Late-summer and early-fall boasts some of the best times to explore Denver. The weather is fantastic, the events are plentiful and there are plenty of events to keep us busy. Check out these recommendations from Visit Denver. Be sure to check out our Ultimate guide to Denver pumpkin patches and corn mazes and scroll down to see our best tips for outdoor fun in Denver.
Can’t-Miss Events Denver
Dashiki Fest
WHEN: Aug. 31, 2024
WHERE: Levitt Pavilion Denver
Dashiki Fest will be the most vibrant and entertaining festival Colorado has ever witnessed! There will be several performances from local artists, dances and other renowned African artists of this generation. There will also be a variety of food from various African vendors, African art and fashion vendors, and many interesting stands for small businesses. The goal of the festival is to celebrate African people and their culture while increasing awareness, integration, diversity and inclusion among different communities in Colorado.
Civic Center EATS
WHEN: Thru Oct. 16, 2024; Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Civic Center Park (featured photo)
Every Thursday From May through October, Civic Center EATS transforms Civic Center Park into a lunchtime extravaganza with Denver’s best food and fashion trucks and live music. It’s your chance to savor a variety of cuisines while supporting our city’s small local business scene and the Civic Center Conservancy’s mission to restore and enhance Civic Center Park, Denver’s only National Historic Landmark.
51st Birthday Bash
WHEN: Sept. 6, 2024
WHERE: Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
This year’s theme is inspired by backyard expeditions and starry skies, scraped knees and muddy shoes, secret clubhouses with your best friends, and all the things that fill childhood with wonder and joy. Join them for an evening of tasty bites from some of Denver’s top caterers, open bars and auctions. Then, get ready to dance the night away!
Flock Party 2024
WHEN: Sept. 7, 2024
WHERE: Denver Zoo
Now in its fifth year, this brilliant annual benefit is a movable feast with live music, unforgettable animal experiences, on-the-spot fashion illustrations, craft cocktails and artisan eats—all in the company of real party animals! Proceeds benefit the zoo’s beloved animal family and support their wildlife conservation work in Colorado and worldwide.
Arvada Center Outdoor Amphitheater & Front Porch Concerts
The Arvada Center’s Outdoor Amphitheater offers exceptional acoustics in an intimate setting perfect for enjoying live music featuring national and local artists. The amphitheater features a weather-friendly covered seating area with close-up views of the stage and delicious concessions, including burgers, sandwiches, beer and wine. And on Wednesday evenings from July to September, the Front Porch Series presents local solo and duet musical acts, food and brews in a shady, beer-garden setting on the front plaza.
- Aug. 28, 2024: The High Kings and Gaelic Storm
Avanti Presents: Summer Movie Series
Join the film buffs at Avanti F and B every Thursday during the summer at 8:30 p.m. Head to the patio for themed specialty drinks, food specials, costume contests and free movies under the stars!
- Aug. 29, 2024: Legally Blonde
Film on the Field at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora
There’s something magical about watching a movie outside under the stars, and this summer Stanley Marketplace in Aurora is bringing outdoor movie nights to the Field at Stanley with the Film on the Field series. The series will show movies at dusk on a giant 28’ blow-up screen the last Saturday of the month from May to September. Pick up snacks, dinner and drinks to-go at one of Stanley Marketplace’s restaurants, bars or brewery and bring them out to the field to enjoy with family, friends and community at this free event.
- Aug. 31, 2024
EPRD Buchanan Park Family Movie Nights
Bring your own blankets or chairs and join Evergreen Park and Recreation District for free outdoor movies at Buchanan Park Field from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. There will also be food trucks, games, music and more! (*Note: Family Campout and Haunted Trail Walk may have a small fee, however, general attendance and movie viewing are always free.)
- Aug. 30, 2024: Barbie
Museum of Illusions
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2024
WHERE: Museum of Illusions
Discover a brilliant collection of perspective-changing rooms, enthralling installations, and spellbinding images. The mesmerizing exhibits will teach you that nothing is ever quite as it seems, especially in the Museum of Illusions Denver.
Rumors of Bloomers
WHEN: Thru March 30, 2025
WHERE: Center for Colorado Women’s History
Rumors of Bloomers explores women’s experiences as expressed through undergarments. Using rarely displayed objects – such as corsets, bloomers, swimming costumes, petticoats and Mother Hubbard gowns – the exhibition highlights the ways “unmentionables” have given form and shape to bodies, while also expressing identity, autonomy, agency, and protest.
Colorado Rockies vs. Miami Marlins
WHEN: Aug. 26–29, 2024
WHERE: Coors Field – Home of the Colorado Rockies
Kick off the holiday weekend at Coors Field as the Colorado Rockies take on the Miami Marlins!
Colorado Rockies vs. Baltimore Orioles
WHEN: Aug. 30–Sept. 1, 2024
WHERE: Coors Field – Home of the Colorado Rockies
Cheer on the Colorado Rockies as they battle it out against the Baltimore Orioles.
Farmers’ Markets
The Mile High City’s more than 20 farmers’ markets aren’t just about locally grown produce, delicious baked goods and prepared foods — though you’ll find those in abundance! Each market is a festive, weekly street fair, many with live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
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Author: Mile High Mamas
