23 Things To Do In Denver During Summer

As a Denver local, summer is my favorite time of year in the city. Denver comes alive with outdoor concerts, festivals, farmers markets, rooftop bars, Rockies games, and plenty of opportunities to get outside.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or you’ve lived here for years and are looking for something new to do, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a summer day. From exploring downtown neighborhoods and relaxing in the park to taking a quick trip into the mountains, there’s something always something going on.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Denver during the summer.

The Best Things To Do In Denver During Summer

Explore Union Station & LoDo

If you’re looking for an easy way to spend a summer afternoon or evening in Denver, head downtown and wander around Union Station and LoDo.

While Union Station is still an active transportation hub, it’s also one of the city’s most popular gathering spots. Grab a coffee, meet friends for happy hour, or simply hang out in the Great Hall and people watch for a bit.

From there, spend some time exploring the surrounding neighborhood. Walk through Dairy Block, browse local shops, stop for a drink on a patio, or make your way over to McGregor Square. During the summer, the plaza regularly hosts watch parties, concerts, fitness classes, and other community events.

There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, and it’s the kind of neighborhood where you can spend a few hours just wandering around and seeing what catches your eye.

Rockies Game At Coors Field

A Rockies game is one of my favorite ways to spend a summer evening in Denver.

The Rockies may not be World Series contenders right now, but that’s not the point. Coors Field is a great ballpark, the mountain views are fantastic, and the atmosphere is always fun, especially on warm summer nights.

Before the game, grab a drink or a bite to eat at McGregor Square or one of the many bars near the field.

Once you’re inside, make sure to check out The Rooftop. This two-story deck offers some of the best views in the stadium and is a fun place to hang out even if you’re not paying close attention to the game.

Looking for a budget-friendly option? The Rockpile tickets are sold day-of at the box office and cost just $4.

Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens is another great spot in summer.

Located near Cheesman Park, the 24-acre property features a mix of themed gardens, walking paths, ponds, art installations, and seasonal exhibits.

Throughout the summer, the gardens also host special events, including their popular summer concert series. If you’re interested in attending, be sure to check the event calendar: Denver Botanic Gardens Events.

Tip: If you have extra time, combine your visit with a walk through nearby Cheesman Park.

Explore RiNo’s Breweries & Murals

RiNo is one of Denver’s most interesting neighborhoods.

Former warehouses and industrial buildings have been transformed into breweries, restaurants, cocktail bars, coffee shops, and galleries, while colorful murals cover buildings throughout the neighborhood.

One of the best ways to experience RiNo is simply by walking around. Spend some time exploring the side streets, stopping wherever catches your attention. The neighborhood is constantly changing, and you’ll find new artwork, businesses, and events popping up all the time.

If you’re interested in Denver’s craft beer scene, this is also one of the best places in the city to brewery hop. A few popular options include Our Mutual Friend, Ratio Beerworks, and Odell Brewing.

Not a beer drinker? You’ll also find cocktail bars, food halls, coffee shops, and plenty of outdoor patios throughout the neighborhood.

Summer Concert At Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most famous concert venues in the world. Artists and fans travel from across the country and around the world to see performances here, and summer is peak concert season.

The naturally formed amphitheater sits between towering red rock formations, creating a pretty unbelievable setting. If you’re able to attend a show during your visit, I highly recommend it.

But beyond concerts, Red Rocks also hosts a variety of other events throughout the year, including Film on the Rocks (one of my favorites!) and Yoga on the Rocks.

You can check the upcoming schedule at Red Rocks Events.

Even if there isn’t an event taking place, Red Rocks is still worth visiting. Outside of event hours visitors can walk through the amphitheater for free, stop by the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, or hike one of the surrounding trails.

Visit One Of Denver’s Many Food Halls

One thing Denver does really well is food halls.

If you’re going out with a group, can’t decide what you want to eat, or just want a low-effort meal, they’re hard to beat. Most feature a mix of local restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and shops all in one place.

A few of my favorites are Denver Central Market in RiNo, Avanti in LoHi, Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, and Edgewater Public Market near Sloan’s Lake.

You May Also Like: The Best Food Halls In Denver

Little Man Ice Cream

If you’re looking for a classic Denver summer activity, head to Little Man Ice Cream.

The shop is famous for its giant milk can-shaped building and often draws a line stretching down the block on warm evenings. Fortunately, the ice cream is worth the wait.

After grabbing a cone, spend some time walking around the Highlands neighborhood. This is one of my favorite parts of Denver to wander around. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and local businesses nearby, and downtown skyline views are never far away.

If you visit around sunset, walk over to Highland Bridge. It’s one of the better skyline viewpoints in the city and an easy addition to your visit.

Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf is easily one of the most unique attractions in Denver.

Part art exhibit, part interactive experience, and part scavenger hunt, it’s one of those unique places where you’re encouraged to open doors, crawl through hidden passageways, and explore at your own pace. The more curious you are, the more you’ll discover.

You can easily spend two or three hours here, depending on how much you want to dig into the story behind the exhibit. If you’re just there to wander around and take in the artwork, you’ll still have a great time.

Tip: Tickets often sell out during weekends and for Meow Wolf events, so it’s worth booking ahead.

Spend Time In Denver’s Parks

If you want to do as the locals do, head to one of Denver’s parks this summer. On weekends and after work, you’ll find them full of people playing volleyball, picnicking, walking, rollerblading, running, and simply enjoying the sunshine.

Some of the city’s most popular parks include Washington Park, Cheesman Park, Sloan’s Lake Park, City Park, and Confluence Park, but you’ll also find plenty of smaller neighborhood parks throughout the city.

Washington Park is one of my favorites and tends to have the liveliest atmosphere on weekends. Afterwards, head over to nearby South Pearl Street for restaurants, coffee shops, and local boutiques.

Summer Concert Series

Summer is one of the best times of year to catch live music in Denver. In addition to concerts at Red Rocks, you’ll find free and ticketed performances happening throughout the city almost every week.

A few of Denver’s most popular summer concert series include:

• Levitt Pavilion – More than 40 free concerts each summer featuring local and national artists.
• City Park Jazz – A Denver favorite – free jazz concerts held in City Park on Sunday evenings throughout the summer.
• Denver Botanic Garden Summer Concert Series – A ticketed outdoor concert series hosted at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
• Summer Sessions at Confluence Park – Free concerts held on select dates throughout the summer.
• MoJaBlu Concert Series – Free concerts in Central Park on select Thursdays and Saturdays.
• Swallow Hill Summer Concerts – Outdoor concerts held at Four Mile Historic Park on select evenings.
• Coohills Beats on the Creek – Tuesday evening concerts along Cherry Creek during July.

You’ll also find live music at breweries, rooftop bars, patios, and neighborhood festivals throughout the summer, especially on weekends.

City Park Jazz (Jazz in the Park)

If you only make it to one of Denver’s summer concert series, I’d recommend Jazz in the Park. This free concert series takes place in City Park on Sunday evenings throughout the summer.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic (or grab something from one of the food trucks), and enjoy an evening of live music. You’ll find families, groups of friends, and plenty of dogs all spread across the lawn enjoying the music. It’s a very laid-back event and a great way to spend a summer evening.

Not only are the concerts free to attend, you’re also welcome to bring your own food and drinks (just leave the glass containers at home).

If you’re driving, parking is available around City Park and near the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, though arriving a little early is a good idea since this is one of Denver’s more popular summer events.

Join A Denver Summer Festival 

The summer festival opportunities in Denver are endless, it’s one of my favorite parts of living here. Just about every weekend, you’ll find a different event happening somewhere in the city.

Whether you’re interested in food, art, culture, or craft beer, there’s a good chance you’ll find a festival centered around it. Many of Denver’s biggest summer festivals are also free to attend, making them a fun way to experience the city without spending much money.

Popular Denver Festivals In Summer:

• Outside Days Festival – late May
• Denver Chalk Art Festival – early June
• Denver Taco Festival – mid June
• Juneteenth Music Festival – mid June
• Denver PrideFest – late June
• Indy Eve at Civic Center Park – July 3rd
• Cherry Creek Arts Festival – early July
• Denver Underground Music Showcase – late July
• Summer Scream at Lakeside Amusement Park – late August
• Colorado Dragon Boat Festival – late August
• Civic Center Eats – various dates throughout summer

Keep an eye on Denver.org for a full list of festivals and special events.

Join One Of Denver’s First Friday Art Walks

If you’re in Denver on the first Friday of the month, I’d definitely recommend checking out one of the city’s First Friday Art Walks. Galleries stay open late, local artists showcase their work, and many neighborhoods fill with food trucks, live music, pop-up vendors, and plenty of people out enjoying the evening.

If you’re only able to visit one, I’d recommend the Santa Fe Art District. It’s the largest and most well-known First Friday event in Denver.

Most of the galleries are located in a walkable stretch between 5th and 11th Avenues along Santa Fe Drive, making it easy to spend a few hours browsing at your own pace. The event is free to attend and takes place from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. on the first Friday of every month.

Golden Triangle, RiNo, Tennyson, and Stanley Marketplace also host First Friday events.

Visit A Summer Farmers Market

Another very popular summer activity in Denver is visiting a farmers market.

The Denver area has more farmers markets than I can count, and it seems a new one pops up every year. They’re a great excuse to spend a morning outside, grab a coffee, browse local vendors, and pick up everything from fresh produce to baked goods, flowers, handmade gifts, and other locally made products. Many markets also feature food trucks and live music, making them a fun way to spend a few hours.

Some of my favorite farmers markets in Denver include City Park Farmers Market, Cherry Creek Farmers Market, South Pearl Street Farmers Market, and Highlands Farmers Market. Boulder also has a fantastic farmers market if you’re heading that direction.

Grab A Drink At A Rooftop Bar

Rooftop bars are another place you’ll find full of locals in summer. Whether you’re looking for mountain views, downtown skyline views, or just somewhere to enjoy the sunny weather, there are plenty of great options throughout the city.

Some of my favorite rooftop bars include Linger, BurnDown, Stellar Jay, Avanti Food & Beverage, 54thirty Rooftop, Tap Fourteen, Sorry Gorgeous, The Garden at Ramble Hotel, and Rook at Catbird Hotel.

In addition to rooftop bars there are countless patios and outdoor bar spaces that are perfect for summer.

Cool Off At A Rooftop Pool

When the temperatures climb, rooftop pools are another popular way to spend a summer afternoon in Denver. Several hotels around the city offer rooftop pools with cabanas, bars, and great views, and many offer day passes if you’re not staying overnight.

Some of the most popular rooftop pools include:

• Four Seasons Hotel Denver
• Warwick Denver
• The Source Hotel
• Halcyon Hotel Cherry Creek

If you’re planning to visit on a summer weekend, it’s worth reserving your day pass in advance since they often sell out.

Watch An Outdoor Movie

Outdoor movie nights are another fun summer tradition in Denver. Throughout the season, parks, amphitheaters, and other venues across the city host movie screenings ranging from family-friendly favorites to cult classics.

Some of the most popular options include Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Movies at McGregor Square, Sunset Cinema Series at Sculpture Park, Movies on the Green in Central Park, and RiNo’s Free Outdoor Movie Series.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, arrive a little early to grab a good spot, and don’t forget snacks. Most screenings are free to attend, while a few require a ticket (like Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks!).

Catch A Soccer Game

Baseball isn’t the only sport in town during the summer. Denver is also home to both the men’s Colorado Rapids (MLS) and women’s Denver Summit FC (NWSL), giving soccer fans plenty of opportunities to catch a match.

The Rapids play at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, while Denver Summit FC is building its new stadium at Santa Fe Yards in downtown Denver. Both teams play throughout the summer and host lots of fun events like pre-game tailgating, firework shows, and theme nights, making a soccer game another fun way to spend an evening in the Denver area.

Golf & Mini Golf

Golf is another popular summer activity around Denver. Whether you’re looking to play a full round or just hit a few balls with friends, you’ll find plenty of options throughout the city.

If you’re interested in a traditional round of golf, City Park Golf Course is one of the most popular public courses in Denver thanks to its downtown skyline views. There are also dozens of public and private courses scattered throughout the metro area.

Looking for something a little more casual? Denver also has several fun mini golf spots, Puttshack Denver and Holey Moley Denver are two indoor mini golf courses and Rino Country Club is a much-loved outdoor putt putt course.

Additionally, there are two Topgolf locations in the Denver area, one in Thornton and another in Centennial.

Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is one of my favorite museums in the city and an easy spot to spend a few hours, especially if you need a break from the summer heat or an afternoon thunderstorm.

The museum’s collection spans centuries and includes everything from contemporary art to European paintings and one of the largest collections of Native American art in the country. I tend to find myself spending the most time in the contemporary galleries, though there’s enough variety here that everyone will have a favorite exhibit or two.

The building alone is worth seeing, too. The striking building was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind and has become one of Denver’s most recognizable landmarks.

Rocky Mountain National Park

If you want to get out of the city, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best day trips from Denver.

Located about 90 minutes from downtown, the park is best explored during the summer when Trail Ridge Road is fully open, giving visitors access to alpine lakes, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.

If it’s your first visit, I’d recommend driving Trail Ridge Road and stopping at some of the park’s most popular viewpoints before heading out on a hike like Dream Lake or Bear Lake. You may even spot elk, moose, marmots, or bighorn sheep along the way.

Rocky Mountain National Park can get extremely busy during the summer though, so plan to arrive very early and don’t forget to reserve a timed entry permit: RMNP Timed Entry Permits.

If you’re looking for more information, I’ve also put together a One Day Guide for Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rather go with a tour? Check out this Small Group RMNP Tour From Denver.

Drive Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway

Another great day trip from Denver is driving the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway.

Mount Blue Sky is the closest 14er to Denver, and thanks to the scenic byway, you can experience the summit without tackling a long hike. Along the drive, you’ll pass through several different ecosystems while enjoying incredible mountain views, scenic overlooks, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including the area’s famous mountain goats.

The road is only open seasonally, typically from late May through early fall, and reservations are required during the summer months. You can book here: Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway Timed-Entry Reservation.

If you’re looking for more information, I’ve put together a complete guide covering everything you need to know about driving the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway: Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway Guide.

Tip: If you’d rather hike a 14er, Mount Blue Sky, Mount Bierstadt, and Grays and Torreys Peaks are all popular options. Just keep in mind these are challenging hikes that require preparation and proper acclimation to Colorado’s high elevation.

Summer Day Trips From Denver

Rocky Mountain National Park and Mount Blue Sky are just two of the many great day trips you can take from Denver. One of the things I love most about living here is how easy it is to get into the mountains for the day and still be home by dinner.

Whether you’re looking for hiking, scenic drives, rafting, mountain towns, or just a change of scenery, there are plenty of options within an hour or two of the city.

Some of my favorite day trips from Denver include:

• Idaho Springs
• Lake Dillon area (Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon)
• Boulder
• Breckenridge
• Colorado Springs
• Golden
• Evergreen

If you’re looking for even more ideas, check out my guide to the The Best Quick Day Trips From Denver, where I’ve rounded up dozens of easy getaways from the city.

Whether you spend your time exploring the city, catching a concert, or escaping to the mountains for the day, summer is one of the best times to experience Denver. I hope this guide gave you a few new ideas for your next weekend or summer adventure.

Any questions or additional ideas? Leave a comment below or reach out on social media!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Denver and Colorado guides or head on over to Visit Denver.

More Information For Your Denver Vacation:

• Best Day Trips From Denver
• 4th of July Things To Do In Denver
• LoDo Denver: Top Things To Do
• Best Brunch In Denver
• Top Denver Food Halls
• Denver Weekend Guide
• What To Do With 24 Hours In Denver
• All Denver Guides

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Best Colorado Cities & Regional Hubs For Visitors
• Colorado Travel Guide (everything you need to know!)
• All Colorado Guides