The Best Denver Activities to Make Your Summer Even Better
Want to squeeze the most out of the final days of summer in Denver? We've got a list full of the must see activities you don't want to miss. There's a reason we live in one of the most beautiful places, so get out and enjoy! Keep reading for 8 summer activities in Denver that you'll want to check off your list.
1. Film on the Rocks
Film on the Rocks is an 8-part movie series held at Red Rocks Amphitheater every summer. Watching a movie in the presence of 9,000 people makes the jokes even funnier and the thrilling movie climax even more momentous. FOTR is a great way to rewatch the classics or catch a movie you may have missed the first time around. Prior to the movie, enjoy comedians and live music, At only $16/ticket, this event is a steal. Check out their website here.
2. Progressive Dinner
What is a progressive dinner you might ask? It is a 5-course meal where you walk or bike from restaurant to restaurant between each course. Start at a bar for a drink, head someone new for appetizers, split a main dish at a restaurant, try the local ice cream spot...you get the idea. Biking allows you to cover more terrain and work off some of your last course before indulging again. Extra points for a tandem bike!
Sample Itinerary in the Highlands:
Grab a frozen congelado at Señor Bear
Order an app at one of Avanti's "food trucks"
Try a taco at My Neighbor Felix
Split a main dish at Postino
Top it off with Ice Cream from Little Man (Salted Oreo. It's a no brainer)
3. Rockies Games
Denver is lucky to have a baseball stadium in the heart of LoDo, which makes for easy transportation and pre and post-game activities. The games are fun for everyone, even if it is just an excuse to eat a hot dog and drink a Bud Light. Plus, you can snag a Rock Pile ticket for just $6-$8. View the schedule here.
4. City Park Jazz
This is a 10-week free concert series held in City Park on Sunday evenings. Grab a park blanket and a lawn game, pack your favorite picnic, and spend the evening enjoying good music with your besties. The coolest park about this tradition? It's been going on for over 130 years! Concerts are held from June to August. Learn more here.
5. Hiking in Golden
There are so many accessible hikes within 30 minutes of Denver. South Table Mountain, Chimney Gulch, Matthew Winters Park, and Mt. Galbraith are just a few of the options. Evening hikes are a great way to avoid the heat and the crowds and, if you're lucky, catch a stunning sunset on the way down.
6. Concert at the Botanic Gardens
This is one of the best kept secrets of Denver's music scene. The Denver Botanic Gardens is an intimate concert venue, and the fact that you can bring a blanket, bottle of wine, and all the snacks your heart desires makes it even better. Check out the line-up here.
7. Tubing Clear Creek
The water stays icy cold all summer long, so grab a tube and head to 10th Street in Golden. The stretch of the creek is relatively short and can be lapped all day long. Be sure to bring a croaky for your sunglasses and strap-on sandals in case you take a dunk.
8. Picnic at Cheeseman
Cheeseman Park is our favorite park. Spikeball, BBQs, (happy hour) walks, and take-out picnics. There are a few designated picnic tables, but we recommend bringing a picnic blanket and heading to the east side of the park for stunning views of the city.
Did we miss anything!? What are the best summer activities in Denver, CO?