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What to Do in Denver This Weekend: May 1st-3rd

Things to do in Denver this Weekend May 1-3

Your weekend plans have arrived hot off the press! Leave the event research to the PROS and take your pick from this jam-packed array of weekend parties, markets, festivals and more. 

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

Just because you’re in Denver doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the vibes of the Kentucky Derby! Take your pick from a variety of Derby celebrations this weekend, as well as pottery sales, art walks and the kickoff of Denver Fashion Week.

Colorado Potters’ Spring Sale

Where? 3501 South Colorado Boulevard
When? April 30th-May 2nd

Visit the spring pottery sale at First Plymouth Congregational Church this weekend, starting on Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and continuing on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and 5:00 PM, respectively. This is a semi-annual event where the Colorado Potters Guild shows and sells a variety of functional pieces, sculptures, holiday ornaments, planters and more from their 40+ members. With thousands of handmade local pieces to browse, you’re sure to walk away with something you truly love and new work is added daily! 

PRO Tip: Interested in learning more about the Colorado Potters Guild?

Bugs and Brews: Insect Derby

Where? 6252 West 104th Avenue
When? May 1st

The Butterfly Pavilion is hosting Bugs and Brews this Friday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Don your best Derby hat and join in for a race like no other. This is a 21+ event that seamlessly blends the excitement of Derby Day with the fascinating speed, strength and survival skills of invertebrates. Celebrate these tiny competitors as they race, hustle and win! Tickets to Bugs and Brews: Insect Derby include two drinks (beer, wine or N/A options), access to the Derby hat contest, two hours of adults-only access to exhibits, and awesome animal experience such as cockroach racing, leaf cutter ant feeding and up-close encounters with butterflies, sea stars, and more. 

PRO Tip: Tickets are priced at $45 for non-members and $40 for members. Snag yours here

First Friday Art Walk in 40 West Arts

Where? 1560 Teller Street
When? May 1st

The 40 West Arts creative district in Denver offers both residents and visitors a unique blend of local arts and culture. Named after the forty arts and cultural organizations that call the area home, there’s always something going on nearby! On First Fridays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, take the opportunity to explore this creative art district hub in Lakewood and visit galleries, dealers, studios, and more. Grab a map and start walking! Along the way, you’re likely to come across live music, artwork on display, and an array of beverages and light bites for sale. A few times throughout the year, First Friday turns into the Colfax Art Crawl. This block party features surprise spectacles and a theme designed to unite the entire district. 

PRO Tip: Check out a map of the district here

Denver Fashion Week: Spring 2026

https://rmprolocal.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DFW-Broadcast-Broll-2-1.mp4
📷 Media courtesy of Denver Fashion Week

Where? 5445 Bannock Street
When? May 1st-9th

Denver Fashion Week is the largest fashion event in the Mile High City. Renowned as the state’s premier fashion extravaganza, the week has captured the attention of giants in the industry like Forbes Magazine and ELLE. Grab your tickets here and peruse the multitude of showcases, such as Sustainable on Friday or Society on Saturday. Cap the weekend off with Youth + Mommy & Me on Sunday and keep the good times rolling throughout the week with Streetwear & Sneakers, Maximalism, the new Outerwear & Athleisure Fashion Show, and more. This year, Denver Fashion Week will once again be featuring the inspiring Adaptive Fashion Show held in partnership with Guided by Humanity. 

PRO Tip: Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or an industry insider, this is a can’t-miss opportunity to enjoy bold design and innovative creativity as models take the runway to make a statement. 

2025 Denver Mini Derby

Where? 3800 Denargo Street
When? May 2nd

The Denver Mini Derby is one of the most unique Derby weekend happenings in Denver! This Saturday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Denargo Market. The event is set to feature live mini horse races, as well as Corgi races, live coverage of the Kentucky Derby on the big screen, and of course, bottomless mint juleps, cocktails and more. Arrive dressed in your Derby best and participate in the “Best Dressed” contests with prizes up for grabs for categories such as best dressed man, woman, couple and for best hat. Whether you snag general admission tickets or you upgrade to the VIP experience with a delicious BBQ meal and VIP-only open bar, Denver Mini Derby is a can’t-miss! 

PRO Tip: This is a 21+ event.

Denver Derby Party

📷 Photo courtesy of McGregor Square

Where? 1901 Wazee Street
When? May 2nd

The Denver Derby Party in McGregor Square is a 21+ event this Saturday, held from 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Celebrate the end of an era at the 25th and final Denver Derby Party. This is the year for anyone who’s ever said “I’ll go next year!” This is a historic send off for the books, with the hats bigger than ever, the drinks colder and the stakes higher. Tickets include all inclusive everything, including unlimited food and drinks. 100% of the proceeds will be going straight to the Sean Ranch Lough Foundation, so you can feel good about partying with a purpose. 

PRO Tip: Grab your tickets ASAP and help blow the roof off of McGregor Square one last time. 

TheBigWonderful’s 12th Annual Derby Day

Where? 6791 East Chenango Avenue 
When? May 2nd

TheBigWonderful is Colorado’s signature bluegrass, beer fest and bazaar in one! If you’re all about craft beer, costume contests and 70+ local makers, then this is the weekend celebration for you. Kick off Derby Day from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM with session one or snag a pass to session two from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. You can also upgrade to an all-day pass with unlimited come and go privileges. The fun will be held at Belleview Station and there will be live derby streaming on screens throughout the menu, along with bluegrass music all afternoon. 

PRO Tip: The Dapper Dog Costume Contest will be sponsored by Sploot, so bring Fido dressed in his Derby Day finest. 

Star Wars Day

Where? 7101 East Colfax Avenue
When? May 2nd

Will the Dark Side take over this year? There’s only one way to find out and that’s at Star Wars Day at Fiction Beer this Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Join the party for this galaxy of flavor as the brewery celebrates Star Wars Day with an annual themed beer. This year, it’s time for a dark twist: Maltering the Deal, a new black IPA. There will also be a special release of limited edition glassware, featuring the Cantina band, Figrin D’an, and the Modal Nodes. Glass will be on sale at noon and when they’re gone, they’re really gone! Come early to make sure you get your hands on one. Whether you consider yourself a Jedi, a Sith or you’re just here for the beer, this is a weekend event you won’t want to miss.

PRO Tip:  The best news? Costumes are encouraged! Don your coolest galactic gear and finest robes and make sure to greet friends with “May the fourth be with you!”

Spring Fling: Art in Bloom

📷 Photo courtesy of Larimer Square

Where? Larimer Square 
When? May 2nd

On Saturday, mark your calendar for Spring Fling: Art in Bloom at Larimer Square. Returning for 2026, Spring Fling is a full day of color, creativity and community. Featuring 10+ local artists showcasing and selling their original work, as well as live entertainment throughout the day and interactive experiences such as craft workshops, live painting and a build your own bouquet bar, there’s something for everyone! Spring Fling is designed to capture the fresh energy of the season, all while blending art, music, makers and creativity into one curated experience designed for all. Additionally, there will be pop up bars from some of your favorite Larimer Square restaurants featuring seasonal cocktails to enjoy while you explore the event. Spring Fling will be held from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. 

PRO Tip: Check out the live music lineup, as well as participating bars and retail pop-ups here

Yoga in the Park: City Park & Wash Park

Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard & East Mississippi Avenue and South Franklin Street
When? May 3rd

There’s no better place to stretch, relax and find your center than with Yoga in the Park. Immerse yourself in a full hour of an all levels yoga class as you explore Denver’s best parks with this community series with Denver Yoga Social. All classes are family friendly and are donation-based. Contribute what you can ($15-$30), with a $15 minimum required to reserve online. Walk-ins are welcome when space permits. This Sunday, enjoy a morning session at City Park or snag a spot at Wash Park (both at 9:00 AM). The Yoga in the Park season runs from April through October, so mark your calendar for recurring dates! When you arrive, look for the yellow Yoga Social flag to find the group. 

PRO Tip: Yoga mats will be available to rent for $5 on a first come, first served basis. Organizers also encourage attendees to bring water, layers, bug spray and sunscreen. 

Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend

This weekend, take the whole family to Washington Park for the annual Furry Scurry or spend the day at the zoo for a special celebration designed for the kiddos.

Humane Colorado’s 33rd Annual Furry Scurry

Where? Washington Park 
When? May 2nd

This year marks the 33rd annual Furry Scurry at Washington Park. This Saturday at 9:00 AM, get ready for a fun-filled morning and a two-mile dog walk to benefit the animals at Humane Colorado. Every step taken and dollar raised will make a lasting difference for the animals in Humane Colorado’s care. To celebrate the 33rd year, there will be a range of awesome activities such as contests, food trucks and more. If this is your first Furry Scurry, you can expect hundreds to thousands of dogs in all shapes, sizes and breeds and their friendly owners! This is an exciting opportunity to meet other pup-loving people in Denver while supporting a good cause.

PRO Tip: Registration for an adult is priced at $60, followed by $35 for children ages 6 to 12 and remote participation is $45! 

Cinco de Mayo Festival

Where? East Broadway Avenue & Colfax 
When? May 2nd & 3rd

Head over to Denver Civic Center Park this weekend, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. This is sure to be an unforgettable celebration at the largest and longest-standing regional Cinco de Mayo festival in Colorado! You’ll be immersed in the vibrant spirit of Mexican culture across a weekend full of exciting events, contests and non-stop entertainment across three stages. Of course, you won’t be able to resist indulging your tastebuds with the diverse array of food vendors. The whole family will find something to enjoy, from kid-friendly activities and cultural experiences. The parade will be held on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and will wind through downtown before arriving at the Civic Center park area.

PRO Tip: Check out the schedule across all three stages here.

Día del Niño @ Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

Where? 2300 Steele Street 
When? May 3rd

The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is excited to join the Mexican Cultural Center and their SCFD counterparts in celebrating Día del Niño: Celebrating All Children. This bilingual day of animal demonstrations, art classes, live performances  and visits from the Denver Public Library and other local organizations is sure to be one you won’t forget! Special event programming will be held this Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. All ages are welcome and when you buy one adult ticket, you’ll receive one child’s ticket for free! Performances will be held throughout the day by Los Chinelos, Qhaswa, and Folklórico Sangre de Mexico. 

PRO Tip: Kiddos can enjoy a weaving art class with artist Cal Duran, along with the Flamingo Parade and Penguin and Elephant demonstrations throughout the day. 

Have Fun This Weekend in Denver 

Welcome May with open arms this weekend as you explore all that the Mile High City has to offer. From Cinco de Mayo festivities, Kentucky Derby parties, Fashion Week events and everything in between, it’s a good time to be in Denver! Visit us again next week to see what else May has to offer. 

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