Not sure what to add to your weekend itinerary? Check out the best of the best of what’s going on around Denver this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Whether you’re looking to check up on that new pop-up or you want to enjoy a BBQ brunch with a steer at The Brown Palace Hotel — you’ll find plenty of options below for a truly memorable weekend experience.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Check out these events, shows, and more around the Mile High City this weekend, including the annual Indian Market & Southwest Art Fair and three days of Billy Strings performing at Ball Arena. This weekend is also the final National Western Stock Show lineup and Rockies fans will have the chance to meet and greet players and coaches at the Rockies Fest!
Denver Jewish Film Festival
Where? 350 South Dahlia Street
When? January 23rd-February 2nd
2025 marks the 29th annual Denver Jewish Film Festival! The festival brings together the very best in Israeli and Jewish cinema from around the world with this year’s exciting lineup. All access passes are priced at $250, opening night reception tickets at $58 and individual tickets start at $18. The festival overview kicks off with a screening of Running on Sand at 7:30 PM on Thursday, January 23rd and films over the weekend include Like a Man, First to Stand, Telling Nonie, Haute Couture, This is My Mother, Everything’s Kosher, and I Dance, But My Heart is Crying. Saturday is a rest day. Shabbat Shalom!
PRO Tip: Though there will be some opportunities for virtual screenings, the festival is placing an emphasis on connection through in-person showings this year.
Ultimate LEGO Speed Build Race
Where? 1380 South Public Road
When? January 24th
Are you prepared to put your LEGO-building skills to the ultimate test? Join Bounce Empire for this Ultimate LEGO Speed Build Race on Friday! The high-energy event is perfect for LEGO lovers of all ages who want to try their hand at building incredible creations against the clock. The best news? You can take home your masterpiece! All participants with a ticket get a LEGO set to keep and there will be some large sets on display for all to see — including the Eiffel Tower, Titanic, the World Map, and many more. Aside from the LEGOs, Bounce Empire also features over 50 thrilling amusement attractions, a live DJ, and farm-fresh dining at Bounce Bistro and a 21 and up VIP Rubbish Bar & Ultra Lounge.
PRO Tip: The LEGO event begins at 6:00 PM. Tickets are good for all-day access, so spend the day jumping, playing, and making memories with your friends and family. All ages are welcome, though children under 7 must be accompanied by a guardian on the floor.
79th Annual Steer at The Brown Palace Hotel
Where? 321 17th Street
When? January 24th
You won’t want to miss this time-honored tradition taking place on Friday! The National Western Stock Show’s 2025 Grand Champion Steer will make a regal entrance and waltz down the red carpet of the city’s most elegant and iconic room — the impressive nine-story atrium lobby at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa. The steer will then preside over the hotel’s age-old Afternoon Tea, which is a beloved institution in its own right for locals and visitors alike. This unique Denver tradition is a great way to celebrate the Mile High City’s western heritage and to send the Stock Show off with a bang until next year.
PRO Tip: The steer will be onsite at the hotel from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. General admission is free but requires a ticket. Guests can upgrade to VIP admission, which includes a photo with the steer, a refined BBQ luncheon, two Pendleton Canadian whisky cocktails, and an open bar of beer and wine.
Billy Strings at Ball Arena
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? January 24th-26th
Billy Strings is coming to Ball Arena for three days! Catch this one-of-a-kind event to watch the Michigan native. This once-in-a-lifetime guitarist, singer, and songwriter is known for his bluegrass-based music and multi-instrumental talent. Hailed for songs such as “Dust in a Baggie,” “Away From the Mire,” “Know It All,” and “Meet Me at the Creek,” this three-night showcase in Denver is one you won’t want to miss out on.
PRO Tip: Concertgoers can buy tickets for individual shows or grab a 3-day ticket if they don’t want to miss a single moment!
National Western Stock Show
Where? 4600 North Humboldt Street
When? January 24th-26th
This is the final weekend of the National Western Stock Show. Held each January, this is the nation’s premier livestock, rodeo, and horse show. The Stock Show also serves agricultural producers and consumers throughout the world. Visitors can enjoy rodeos featuring top-notch bull riders, exciting horse shows, and livestock competitions and auctions. There are also acres of shopping at the state’s largest Western trade show. The schedule of events kicks off on Friday with the Draft Horse, Mule & Donkey Show at 8:00 PM, with Bison Events, Farmyard Follies, the Texas Longhorn World Show, and the Stick Horse Grand Prix following throughout the day. In the afternoon, catch the Pro Rodeo at 1:30 PM and again at 8:00 PM for CU Night. Saturday and Sunday are jam-packed with events and festivities, so make the most of the weekend!
PRO Tip: Pro Rodeo Finals are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Sunday. Don’t miss the final afternoon of action in this winner-take-all championship.
Rockies Fest 2025
Where? 2001 Blake Street
When? January 25th
This year’s Rockies Fest will feature player/coach autograph sessions, Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes fan experiences, kids activities, a garage sale, Rockies Family Feud, a baseball card show, and many more exciting events and activities for fans of all ages. Players and coaches scheduled to appear include Jordan Beck, Brenton Doyle, Drew Romo, Lucas Gilbreath, Hunter Goodman, Jaden Hill, Ryan McMahon, and many more. All proceeds from the event will go towards benefiting the Colorado Rockies Foundation. Plan holders can secure both admission and autograph tickets for $5 each for ages 3+. Access for Plan Holders is from 8:30 AM To 4:00 PM, with access via Gates A, C, and E. The general public can secure a combination admission and autograph ticket for $15 and access is scheduled from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
PRO Tip: Your autograph session tickets will show your assigned location and time slot. Only one autograph item is allowed per ticket.
Wonderyard Aprés Ski Pop-Up Launch Party
Where? 220 Larimer Street
When? January 25th
Coming in hot as Denver’s newest winter experience, the Wonderyard Aprés Ski Pop-Up should be on your weekend itinerary. Launching this Saturday, the pop-up concept will bring together all the warmth and camaraderie of the slopes, allowing visitors to relax and unwind with friends after a day of skiing (or just a day in the city)! Pop-up features will include live X Games viewing on Saturday at 10:30 AM, a heated and tented outdoor space, a DJ-powered atmosphere, brunch reservations, cozy mountain-inspired decor, and more. Highlights on the menu include tabletop s’mores, grilled cheese and tomato soup, and an all-new cocktail list!
PRO Tip: The Aprés Ski Pop-Up is set to run through March 31st, 2025! You’ll have plenty of time to swing by if you can’t make it out to the opening weekend.
43rd Annual Colorado Indian Market & Southwest Art Fest
Where? 700 14th Street
When? January 25th & 26th
The annual Colorado Indian Market & Southwest Art Fest will be held at the Colorado Convention Center this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. This vibrant celebration of Native American, Southwestern, and Western arts showcases top-tiered juried artists and craftsmen, alongside tribal dances, award-winning performances, food booths, and a range of special attractions. Attractions include taking a photo with a live hawk or bald eagle, shaking hands with performers in the Storyteller Plaza, and learning about the traditions behind intricate regalia. Sample an authentic Navajo taco and uncover ways to support the Native communities right here in Colorado.
PRO Tip: Single-day admission for adults is priced at $16 and kids under 12 are free. Hours for the fest are scheduled for 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
These family-friendly options around Denver include a free day at the Denver Zoo, which is perfect for families on a budget! You can also take the family for a viewing of Lyle the Crocodile, which is specifically designed for younger audiences.
Lyle the Crocodile: Theatre for Young Audiences
Where? 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard
When? January 21st-February 28th
When Joshua and the Primm family move to East 88th Street in NYC, they find a very surprising guest in their bathtub — a friendly crocodile named Lyle! Enjoy the heartwarming story of the friendly, tap-dancing crocodile and how he saves the day. Lyle the Crocodile has been adapted for the stage by Kevin Kling, based on Lyle, Lyle Crocodile and The House on East 88th Street by Bernard Waber. The music is by Richard Gray. Tickets are priced at $19 and include admission to the “Peek Into the Performance” talk, which provides a look into the magic of the theatre. The 15-20 minute program is led by actors from the show, giving young audience members a deeper understanding of how costumes, set design, props, lighting, and sound all come together to bring a story to life on stage.
PRO Tip: Through the end of February, the theatre show will be performed at the Main Stage Theatre before moving to the Black Box Theatre from April 18th-May 10th.
Free Day at the Zoo
Where? 2300 Steele Street
When? January 26th
Community Free Days at the Denver Zoo occur throughout the year, totaling seven dates. These dates are open to anyone in the community. To provide the best possible experience for all attending guests, the zoo will offer a select number of free tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. To get your free ticket for a community-free day, you’ll visit the zoo website to register for your tickets. You’ll receive an email confirmation once they’ve been booked and then on your designated free day, you’ll bring this digital ticket to the zoo and have a blast visiting with animals and exploring the sights and sounds of one of Denver’s best family-friendly attractions. There is a limit of five tickets per free day, with one registration per person.
PRO Tip: Other 2025 Free Days are scheduled for February 9th, April 6th, and November 7th, 15th, and 23rd. Walk-ups will not be accepted on free days, so reserve your spot when tickets are released!
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
We hope that you have a great weekend, complete with unforgettable memories and cherished time spent with friends and family. Take advantage of a free zoo day or test your LEGO building skills at Bounce Empire! Circle back next week for an updated list of what’s going on around the Mile High City.