Now that 2025 has finally arrived, it’s time to celebrate around Denver with awesome opportunities to explore, engage with, and enjoy everything that the city has to offer. The Mile High City is never boring, so check out this weekend’s lineup of adult-only brewery parties, family-friendly Colorado Symphony performances, and the final Zoo Lights dates!
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Looking for ways to get involved with the local community this weekend? Make the most of the New Year with these exciting events and activities around Denver, including First Friday Art Walks and opening receptions for new art exhibits.
First Friday Films
Where? 2101 Arapahoe Street, Unit 1
When? January 3rd
On the first Friday of every month, join in on this community event at Denver Community Media that celebrates the art of storytelling through local short films, documentaries, and experimental works. First Friday Films is open to the public and offers everyone an opportunity to enjoy the captivating films that have been crafted by talented individuals from the Denver area. The event runs from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and is free.
PRO Tip: Denver Community Media is an inclusive community of multi-media creatives. The creative space provides access to video tools, training, and more for those interested in expressing themselves through the power of video. Membership includes access to workshops, classes, studios, and even expert staff mentors and field equipment kits!
First Friday Art Walk Special
Where? 1201 Broadway Street
When? January 3rd
After you’re done exploring the vibrant creativity found in Denver’s Santa Fe Art District, swing by the ART Hotel on the first Friday of the month from 9:00 PM to close to sip on a free seasonal cocktail with the purchase of any appetizer. On First Fridays, Santa Fe comes alive with art, music, and culture and there’s no better way to cap off your evening of exploring the district than with a toast to the ones you enjoyed it with. If you decide to stay the night, guests at the hotel get to experience art-filled spaces from classic guest rooms to spacious suites. Luxurious amenities and hand-crafted touches make ART a beloved destination in the Mile High City for locals looking for a staycation and for tourists seeking a comforting home base for their explorations.
PRO Tip: First Fridays in Santa Fe are a signature event year-round. Rain or shine, you can count on fun times to be had around the district. Enjoy the works of hundreds of artists in galleries, studios, co-ops, and even in the alleys!
Goatflix & Chill: “Back to the Future”
Where? 8210 Northfield Boulevard
When? January 3rd
If you’ve ever wanted to chill out with a goat on a Sunday evening and watch a movie, then this is your chance! Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga is excited to present Back to the Future this weekend with your new furry best friend. Simply buy your tickets, arrive for the movie, and hang out with your goat buddies as you catch this classic flick. This event will take place at The Shops at Northfield, inside the former Simply Fashion.
PRO Tip: Organizers recommend that guests bring comfortable attire, lawn chairs, blankets, and even a cooler with snacks! If you have longer hair, a hair tie is encouraged as goats love hair and you should leave the dangling jewelry at home to avoid any mishaps. There will be goat snacks for purchase onsite.
Opening Reception: The Intimate Infinite
Where? 965 Santa Fe Drive
When? January 3rd
Tomiko Jones’ solo exhibition contemplates the fascinating relationship between humanity and the landscape. The Intimate Infinite features a lens-based investigation that portrays the dichotomy and dialogue between the expansive and sublime beauty of the natural world and the profound depths of personal interior spaces. Jones’ photographic interventions traverse both time and the concepts of belonging. His work also addresses contemporary concerns with urgency and relevance.
PRO Tip: The Intimate Infinite will be on display through March 22nd, so if you can’t make it out on opening weekend — there’s still plenty of opportunity to do so at Denver’s Center for Visual Art.
Tennyson Street First Friday Art Walk
Where? 4267 Tennyson Street, Unit 101
When? January 3rd
Each month, members of the community are invited to explore Tennyson Street on First Fridays. The cultural district is located between 38th and 46th Avenue and features a vibrant collection of thriving small businesses, high-quality restaurants, contemporary art, galleries, and even music institutions. The neighborhood is diverse and exciting to explore, whether you’ve been a longtime Denver resident or you’re new to the area. Tennyson Street is also home to a number of parks, including the Historic Elitch Gardens and Berkeley Lake Park. Come check out the laid-back vibe of Tennyson and see what the community has to offer.
PRO Tip: First-time attendees can expect live music, food trucks, live art displays, vendors, gallery walks, and an array of deals and sales on first Fridays.
Brew Year’s Eve #8
Where? 2875 Blake Street
When? January 5th
Bierstadt Lager is Hosting their 8th annual Brew Year’s Eve this Sunday at 8:00 PM. The party is free to attend and there’s plenty of fun to be had, so invite your friends and family out for this Industry Get Down. Enjoy $7 liters of lager, a free mac and cheez bar (with crazy toppings), and free jello shots for the countdown at 10:00 PM. There will also be karaoke, a giant beer pong tournament, and other fun games at the lagerhaus. The brewery and taproom features an array of traditional German brews that have landed the brewhouse with the title of one of the best Colorado breweries.
PRO Tip: This is a 21-and-up event, so leave the kiddos at home with the babysitter and enjoy an adult-only evening that celebrates the New Year!
Zoo Lights
Where? 2300 Steele Street
When? Through January 5th
This is the final weekend of Zoo Lights, so if you haven’t experienced the magic of the zoo glowing with millions of twinkling lights — now is your last chance until next Christmas season! With 80 acres boasting over three million lights, this is an experience that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. You can save on Zoo Lights treats when you order online, including snacks, beverages, and festive glow items that are only available during the holiday event. Snag the “Sweet ‘n’ Salty Package” that includes a souvenir cup of hot cocoa or cider and your choice of popcorn for just $14.99 when you order online.
PRO Tip: Zoo Lights hours are scheduled from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday and through 8:00 PM on Sunday.
Shadow and Light: Patrick Marold
Where? 1007 York Street
When? Through January 5th
Shadow and Light is a site-specific installation at the Denver Botanic Gardens that highlights the ever-changing qualities of light and shadow. The immersive sculptural display changes with every visit as it showcases the shifting mood and movement of light throughout the day and across the seasons. This is your last weekend to catch the installation, so don’t miss out! Patrick Marold is an artist based in Denver. His works are deeply tied to landscape and natural cycles and he’s been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. You can view his permanent seven-acre installation at the Denver International Airport, titled “Shadow Array.”
PRO Tip: Shadow and Light is on display at the York Street location of the Botanic Gardens, which is open from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM on the weekends. Tickets are priced at $15.75 for adults and $11.50 for children ages 3 to 15 and for students with an ID.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Being a parent can be overwhelming at times. We’re here to help you find the coolest family-friendly activities and events around town this weekend! The little ones will love Family Night Out at Kids Wonder or spending the afternoon creating at the library with new friends.
Pay-What-You-Wish Day @ Clyfford Still
Where? 1250 Bannock Street
When? January 3rd
Pay-What-You-Wish Days are designed to increase community access to the Clyfford Still Museum on select days throughout the year. Admission on these designated dates can be as little as one penny. Online registration is opened approximately one week before the Pay-What-You-Wish Day and walk-ins are welcome. During 2025, the museum will offer 12 such dates, each on the first Friday of the month (except for July due to the 4th being a holiday). All adult prices are listed at $1 and children 17 and under are always free. If you wish to pay more than $1, a donation amount can be added at checkout and if you wish to pay less than $1, you will have that option as well.
PRO Tip: The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesdays through Sundays. The museum has no designated visitor parking. Taking public transportation or biking to the museum is strongly encouraged.
Family Night Out @ Kids Wonder
Where? 7562 South University Boulevard, Suite GG
When? January 3rd
Kids Wonder hosts Family Night Out every Friday, so kick off the first Friday of the new year with an evening of friends, play, and even hot pizza, Colorado craft beer, and more! This children’s indoor playground is fun for children ages 6 months to 6 years old, with over 13,000 square feet of space to explore. Family Night Out is scheduled from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and there is also a happy hour from Monday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM — featuring 50% off admission and $2 off draft beer and premium wine.
PRO Tip: Reservations are recommended for Family Night Out. However, drop-in play is typically still available if you aren’t able to make a reservation. Little ones (crawlers & babies) are admitted free with a paying sibling.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban — in Concert
Where? 1400 Curtis Street
When? January 3rd-5th
The Colorado Symphony is excited to present this Harry Potter-themed performance that’s sure to enchant audiences of all ages. Get ready to encounter Dementors, Sirius Black, and the Knight Bus as Harry uses the Marauder’s Map. Attendees will be transported into the fantasy world that they’ve loved so much over the years. The concert will feature the film in high definition across four giant screens as the symphony performs John Williams’ unforgettable score. You can relive every moment with renewed magic as the music brings to life the story of the boy who lived. The concert is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Friday at the Boettcher Concert Hall, with prices ranging from $19.20 to $166.40.
PRO Tip: The conductor of the concert is Justin Freer. Make sure to stay for the credits (you’ll be glad you did)!
Kids Create
Where? 10 West 14th Avenue Parkway
When? January 5th
Kids Create is scheduled for this Sunday from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Denver’s Central Library. This event is designed for little ones ages birth to 5 years old. Participants will enjoy hands-on learning and making as they explore new materials and learn how to create together. There is no cost of admission or RSVP/registration necessary. Just swing by the library and dive into the fun.
PRO Tip: The Denver Public Library system offers ASL, CART, and other disability-related accommodations. Families can contact [email protected] to request services with a minimum of 5 business days’ notice.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
We hope that your 2025 is off to a great start! Whether you made resolutions for the new year or not, Denver is a great place to stay active throughout the year and to meet personal and professional goals over the course of the next 12 months. Happy New Year from our RE/MAX Professionals team!