Denver Westword | The Leading Independent News Source in Denver, Colorado

Largest Colorado Wildfires and How 2025 Blazes Compare

By Thomas Mitchell

Aug 8, 2025

According to the Division of Fire Prevention & Control, all twenty of Colorado's largest recorded wildfires have occurred since 2001.

The Leadville Railroad train backdropped by evergreen trees and a rocky peak

All Aboard! The Ten Best Train Tours in Colorado

By Abigail Bliss

Aug 7, 2025

Embark on scenic and historic excursions across the state.

DMNS Looks Back on 125 Years of Bringing the World to Colorado

By Kristen Fiore

Aug 6, 2025

"A museum of natural history is never finished."

rendition of Denver Civic Center Park future

McNichols and Civic Center Park Set for Redo...but Don't Unwrap That Present Just Yet

By Patricia Calhoun

Aug 3, 2025

If Colorado can kill a dreaded birthday bridge, it can keep the heart of its capital city open for a 150th celebration.

Fifteen Must-Read Books About Colorado

By Patricia Calhoun

Aug 1, 2025

Before the Centennial State turns 150, read these 15 books about Colorado — one for each decade.

Book It: Ten Best New Summer Reads by Colorado Authors

By Teague Bohlen

Jul 29, 2025

It's summertime, and the reading is easy.

Book It: Time for Colorado to Give Itself a Real Birthday Gift

By Patricia Calhoun

Jul 29, 2025

Books can build a bridge, too. Why not create a 150th anniversary anthology for the state?

Teocalli Cocina Serves Up Mexican Cuisine With a Side of History in LoHi

By Patricia Calhoun

Jul 28, 2025

The space was formerly occupied by the Post, Lola...and the body of Buffalo Bill.

Colorado Saloon Ranks in Top 25 Most Historic Hotel Bars List

By Patricia Calhoun

Jul 24, 2025

No, it's not at the Oxford or the Brown Palace. And it's not even that historic. But we'll still raise a glass!

Pedal Backwards: Here's What Denver Bike Lanes Looked Like in 1975

By Bennito L. Kelty

Jul 23, 2025

A map of Denver's biking infrastructure from 1975 shows how far the city has come, but some problems still linger.

Ding, Dong, the Bridge Is Dead...Governor Polis Surrenders

By Patricia Calhoun

Jul 22, 2025

Colorado voters have made themselves heard: There will be no Co150 Walkway.

Ozzy Osbourne performing at Ball Arena in 2018.

Remembering Ozzy Osbourne's Iconic Red Rocks Show

By Emily Ferguson

Jul 22, 2025

The rock legend passed away at age 76 on July 22.

Along for the Ride: Lakeside Park Remains the Metro's Most Amusing

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Jul 22, 2025

The 117-year-old theme park is still families' best bet for an affordable, no-frills good time.

Veterans Groups Join the Fight Against the Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway

By Patricia Calhoun

Jul 21, 2025

"Our sacred spaces are not for sale, not for political show, and not to be paved over. They are to be protected as the living legacy of those who served and sacrificed for the freedoms we all enjoy."

Reader: I Like Polis, But This Bridge Design Sucks!

By Westword Readers

Jul 19, 2025

Colorado's governor is polling residents on how they feel about the proposed walkway at the Capitol. Comments to Westword are running forty-to-one against.

Cowboy Culture Was Always an Immigrant Culture: Duke Beardsley on Reimagining Western Art

By Ayah Al-Masyabi

Jul 17, 2025

"In our current weird world, we have lost sight of the fact that cowboy culture was always an immigrant culture.”

Denver Is Deflated, but This City Can Rise Again

By Patricia Calhoun

Jul 16, 2025

An update on my ten suggestions from bringing back downtown...as well as another trial balloon.

How Do You Feel About the Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway?

By Patricia Calhoun

Jul 15, 2025

Governor Jared Polis wants to know. Really.

These Are the Greatest Concerts in Red Rocks History

By Teague Bohlen

Jul 15, 2025

From a rock ban started by Aretha Franklin to a riot at Jethro Tull and Phish fans driving Morrison crazy, these are the most memorable shows.

A man and young girl riding the mountain coaster at Purgatory Resort

Ten Things to Do in Durango This Summer

By Abigail Bliss

Jul 14, 2025

Nestled between red rock canyons and snow-capped peaks, this southwest Colorado town is well worth the trip.

History & Nostalgia

Readers Mourn the End of the Hornet

One Book One Denver Opens New Chapter

History & Nostalgia

Readers Mourn the End of the Hornet

One Book One Denver Opens New Chapter

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