The hottest days of summer are upon us, but no need to escape the city, there’s plenty to do to keep cool in downtown Denver. Whether you’re looking to head inside for some A/C at a museum, or you want to sip a cool drink outside, there’s endless activities downtown.
We’ve been enjoying spending some time at the newly renovated 16th Street, exploring museums, concerts and more all around Denver. If you have guests in town or you’re just looking for an itinerary for a fun weekend, here are ten things downtown that should make your summer bucket list:
Grab a Beer and Relax at Skyline Beer Garden
June 20 through September 28
Skyline Park
Did you know that there’s a beer garden right downtown? Located at 16th and Arapahoe, you can walk right into the garden while you take a break from 16th Street shopping. Enjoy an all-day happy hour every Wednesday and Sunday, Yappy hours on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m., (you can get $2 off your drink if you bring your dog) and $2 off drinks before Rockies games. They’re also hosting special events this summer like a Bonsai Bar workshop throughout the summer and a pups and pints event in August.
Visit the Denver Union Station Urban Market
Select weekends through October
Union Station
Shop for jewelry, crafts, food and more at this market located right outside Union Station. The market will pop up from noon to 6 p.m. each day during select weekends through October. These markets are free to peruse through, and you’re sure to find a unique gem that you can’t find anywhere else. Enjoy live music while you shop, and if you get hungry, you can make a stop at Olive & Finch, the delectable restaurant and bakery that just recently opened up at Union Station.
Catch a Rockies Game
Continuously through September
Coors Field
Whether you’re a baseball fan or just enjoying a hot dog and a beer at the stadium, it’s always fun to experience the atmosphere of a baseball game. While you’re around the stadium, grab a hot dog from Diamond Dawgs, the winner of Best Rockies Home Game Hot Dogs in this year’s Best of Denver. The Rockies play through September; you can find the calendar of home games here.
Explore the Denver Art Museum’s Newest Exhibit
April 20 through August 17
Denver Art Museum
Prefer to head inside for some air conditioning this summer? Check out the newest exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. Kent Monkman: History is Painted by the Victors, comprises 41 works of art that highlight the experiences of Indigenous people. Monkman’s artwork depicts queer visibility, grief, love, violence and resilience, all telling the story of how marginalized communities are often left out of the mainstream historical narrative. The exhibit is on view now through August 17.
Stroll 16th Street
Summer is the perfect time to explore the newly renovated 16th Street. Enjoy shaded areas, trees and greenery and lots of seating while you walk down the street checking out the shops and restaurants. Make a pit stop at Denver Pavilions, the Museum of Illusions or Flight Club Darts while you’re there.
Shop at Dairy Block’s After Dark Evening Bazaar
August 10, 7 to 10 p.m.
Dairy Block
Hit the town when it’s a bit cooler out in the evening to do some shopping at Dairy Block’s Evening Bazaar. Explore unique products from local artists while you enjoy music, food and drinks. Some of July’s vendors included Abstruse Art, Dream Fringe, VBRTN Jewelry and Wax Trax Records. Catch the next Bazaar on August 10 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Get Fancy at Mozart Under the Stars
July 30, 7 p.m.
McGregor Square
On July 30, the Colorado Symphony will perform some of Mozart’s most iconic compositions in McGregor Square. Resident Conductor Christopher Dragon will lead the symphony in this anticipated musical event. Listen to the sounds of this classic music while enjoying the ambiance of McGregor Square. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here.
Indulge in the Flavors of the Sea at the Surf Seafood Fest
July 31, 7 p.m.
McGregor Square
On July 30, Denver’s best seafood restaurants will come together for a culinary competition like no other. From Salt Water Social, to Blue Island Oyster Bar, to Ocean Prime, this is your chance to experience the best seafood the city has to offer in one evening. And it’s not just food. You’ll also imbibe at custom cocktail bars and indulge in exclusive wine and sake tastings. Tickets start at $167 and can be purchased here.
See the Lumineers and Nathaniel Rateliff in Concert
August 2
Empower Field at Mile High
Two of Colorado’s own artists are headed to Empower Field on August 2 for a concert you can’t miss. The Lumineers once played local Denver venues like Meadowlark, and now they’re headlining a stadium show. Alongside Nathaniel Rateliff, openers include Hippo Campus and St. Vincent. Tickets are still on sale here.
Check out the newly discovered fossil at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Photo by Visit Denver
Go Back in Time at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Now through September 7
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science just discovered a dinosaur fossil underneath it! Now is the perfect time to go see the unique fossil and pop into the Jurassic Oceans exhibit while it’s still there. Explore what the oceans looked like, and who lived there, during prehistoric times through fossils and interactive activities.
