Ramp up the holiday fun in the Mile High City this weekend with these awesome festive events, as well as a Taylor Swift dance party and the final weekend of the Arvada Center’s pottery sale! Grab your ugliest holiday sweater and race a 5K or cheer on the Broncos as they fight for a touchdown at Empower Field this Sunday.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Fill up your weekend itinerary with a range of exciting opportunities, such as the annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl or the jolly TubaChristmas performance at Sculpture Park.
Taylor Fest
Where? 3317 East Colfax Avenue
When? December 13th
Taylor Fest will be held at Denver’s Bluebird Theatre this Friday. The fest is a great way to celebrate the pop singer’s birthday, as well as giving Denver Swifties the chance to sing along to their favorite chart-topping hits with hundreds of new besties! Whether you attended the Eras Tour or not, this is a fun way to continue the good vibes and trade friendship bracelets with fellow Swifties. General admission tickets are priced at $25 plus fees, with an 8-ticket maximum purchase limit for Friday’s party. Taylor Fest is designed to be a party for Swifties, by Swifties. Everyone is invited to be the main character, so show off your singing and dancing skills as you party the night away to all of Swift’s iconic eras.
PRO Tip: Doors open at 8:00 PM and the festivities will begin at 9:00 PM. Taylor Fest is designed to be a 16 and up event.
Colorado Holiday Bazaar
Where? 3950 River Point Parkway
When? December 13th-15th
You won’t want to miss the second weekend of the Colorado Holiday Bazaar! Take advantage of this shopping extravaganza event to get some holiday shopping wrapped up before Christmas Day rolls around. At the bazaar, visitors will have the chance to shop from crafters, vendors, and more! Families will enjoy the kid’s corner, the live music, and the tasty food to sample for brunch, lunch, and dinner! Dive into fun workshops and unique classes and demos in Santa’s Workshop. Enjoy your new favorite mocktail at the Winter WonderBar while you watch baby goat yoga. The Bazaar will be situated in the old Conn’s Building between Costco and Super Target.
PRO Tip: The hours for the bazaar fluctuate per day, with Friday’s event kicking off between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM and Saturday opening early and staying open late from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Sunday caps off the weekend from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Colorado Symphony: A Colorado Christmas
Where? 1000 14th Street
When? December 13th-15th
Enjoy the warm sounds of the holidays as they fill the hall with your festive favorites this weekend! The Colorado Symphony Chorus is joining the Colorado Children’s Chorale as they’re hosted by beloved Denver vocalist Devin DeSantis. This is organized to be a family-friendly evening that will include traditional carols and some of your all-new favorite winter tunes. Attendees will even have the chance to join in on the action and sing along! Keep an eye out for Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and make sure to let them know you’ve been nice all year long in preparation for the big night. The repertoire for A Colorado Christmas is set to include Holy Night of Angels, Old American Carols, The Polar Express, Irving Berlin’s Christmas, and Where Are You Christmas — plus many, many more!
PRO Tip: Join in on the fun before the concert for HalfNotes, which hosts activities and a themed craft. No additional purchase is necessary and all ages are welcome.
Denver Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Where? 1437 Market Street
When? December 14th
This Saturday, check out the Denver Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl. This epic evening will be filled with an array of festive cheer, as well as endless hilarious holiday sweaters and a sense of seasonal camaraderie as everyone embraces the spirit of the season. Gather your friend group and don your ugliest sweaters before hitting the town that will take you from one lively venue to the next. Each of the 11+ venues will feature unique drink specials! Tickets to the crawl include waived cover fees, live DJs at select venues, a free after-party, and a complimentary Santa hat while supplies last. Participating bars at Saturday’s crawl include Ghost Saloon, Georgie’s, One Shot Back, Giggling Grizzly, Swanky’s Vittles and Libations, and more.
PRO Tip: All participants must be 21 and over. Free tickets don’t include any beverages, shots, promotional items, or supplies.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Nashville Predators
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? December 14th
Join the hometown crowd as Denverites cheer on the Colorado Avalanche as they battle against the Nashville Predators at this weekend’s matchup at Ball Arena. The teams will take the ice at 7:00 PM for puck drop and tickets are available for as low as the $50s. Grab your favorite game day concessions, such as pizza, hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries, and more as you make your way to your seats.
PRO Tip: Parking information and directions to Ball Arena can be found here. Parking lots open 3 hours prior to the start of the event.
Ugly Sweater 5K
Where? 1000 South Franklin Street
When? December 15th
Get in the holiday spirit while you stretch your legs at the Ugly Sweater 5K this weekend! Runners and walkers alike are invited to join in on the fun in Washington Park for a flat 5K. Dress in your tackiest sweater and remember — the more tinsel, bows, reindeer, and candy canes, the better! All finishers will receive an ugly sweater race medal, a themed shirt, and a finish line expo with vendors, food, and of course, cookies! Registration is priced at $36 and will increase to $40 on race day. All races are priced at $5 less for ages 17 and under.
PRO Tip: There is a virtual race option if you’re unable to make it out to Washington Park this Sunday.
Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts
Where? 1701 Bryant Street
When? December 15th
Catch the Broncos this Sunday as they’re matched up against the Colts. The game kicks off at 2:25 PM, giving you plenty of time to spend your evening at home getting ready for the week ahead! Tickets are on sale for as low as the $90s, so grab yours and cheer on the home team. Gates for the game open at 12:00 PM and parking lots open at 10:00 AM. There will be a shuttle cart service from the stadium parking lots to the gates prior to kickoff and following the game.
PRO Tip: Empower Field has a clear bag policy in effect for all Denver Broncos home games. You can read more about the policy here so you’re up to date on approved and non-approved bags and prohibited items.
TubaChristmas Concert
Where? Speer & Arapahoe
When? December 15th
Get ready to celebrate all things tuba this Christmas season at Denver’s annual TubaChristmas Concert at Sculpture Park! Tuba players will gather together to play the melody as they celebrate the jolly holiday season and decorate their polished sousaphones, tubas, euphoniums, and baritones. This is a favorite holiday tradition for many — so whether you’ve been to a dozen concerts or this will be your first experience, you’re sure to come back for years to come. A free public performance will take place at the park from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
PRO Tip: TubaChristmas is never canceled for weather, so be sure to dress according to the forecast. If you yourself are interested in participating, registration is priced at $10 and includes a commemorative button.
Winter Wonderyard
Where? 2200 Larimer Street
When? Through December 15th
Don’t miss your last chance to experience the Winter Wonderyard pop-up. The holiday dreamscape is brimming with Christmas magic, including a towering 15-foot tree and at the heart of it all, a whimsical 8-foot reindeer and a life-sized sleigh that’s perfect for an Instagram photo. Invite a group of friends out with you to explore the dazzling winter menu, which features eight signature cocktails, two signature shots, group cocktails, and even shotskies and cocktail trees for sharing! Sip on the Candy Cane Crush complete with Grey Goose, espresso, creme de cacao, peppermint liqueur, chocolate, and a crushed candy cane rim, or enjoy the Berry Merry Marg with Milagro tequila, blackberry liqueur, lime juice, Cointreau, agave and topped with ginger beer.
PRO Tip: Reservations are encouraged! Wonderyard is also hosting a Holiday Toy Drive through December 13th, so feel free to donate an unwrapped gift to receive a free Holiday Harvest Shot as a thank you!
48th Annual Holiday Pottery Sale
Where? 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard
When? Through December 15th
Shop the Holiday Pottery Sale at the Arvada Center this weekend before it wraps up! The Center’s own ceramics education studio instructors and students will be offering an extensive selection of both functional and sculptural pottery. All purchases made at the sale help to support the artists and the Center as a whole. Sale hours are scheduled from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday.
PRO Tip: The sale is free to visit, so invite your friends and family to swing by and check out all of the wonderful available pieces!
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Check out these awesome ways to spend quality time with the family this weekend. From Family Night Out at Kids Wonder to the Holly Jolly Christmas Concert where you can sing along to the holiday classics — there’s fun for all around Denver!
Family Night Out
Where? 7562 South University Boulevard, Suite GG
When? December 13th
Take advantage of Family Night Out at Kids Wonder this Friday. Both kids and parents alike will have a blast while they engage with friends, family, and neighbors at this weekly event. You’ll even have the option to pre-order a large hot and yummy pizza if you want to skip the cleanup at home! Parents can also imbibe with Colorado craft beer and premium wine while the kids have the time of their lives. Crawlers, swaddled children, or babies that remain in a car seat while visiting are free with a paying sibling — so no worries about paying double!
PRO Tip: All Family Night reservations are until 8:00 PM. Reservations are recommended, though drop in play is generally still available if you’re not able to make a reservation ahead of time.
Holly Jolly Family Concert
Where? 2344 East Iliff Avenue
When? December 14th
The Holly Jolly Family Concert will be hosted at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts in the Hamilton Recital Hall. Hop into the festive spirit with an interactive and engaging one-hour performance that’s set to feature popular music of the seasons for families of all ages and sizes. Bring your best singing voice because singalongs are encouraged! There will be two showtimes this Saturday: 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
PRO Tip: Included with tickets will be a gift bag for the kiddos. Adult tickets are priced at $30 each and children ages 12 and under are $13 each. Seniors and students receive discounted rates.
Animals of the Rainforest
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? Through January 19th
Plan a visit to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science this weekend and check out the temporary exhibits, including Animals of the Rainforest! This fascinating educational exhibit invites visitors to discover the wonders of the rainforest and meet some of its incredible inhabitants. Kids and parents alike will delight at the chance to meet live animals, from sloths to reptiles and amphibians. The exhibit features expert animal care demonstrations, conservation education, and up close and personal discoveries waiting to be experienced. Little ones can climb on life-sized animal replicas and tree sculptures, all while learning about the rainforest’s biodiversity and having a blast while doing so!
PRO Tip: Animals of the Rainforest is free with the price of general admission. The museum is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and most Fridays until 9:00 PM!
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
We hope you enjoy the seasonal festivities happening across the Mile High City this weekend. Kick things off on Friday at Taylor Fest or keep your weekend vibe chill and laid back with a visit to Wonderyard Garden + Table for delicious cocktails and shareable food favorites. Circle back next week for an updated list of can’t-miss Denver activities, events, shows, and more!