Check out what’s happening around the Mile High City this weekend. From 21 and up events to family-friendly festivals, there’s something for everyone in the Denver area this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver this Weekend
Whether you’re a dedicated fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show or you want to sample endless craft brews at the Great American Beer Festival, Denver is hosting a range of events suitable for a wide array of interests. You can even check out free-roaming Orb Weavers at the Butterfly Pavilion!
Great American Beer Festival
Where? 700 14th Street
When? October 10th-12th
The nation’s favorite beer festival is returning to Denver this weekend at the convention center, so grab your tickets now for this diverse and immersive drinking experience. Attendees will be transported to different worlds with specialized brews, engaging activities, and vibrant entertainment. Whether you’re looking to pre-game Halloween festivities or you just want to sample what’s new in the craft beer world, this is a great opportunity to enjoy beer, cider, canned cocktails, seltzers, kombuchas, gluten-free beverages, and even nonalcoholic drinks from over 500 breweries and cideries across the nation.
PRO Tip: The festival is 21 and up. General admission tickets are priced at $85 plus fees and include a commemorative tasting cup, unlimited one-ounce samples, and more!
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Where? 4600 West 37th Place
When? October 11th
This annual tradition is a favorite amongst many as the Halloween season kicks off. Catch a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Denver’s Historic Elitch Theatre. This is the perfect stage for a thrilling movie, complete with vintage charm and an immersive atmosphere that welcomes all of the unconventional quirks that go along with this cult classic. Fans are welcome to come dressed as their favorite characters and audience participation is highly encouraged! Get ready to sing along during this night of nostalgic fun and timeless entertainment.
PRO Tip: There will be a shadow cast on site from the Neon Fox Collective, who will be ready to pull audience members into an interactive experience that will make this event one to remember.
Charli XCX & Troye Sivan: Sweat Tour
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? October 11th
Charli XCX and Troye Sivan will be performing at the Ball Arena this Friday at 7:30 PM. Sivan, an Australian singer-songwriter is known for his signature genre of moody yet melodic pop songs. Charli XCX has toured alongside artists and bands including Taylor Swift, Ellie Goulding, Paramore, Bleachers, and Coldplay throughout her career and has recently been the inspiration behind the viral “brat summer” social media phenomenon.
PRO Tip: There are multiple parking options at Ball Arena, including valet parking, premier parking, and general parking. Lots open 3 hours prior to the start of an event and cards are accepted at all lots, with cash only accepted at the Tundra lot.
David Spade: Catch Me Inside
Where? 1621 Glenarm Place
When? October 11th
David Spade is coming to the Paramount Theatre this Friday! His show is scheduled for 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM and there are a handful of seats left, so grab them while they’re hot! Spade is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, talk show host, and television personality. His sharp sarcasm leaves audiences in stitches and he’s well known for his performances on SNL.
PRO Tip: If you want to check out some of Spade’s comedy geniuses, check out his recent special on Netflix — Nothing Personal.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? October 12th
Catch the Avalanche as they compete against the Blue Jackets in this exciting game at the Ball Arena in Denver. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM, so make sure to arrive early to grab your drinks, snacks, and merch before the game! Concessions at the arena are cashless, so make sure to have a credit or debit card on you for convenient payment.
PRO Tip: The Toyota Parking Lots at the arena open three hours prior to events, so you can arrive with plenty of time before the game! Guests should ensure they’re only occupying the number of spaces that they have purchased if they plan to tailgate and open consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the Toyota lots. Doors open one hour before the puck drops.
Preseason Game: Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? October 13th
If you’re excited about the NBA season to kick off, you’ll want to catch this preseason matchup between the Nuggets and the Suns. The game will be held at Ball Arena and will showcase leading scorers from both teams, including Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokić — both of who recently played in the 2024 Paris Olympics!
PRO Tip: Verified resale tickets are priced as low as $13 or you can splurge and get closer to the action with courtside seats!
Denver Bazaar: Larimer Square
Where? 1430 Larimer Street
When? October 13th
On the 2nd Sunday of the month, enjoy the Larimer Square Bazaar from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. October’s date is the last for the season, so make sure to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to shop over 50 vendors and enjoy local fun with your community. General admission is free, though attendees can opt to RSVP for vendor updates and lineups. Enjoy food trucks, local musicians, and more while you peruse local and handmade items. Leashed and friendly dogs are welcome to attend as well!
PRO Tip: Street parking will be available and there will be a paid lot at 1450 Larimer Street. If you plan to enjoy the Shop & Sip experience, it’s recommended that you organize a rideshare or a designated driver!
3rd Annual Fortissimo Fall Festival
Where? 1000 14th Street
When? October 13th
The Fortissimo Fall Festival will be hosted at Stanley Marketplace’s West Patio from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM this Sunday. The festival will feature captivating solo and small group performances by talented members of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra, as well as local musicians. Attendees are invited to participate in a pumpkin painting contest, carnival games, delicious food, and exciting prize opportunities! Not only is this a fun afternoon event, it’s also a great opportunity to support scholarships for young musicians.
PRO Tip: This is a free event, so no ticket purchase or registration is required. Invite your friends and family out for an afternoon at the Stanley Marketplace in Aurora!
Second Sundays at Centennial Promenade
Where? 9555 East County Line Road
When? October 13th
This handmade artist event will feature over 70 artisans, crafters, and food experts from across the state. October is your last chance to check out this monthly event for the year, so make it count! Parking is always free and the market is pup and kid-friendly, so you can bring the whole family out. The market runs from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and there will be a wide variety of food and beverage vendors to suit a range of appetites.
PRO Tip: If you’re passionate about shopping local and supporting the small business movement, Colorado Artisan Markets is dedicated to providing a space for local makers to showcase their talents to the public. This is a great way to shop for unique gifts for the upcoming holiday season!
Spiders Around the World Exhibit
Where? 6252 West 104th Avenue
When? Through October 31st
This limited-time exhibition is exclusively at the Butterfly Pavilion. Attendees will have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with stunning, awe-inspiring tarantulas and walk amongst free-roaming Orb Weavers who are spinning intricate webs in the Spider Zone. This year’s Halloween-inspired spider collection will showcase over 20 different tarantula species from across the globe. Face your fears in the butterfly conservatory, where you’ll find hundreds of Orb Weavers — some the size of a human hand!
PRO Tip: Make sure to visit the Itsy-Bitsy Spiderling Nursery, where you’ll be able to meet baby tarantulas from four different species. These spiderlings were born in the Butterfly Pavilion’s lab through a special breeding program.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Get the kids excited for the weekend with these awesome Denver-area activities and events, including pumpkin and harvest festivals and a trip to the circus!
Pumpkin Festival
Where? 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road
When? October 11th-13th
This weekend’s Pumpkin Festival at the Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms is one you won’t want to miss! This treasured October tradition is beloved by many families and includes a 10-acre pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and an array of family-friendly activities. There will be carnival games and inflatable bouncers, as well as an obstacle course and slides. Additional fees are required for the Ninja Warrior and Nurf Terf. Adult tickets are priced at $18 and children between the ages of 3 and 15 get in for $12. Seniors receive a discounted rate of $16.
PRO Tip: Families are encouraged to bring a wagon to transport pumpkins. There will be free pumpkin daycare as well, so you can enjoy the rest of the festival without hauling around your gourd!
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Tour
Where? 4600 Humboldt Street
When? October 11th-13th
The legendary Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey is set to debut its all-new reimagined The Greatest Show on Earth through a spectacular nationwide tour bringing comedy, thrills, and artistry to excited families. The circus is coming to the Denver Coliseum with six performances from Friday to Sunday. Attendees will be clapping, tapping, singing, and laughing along as they catch the action, which includes never-before-seen stunts, acrobatic displays, and comedic acts from a diverse cast that includes 75 performers from 18 countries.
PRO Tip: Doors open one hour prior to the performance and all guests ages 2 and older must have their own ticket. Guests 14 and older are asked to refrain from wearing costumes.
Elitch Gardens Fright Fest
Where? 2000 Elitch Circle
When? October 11th-13th
Elitch Gardens is excited to host six weekends of hair-raising fun this Halloween season. Take the kids out to Fright Fest at the park for an unforgettable family excursion. From noon to sundown, KiddieLand will feature tricks and treats for all ages. Parents should keep in mind that KiddieLand closes at 6:00 PM and Fright by Night kicks off at the same time for the evening. There will be a haunted house experience for an additional charge if you’re feeling brave enough to meet the ghosts, goblins, and ghouls lurking around the corner.
PRO Tip: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all have different operating hours — so be sure to check the schedule when you’re purchasing tickets! Saturday night’s festivities are open until 10:00 PM, so you can stay out later.
Pumpkin Harvest Festival
Where? 715 South Forest Street
When? October 12th & 13th
The Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Four Mile Historic Park was named the 2022 Family Favorite by the Colorado Parent Magazine and secured a runner-up position in 2023 — so this is a great option for the kiddos this weekend. The festival runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on both days and tickets are priced at $17 for youth (ages 4-12), $22 for adults, and $45 for VIP. Activities include pumpkin picking, exploring the marketplace, live music and performances, and a variety of food options including seasonal favorites like apple cider donuts! Kids can build their own scarecrows to take home or have their faces painted. There will also be a Western-themed scavenger hunt and blacksmithing demonstrations.
PRO Tip: VIP tickets feature all the benefits of general admission, as well as access to a VIP lounge, a dedicated bar and face painter, a meet & bleat with the resident goats, and various activities and snacks!
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver!
We hope you find something fun to do this weekend in Denver! With Halloween approaching and the fall season in full swing, there are lots of opportunities to don your spookiest costume or pick the best pumpkin in the patch. Make sure to check back next week for an updated list of things to do in the Mile High City.