Looking for fun activities and events to fill the time between Christmas and New Year’s? Check out these local options, from Nocturne’s Mambo Jazz Party to a lively round of sports trivia at The DNVR Bar.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Whether you fancy an evening at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science or you want to explore the RiNo district while sampling various NA beverages and mocktails along the way, here is this weekend’s roundup for the best Denver events and activities.
Jonathan Powell’s Mambo Jazz Party
Where? 1330 27th Street
When? December 27th
Get ready for the Mambo Jazz Party this Friday at Nocturne Jazz and Supper Club. Jonathan Powell is a world-class composer and trumpeter and he’s returning to the Nocturne stage to present an unforgettable night of music. The Mambo Jazz Party is a debut record that was released to great critical acclaim earlier this year in August, landing a Chamber Music America/DorisDuke Foundation New Jazz Works Grant for the ensemble. This is a one-time performance, so you won’t want to miss it. The event will feature a number of local favorites, including Darren Kramer on trombone, Victor Mestas on piano, Paul McDaniel on bass, and Alejandro Castaño on drums.
PRO Tip: Friday’s show times are scheduled from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM for set one and 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM for set two. Main-level and mezzanine tables are reserved for Dinner and Show reservations, which include Nocturne’s seasonal three-course menu with the cost of the music.
Braincloud! Sports Trivia
Where? 2239 East Colfax Avenue
When? December 27th
Braincloud is Colorado’s newest trivia night! Head to The DNVR Bar for an exciting evening with your new closest friends. This is the last trivia event in 2024, so get ready to have a blast from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM and invite your friends and family out! During Braincloud, YOU choose the questions. There will be six rounds of six questions each, with categories diving deep into all of your favorite sports.
PRO Tip: The winning prize is a $50 gift card and DNVR merch. Come with your game face on and compete for bragging rights in 2025!
Friday Evening Hours
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? December 27th
On select Fridays, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is open late for visitors to enjoy the ambiance of the exhibits after dark. Adult beverages will be available for sale, so bring a date or a group of friends and enjoy an adult’s night out. On Fridays, the museum typically sees fewer visitors and an older crowd overall — so you can enjoy a more relaxed experience with smaller crowds and a well-stocked cash bar. Enjoy a movie date at the Infinity Theatre, where you’ll be transported by the cutting-edge laser projector and immersive sound system. Or check out The Power of Poison exhibit where you’ll experience interactive dioramas and uncover the secrets of plants and animals that wield poison as a tool for defense and survival.
PRO Tip: Elevate your typical happy hour at the museum, where you’ll find the perfect blend of entertainment, education, and relaxation. Learning is even more fun at night!
Final Fridays at Larimer Square
Where? 1430 Larimer Street
When? December 27th
Enjoy the final Friday of 2024 at Larimer Square this weekend. This is your new go-to for celebrating the end of the month in style. Larimer Square comes alive with soulful live music, exciting entertainment, and special offers from all your favorite shops and restaurants. The event takes place between 14th and 15th of Larimer Street from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. There is no cost of admission, so just arrive ready to have a good time as you explore Larimer Square and all that it has to offer!
PRO Tip: You can find parking at the Larimer Square parking garage, which is a convenient 24/7 option for those visiting by vehicle. Additional information and rates can be found here.
Denver Hockey vs. UNLV
Where? 2250 East Jewell Avenue
When? December 28th
The Denver men’s hockey team is taking on the University of Nevada-Las Vegas this weekend for what’s sure to be an exciting matchup! The game will be DC’s Hockey School Camp Reunion Night, so come cheer on the Pioneers at Magness Arena with your best buds. You can snag tickets for as low as the $60s. The game will be a NCAA division one exhibition game before the UNLV Rebels go on to face the Colorado College Tigers on Sunday.
PRO Tip: The box office opens two hours prior to puck drop on game days, which will be at 6:00 PM on Saturday.
Holiday Game Night
Where? 3770 Walnut Street
When? December 28th
This Holiday Game Night is a live game show experience presented by Duael. This is a 21 and up event and audiences will be thrilled by this epic-themed game show and costume contest. There will be an array of unique games, as well as festive cocktails to enjoy. This Saturday from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, head over to the Catbird Hotel on Walnut Street for a night you won’t soon forget. Each team will throw down for the chance to win a free one-night stay at the hotel and earn their spot in the Duael Hall of Game. The live audience will cheer on the teams, sip on delicious themed drinks, and have plenty of laughs in this immersive experience. The costume contest will show off creative winter wonderland looks for a chance to win a $50 Uber gift card. One drink ticket will be included in your ticket purchase and there will be non-alcoholic options available to ensure everyone has a smashing good time.
PRO Tip: Use the promo code: COMMZ to receive a 50% discount!
Mocktails and Murals Tour
Where? 2920 Larimer Street
When? December 28th
Denver Microbrew Tour is excited to invite you to the Mocktails and Murals showcase, where participants will sample NA beverages across four locations while they get insider details about the street art and graffiti in Denver’s RiNo district. Tickets are priced at $55 per person for this guided stroll through the district, giving you a chance to explore the town and enjoy delicious mocktails and NA beverages from a high-end wine bar, a local brewery, a kombucha bar, and a cocktail lounge. The stroll will be approximately one mile and participants will receive a free souvenir sample glass.
PRO Tip: While no alcohol is officially served on this tour, the guided stroll will visit locations that are actively serving alcohol. For this reason, all attendees must be 21 and up.
ACANA Winter Ball
Where? 1338 1st Street
When? December 28th
The ACANA Winter Ball will be held this Saturday, with doors at 2:00 PM. This is an all-ages event at Convergence Station at Meow Wolf. Each year, the residents of The Convergence honor the history and traditions of the ice world and its people. With your general admission ticket, visitors will be able to participate in all of the Winter Ball activities. Dress to impress in your finest attire while you stroll throughout the world, making stops for winterized cocktails or mocktails, photo ops, and even some little Earther dancing! Participate in the traditional lighting of the lanterns within Numina from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM or help find the lost mittens at the Lost Mittens Search Party.
PRO Tip: When checking out, you can either select “Anytime Admission” for $69 or you can choose a timed ticket slot for $59. Children and active or veteran members of the military receive discounted rates.
Chanukah Celebration
Where? 3000 East 1st Avenue
When? December 29th
Sunday’s Chanukah Celebration is hosted by the Chabad of Cherry Creek. Families and guests of all ages are invited to enjoy this festival with face painting, cookie decorating, festive treats, and even crafts! This annual event is scheduled from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM and will feature a festive Menorah lighting. There will be entertainment and festivities to enjoy at this free event and the public is encouraged to attend, even if they don’t celebrate Hanukkah themselves. RSVP to the Chanukah Celebration event here.
PRO Tip: There are various public parking garage options, as well as on-street parking meters that are managed by the city. Meters are free on Sundays and holidays!
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Whether your kiddos are 4 or 14, these are the best ways to make lasting family memories this weekend! Enjoy Kwanzaa the Musical with the kiddos or laugh with Kevin Fitzgerald at his Family Show performance. The Denver Children’s Museum is also putting on its Snow Days, where kids can sled on the snow hill and skate around the rink.
Kwanzaa the Musical
Where? 2825 High Street
When? December 28th
Baba Joda and Friends are presenting Kwanzaa the Musical at Denver’s Ford-Warren Branch Library this Saturday between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Head to Community Room #1 for this family-friendly program that introduces audiences to the seven principles of Kwanzaa through movement, song, and crafts. Light refreshments will be available. The program is designed for all ages, from birth through teenagers, so bring all the kids along to learn about this week-long celebration of African-American culture. Kwanzaa takes place from December 26th through January 1st and serves the purpose of fostering unity, reconnecting with the African past, and reaffirming cultural values. The seven principles of Kwanzaa include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
PRO Tip: If you’d like to request ASL, CART, or other disability-related accommodations for Denver library programs, you can do so through [email protected] or by calling (720) 865-1111.
Kevin Fitzgerald Family Show
Where? 5345 Landmark Place
When? December 29th
The Kevin Fitzgerald Family Show will be held at Comedy Works South in Greenwood Village this Sunday at 6:00 PM. This is an all-ages, family-friendly performance — though the recommendation is for children to be ages 12 and up. Fitzgerald has a diverse background, ranging from being a bouncer with The Rolling Stones and a 25-year career in veterinary medicine and over two decades performing as a professional stand-up comedian. Fitzgerald is beloved from his 10 seasons on Animal Planet’s Emergency Vets and his passion for making people laugh keeps audiences coming back for more. His rapid-paced, one-liner style is perfectly combined with his ability to entertain without offending and makes him a highly requested act for clubs, colleges, and corporate events across the country.
PRO Tip: When purchasing tickets, keep in mind that the original purchaser must be present. If you’re intending to buy tickets as a gift — check “this is a gift” at the time of purchase. There will be a two-item minimum at the comedy club.
Snow Days
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum
When? Recurring Dates
The Children’s Museum at the Denver Marsico Campus is excited to host their annual Snow Days through February 17th! Snow Days even features baby-friendly activities, meaning everyone can enjoy winter fun this season. Spend the day gliding around the rink, sledding on REAL snow, and warming up by the toasty fire. Strike a pose on the vintage snowmobile and explore the mountains in a fascinating life-size diorama. Hit the snow hill and build a snowman or twirl around the special outdoor sock skating rink, perfect for gliding and racing your friends. Additional activities include a “gone fishin'” game where you can dip your pole into the water and see what you catch in the ice house and a maze journey where you’ll discover the crooked cabin.
PRO Tip: Admission to the Children’s Museum is priced at $18.75 for ages 2-59, with a $2 discount for kiddos ages 1 and adults ages 60+. Children under the age of 1 are free.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
We hope that you’ve had a safe, healthy, and memorable holiday season! 2025 is almost here, so continue with exciting festivities this weekend, such as Kwanzaa celebrations, Hanukkah lighting ceremonies, and more. You can also spend time exploring Denver this weekend with the monthly Final Friday celebration in Larimer Square or the Mocktails and Murals Tour in the RiNo District which showcases murals and graffiti artwork while making stops at breweries, wine bars, kombucha bars, and more.