Ready to hit the town this weekend? Explore the Mile High City like an insider and enjoy all that the lively capital city has to offer. From live bluegrass music to one of the largest used book sales of the year, there’s plenty to do and see for all ages and interests.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Shake off the Sunday scaries this weekend and make the most of your time off! Denver is hosting the Outside Festival this weekend, as well as Troutfest and live jazz at City Park. Get some friends together and enjoy one of the many weekend offerings, such as the whiskey and doughnut extravaganza at the RiNo Art Park.
Goldengrass Bluegrass Weekend 2025
Where? 16401 Table Mountain Parkway
When? May 29th-June 1st
Join New Terrain Brewing Co. to celebrate the Goldengrass Bluegrass Weekend in nearby Golden! Originally founded in 2017, this festival is a community favorite for bluegrass fans and craft beer fanatics. This year, the fest will feature multiple food trucks daily, as well as an ice cream truck and face painting on Saturday and Sunday. There will be plenty of bars to grab a drink from and free live acts from The Fretliners, Arkansauce, Tyler Grant’s Bluegrass Farm, Foggy Memory Boys, and many more.
PRO Tip: Check out the full performance schedule here so you don’t miss any of your favorites! All shows are free and open to all ages.
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Where? 18300 West Alameda Parkway
When? May 30th
Catch Michael Franti & Spearhead at Red Rocks Amphitheater this Friday with special guest, Niko Moon. This is an all-ages show and the fun kicks off at 7:00 PM. Tickets are on sale starting at $81. Friday’s show will have a general admission section, as well as designated seating in the middle and upper rows. Franti is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and poet hailing from Oakland, California. His rock band, Spearhead, is known for songs such as How We Living, Rock the Nation, I Got Love for You, and many more.
PRO Tip: Stay up to date on the latest weather forecast. Red Rocks Amphitheater is an outdoor venue, with shows notoriously occurring in many elements throughout the season.
Larimer Square Presents Outpost
Where? 1430 Larimer Street
When? May 30th
OUTPOST at Larimer Square is kicking off this weekend for festivities in downtown Denver this Friday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. If you love celebrating all things outdoors, then you’ll enjoy this evening of live music under the iconic lights of the historic Larimer Square. Sip on craft beverages from local establishments, such as the al fresco pop-up bars. Arrive early to shop and dine or stay late and enjoy the surrounding restaurants. OUTPOST features free entry and families are welcome. The entertainment lineup consists of The Reverend Shawn Amos, Strange Americans, and the Martin Gilmore Trio.
PRO Tip: This weekend’s pop-up bars will be brought to you from Emerald Eye, Rioja, Garage Sale Vintage, and more.
Whale of a Used Book Sale
Where? 15200 West 6th Avenue
When? May 30th-June 1st
The spring Whale of a Used Book Sale is being held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden this weekend. This semi-annual sale is sponsored by the Jefferson County Library Foundation, with proceeds going towards supporting early childhood, kids, teens, and adult literacy programs at the library. With over 90,000 gently used books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, puzzles, games, and much more available, book lovers of all ages will have an abundant opportunity to find something they’ll treasure. Most items will be priced under $3. General admission tickets are on sale for $5 per day for adults. Guests under 18 get in free. The event is scheduled to run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday and 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Sunday.
PRO Tip: Thursday will be a preview night for friends of the library from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Troutfest Colorado
Where? 2001 Blake Street
When? May 31st
Troutfest is scheduled for this Saturday at Coors Field from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The fest is hosted by Trout Unlimited and presented by the Colorado Wildlife Council and the Colorado Lottery. This one-of-a-kind summer festival is open to anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and even families looking for a fun day at the ballpark. This is a great opportunity to learn more about conservation and fly fishing and there is no admission cost, so what’s stopping you from swinging by? Enjoy live music, youth activities, casting clinics, exhibitors and so much more. You can even check out a stadium tour!
PRO Tip: Free parking will be available in Lot A. Guests can enter Troutfest through Gate A.
2025 Whiskey Throwdown & Doughnut Showdown
Where? 1900 35th Street
When? May 31st
The 12th Annual Whiskey + Doughnuts is presented by LaMar’s and is set to feature some of the best distilleries and doughnut bakeries in town. Check out this one-of-a-kind event that combines the best of both worlds. Festivities run from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at RiNo Art Park, so swing by for the most sugar-fueled event of the year. Meet local vendors from across the front range of Colorado, as well as your favorite local distilleries that are ready to pour you a sample. There will also be a live DJ, giveaways, games, and of course, the famous doughnut stacking competition.
PRO Tip: Tickets to the event are priced at $78.79, with general admission including unlimited whiskey and doughnut samplings. Splurge on early entry to get in at 4:45 PM or go all in on VIP for 90-minute early access and a commemorative rocks glass.
Spring Book Buzz
Where? 9755 East Girard Avenue
When? May 31st
Spring Book Buzz at the Hampden Branch Library is scheduled for this Saturday from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. With longer days ahead, avid readers are in search of a steady stream of new and upcoming titles to update their summer reading lists. Reading advisors will be at the library to share inside information on dozens of books that may spark your interest and if you’re lucky, you may even be able to snag one of the titles that are being given away!
PRO Tip: Spring Book Buzz is geared toward adults. The meeting will be held in the community room at the library and no registration is necessary.
Dim Sum Weekend Brunch
Where? 3559 Larimer Street
When? May 31st & June 1st
Get ready for a weekend brunch unlike any other at Colorado Sake Co! Enjoy an unforgettable culinary adventure at Dim Sum Brunch, which features a diverse and exciting menu of steamed buns, dumplings, and much more. Of course, the dim sum is perfectly paired with artisanal sake! Weekend brunch hours are hosted from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Sundays. Whether you want to stick to the classics or you want to take on innovative small plates, this brunch experience is perfect for sharing and sampling an array of flavors and textures.
PRO Tip: Reservations are encouraged for groups of all sizes! Staff members will be happy to offer recommended sake pairings to complement the flavors of your dim sum selections.
Outside Festival
Where? 101 West 14th Avenue
When? May 31st & June 1st
Outside Festival and Summit will be held this Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. 2025 marks the second year this festival has been held, which is a testament to Denver’s love of everything outdoors. The festivities include live music, adventure films, an array of thought-provoking speakers, and immersive outdoor experiences. The festival will be held in Denver’s Civic Center Park. The musical lineup will feature Khruangbin and Sylvan Esso on Saturday and Lord Huron and Trampled by Turtles on Sunday, with an abundance of supporting acts such as Neal Francis, Husbands, Waxahatchee, Hazlett and more.
PRO Tip: Tickets are on sale here, starting at $79 for one-day general admission or you can snag a two-day pass for $150.
City Park Jazz Kickoff
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? June 1st
Get ready for the kickoff of City Park Jazz this Sunday! Head to the bandshell on the west side of Ferril Lake for live tunes in the park. From mambo, funk, soul, brass band, and big band, attendees can enjoy it all and then some. This Sunday, listen to the sounds of Blessing Bled Chimanga from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Hailing as an internationally acclaimed artist renowned as a marimba player, singer, songwriter, and percussionist from Zimbabwe, Blessing is also known for his high-energy performances and stage presence. The 2025 City Park Jazz season will begin on Sunday and continue every Sunday night from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM through August 3rd. The concerts are free and held at the pavilion in the park.
PRO Tip: Mark your calendar for upcoming performances at City Park, such as next weekend’s tribute to Neil Bridge featuring Karen Lee Bridge and The Bridge 12.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
The kids will love the Colorado Rockies fun run where their favorite players take the field or enjoy a trip to the library with their family to participate in the Little University program! From races, a Kids Adventure Zone and educational activities with the Clyfford Still Museum, parents have an abundance of opportunity to spend quality time with their families!
Little University: Art Crawl
Where? 1498 Irving Street
When? May 30th
Denver’s Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library is hosting the Little University: Art Crawl program this Friday from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM. This program is designed for early learners ages 0 to 5 and is presented in partnership with the Clyfford Still Museum. Visitors will have the chance to explore early learning activities that go beyond the traditional story time. This week, enjoy art, build relationships and learn together! All activities are suitable for young children with their caregivers.
PRO Tip: No registration is required for the Little University program. Arrive early and enjoy this fun opportunity to engage with the community and a local museum at the library!
Colorado Rockies Home Run 5K
Where? 2001 Blake Street
When? May 31st
Get the family laced up for the Colorado Rockies Home Run 5K this weekend and soak up the scenery along the route with views of downtown. There will also be a free, non-competitive 1K fun run for kids. Registration for the fun run can only be done in person on race day. Post-race festivities and activities include refreshments, hot dogs, music, and a beer garden for adults. Paid registrants will receive a commemorative 2025 Home Run t-shirt and a voucher code redeemable for two complimentary Upper Reserved Infield tickets for a Monday-Thursday home game from June 10th through September 18th (excluding June 24th-26th). The 5K starts at 8:00 AM and is open to runners of all ages and abilities. The walk begins 5 minutes later to give the runners a head start.
PRO Tip: Free parking will be available in Lot A, with drivers entering off Park Avenue and Wazee Street.
16th Street Summer Kickoff
Where? 16th Street Mall
When? May 31st & June 1st
Are you ready to dive into all things summer? Check out the 16th Street Summer Kickoff this Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The kickoff will be held on 16th Street between Market and Tremont, with festivities scheduled all over downtown. Activities include World Cup Speed Climbing, a beer garden, live music, the 16th Street Grand BAZAAR, and a Kids Adventure Zone to keep the little ones entertained. Visitors will be amazed at the adrenaline of the Olympic-style Speed Climbing as the IFSC World Cup comes to Downtown Denver for the first time this weekend, presented in partnership with Visit Denver and Denver Arts and Venues.
PRO Tip: Kids will love exploring the heart of Denver in a play area designed just for them! Activities include face painting, music, life-sized games, and more.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
Now that you’ve got the scoop on what’s going on around town this weekend, you’re ready to start making plans! Tell your friends, coworkers, and family about all of the exciting events, performances, and festivities happening around town. Make sure to swing back around next week for more weekend fun!