Ten Things to Calm (or Embrace) Your Post-Election Rage

Vice President Kamala Harris won the Colorado vote, but ultimately the winner of the 2024 presidential election was former president Donald Trump, a convicted felon, failed businessman, former reality TV villain and perfidious pontificator known for denigrating immigrants, refugees, women, journalists, opponents, peaceful protesters, the LGBTQ+ community, Muslims, “fly-over states” and much more. At 78, he will be the oldest commander-in-chief ever elected – and the only president who has been impeached not once, but twice.

So, yeah, a lot of us are overwhelmed by despair, anger, disappointment and the fear of what will unfold in the four years following January 20, 2025. But crying in bed won’t get you anywhere, and neither will doomscrolling or fighting on social media. This is the time for us to lean into community and take action on causes we are passionate about. And to do that, we must keep calm, taking moments to rejuvenate so we can move forward with our heads held high.

Here are ten things to do in and around Denver to soothe your post-election rage…or let it all out:

Sign Up to Volunteer
Signing up to volunteer is obviously the most important and useful thing on this list. Using your distress to fuel your desire to make change is integral, and we promise that actually donating your time to a good organization has a far greater impact than sharing a progressive meme on your Instagram story. Along with Aurora nonprofits serving migrants, here are some more suggestions of places to sign up: The Denver Rescue Mission, which brings stability to those experiencing homelessness through meal trains, emergency services, rehabilitation and housing transition programs; Casa de Paz, a nonprofit that shelters and supports detained immigrants and asylum seekers; Project Worthmore, which offers assistance and support to refugees, including six different programs; the International Rescue Committee’s Denver chapter, which helps refugees with health care, rent, education, jobs and more; Kaizen Food Rescue, a refugee-run food-share organization, and Food Bank of the Rockies, the largest hunger-relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region.

Get in Nature
“Nature heals” isn’t just a bumper-sticker, woo-woo slogan – it really rings true. Find tranquility in the outdoors that surround the Mile High City by going on a hike to soak up mountain views, or take advantage of the recent snowfall and go snowshoeing. And, of course, there’s nothing better than visiting a hot spring for its healing properties.

If you’re not up for the drive, visit our city’s parks: Take a walk around Sloan’s Lake, Cheesman Park or City Park, and pet every dog you see. If you still have some rage, maybe invite some friends and start a snowball fight. Or just throw snowballs at a tree. It’s like a free rage room.

Cannabis Spa
A massage is even better with a hint of cannabis. Head over to the woman-owned Pure Elevations Spa and Salon at 185 South Santa Fe Drive, where the city’s first cannabis-friendly, high-end spa started welcoming clients in September. Get solo or couples massages, THC-infused hair and nail treatments, and visit the on-site dispensary and enjoy your new purchase in the cozy, outdoor consumption lounge. This is the type of sanctuary you need to take your mind off things and make you grateful you live in a blue state where you can indulge in such an experience.

Denver Zen Den
Several psychedelic medicines are legal in Denver, but I wouldn’t recommend dosing ‘shrooms when you’re already going through an existential crisis. But if you want the positive afterglow that psychedelics bestow, then look no further than Denver Zen Den, which opened on the second floor of 2345 Seventh Street last year. Founded by Michael Pottern, the Zen Den offers a “sober psychedelic experience,” using technology, lighting, sound and more to emulate a DMT trip. And trust us, it really works. The wellness business offers a variety of experiences that will appeal to everyone, and will have you leaving with a brighter outlook even on the darkest days.

Hit Up a Dive Bar
Sometimes you need your surroundings to match your attitude. On those days, nothing hits quite like a visit to a dive bar, where sticky floors will catch your tears and sticker-coated mirrors prevent you from seeing your puffy eyes. Find your haven in a no-frills pub and commiserate over cheap beer-and-shot combos. Here are the best dive bars in Denver you can make your rounds to.

Listen to Some Wall-Punching Music
Need some music to fit your angst? We’ve got you covered. Put on your headphones and thrash around to the best metal bands in Denver, some of which growl out apocalyptic lyrics that will offer the cathartic release you need. One band in particular that may fit the mood is Empire Demolition (wow, that name really reflects the state of affairs), which won Best Band to Rage to While Punching Drywall in this year’s Best of Denver. You could even put a picture of Trump on the drywall before you go at it.

Or listen to some of the best punk bands from the area. Punk is inherently political, and we recommend diving into Soy Celesté’s Feminista Manifestó to throw a metaphorical middle finger at the president-elect.

Browse Books
Cozy up with a new book and escape reality, if only for a moment. The story will be better than the one we’re living, unless you want to brace yourself with something like 1984 or The Handmaid’s Tale. Denver is home to many independent bookstores, many of them carrying used options as well as local authors.

If you’re not looking to buy a new tome, the Denver Central Library at 10 West 14th Parkway is now fully open to the public after four years of renovations, with a new event space, teen library level and reading rooms.

Visit a Rage Room
Whoever came up with the concept of rage rooms deserves a medal. Although they’re usually reserved for post-breakups alongside a group of friends, this election presents the one time you probably wouldn’t be judged for going to a rage room alone. Still, it’s more fun with a group. There are two options in Denver: SMASH*IT Breakroom (790 West Evans Avenue) and All Out Smash (3899 Jackson Street), where you can also throw axes.

Catch a Movie
The Denver Film Festival is in full swing, but this would also be the perfect time to experience a 4DX movie at Regal Pavilions (500 16th Street Mall). That way, when you start dissociating, your seat will rock you back to life with a blast of wind in the face while you watch something like Twister. Sink into a natural-disaster movie and then despair about the national disaster afterward.

Denver International Airport
Really want to get away? Buy a one-way ticket to another country. It may cost a lot, but we hear Australia is really nice this time of year.