Denver Events and Festivals

(Denver, Colorado - CO, USA)

As Denver is the major cultural center for the region, the city's calendar is packed with events and festivals year-round. Denver's huge Performing Arts Complex; which incorporates eight distinct performance spaces hosting regular ballet, dance and opera performances; is the second largest of its kind in the country, after the Kennedy Center in New York.

The Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver alone is a spectacular venue in its fabulous setting and character, while festivals and other cultural events are held regularly throughout the city.

Denver's helpful tourist information centers are always happy to advise the latest events information and provide tourists with a list of up-to-date festivals and things to see and do whilst staying in the lively city of Denver.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
• 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
• Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
• Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
• 4th July - Independence Day
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
• 11th November - Veterans Day
• 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
• 25th December - Christmas Day

Denver Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• National Western Stock Show and Rodeo - mid-January, biggest event of its kind in the country with rodeos, western-themed entertainment and a sea of 10 gallon hats
• Martin Luther King Parade - mid-January, one of America's largest marches of its kind, attracting more than 30,000 participants

February

• Colorado Garden and Home Show - mid-February, held at the Colorado Convention Center

March

• St. Patrick's Day Parade - mid-March, one of the biggest parades in the country, rivaled only by New York's St. Patrick's Day celebrations
• Rocky Mountain Air Fair - mid-March, over 100 booths offering aviation products, displays and services, as well as hands-on activities for the children

April

• Earth Day - mid-April, held at Denver Botanic Garden, with a number of free activities for all ages
• PanAfrican Film Festival - mid-April, interesting screenings at the Starz FilmCenter

May

• Cinco de Mayo - early May, two-day celebration of Mexico's independence held at the 16th Street Mall

June

• Capitol Hill People's Fair - early June, one of the largest fairs in Colorado, with over 500 booths displaying various arts and crafts, food, dance and live entertainment
• BuskerFest - early June, mimes, clowns, jugglers, acrobats and other street performers from around the world converge on 16th Street Mall
• PrideFest - late June, colorful celebration of gay pride including a parade. Ranks among the ten largest annual celebrations in the country
• Colorado Renaissance Festival - mid-June to late July, located a half-hour drive south of Denver, popular event offering period entertainment, food, crafts, souvenirs, traditional music and demonstrations
• Juneteenth - mid-June, celebrates the end of slavery in Texas, with Five Points coming alive with music, food, arts and crafts, a parade, games and rides

July

• LoDo Music Festival - mid-July, a large celebration involving a range of different styles and performers
• Cherry Creek Arts Festival - early July, one of the country's largest and most popular arts and crafts shows, a Fourth of July tradition in Denver
• Buffalo Bill Days - late July, held in honor of Wild West legend Buffalo Bill and including a Wild West show, games, food and a parade

August

• Colorado State Fair - late August, a huge, action packed celebration including plenty of rides, games, music, showcases, a rodeo and loads of free entertainment

September

• Taste of Colorado - early September, a huge showcase of local cuisine as well as music performances and local arts and crafts displays
• Great American Beer Festival - late September, includes a prestigious beer brewing competition, product displays, seminars and tasting of over 1,500 beers
• OktoberFest - mid-September, held in Larimer Square and spread over two weekends, this event includes German dancing, music, 'Oompah' bands, food booths, colorful costumes and plenty of beer
• Denver Gem and Mineral Show - mid-September, international show and sale of minerals, fossils, gems and jewelry including hands-on activities

October

• Starz Denver Film Festival - mid-November, held at Denver's Starz FilmCenter and Temple Buell Theater
• Victorian Fetish Ball - mid-November, a prominent event in Denver's calendar, attracting around 2,000 people all dressed in colorful costumes
• Boo at the Zoo - late October, Halloween fun at Denver Zoo

November

• WinterFest - late November to New Year, various Christmas celebrations and events in and around Larimer Square
• Denver Christkindl Market - German market, selling a range of goods, include fresh produce
• Light Up Larimar - late November, the shopping district is lit to mark the start of the holiday season in Denver

December

• Blossoms of Light - throughout December, illuminations around the Denver Botanic Gardens
• Georgetown Christmas Market - mid-December, German-style Christmas market, with a wide range of stalls and gifts
• Jingle Bell Run - mid-December, charity run starting in Washington Park