Calendar looking a little empty? There’s still time to make plans! Check out these weekend events, activities, festivals, and celebrations around the Mile High City this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Whether you want to laugh at a brunch comedy show or spend a mindful afternoon at the museum, we’ve got you covered for the best weekend activities!
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Get your fitness on this weekend in Larimer Square or check out the Sun Valley Viaduct Night Market, where you’ll find live entertainment and plenty of shopping. Love whisky? You’re in luck because Spirit Hound Distillers is celebrating the spirit all weekend long!
Civic Center Night Market & AAPI Culture Fest
Where? Civic Center Park
When? May 16th
The Civic Center Night Market & AAPI Culture Fest is scheduled for this Friday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The market is fun for all ages, featuring family-friendly activities, as well as plenty of food, culture, and entertainment for all. The night market has been inspired by the markets of Southeast Asia, so come on out and see why this is a one-of-a-kind weekend event that you won’t want to miss. Since the market coincides with AAPI Heritage Month, organizers are teaming up with AAPI Culture Fest to offer the public a dynamic celebration that highlights the diversity and creativity of the AAPI communities in Denver and beyond.
PRO Tip: Check out the Pop-Up Art Auction that will feature works by emerging and established artists. All proceeds go to the artists and future AAPI community initiatives.
World Whisky Weekend
Where? 3622 Tejon Street
When? May 16th-18th
There’s plenty to do this weekend at Spirit Hound Distillers. Celebrate World Whisky Weekend with events such as Meet the Distiller & Guided Whiskey Talk from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and enjoy the product release of the Sherry Cask American Single Malt Whiskey. You also won’t want to skip out on the featured cocktail: The Robert Burns. This timeless classic combines whisky, vermouth, tart cherry liqueur, walnut extract, and cacao bitters. You also won’t want to miss Rock & Roll Bingo because after all, nothing says whisky like rock & roll and playing a little Bingo with friends, both new and old. Get ready for a whisky twist as you compete to win prizes and test your music knowledge.
PRO Tip: If you’re interested in participating in the guided tasting, there will be a 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM option on Saturday and a 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM option on Sunday — both priced at $25.
Fitness on the Square
Where? 1530 16th Street
When? May 17th
Head on over to Larimer Square this Saturday to participate in the Fitness on the Square workout series with Block21. Soak up the warm springtime weather while you listen to music and get your body moving. All attendees at Fitness on the Square will be treated to a complimentary beverage at Rioja after the class. The class runs from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
PRO Tip: Reserve your spot for Saturday’s Fitness on the Square here.
Sun Valley Viaduct Night Market
Where? 2705 West Colfax Avenue, Unit 116
When? May 17th
Sun Valley’s Viaduct Night Market is returning this Saturday! The market will be hosted just south of Empower Field in one of Denver’s most diverse neighborhoods, where over 30 languages are spoken from five continents! Sun Valley is home to chefs, entrepreneurs, and Denver’s Meow Wolf and Latino Cultural Arts Center. Admission to the market is free, and the hours range from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Entertainment will feature dance studios, city speakers, live DJs, and even a pho eating contest from 5:30 PM to 5:45 PM.
PRO Tip: Getting to the Sun Valley Viaduct Night Market couldn’t be easier! It’s a quick 15-minute walk from the Mile High Light Rail Station and there is parking off Old West Colfax Avenue.
Denver Colfax Marathon
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? May 17th & 18th
The Denver Colfax Marathon is the largest marathon weekend in the Rockies! You won’t want to miss out on all of the race day excitement, so make plans to either participate in one of the races this weekend or cheer on the runners. There will be eight races across two days, including the 5K kickoff, the marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, and the Urban 10 Miler. The 5K will be on Saturday, with the main race day festivities following on Sunday. As Denver’s only marathon, the Colfax Marathon is a Boston Qualifier! Finish your 26.2 miles with a huge post-race party featuring live music, food, and drinks.
PRO Tip: There’s still time to register for the marathon, Urban 10 Miler, and the 5K. Sign up here and get ready for one of Denver’s best weekends!
2025 Denver Master Gardener Plant Sale
Where? 888 East Iliff Avenue
When? May 17th & 18th
Home gardeners rejoice! This Saturday and Sunday, the 2025 Denver Master Gardener Plant Sale will be held at Harvard Gulch Park. Shop heirloom and modern tomatoes, as well as New Mexico chiles in both sweet and hot varieties, herbs, vegetables, native plants, and a range of both annuals and perennials. All tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and other veggie plants will be priced at $8. Native, annual, and perennial plants will be priced at $12 or less.
PRO Tip: The event will be hosted rain or shine. Cash, credit cards, and checks will be accepted.
Jensen McRae
Where? 3317 East Colfax Avenue, 3F
When? May 18th
Jensen McRae is bringing the Praying For Your Downfall Tour to Denver’s Bluebird Theatre this Sunday, with support from Lauren Juzang. McRae is a 27-year-old LA native who’s been inspired by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, James Taylor, and Carole King. Her unique voice and storytelling songwriting have earned her praise from Wonderland, Pitchfork, and Fader, as well as being named as one of NPR Slingshot’s 2021 Artists to Watch. McRae spent time in 2024 opening for Noah Kahan on his sold-out world tour before releasing her sophomore project in 2025.
PRO Tip: This is an all-ages event and doors open at 6:00 PM, with the show starting an hour later at 7:00 PM.
Mindful Museum Day
Where? 1250 Bannock Street
When? May 18th
Head over to the Clyfford Still Museum to participate in Mindful Museum Day this Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Take time to relax, reflect, and connect while you explore mindfulness in the beautiful museum galleries. Enjoy the space in a way that works for you, whether that be through gathering your thoughts, processing emotions, or connecting with the present moment as you engage with the art. You can even bring a book to the galleries, listen to your favorite music as you walk around, or find a quiet spot to enjoy the peace.
PRO Tip: Mindful programs on Sunday include reflective journaling, sensory adventures, and meditation in the galleries. All programs are included with regular museum admission. Space is limited, so register in advance!
Brunch O Laughs: Denver Comedy Brunch!
Where? 675 22nd Street
When? May 18th
Laugh the Sunday scaries away at Denver’s best brunch comedy show. Audiences will enjoy stand-up comedians as they take the stage each Sunday at 1:00 PM for what’s sure to be your new favorite weekend activity. Don’t forget the free cereal bar, either. There will also be specialty brunch cocktails for sale, so keep the good times rolling with drinks, good friends, and plenty of laughs.
PRO Tip: Arrive early for the best seats. There is a large parking lot next to the venue, as well as street parking in the vicinity.
Sunday Open Mic
Where? 4361 South Broadway
When? May 18th
Every Sunday, head on over to Western Sky Bar & Taproom for open mic night! Get up on the stage and show off your chops. Whether you’re an aspiring comic, a musician, a poet, or something else entirely, you can have the stage for the equivalent of 5 minutes or 2 songs. Sign-ups are done in person only at the bar, starting at 5:30 PM, with the first performer taking the stage at approximately 6:00 PM.
PRO Tip: Tickets do not guarantee a reserved seat. All seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, grab a drink, and get ready for the fun! Sunday’s closing time is slated for 9:00 PM.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Entertaining kids all day can be exhausting, especially with summer quickly approaching. Get some help from the pros at the library or at a local museum! Families can also enjoy a special day at the aquarium, where they can learn more about endangered species and how to help them.
Endangered Species Day @ the Aquarium
Where? 700 Water Street
When? May 16th
This Friday, celebrate Endangered Species Day at the Downtown Aquarium. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and how to help wildlife survive and thrive. Friday’s events will run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a conservation table at the gallery entrance, as well as various animal appearances throughout the day on the outdoor stage. You can also catch the sawfish feed at 10:30 AM at the Shipwreck Exhibit.
PRO Tip: Looking for a more relaxed visit to the aquarium? Sunday is a low-sensory morning! Join the aquarium extra early for a calmer, quieter setting with the ambient sounds turned down. Reserve your spot here.
Low Sensory Morning
Where? 1200 Broadway
When? May 17th
The History Colorado Center is opening its doors to families and self-advocates this Saturday morning from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a lower sensory museum experience. The museum will be closed to the general public. The limited attendance allows those with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the exhibits in a more relaxed environment. The museum is wheelchair accessible, and families are encouraged to explore the museum and enjoy all that it has to offer. During low sensory mornings, families can expect the sound in the exhibits to be turned down.
PRO Tip: Tickets are free, but you’ll want to reserve yours in advance! Additional upcoming low-sensory mornings at the museum are scheduled for July 19th and September 13th.
Japanese Origami
Where? 2401 Welton Street
When? May 17th
Have you always been curious about the origins of origami? Learn about this Japanese art while you make a piece of your own! This event is ideal for all ages and will be held from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM on Saturday at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. This weekend’s presenter will be Ellie and families of all sizes and ages are welcome to participate, ranging from early learners aged 0 to 5, teens aged 13 to 18, and adults!
PRO Tip: There is no advance registration required and this event is free to the public. All materials needed will be provided on-site.
Fun at the Firehouse
Where? 1326 Tremont Place
When? May 17th
Kick your weekend off with the “hottest” story time in town. Children and their accompanying adults can enjoy a fire-related story and craft time on the first and third Saturday of the month at the Denver Firefighters Museum. Registration for Fun at the Firehouse is required and is priced at $15 per child ages 3 and older. Accompanying adults and seniors are free with museum admission. Saturday’s Fun at the Firehouse is scheduled for 10:00 AM.
PRO Tip: If you want to experience the museum after-hours, there will be a Vehicle Deep Dive on Sunday, where a retired Denver Fire Department mechanic will discuss how engines and trucks have changed over time and the future of emergency response vehicles. Registration is priced at $10 per attendee.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
The Mile High City is always bustling with fun! Whether you want to take the kids to the library to explore the Japanese art form of origami or you want to get laced up for the Denver Colfax Marathon, there’s something for everybody. Check back next week for an updated list of what to do next weekend.