Local Happenings

Denver Auto Show
🗓️ Dates: April 17–20, 2025
📍 Location: Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Event Overview:
The Denver Auto Show, now rebranded as the Colorado Auto Show, is a premier event showcasing the latest model year vehicles from both domestic and international manufacturers. Attendees can explore a wide array of cars, trucks, SUVs, hybrids, and crossovers, along with sneak peeks at concept cars and special editions. The show also highlights advancements in fuel-efficient technologies and offers insights into aftermarket accessories.
Event Highlights:
Interactive Exhibits: Engage with the newest automotive technologies and innovations.
Test Drives: Experience vehicles firsthand with on-site test drives.
Colorado Adventure Section: Discover the all-new Colorado Adventure section, featuring rugged RVs, boats, and high-powered ATVs designed for outdoor enthusiasts.

Outside Festival 2025
📅 Dates: June 1 - June 2, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1400 Curtis Street, Denver, CO
🏕️ Adventure, Wellness & Outdoor Innovation
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! The Outside Festival 2025 is the ultimate celebration of adventure, wellness, and sustainability. Experience gear demos, expert-led workshops, live music, and inspiring talks from top outdoor athletes and innovators. Whether you’re into hiking, cycling, or sustainable travel, this event has something for everyone!

Denver's St. Patrick's Day Parade
📅 Date: March 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Downtown Denver (Parade Route: Wynkoop & 19th to Blake & 27th)
🍀 Denver’s Biggest St. Patrick’s Day Celebration! 🍀
Get ready for the greenest day of the year! The Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back, bringing you a lively procession of floats, marching bands, Irish dancers, and cultural performances. Gather your family and friends to experience the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Rockies. Don’t forget to wear green and arrive early for the best views!

2025 Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival
Date: March 14–16, 2025
Location: Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Theme: “Honoring Our Past to Guide Our Future”
Event Highlights:
Opening Night Film & Reception: Kick off the festival on March 14 with the screening of “New Wave,” a nostalgic exploration of the Vietnamese new wave music scene. Director Elizabeth Ai will be in attendance for a post-film Q&A.
Centerpiece Presentation: On March 15, enjoy “Fly Me to the Moon,” a touching Hong Kong family drama, followed by a reception sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office.
Closing Night Film & Reception: Conclude the festival on March 16 with “Tinā,” an inspiring New Zealand drama about a Samoan teacher rediscovering her passion. A reception with food provided by No Ke Aloha will follow.
Asian Marketplace: Explore handcrafted goods, artwork, and more from local AANHPI-owned businesses on March 15 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM in the Sie FilmCenter lobby.
Culinary Experience: Embark on a culinary journey celebrating AANHPI cuisine on March 16 at 11:00 AM, featuring tastings from top Denver chefs and restaurants.

Jurassic Quest
When: March 7–9, 2025
Where: Colorado Convention Center
Jurassic Quest is a self-guided experience featuring more true-to-life dinosaurs than any other touring dinosaur event, plus dinosaur rides and a variety of activities. Plan to spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the event. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled.

Denver Restaurant Week
When: March 7–16, 2025
Where: Over 230 restaurants serving up a much-anticipated culinary experience across Denver
Experience Denver's vibrant culinary scene with special menus from participating restaurants, offering both to-go and in-person dining options. For more than two decades, this special week has celebrated the city’s thriving dining scene, featuring spots helmed by Michelin-recognized and James Beard Award-winning chefs. Choose from four price points—$25, $35, $45, and $55 per person—with both to-go and in-person options and dig into the menus!

Mile High Beer Fest
When: March 1, 2025
Where: 890 Navajo St.
This annual festival showcases Colorado's finest brews, featuring over 40 vendors and more than 100 beers, ciders, spirits, and more to sample.

Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival
When: February 25, 2025
Where: Downtown Denver
Whiskey enthusiasts can sample over 20 craft, small-batch, and world-class whiskies. The event includes food and drink specials, live DJ performances, and supports pediatric cancer research through Bear Necessities.

Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak
When: Through February 23, 2025
Where: Denver Art Museum, Hamilton Building, Level 2
This exhibition showcases over 450 artworks by Maurice Sendak, the renowned author and illustrator of "Where the Wild Things Are." Visitors can explore original drawings, paintings, and set designs, offering a comprehensive look into Sendak's creative genius.
Denver Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival
Warm up this winter with a curated selection of premium whiskeys from local and national distilleries. Enjoy tastings, live entertainment, and an opportunity to learn from whiskey experts.
Date & Time:
Date: February 3, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location:
The Mile High Station, 2027 Old West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO

43rd Annual Colorado Indian Market & Southwest Art Fest
Celebrate Native American culture and art at this vibrant festival featuring over 200 artists, crafters, and performers. The event includes live music, cultural demonstrations, and food vendors offering authentic flavors.
Dates & Times:
Dates: January 19 – January 21, 2025
Hours:
Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location:
Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver, CO

Martin Luther King Marade (March and Parade)
Join one of the largest celebrations of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in the United States. The Marade (a combination of march and parade) honors Dr. King’s vision of equality and justice through a walk and celebratory event.
Date & Time:
Date: January 15, 2025
Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
Route:
Starts at City Park and concludes at Civic Center Park

Held Impermanence (Artists Select: Katherine Simóne Reynolds)
This thought-provoking exhibit features curated works by Katherine Simóne Reynolds, exploring themes of transience, cultural memory, and the beauty found in impermanence.
Dates & Times:
Dates: January 15 – March 10, 2025
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily
Location:
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany Street

Migrants, a Tale of Two Hearts
An evocative theatrical performance that tells the story of love, loss, and resilience through the journey of migrants. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt performances, this production connects themes of displacement and belonging.
Dates & Times:
Dates: February 2 – February 11, 2025
Times: 7:00 p.m. nightly, 2:00 p.m. matinees on weekends
Location:
Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Ricketson Theatre

National Western Stock Show
A Denver tradition since 1906, the National Western Stock Show celebrates western heritage and agriculture. With professional rodeos, horse shows, and a western trade expo, this event is perfect for families and enthusiasts. Proceeds benefit education and scholarships in agriculture and veterinary medicine.
Dates & Times:
Dates: January 6 – January 21, 2025
Daily Schedule: Varies by event. Visit the official website for specific schedules.
Location:
National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt Street, Denver, CO

Orchid Showcase
Discover hundreds of vibrant orchids, including unique blooms from the Denver Botanic Gardens' collection. The Orchid Showcase is a perfect outing for Valentine’s Day or a leisurely winter activity. Orchid sales, offered by Fantasy Orchids, provide an opportunity to bring a piece of the showcase home. Included with general admission.
Dates & Times:
Showcase Hours:
Friday, Jan. 10 – Sunday, Jan. 12: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 13 – Monday, Feb. 17: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Orchid Sales (Saturdays only):
Jan. 11, 18 & 25: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8 & 15: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location:
Denver Botanic Gardens, Orangery

Monopoly Lifesized: Travel Edition
When: Through March 9, 2025
Where: Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Direct from London, MONOPOLY LIFESIZED is an immersive experience where participants play a giant version of the classic board game. Teams of up to six players navigate the life-sized board, completing challenges to acquire properties.

Grand Illumination
Kick off the holiday season with Denver Union Station’s Grand Illumination event.

Light the Lights
Marvel at the nightly Light the Lights holiday display at Denver’s Civic Center Park.
Mile High Drone Show
Don’t miss the Mile High Tree and Denver Christkindlmarket at Civic Center Park for a festive holiday experience.

Zoo Lights
A magical winter wonderland with over a million lights across Denver Zoo. Celebrating its 30th year, this annual tradition brings holiday joy to families with safe and memorable experiences.
Time: Varies - (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Zoo Lights – Adult Night
When: November 22, 2024
Enjoy Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo with a special adult-only night (ages 21+). The ticket includes a drink and access to the dazzling holiday light displays across 80 acres.
ICE! featuring The Polar Express™️
Dive into holiday magic with ICE! featuring The Polar Express at Gaylord Rockies, an unforgettable experience of ice sculptures and beloved scenes.
Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland
Experience the magic of Cherry Creek North's Winter Wanderland with sparkling lights, local markets, and family-friendly holiday festivities!
Blossoms of Light
Discover a world of wonder at Blossoms of Light, Denver Botanic Gardens' acclaimed holiday light display.
Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration
Join the festivities at Cherry Creek's Tree Lighting Celebration with entertainment, a holiday bazaar, and the grand tree lighting countdown!

Christmas In Color (Red Rocks)
Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas In Color at Red Rocks, where millions of synchronized lights transform the drive-through experience into a holiday wonderland!

Bierstadt Big Top - The Pumpkin Spice Circus!
Get in the fall spirit with Bierstadt Lagerhaus' Pumpkin Spice Circus - a unique, family-friendly circus experience in Denver.

Twisted Techno Dance Party
Dance the night away at the Twisted Techno Dance Party, Denver’s premier Halloween rave.

Treat Street at Denver Zoo
Trick-or-treat with the animals at the Denver Zoo’s annual Treat Street event.

Hangin' N Slangin' Markets
Shop local at the Hangin' N Slangin' Markets, featuring Denver artisans, food trucks, and live music.

Magic of the Jack O' Lanterns
Walk through thousands of hand-carved pumpkins and mesmerizing light displays at the Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns.

Movies at McGregor: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Bring a blanket and find a spot on the lawn or choose a table in the plaza – both are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Popcorn, candy, soft drinks and bar selections available for purchase.