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Things to Do in Denver This Weekend July 11–13
Local Events

What to Do in Denver This Weekend: July 11-13th

Looking for something to do this weekend in Denver? You’re in luck! We’ve compiled some of the best events, activities, performances, and more throughout the Mile High City. All that’s left to do is grab your tickets, make your reservations, and invite your friends!

Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend

This weekend in Denver, celebrate nine years of Bruz Beers, Bastille Day, the Denver Water Lantern Festival, and more! Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s something happening around the city for you.

Bastille Day

Where? 571 Galapago Street
When? July 11th

Join the Alliance Française de Denver for a festive Bastille Day celebration on Friday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM! There will be delicious grilled meats and beer and wine for you to enjoy, but feel free to bring your own beverages as this event is BYOB. Come relax in a friendly, French-inspired atmosphere with games of pétanque, good company, and plenty of summer fun. Whether you’re a longtime Francophile or just looking for a great way to spend a Friday night, all are welcome! Raise a glass to liberté, égalité, fraternité!

PRO Tip: Tickets for Bastille Day are priced at $10 for Alliance Française Denver members, $15 for non-members, and free for children under the age of 18.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift

Where? 1820 Broadway
When? July 11th

Consider yourself a Swiftie? Despite the Eras Tour coming to an end, you can still enjoy magical covers of your favorite Taylor Swift tunes this Friday at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Denver! Guests must be 8 years or older and any attendee under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis in each zone — so the earlier you arrive, the better! The tentative program for the evening will include hit songs like Shake It Off, Enchanted, Blank Space, Cruel Summer and You Belong With Me. The 6:30 PM show still has plenty of tickets available, so grab yours now for a romantic date night or a fun evening out with fellow Swifties!

PRO Tip: Tickets are priced per zone, starting at $34.50 for Zone C and rising to $56.50 for Zone A.

Chloe Radcliffe

📷 Photo courtesy of Chloe Radcliffe

Where? 675 22nd Street
When? July 11th & 12th

Chloe Radcliffe is coming to Denver Comedy Underground this weekend. Choose from one of four shows across Friday and Saturday and snag $20 tickets ahead of time or pay $25 at the door. Radcliffe has been named one of Deadline’s 15 Comedians Ready to Break Out in 2025 and one of Vulture’s Comedians You Should and Will Know! The comedian has also sold out her full-month run of her one-woman show CHEAT at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with rave reviews. Arrive at the show early to snag the best seats. There is a sizable parking lot next to the venue, as well as street parking in the area.

PRO Tip: If you’re new to the Denver comedy scene, Denver Comedy Underground shows feature free pizza and no two-drink minimum!

Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo 42

Where? 18171 Sage Brush Way
When? July 11th-13th

The Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo is coming to Denver’s National Western Complex this weekend! Enjoy all of the thrilling action of the rodeo, along with nonstop entertainment and community spirit as cowboys and cowgirls come together to compete in events such as bull riding, barrel racing, and roping. Rodeo enthusiasts and first-time spectators alike will enjoy celebrating the diverse traditions of the LGBTQ+ rodeo community, along with live music, food vendors, and fun-filled festivities for attendees of all ages. Tickets are on sale now, priced at $20.50 for general admission!

PRO Tip: There is onsite parking for a fee at the National Western Complex. Attendees can also take advantage of the light rail system with easy access to the venue.

9-Year Anniversary Party @ Bruz Beers

Where? 1675 West 67th Avenue
When? July 12th

Celebrate 9 years with Bruz Beers in Midtown this Saturday from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM! Exciting beer releases include the Talus Tripel and the Tart Cherry, as well as giveaways, food trucks, live music, and more. Tunes will be performed by Sisters of Rock from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM and food trucks on site this Saturday will be Nickel City Provisions & Charminar, Vinny & Marie’s Italian Street Food, and Amor Gelato. There will be an outdoor bar and all of the summer fun you could wish for, so invite some friends and enjoy Belgian beers and great hangs with the community.

PRO Tip: More brews offered in the tasting room include the Raspberry Lime Belgian-style blond ale, the Brussels Table Beer with a crisp and refreshingly light hoppy finish, and the Vienna Lager, which is an easy-drinking amber lager.

CROSSCURRENTS

Where? 15th Street & Little Raven Street
When? July 12th

CROSSCURRENTS is a festival fundraiser for The Greenway Foundation, which is a nonprofit that has been leading efforts to enhance and protect the South Platte River since the 70s! The full 2025 lineup will feature Poolside, Thomas Jack, Indigo Waves, The High Lines, Goldilox, and CRL CRRLL on Saturday, beginning at 2:00 PM and wrapping up at 10:00 PM. Headliner Poolside began in LA in early 2011, creating chill music perfect for summer soirees — often hailed as being light but danceable, with sunny vibes and “Daytime Disco” rhythm. Attendees can also take a dip in the river, with Confluence Kayak & Ski on-site for water-based activities.

PRO Tip: There will be four food truck options, ranging from gyros to sushi, as well as bodega favorites and Latin-American inspired selections.

Christmas in July

Where? 5405 West 56th Avenue, Unit C
When? July 12th

Can’t wait until December to get started on the Christmas celebrations? You’re in luck because the holiday is coming early! Christmas in July is a 21 and up event at Talnua Distillery this Saturday, with tiki cocktails flowing and plenty of eggnog ice cream to go around. From 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM, savor the flavors of tropical Christmas with specialty drinks, such as mai tais and painkillers, and transport yourself to a white sandy beach without ever leaving Denver. These tropical-inspired cocktails will stick around all week, giving you extra time to enjoy.

PRO Tip: It wouldn’t be the holiday season without a batch of homemade eggnog! Talnua will have bottles for purchase, so grab yours before it’s gone. You can also opt for a pour by the glass.

Colorado Rapids vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Where? 6000 Victory Way
When? July 12th

The Rapids are facing off against the Whitecaps this Saturday at the DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. The 7:30 PM game is sure to be a good one, so grab your tickets now — starting at $38.35 for the general admission supporters section! The Rapids compete as part of Major League Soccer’s Western Conference. If you plan to attend at least two games between now and the end of the season, save on ticket fees and for a limited time only, select at least two games of your choice and skip the fees! The more games you select, the more benefits you’ll receive! Take advantage of price discounts, international and playoff pre-sales, and exclusive merch here.

PRO Tip: Fans and supporters are encouraged not to bring bags to the stadium. Read more about the bag policy here, including permissible and prohibited bags.

Denver Water Lantern Festival

Where? 10698 Garfield Street
When? July 12th & 13th

The Denver Water Lantern Festival is hailed as “a night you’ll remember forever,” so grab your tickets ASAP so you don’t miss out. This Saturday and Sunday, Denverites can head over to Carpenter Park in nearby Thornton for this exciting festival, complete with DIY lantern kits, scavenger hunt giveaways, and more! Attendees of all ages are encouraged to reflect on life and make new connections, all while watching as their personalized lantern illuminates the night. The festival will also feature food trucks, live music, and vendors. Gates open at 5:30 PM, with the launch scheduled from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Tickets range from general admission to a VIP experience that includes exclusive access to the VIP tent and a commemorative t-shirt.

PRO Tip: Kids under the age of 8 are free with a paid adult ticket! Lanterns not included.

City Park Jazz: Better Sensory Perception

Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? July 13th

During this weekend’s City Park Jazz, enjoy a live performance by Better Sensory Perception from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Formerly known as the Byron Shaw Projex, the group is bringing jazz fans of all generations reggae, ska, pop, jazz, covers, and original tunes! These free City Park concerts are held in the pavilion at the park. For each performance, guests can enjoy some of Denver’s finest food truck fare — such as ice cream, pizza, burgers, sushi, sandwiches, gyros, and much more. Attendees are welcome to bring their own blankets or folding chairs and there will be a complimentary bike corral that’s monitored by volunteers from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

PRO Tip: Additional transportation options to get to City Park include RTD public transport and personal vehicle parking at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science parking lots, as well as parking at the zoo.

Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend

Looking for ways to spice up the weekend with the family? Check out these exciting family-friendly activities and events around the Mile High City, from Cockpit Demo Day at Wings Over the Rockies to the 30th Anniversary Bug Bash at the Butterfly Pavilion!

Cockpit Demo Day

Where? 7711 East Academy Boulevard
When? July 12th

Explore the Air & Space Museum this Saturday at Cockpit Demo Day! Kids and adults of all ages will love exploring these fascinating aircraft from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Dive into an up-close and personal look at select aircraft, all while learning interesting facts and history about the instruments and controls! Featured aircraft in July may include the Velocity, the North American F-100D Super Sabre, the Bell UH-1M Iroquois “Huey”, the Apollo Boilerplate, and the Vought A-7D Corsair II. Featured aircraft are subject to change! You can pre-purchase your Cockpit Demo Day tickets here. Adult tickets for ages 17 to 64 are set at $19.95, with active military, veterans, and seniors 65+ receiving a discounted rate of $15.95. Youth ages 4 to 16 can get in with a $12.95 ticket.

PRO Tip: The Bell UH-1M Iroquois “Huey” is slated to be wheelchair accessible.

Insectival: 30th Anniversary Bug Bash

Where? 6252 West 104th Avenue
When? July 12th & 13th

Insectival is a two-day festival to commemorate the 30th Anniversary Bug Bash at the Butterfly Pavilion! There will be live music and family-friendly entertainment, as well as animal encounters, butterfly releases, and even cockroach races! Parents can enjoy the beer garden while they watch their kiddos experience immersive exhibits and spine-tingling fun! Additional festival fun this Saturday and Sunday includes performers, live music, face painting, crafts, and local food trucks. Hours for the festival are scheduled from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on both days.

PRO Tip: Tickets for Insectival are on sale for $22.45 for adults, $20.45 for seniors, and $18.45 for kids ages 2 to 12. Westminster residents receive a discounted rate, as do military members and AAA adults.

Sensory-Friendly Morning @ Denver Art Museum

Where? 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway
When? July 13th

Bring the kiddos out for a sensory-friendly experience at the Denver Art Museum this Sunday! From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the museum is hosting this popular program for children with neurodiversity or sensory-processing disorders. Families will have the opportunity to visit the museum in a safe and fun way, with dimmed lights, earlier hours, and a more calm and relaxed atmosphere. Sensory-friendly mornings at the museum are free with registration. Current exhibitions at the museum include Charles Sandison: Chamber, Kent Monkman: History is Painted by the Victors, Confluence of Nature: Nancy Hemenway Barton, and more.

PRO Tip: Grab your complimentary tickets here!

Have Fun This Weekend in Denver

We hope you have a great time exploring Denver this weekend! The city has a lot to offer, whether you’re a busy professional or you have a young family that you’re looking to create memories with. We’ll keep you updated next week with more exciting weekend opportunities, so make sure to swing by!