There’s so much to do in the Mile High City! Where do you even begin? We’ve done the heavy lifting and found the best weekend events, so all you have to do is invite some friends and grab your tickets. Hit the ground running this Friday and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Whether you fancy sipping on a cocktail and learning about the history of railways or you want to cheer on the Rockies while you eat a ballpark dog, there’s something for everyone in Denver. August 1st will be Colorado Day, with plenty of events happening across the state to commemorate the date!
Colorado Rails & Cocktails
Where? 17155 West 44th Avenue
When? August 1st
Sit back, relax, and sip on a beverage as you travel back to a time in American history to a period when railroads shaped the region. This Friday, historian and professor Dr. Meg Frisbee will be presenting “Scenic Trips and Picnics: Train Tourism in the Rockies.” Attendees will delve deeper into how railroads helped to turn the Rockies into a popular destination for both adventure and relaxation. Doors will open at 6:00 PM for attendees to enjoy museum displays, with the presentation starting at 7:00 PM.
PRO Tip: Admission is priced at $20. This event is for ages 21 and up only. Tickets include 2 beverages of your choice, as well as snacks.
Colorado Day at Denver Union Station
Where? 1701 Wynkoop Street
When? August 1st
Get ready to celebrate Colorado Day this Friday with Denver Union Station! The celebration is designed to highlight and honor the state’s rich history and the vital role that Denver Union Station plays for travel and community in the Mile High City. August 1st marks Colorado’s 149th birthday, which was when Colorado became the 38th state. Festivities will be held from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and will include a culinary promenade featuring small bites and beverage pairings at each of Union Station’s restaurants and bars, as well as Historic Denver LoDo walking tours (requires an additional ticket) and a Meow Wolf Denver Makers Station and performances.
PRO Tip: Friday evening will benefit the Union Station Foundation, which supports nonprofits that carry on the legacy of Dana Crawford.
Colorado Rockies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Where? 2001 Blake Street
When? August 1st-3rd
The Rockies are taking on the Pirates this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Coors Field! Friday’s game will feature a special Grateful Dead ticket package deal, with package holders receiving a commemorative t-shirt and a postgame performance by a local tribute band called Shakedown Street. Saturday will continue the good vibes with a U.S. Air Force Academy ticket package complete with a limited-edition U.S. Air Force Falcons-themed hat. Sunday caps off the three-day homestand with the 20th annual Faith Day at Coors Field. The post-game event will feature GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award-winning artist Jeremy Camp.
PRO Tip: To receive exclusive limited-edition merch, such as the Air Force Academy hat and the Grateful Dead t-shirt, fans must purchase their tickets as part of the themed package for that date.
KONG Day 2025
Where? 3560 Chestnut Place
When? August 1st
Are you ready for a doggone good time? Then come on out to KONG Day at Number Thirty-Eight from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM this Friday. This dog-friendly celebration will feature everything KONG, so bring your four-legged best friend and participate in exciting giveaways, tasty food, refreshing drinks, and an array of pet-friendly vendors. There will be KONG-themed surprises around every corner, so get ready for a tail-wagging adventure. Whether you’ve been a big fan of the brand for a while now or you’re just looking for an opportunity to mingle with other pet parents, KONG Day 2025 is the place to be this weekend!
PRO Tip: Leashed dogs are welcome on the patio. There will be prize drawings hosted by the Colorado Pet Pantry, as well as special-edition pint glasses and a live DJ onsite!
Milk Market Art Walk
Where? 1800 Wazee Street
When? August 1st
This Friday, join Milk Market for the first summer Art Walk on Colorado Day. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, celebrate local Colorado artists, live music, great food, and exciting summer energy. Participating galleries and businesses will include Amp Coffee, Rainy Days Gallery, Phil Ceramics, and more. Showcased artists at this Friday’s Art Walk will be Angela Blackwood, Sky Welkin, Cyntia Burke, Finn’s Studio, and ELKOH.
PRO Tip: There is no fee or admission charged to explore the Art Walk, so invite a few friends and come on out and enjoy!
Taste of La Receta
Where? 201 Steele Street
When? August 1st
This Friday, the party will be at Denver City Park Pavilion for a Taste of La Receta! Join in on this unforgettable evening of flavor and celebration, featuring chefs and plates such as Chef Selene’s Saborearte and Chef Jose’s Flavors of Spain. There’s something for everyone at Taste of La Receta, so whether you’re looking for the refreshing flavors of a Three Lil Lemons beverage or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, such as Chef Lilibeth’s cakes, you’ll find it all this Friday. Attendees will have the one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet the rising culinary talents of Mi Casa’s La Receta program, which is a six-week journey designed to equip food entrepreneurs with all the tools they need to launch successful food truck businesses, catering companies, and even restaurants!
PRO Tip: Grab your tickets now! Admission is on sale for $75 and includes tastings from 9+ emerging food entrepreneurs, 1 complimentary beverage, and voting privileges for Best Taste and Best Presentation.
Artist on the Rise Concert: Neon The Bishop
Where? 1800 Wazee Street
When? August 2nd
Dairy Block is striving to be the first to know when it comes to rising stars in the Denver music scene. Check out emerging artists throughout this outdoor concert series this summer, featuring singers, musicians, and bands on the first Saturday of the month through September. Artists are announced the month before each scheduled concert, with August welcoming Neon The Bishop! NIB has become a must-experience act in the Denver scene and beyond, with the recognizable blend of piano, nostalgic synth, punchy bass, and guitar-driven indie rock that stays balanced and unique. Before enjoying the free outdoor concert, enjoy tasty selections from bars up and down the Dairy Block alley! Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The show is scheduled to run from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. You can RSVP here.
PRO Tip: Go ahead and mark your calendar for September 6th to catch the final installment of the Artist on the Rise Concert series, with the artist yet to be named. Stay tuned!
Freedom Fest 2025
Where? 11920 North Motsenbocker Road
When? August 2nd
Freedom Fest is presented by the Colorado Veterans Project and will be held at the Salisbury Equestrian Park in nearby Parker. The festival will kick off the 150th year of Colorado’s statehood and the beginning of the 250th year of the country’s declaration as a nation! Runs will be staggered from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. Come on out, complete a run, and then enjoy the festival and a musical set from the 6 Million Dollar Band! At 9:00 AM, there will be festival booths, food trucks, and even a beer garden, with live music starting at 10:00 AM. Run options range from the 5K run/walk, to a 10K run and a 15K ruck. The ruck will double as a food drive, with ruckers encouraged to use non-perishable food items to meet their ruck weight. Register here!
PRO Tip: The FreedomFest music and beer garden requires a fee that is either included in your run entry price or that can be purchased separately. All vendors and the Veteran Resource alley will be open free of charge.
Leagues Cup Group Stage: Colorado Rapids vs Club Tijuana
Where? 6000 Victory Way
When? August 3rd
The Rapids are facing off against Club Tijuana this Sunday at the DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. The Leagues Cup is a fierce competition that pits some of the best teams in North America against one another. Sunday’s game is scheduled for 7:30 PM. The game is part of the Phase One matchups for the Leagues Cup 2025, which has the Rapids scheduled against Club Santos Laguna A.S. on Thursday, July 31st, and facing off against Cruz Azul at the Dignity Health Sports Park on August 7th.
PRO Tip: The Leagues Cup will be played across the U.S. and Canada, ultimately deciding three qualifiers for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. That winner will then represent the region at FIFA international club competitions. Come cheer the Rapids on for their shot at the big stage!
Run for Coffee Lovers 5K/10K/13.1
Where? 6140 South Tower Road
When? August 2nd
Do you love coffee and running? If you answered yes, then the Run for Coffee Lovers is a must on your weekend itinerary! This Saturday from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, join fellow coffee fanatics at the Piney Creek Hollow Course. All paces and ages are welcome, with participants under the age of 18 requiring a guardian. Run or walk, it doesn’t matter! Timing is optional, so track your race on an app and submit your times to be posted online if interested. Wave times are scheduled at 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, and 8:30 AM. The first 5 runners will be rewarded with free coffee!
PRO Tip: Last-minute registrations are accepted! Those signing up last minute won’t receive their race shirt until after the event, however.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Get the kiddos hyped for the new school year at Denver’s Back to School Fest or enjoy one final weekend at the Colorado Renaissance Festival.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
Where? 650 Perry Park Avenue
When? Through August 3rd
This weekend is the final one for the season at the Colorado Renaissance Festival! Good King Henry invites you to join in on the festivities as you take a trip back to medieval times. The entertainment lineup is as riveting as ever, with this weekend’s theme being “Time Travelers Weekend and Final Huzzah.” There will be a costume contest on the Rose Stage at noon, so wear your best medieval fit and celebrate the 47th season with a big bang!
PRO Tip: Snag your tickets to the eighth and final weekend at the 2025 Colorado Renaissance Festival here. You can pick up single-day admission at the box office starting at 9:00 AM for $32, or you can purchase Etix online for a discounted rate of $30.50 for adults.
Denver’s Back to School Fest
Where? 4797 National Western Drive
When? August 2nd
With back-to-school just around the corner, kick off the school year at Saturday’s Back to School Fest at the Riverfront. Everyone is welcome and no registration is required, so take this as an opportunity to gear up for the year with free backpacks and school supplies, free haircuts, and even a petting zoo for the whole family to enjoy! Additional resources and services include free health and vaccination clinics organized by Denver Health and the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment, and even a free breakfast provided by the Denver Fire Department.
PRO Tip: This year’s fest is set to be bigger and better than ever! Saturday’s hours are scheduled from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, so arrive early and stay all afternoon or swing by for games, entertainment, and more after lunch!
Summer of Adventure: Celebrate with Animals!
Where? 1890 South Grove Street
When? August 2nd
This Saturday, join the Hadley Branch Library for the Summer of Adventure program! From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Celebrate with Animals from the Denver Zoo and Conservation Alliance. Attendees are encouraged to learn from the experts, while also meeting zoo animals and celebrating an end to a summer full of adventures. The program will be held in the Hadley Community Room. All ages are welcome.
PRO Tip: Throughout the month of August, there will be additional opportunities to meet zoo animals! Check out dates at the Bear Valley Branch Library, the Sam Gary Branch Library, and more if you can’t make it out this Saturday!
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
The Mile High City is anything but a boring city to spend the weekend in. Whether you call Denver home or you’re passing through for the weekend, these are some of the best ways to make the most of your time off! Visit us again next week for an up-to-date collection of can’t-miss weekend events.