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

Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention at the Denver Pop Festival in 1969.

Did Frank Zappa Invent the Wave in Denver?

By Emily Ferguson

Aug 29, 2025

It definitely wasn't the wave as we know it today, but it was certainly interesting...and loud.

Sixteenth Street: The Summer It Turned Pretty

By Patricia Calhoun

Aug 27, 2025

Even Denver's mayor uses the popular Prime series to promote the almost completed renovation. But pretty is as pretty does.

Ready for a Road Trip? Twenty Bars Where You Can Soak Up the Real Colorado

By Skyler McKinley

Aug 27, 2025

Don't let summer end without drinking in history at these classic watering holes across the state.

These Are the Most Significant Concerts in Denver History

By Michael Roberts

Aug 26, 2025

From the Beatles at Red Rocks and Elvis at the Denver Coliseum to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, these concerts hit all the right notes.

The Lore of Pueblo Hardcore: New Archive Highlights a Rich Counterculture

By Kara Mason

Aug 25, 2025

An archival project, spearheaded by Bedfires Records, serves as a springboard for young musicians and a message to skeptical outsiders: Don’t go to Pueblo.

Best-Selling Boulder Author Orbits Into the World of Martians With New Book

By Teague Bohlen

Aug 25, 2025

"We tend to think of space exploration as something that happened in the 1960s, or maybe the '50s. But it really began with the Mars craze."

Ten Bygone Denver Music Venues We Miss the Most

By Michael Roberts

Aug 19, 2025

The Mile High City's history is littered with legendary clubs gone too soon.

Largest Colorado Wildfires and How the Lee Fire Compares

By Thomas Mitchell

Aug 14, 2025

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

Reader: Denver Is Losing Everything That Gave It Character

By Westword Readers

Aug 10, 2025

After almost thirty years, the Hornet has taken off from the corner of First and Broadway.

The Next Chapter: Library Revives One Book One Denver

By Patricia Calhoun

Aug 9, 2025

After more than a decade, the Denver Public Library has reopened the program with Stay True, by Hua Hsu.

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.

History & Nostalgia

The Ten Best Colorado Train Tours

Rebecca Rosenberg Uncovers the Story of Baby Doe Tabor's Daughter

History & Nostalgia

The Ten Best Colorado Train Tours

Rebecca Rosenberg Uncovers the Story of Baby Doe Tabor's Daughter

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