary

A tour of Erie-based Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary is much more than a fun day spent getting to know our amazing family of rescued animals. In fact, it is nearly impossible to leave without developing a deeper understanding of the unique personalities and complex emotional lives that all animals lead.

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.