Summer Fun within the Mile High City

With a jam-packed occasions calendar and countless alternatives for outside journey, Denver is the right vacation spot for a summer season getaway with the entire household.

DENVER, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This summer season in Denver, music followers will have fun the enduring Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre’s eighty fifth anniversary, sports activities followers will cheer on their workforce and have fun new beginnings and households will create unforgettable recollections. Explore seasonal highlights, resort offers and journey planning instruments on the Visit Denver website.

Festivals and Blockbuster Events

Cinco de Mayo Festival (May 2–3, 2026) – A weekend stuffed with meals, enjoyable and tradition, this annual pageant places the highlight on the Mile High City’s vibrant Latino inhabitants.

Fan Expo Denver (May 28–31, 2026) – Experience the final word fandom weekend of celebs, cosplay, comics, anime, gaming and a lot extra. 

Outside Days (May 29–31, 2026) – Now in its third 12 months, Outside Days offered by Capital One x REI Co-op is a celebration of out of doors tradition and group, that includes unimaginable stay music, inspiring audio system, journey movies, immersive outside experiences, the most recent gear, wellness and a lot extra—all on the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver.

Red Bull Soapbox Race (June 13, 2026) – The world’s wildest downhill race rolls again into Denver for the primary time in 24 years, taking up Empower Field at Mile High. Teams of as much as 5 will race their imaginative, non-motorized soapbox vehicles down a winding course filled with curves, steps and obstacles — all whereas displaying off costumes, choreography and over-the-top creativity.

Juneteenth Music Festival (June 20, 2026) – One of the nation’s largest Juneteenth celebrations, search for a parade, stay performances, artwork, distributors and enjoyable for the whole household.

Denver PrideFest (June 28, 2026, and all month lengthy) – Same Pride, new place! This 12 months, Denver PrideFest is taking up downtown and bringing the get together to sixteenth Street. Since 1974, Denver Pride has created an area the place the LGBTQ+ group, allies, households and native companies come collectively for a day of pleasure, celebration and protest. With the transfer downtown, people can count on all of the Pride classics like Latin Stage, The Gayborhood and the youth and household space. Denver Pride does not cease there, with programming all month lengthy; there’s something for everybody. Explore all occasions at denverpride.org.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July 3–5, 2026) – Cherry Creek Arts Festival is celebrating 35 years this summer season and affords an ideal alternative to seek out inspiration, join with others by means of artwork and increase your worldview. The annual Festival fills the streets of Cherry Creek North with over 250 juried artists able to share their expertise with the world. Expect loads of stay music, youngsters’ actions, artwork, details about artwork schooling, meals and extra.

Underground Music Showcase (July 24–26, 2026) – The Underground Music Showcase (UMS) returns in a brand new house, shifting from South Broadway to the River North Art District. Long identified for spotlighting rising and impartial artists, the pageant will current greater than 200 performances throughout outside phases and venues all through RiNo. UMS is really the perfect weekend in Denver. Established in 2001, the Underground Music Showcase stands as Denver’s longest-running and largest music pageant.

For extra data and a whole listing of occasions, try the Visit Denver website.

Music, Art and Culture

This 12 months, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is celebrating its 85^th 12 months in operation. Just 15 miles from downtown Denver, the world-famous venue has practically 10,000 seats flanked by 300-foot crimson sandstone rock formations, creating the perfect pure acoustics. This 12 months’s lineup consists of Rod Stewart, Paul Simon, The Avett Brothers, Hilary Duff, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Mt. Joy and many more. Red Rocks is a cannot miss attraction on any Denver itinerary.

Demi Lovato (May 6, 2026) – “It’s Not That Deep” or is it? That’s the query on the heart of Demi Lovato’s new album and foray into high-octane dance pop. Watch out, as a result of Demi’s bought her groove again and headed to Ball Arena.

Morgan Wallen at Empower Field at Mile High (May 29 and 30, 2026) – Pop-country megastar Morgan Wallen heads to 2 (little question) sold-out nights at Empower Field following the wildfire success of his latest album, “I’m The Problem.”

AC/DC at Empower Field at Mile High (July 28, 2026) – The legendary rock outfit is about to proceed their “Power Up Tour,” which started in 2025, by means of stadiums throughout the U.S. With a band of their caliber and the race in opposition to time and age, this very effectively may very well be the final time Denver will get an opportunity to see the “Hells Bells” group of their present type.

Zach Bryan at Empower Field at Mile High (Aug. 13–14, 2026) – The rising nation singer-songwriter shall be in Denver for 2 dates on the metropolis’s largest venue.

Outdoor Summer Concert Series – The Mile High City has countless alternatives to catch some tunes al fresco this summer season. Don’t miss the Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre live shows, Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series, Levitt Pavilion Concerts (a lot of them free!), Cherry Creek North Summer Concert Series, Riverfront Park Summer Sessions and City Park Jazz.

Outdoor Summer Movies – The Mile High City additionally has countless alternatives to catch your favourite movie outdoors this summer season. Don’t miss Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Sunset Cinema at Denver Performing Arts Complex, Movies at McGregor, RiNo Free Outdoor Movies Series, Dive-in Movies at Elitch Gardens, Champagne Tiger Backyard Movie Nights, Avanti Presents: Summer Movie Series, Movies on the Green in Central Park and many more.

“World’s Largest Dinosaurs” at Denver Museum of Nature and Science (March 20–Sept. 7, 2026) invitations you to discover the mind-bending biology and wonderful anatomy of sauropods — the biggest land animals to ever stay. Through imaginative and enthralling reveals and shows, together with a towering, life-sized mannequin of a 60-foot-long Mamenchisaurus, you’ll transcend the bones and into their our bodies to find the fascinating mechanics behind how these titans lived their lives on Earth hundreds of thousands of years in the past.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts has an unimaginable lineup of Broadway exhibits this summer season together with “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” (May 30 – June 21), “The Sound of Music” (July 29 – Aug. 2), “Beetlejuice” (Aug. 4 – 9), “Spamalot” (Aug. 11 –23) and “The Outsiders” (Sept. 8-27).

History Colorado Center options rotating reveals that highlight Colorado’s numerous communities, untold tales and defining moments together with those who have fun America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150^th. “Moments That Made Us”, by means of Oct. 18, 2026, is a marquee exhibition that includes 40 iconic artifacts, from Washington’s spurs to Jackie Robinson’s bat and Apollo 11 moon rocks.  Additionally, they may welcome America’s founding paperwork on the “Freedom Plane National Tour.” The “Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation” is a touring exhibition honoring 250 years of American independence. The exhibition shall be in Denver from May 28 by means of June 14, 2026, offering a chance to expertise historic artifacts corresponding to an authentic engraving of the Declaration of Independence and a tally of votes approving the U.S. Constitution.

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA) is celebrating 30 years this 12 months and is that includes “Ana María Hernando: Seguir cantando (Keep Singing)”, by means of July 5, which marks the Argentine-born, Colorado-based artist’s largest solo museum exhibition in a decade. Ana María Hernando presents new and up to date work rendered in her signature supplies: tulle, textiles, work and works on paper to discover how shade, tune and poetry are potent emblems of energy, persistence and rebirth. 

For extra data, try the Visit Denver website.

Food and Drink

New in Denver: Margot, as soon as Denver’s most coveted pop-up, and Kizaki, Chef Toshi Kizaki’s first solo omakase, now share a everlasting house on South Pearl Street and have each obtained Michelin suggestions. In RiNo, Bear Leek affords nostalgic, globally influenced plates, whereas Cimera (The Source Hotel) delivers elevated Latin American delicacies and Rougarou from the workforce behind Yacht Club channels the American South in Five Points. Co-owners of the Michelin-recommended Restaurant Olivia, Ty Leon, Austin Caron and Heather Morrison, have opened a second idea, Dear Emilia, which celebrates the flavors of the Emilia-Romagna area of Italy. Molino Chido, positioned in Stanley Marketplace, serves domestically sourced, scratch-made tacos paired with daring spirits, honoring the tradition of Mexico City from Chef Tommy Lee, proprietor of the Michelin-recognized Hop Alley, and chef Michael Diaz de Leon, former chef at Bruto. Riot BBQ co-owners Manny Barella and Patrick Klaiber opened a brand new sister idea, Chicken Riot. It is a love letter to rooster, bringing collectively the daring strategies of Texas barbecue with the traditions of Northern Mexico, the place smoke and stay hearth form the area’s tradition. Michelin-starred Chef/Owner Johnny Curiel opened his fifth restaurant earlier this 12 months, Mar Bella Boqueria, a Spanish neo-bistro and wine bar, is positioned subsequent to his idea that opened in March 2025, Alteño, within the Clayton Hotel and Members Club.

Coming this season: Opening quickly within the former Fruition area, chef Quincy Cherrett will convey Madeline to life. The menu blends the familiarity of bistro fare with seasonal American cooking, providing an surprising delight. James Beard Semifinalist Chef Theo Adley will debut his second mission this spring, Heretík. Heretík captures the dynamic intersection of culinary traditions from Northeast Spain and Southern France. La Vie En Rose shall be a Parisian-inspired Champagne and cocktail bar, providing visitors a chic, transportive expertise. Michelin-starred Chef/Owner Johnny Curiel is introducing his sixth restaurant to Denver this spring. Maize shall be Curiel’s first tasting menu restaurant, with 16 seats and area for eight visitors at a time. Romyo is coming quickly from Bonanno Concept and supply Japanese-Italian fusion dishes.

Check out the Visit Denver website for an replace on what’s new and coming to Denver quickly.

In Denver, there is no such thing as a higher means to absorb summer season than on one of many Mile High City’s splendid patios. Check out BurnDown, a South Broadway gastropub with a third-floor courtyard that includes a few of the greatest views of the mountains and downtown Denver. Forget Me Not in Cherry Creek North has a good looking patio good for sipping their distinctive cocktails with buddies. 54 Thirty is positioned on the 20^th ground of the Le Méridien Denver Downtown resort and has unimaginable views of the Rocky Mountains. Grab a cheerful hour or post-dinner cocktail and revel in it round a comfortable firepit. Explore extra eating places with outside eating choices on the Visit Denver website. 

Hotel Updates

La Vista Denver is a brand new absolutely restored 1956 motor lodge that blends mid-century appeal with trendy consolation, providing a relaxed and nostalgic keep simply minutes from Denver’s prime points of interest. With solely 23 thoughtfully designed rooms, La Vista delivers an intimate, boutique expertise that feels each retro and refreshed.

Just down the road, the brand new All Inn Hotel is now open as a 54-room bespoke resort in Denver’s East Colfax neighborhood, pairing layered mid-century structure with a coastal Mediterranean restaurant, All is Well foyer bar, and a sprawling outside wine backyard designed for lingering and connection.

Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center has simply accomplished a complete $70 million transformation, coinciding with the resort’s 20-year milestone within the coronary heart of downtown Denver. The renovation introduces a full reimagination of its 1,100 guestrooms and suites alongside new and enhanced gathering areas, designed to raise each the visitor and native expertise.

The Curtis Hotel, downtown Denver, has accomplished a multimillion-dollar renovation, masking all 13 themed flooring of the resort, together with visitor rooms, hyper-themed suites and assembly and occasion areas. The redesign displays the resort’s playful fashion with new trendy expertise and options artwork curated by NINE dot ARTS. Each themed ground displays a special idea, together with a summer season camp-inspired “Camp Curtis” ground, an arcade-focused “Level Up” ground and a “Knock on Wood” ground, identified for its superstition-themed decor.

Sports

This season, cheer on the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Many video games this season could have fireworks shows and enjoyable theme nights corresponding to Bark on the Park, Grateful Dead Night and the twelfth annual STAR WARS Night.

This 12 months, Denver is happy to welcome Denver Summit FC, town’s first skilled ladies’s sports activities workforce in a serious American league, becoming a member of the roster of top-level franchises. Colorado native Lindsey Heaps is becoming a member of the workforce, most lately, from OL Lyonnes. Additionally, Denver Summit FC is planning to construct a stadium that shall be prepared for video games in spring 2028. This would be the second stadium within the United States devoted to ladies’s sports activities. Their inaugural season shall be performed this season at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park and Centennial Stadium.

This 12 months, the Colorado Rapids are celebrating their 30^th anniversary with season-long celebrations. The milestone 12 months will function marquee occasions, commemorative art work, retail and content material, giving followers a chance to honor the membership’s historical past and sit up for the long run.

It’s the summer season of soccer! Don’t miss the Soccer Celebrations, June 11-July 19, 2026. Colorado Rapids and the Downtown Denver Partnership have launched this system as an immersive fan zone expertise designed to be the final word vacation spot for the Colorado soccer group. Local meals distributors, retail specials and shock visitors together with Rapids legends, shall be featured on the block. In addition, the placement downtown will host the Visa Street Soccer Park and Bank of America Fields, accessible for drop-in play for all ages. The festivities kick off Thursday, June 11, 2026, with Mexico dealing with off in opposition to South Africa. The United States will open play in opposition to Paraguay on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. MT.

Denver will host the Rugby Nations Cup on July 4 at DICK’S Sporting Goods incorporating their fan favourite Fourth Fest together with the most important and longest fireworks present within the state. Fans can catch two matches, Zimbabwe vs. Spain and USA vs. Portugal. The Denver match kicks off the Rugby match that can final for six weekends all through the U.S. and Europe.

Savannah Bananas at Coors Field (Aug. 14–15, 2026) – “Banana Ball” is a fast-paced, action-packed fashion of baseball with guidelines that embrace a two-hour time restrict, followers catching foul balls for outs and video games which can be received by factors — not runs.

Outdoor Adventure

Thanks to our 300 days of annual sunshine, guests can take pleasure in strolling, working or biking by means of the greater than 5,000 acres of conventional parks and parkways in Denver. City Park, Washington Park, Confluence Park and extra permit guests to unwind and revel in lake views, all inside simple attain of town heart. Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain National Park is a bucket-list vacation spot for outside lovers shut driving distance from Denver. This spectacular pure playground, teeming with wildlife, is gorgeous in the summertime for climbing, tenting, fishing and extra.

Family-Friendly Fun

Denver has a big selection of kid-friendly activities. Head to the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance to see greater than 3,000 animals together with elephants, orangutans, lions and a brand new child giraffe. Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to discover fossils and dinosaurs, ponder the mysteries of area at Gates Planetarium and watch larger-than-life movies on the Phipps IMAX 3D Theater. The Downtown Aquarium is an ideal spot for youths to awe at astounding marine life, feed the stingrays, pan for gold or turn into a marine biologist for a day. Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park will have fun the season with enjoyable for the entire household. Learn extra about family-friendly actions on the Visit Denver website.

For extra data, journey planning assets and resort offers, try the Visit Denver website.

About Visit Denver, The Convention & Visitors Bureau 
Celebrating 117 years of selling the Mile High City, Visit Denver is a nonprofit commerce affiliation that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a conference and leisure vacation spot, rising financial improvement within the metropolis, creating jobs and producing taxes. Denver welcomed greater than 37.1 million guests in 2024, producing $10.3 billion in spending, whereas supporting tens of 1000’s of jobs and making Tourism one of many metropolis’s largest industries. Learn extra about Denver at Visit Denver or Tourism Pays Denver. Follow Denver’s social media channels for up-to-the-minute updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau