It’s the very first weekend in 2026! Can you believe it? Make this one count and enjoy all that the Mile High City has to offer. Get the new year started on the right foot with professional lacrosse games, pop-up bars, candlelight concerts and family-friendly fun for all.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
With the holiday season winding down, it can be disconcerting to see a blank calendar. Make sure you keep the fun alive this weekend with area events, activities and more. Don’t let the first weekend of the new year go by without plans!
First Friday: Manifesting & Predicting 2026
Where? 861 Santa Fe Drive
When? January 2nd
Museo De Las Américas is hosting an exciting First Friday event! From 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, swing by for “Manifesting & Predicting 2026.” This program is open to members, as well as to the public. The community is invited to gather together to create manifestation boards in the art station. The bigger you can dream, the better! Cut out pictures and set intentions for the year ahead. There will also be a bar and great vibes throughout the evening, so bring a friend or two or ride solo and meet some new people!
PRO Tip: Enjoy free admission and explore the current exhibition “Rosas y Revelaciones,” after your vision board craft.
First Friday Art Walk in 40 West Arts
Where? 1560 Teller Street
When? January 2nd
40 West Arts is home to 40+ arts and cultural organizations, resulting in a creative district haven for both residents and visitors. An array of work studios, art supply dealers, and unique food and entertainment options have taken root in the neighborhood. Whether you live in this thriving arts destination or you’re excited to visit in the new year, the First Friday art walks are the perfect time to explore! From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, come check out shows in all of the Art Hubs from 10+ gallery locations as you enjoy a self-guided tour of the district. There are multiple family-friendly dining options, including Casa Bonita with all-you-can-eat sopapillas.
PRO Tip: 40 West Arts is located within the historic West Colfax Corridor, which is situated just a short drive from downtown Denver. Make an afternoon of it and plan lunch out!
University of Denver Hockey vs. Maine
Where? 2410 East Asbury Avenue
When? January 2nd & 3rd
Cheer on the Denver Pioneers as they face off against the Maine Black Bears this Friday and Saturday at Magness Arena. Friday’s game is scheduled for 7:00 PM and Saturday’s will be at 6:00 PM, so arrive early to get settled into your seats and grab a snack or two. The teams are both strong and their rivalry is exciting to watch. Tickets start at $32! The team has a busy January home game lineup, so grab some tickets or cheer them on from the comfort of home.
PRO Tip: Not many tickets are left, so snag yours ASAP to cheer on the team as they face off against Maine!
Colorado Mammoth vs. Rochester Knighthawks
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? January 3rd
The Colorado Mammoth are a Denver-based professional lacrosse team that competes in the National Lacrosse League. The team plays their home games at Ball Arena and were recently crowned as the champions of the National Lacrosse League Cup in 2022. This Saturday will be Native American Heritage Night and the match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM. Tickets begin at $30, so grab yours now and cheer on the home team as they take on the Rochester Knighthawks!
PRO Tip: All guests under the age of three may sit in a ticked guest’s lap but older children will be required to have a ticket. Ball Arena has a strict bag policy, so check the rules and regulations here to ensure you make it through security without issue.
Kibbles ’N Bits: A Monthly Animal Rescue Show
Where? 675 22nd Street
When? January 3rd
Denver Comedy Underground is excited to present Kibbles ’N Bits this Saturday, A Monthly Animal Rescue Show. Doors open at 3:00 PM, with the show kicking off an hour later. This special showcase is bringing together some of the city’s funniest comedians for big laughs and an even bigger purpose to support local animal rescues in the Denver Metro area. You may even spot a few surprise furry guests!
PRO Tip: General admission tickets are priced at $17.50 when you purchase ahead of time, which includes fees. Tickets will be $25 at the door. There is no 2 drink minimum and free pizza is available!
McGregor Skate 80’s Retro Skate
Where? 1901 Wazee Street
When? January 3rd
This Saturday, enjoy skating to your favorite tunes from the 80’s from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. No ticket purchase is necessary and you’ll get 50% off skating if you wear your best 80’s fit! Whether you grew up in the 1980s or you’re a 2000s baby who appreciates the iconic musical hits — this is a family-friendly event designed for everyone! The outdoor skating rink is situated in the bustling McGregor Square Plaza, which is the perfect destination for winter activities for guests of all ages. The rink will be open through January 25th and rental skates are available on-site. Kids under 2 and seniors 65+ always skate for free!
PRO Tip: Milepost Zero Food Hall at McGregor Square will be open for food and drink purchases.
Georgia Comstock and Friends
Where? 1226 15th Street
When? January 4th
Georgia Comstock and Friends are coming to Comedy Works Downtown this Sunday at 7:00 PM. Catch Comstock now before she’s selling out arenas, with tickets on sale for just $14! Hailing from Omaha, Georgia Comstock has an uncanny gift for blending razor-sharp writing with that effortless Midwestern charm that will sneak up on audiences. She’s shared the stage with powerhouses like Josh Blue, Maria Bamford, Dan Soder and more. She also co-hosts the podcast “2 Peas.”
PRO Tip: There is a two-item minimum in effect at the comedy club and guests must be aged 21+. All sales are final.
Candlelight: Magical Movie Soundtracks
Where? 7711 East Academy Boulevard
When? January 4th
If you haven’t yet been to a Candlelight concert, make 2026 your year to enjoy one! These concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory experience to awe-inspiring locations that wouldn’t typically host live music. Enjoy this Sunday’s Magical Movie Soundtracks at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum under the gentle glow of candlelight. The tentative program for this Sunday’s performance includes “You’ve Got a Friend” from Toy Story, “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast, “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid, “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and many more. Watch as all of your favorite movies come to life live with a string quartet!
PRO Tip: Guests must be 8 years and older and anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Hudson Lights
Where? 6115 South Santa Fe Drive
When? Through January 4th
Tickets are on sale now for Hudson Holidays! Celebrate the end of the holiday season with a spectacular stroll through the gardens. Visitors of all ages will enjoy admiring the larger-than-life themed exhibits and sipping on warm beverages and cocktails. Pop-up bars will be located throughout the event, as well as Nixon’s Coffee House, a s’mores station and The Farmhouse at Breckenridge Brewery. Hudson Holidays will open at 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 8:30 PM and lights off at 9:30 PM.
PRO Tip: There are two ticket options available — dated and any day passes. Dated tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $15 for youth ages 3 to 12. Senior discounts are available and children ages 0 to 2 are always free. If purchasing Any Day tickets, check the calendar here!
Miracle on 17th Street Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Where? 523 East 17th Avenue
When? Through January 6th
Catch the Miracle on 17th Street Holiday Pop-Up Bar before it’s gone! Hosted at Steuben’s, this pop-up invites guests to step back in time and relive the magic of Christmas mornings. Full of nostalgia and seasonal offerings, visitors will be delighted by the enclosed and heated patio space that has been transformed into a cozy haven filled with festive decor, holiday lights, and more. Sip on holiday-themed cocktails and toast to the season in style! Limited tables are available and guests can make their reservations via Open Table. The bar will remain open through Tuesday, January 6th!
PRO Tip: If you bring a new/unwrapped toy, you’ll receive a holiday cocktail on the house! All toys will be donated to the Denver Housing Authority.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Get the kids ready for a jam-packed weekend of fun! Ring in the new year with the last of the holiday lights or take a trip to the Clyfford Still Museum for their monthly Pay-What-You-Wish Day.
Pay-What-You-Wish Day
Where? 1250 Bannock Street
When? January 2nd
January’s Pay-What-You-Wish Day is scheduled for the second day of the new year. From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, visitors can check out the Clyfford Still Museum for as little as a penny. These First Friday dates offer complimentary mini-tours at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The 30-minute tours don’t require a reservation and all ages are welcome. Guests will meet in the museum lobby before they’re guided through current exhibitions, programs and more. Online reservations are recommended but walk-ins are also welcome. All adult tickets are listed as $1 online and children ages 17 and under are always free. Guests who wish to pay more than $1 can make a donation at checkout and those who wish to pay less than $1 can do so when they visit in person.
PRO Tip: In 2026, the Clyfford Still Museum is proud to offer 12 Pay-What-You-Wish-Days. Each one will be scheduled for the first Friday of the month — so mark your calendar now!
Zoo Lights
Where? 2300 Steele Street
When? Through January 4th
This weekend is your last shot at enjoying Zoo Lights for the season! With 80 acres boasting over 3,000,000 lights, this is some of the best family-friendly holiday fun around the Mile High City. Tickets are on sale now, with times ranging from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and until 9:00 PM on Sunday. Consider bundling your tickets for some extra magic. You’ll receive a souvenir cup of hot cocoa and two ride vouchers for the Conservation Carousel or the Denver Zoo Railroad when you bundle. Quantities are limited each night, so snag yours before they’re gone!
PRO Tip: Zoo members can save 10% off their Zoo Lights tickets. Youth ages 2 and under get in free.
Blossoms of Light
Where? 1007 York Street
When? Through January 11th
Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens is almost wrapped up for the season. Celebrate 40 years at one of Denver’s most beloved holiday traditions. This dazzling display transforms the winter gardens into an illuminated wonderland, complete with immersive installations and a mile-long path that showcases the collections. There will be a sensory-friendly night on Tuesday, January 6th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for guests with sensory sensitivities and their families. Blossoms of Light tickets are on sale for $27 for adults and $22 for children ages 3 to 15. Senior discounts are available for those 65+ and members also receive discounted rates.
PRO Tip: Holiday treats and warm drinks are available for purchase at Offshoots Café and the Hive Garden Bistro, so be sure to swing by and treat yourself!
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
Whether you’re in the mood for hockey, lacrosse, comedy shows, art walks or something else entirely, you’re almost guaranteed to find it somewhere in Denver this weekend. With so much possibility ahead throughout the new year, you never know who you’ll meet at local events. Visit us again next week to keep the good times rolling next weekend!