Summer weekend in Denver
How locals do summer in Denver — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Denver
Confluence Park
OutdoorsPlatte River
Tubing the South Platte + a kayak run right downtown.
Denver Botanic Gardens
OutdoorsCheesman Park
24 acres of themed gardens with summer Chihuly nights.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
OutdoorsFront Range
Drive to 14,000 ft — highest paved road in North America.
Red Rocks Park
OutdoorsMorrison
Sandstone amphitheater + free yoga and sunrise concerts.
Larimer Square
Food & DrinkLoDo
Historic strip with patios, holiday lights and rooftop bars.
Where to eat
Mercantile Dining & Provision
$$$New American · Union Station
Alex Seidel's farm-to-table + market under one roof.
Safta
$$$Israeli · RiNo
Alon Shaya's mezze and pillowy laffa from the wood oven.
Snooze A.M. Eatery
$$Brunch · Multiple
Pancake flights and bacon Bloody Marys — Colorado original.
Sushi Den
$$$Sushi · Platt Park
Fish flown daily from Tokyo's Toyosu market — book ahead.
Tacos Tequila Whiskey
$$Mexican · Capitol Hill
Street tacos and a Colorado-sized agave list.
Live & on stage
Denver Christkindlmarket
Civic Center Park · Nov 21 – Dec 23 · Holiday
Great American Beer Festival
Colorado Convention Center · Oct 8–10 · Beer Fest
Red Rocks Summer Season
Red Rocks Amphitheatre · Apr – Oct · Mixed
Underground Music Showcase
South Broadway · Jul 24–26 · Indie / Local
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Red Rocks Park, Denver Botanic Gardens, Larimer Square. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Denver and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.