The Mile High City celebrates Veterans Day, fashion, cats, and even Taylor Swift this weekend! Check out this compilation of the best events happening across the city Friday through Sunday.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
From Veterans Day Festivals, banjo performances, and even tasty bites at the Denver Grilled Cheese & Mac Fest — there’s endless opportunity to enjoy your weekend around the Mile High City in memorable ways.
Colorado Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
Where? 1000 14th Street
When? November 8th-10th
Experience an unforgettable musical event as the Colorado Symphony and Principal Conductor Peter Oundjian showcase the iconic works by Rachmaninoff and Mahler. Simon Trpčeski will return to perform Rachmaninoff again, this time featured as a soloist in the Second Piano Concerto. If you’re unsure why this is commonly regarded as one of the best concertos ever written, you’ll be dazzled by the glorious melody and swelling orchestration! Mahler’s Seventh Symphony is one of the most provocative symphonic statements of the early 20th century. Both radical and forward-looking, the symphony is a triumphant journey and utilizes unorthodox instruments with unusual techniques to keep audiences on their toes.
PRO Tip: First time attending a Colorado Symphony event? Check out the First-Timer’s Guide and make sure to arrive downtown early! This way, you’re less likely to run into traffic or lines into Boettcher Concert Hall and you’ll even have time to grab a bite to eat and a drink before the performance!
Denver Veterans Day Festival
Where? 101 14th Avenue
When? November 9th
Veterans Day festivities at the Denver celebration include the Veterans Day 5K/10K run or walk and the 10K Rippetoe Rucksack Challenge from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. The Rucksack Challenge involves a 25-pound ruck or backpack, designed to honor Army Captain Russel B. Rippetoe who was killed in action while serving in Iraq in 2003. Following the race, there will be a Veterans Day Parade! The Festival continues until 2:00 PM, so families and guests have plenty of time to enjoy the event hosted by the Colorado Veterans Project. The purpose of the festival is to celebrate and honor the brave men and women who serve our country and to support them in their pursuit of vibrant careers, meaningful employment, and successful entrepreneurship.
PRO Tip: The Veterans Day Parade follows a route circling through Denver’s City Park. Participants in this year’s parade include Military ROTC, retired military, VFW Legions, local high schools, classic and vintage car clubs, NationalGuard contingents, and more.
Swallow Hill Banjofest
Where? 71 East Yale Avenue
When? November 9th
Swallow Hill Music is excited to announce the first-ever BanjoFest, which is a one-day festival of workshops, concerts, and community for banjo lovers of all types. The banjo is an instantly recognizable instrument with deep African roots, while also holding a unique place within the American musical landscape. Fest doors open at 9:30 AM, with workshops scheduled from 10:00 AM to 6:45 PM. There will be a concert to end the night from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. If you wish to attend the concert but not the daytime events, that’s great too! Main stage performers at this inaugural Banjofest include Tony Trischka, Dom Flemons, and Brad Kolodner.
PRO Tip: Interested in picking up a banjo for yourself? The Denver Folklore Center will be offering a broad selection of new, used, and vintage banjos from popular companies across a wide range of prices.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Where? 1820 Broadway
When? November 9th
Candlelight concerts offer a unique ambiance and experience to audiences across the country. This live, multi-sensory musical performance is awe-inspiring and unlike any other concert you’ll attend this year. Purchase your tickets for this Taylor Swift-inspired serenade, hosted at the Trinity United Methodist Church. The tentative lineup for the Taylor Swift tribute includes songs such as Love Story, Blank Space, Enchanted, All Too Well, Lover, You Belong With Me, and Shake It Off.
PRO Tip: Doors open 60 minutes before the start time and guests must be 8 years or older to attend. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Seating is assigned on a first come, first served basis per zone.
2024 Denver Grilled Cheese & Mac Fest
Where? 1900 35th Street
When? November 9th
Want to check out Denver’s cheesiest event? Then grab your tickets now for the Grilled Cheese & Mac Fest! Guests will enjoy all-inclusive samplings of cheesy sandwiches, mac & cheese, beer, cocktails and more. This 21-and-up event will be hosted in the RiNo Art Park this Saturday from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Participating chefs will be crafting gourmet spins on these classic comfort dishes, providing tasters with an elevated tasting experience. You can even vote for your favorites! Winners will be chosen across multiple categories. Vendors include Blue Moon RiNo, Bandwagon Sandwich Co., Butter Me Up Biscuit, Heavenly Tacos and so many more!
PRO Tip: The venue is indoor and outdoor. Tickets include all food and drinks, including beverages from local breweries, distilleries, cocktail samples, mocktails, and more! You can even snag a specialty Grilled Cheese & Mac cup to take home.
Nonfiction Fest
Where? 3844 York Street
When? November 9th & 10th
This weekend-long mini-festival invites guests to enter into the dynamic world of nonfiction! There will be classes, readings, panels, seminars, and more — allowing you to explore a range of avenues in your reading and literary journey. From true crime to memoir, lyric essay to journalism, the Lighthouse Nonfiction Fest has something for every nonfiction writer and even avid readers. Learn helpful tips and insights from experts and delve into the opportunity to ask writers your burning questions.
PRO Tip: To see an updated itinerary and schedule for this weekend’s Nonfiction Fest, check out the Morning Craft Seminars, Lunchtime Panels, Afternoon Workshops, and Evening Events here.
Denver Fashion Week
Where? 3403 Brighton Boulevard
When? November 9th-17th
Denver Fashion Week is a highly anticipated event in the Mile High City and is renowned as Colorado’s premier fashion extravaganza, as well as one of America’s fastest-growing fashion platforms. Tickets can be purchased per day, so guests can pick and choose what they’re most interested in! Festivities kick off on Saturday with the Sustainable Fashion Show at 7:00 PM, followed up on Sunday by the Kids & Teens Fashion Show at 3:00 PM. Events and showcases carry on throughout the week, with Models Workshops, Streetwear & Sneakers, and Maximalism, Couture, and Western Fashion Shows.
PRO Tip: Creativity knows no bounds at Denver Fashion Week events, so enjoy emerging designers, local boutiques, national brands, hair stylists, makeup artists, and a diverse array of models.
Cat Fest Colorado
Where? 4655 North Humboldt Street
When? November 10th
Cat Fest Colorado is being hosted at the National Western Complex in the Expo Hall and the Hall of Education. Sunday’s scheduled hours run from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with VIPs getting early access 30 minutes prior. The guest of honor at this year’s fest is Moshow the Cat Rapper. Ticket prices include all entertainment and activities, except for food, adoption fees, and vendor merch and services. Admission starts at $20, with VIP passes priced at $40 for early entry, upfront seating, line-skipping, and a souvenir cat ear headband. Kids ages 5 and younger get in free. Visitors will enjoy a range of cat-themed vendors, face painters, costume contests, cat tunes, cat bingo and so much more!
PRO Tip: Since 2022, Cat Fest Colorado has adopted over 200 cats! Come show your support for the cause to help more felines get adopted to loving homes!
The Great Candy Run
Where? South Downing Street & East Louisiana Avenue
When? November 10th
Denver’s sweetest 5K run/walk benefits the Fetal Health Foundation. The race day schedule kicks off at 8:00 AM for bib pickup and new registration in Washington Park. The free kids’ fun run begins at 8:40 AM for kids ages 6 and under. The 5K ceremony and start will be held 20 minutes later, along with music entertainment. Online registration remains open until 8:55 AM on Sunday, so snag your spot 5 minutes before the race if needed! There will be award opportunities for the fastest overall male and female, as well as the top three finishers across various age groups. Candy-themed costumes are not required but they’re a fun addition to the race!
PRO Tip: Friendly pups on leashes are welcome! Event organizers ask that dog owners be considerate of those around them to ensure everyone has a blast.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Families with kids aren’t left out of the festivities in Denver this weekend! Check out the Girls on the Run family-friendly 5K or one of the various craft activities such as Paper Plate Snakes at the Martin G. Lockley Discovery Center.
TriceraTOTs: Paper Plate Snakes
Where? 17681 West Alameda Parkway
When? November 9th
The TriceraTOTs program features popular activities for pre-K and kindergarten participants each month at the Martin G. Lockley Discovery Center just inside Red Rocks Entrance 1. The upcoming Saturday session has two-time slots, one at 9:00 AM and the second at 10:00 AM. Advance online registration is required and attendance is capped at 20 children, so snag your space now before they’re gone! Registration is priced at $5 per child. Kiddos are invited to learn about their wild snake friends who are preparing to den for the winter. Saturday’s craft is to make a beautiful paper plate snake and send them off for hibernation!
PRO Tip: There will be a Thursday session added for this craft, with time slots at both 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Maker Mornings: Texture Exploration
Where? 1250 Bannock Street
When? November 9th
Maker Mornings at the Clyfford Still Museum are designed for children ages 15 months to 8 years old, with siblings of any age welcome to tag along. Participants will spend time in the galleries with a librarian from the Denver Public Library system for story time before entering into “The Making Space,” which is a hands-on studio directly connected to the museum galleries. Little ones will explore various materials while they express themselves via art. This time is intentionally left open-ended, which allows everyone to interact with the space and material in their own unique ways. November is all about textures and Saturday’s activities will run from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM!
PRO Tip: No registration for Maker Mornings is required. Walk-ins are welcome, so drop by on Saturday to see what it’s all about!
Color, Shape, Sound: Free Family Event
Where? 2501 Dallas Street
When? November 9th
Join the Friends of Chamber Music for some exciting, creative play during Denver Arts Week! This community event is perfect for families with little ones, with activities such as making your own kazoos (supplies provided), composing your very own musical masterpiece using colors and shapes, and even an opportunity to be a conductor by leading the musicians using easy hand gestures. Visitors will even be able to visit the instrument petting zoo, where they can try out string instruments compliments of Luther Strings.
PRO Tip: This event is free to the community, so no reservations are needed. You’ll find the event on the first floor of the Stanley Marketplace at 11:30 AM on Saturday.
Girls on the Run Denver Metro Fall 5K
Where? 1701 Bryant Street
When? November 10th
Each Girls on the Run season comes to completion with a grand finale 5K. This closing event helps to provide participants with a tangible sense of accomplishment, while also allowing their community and loved ones to celebrate all that they’ve achieved throughout the year! The Denver Metro 5K event will be held on Sunday at Empower Field. The 5K kicks off at 10:00 AM, so grab your online registration in advance for $29 plus fees or on race day for $35 plus fees. Program participants and coaches don’t need to register.
PRO Tip: If you’re an adult woman (18+) from the community who wants to become a running buddy, you can help to provide positive moral support for the girls during the race. All buddies must be background-checked to ensure the safety of all children in attendance.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
We hope you enjoy your weekend in Denver! As always, remember to check back next week for an updated list of exciting weekend festivities around the Mile High City.