Enjoy your weekend in Denver as you explore what the Mile High City has to offer! From events at Ball Arena to festive Halloween half marathons, the Denver International Festival and live music, there’s plenty to do all weekend long.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
Grab a friend or two and hit the ground running on Friday after work! Keep the good times rolling all the way through Sunday with this lineup of weekend activities, performances, festivals and more.
WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? October 2nd
Head on over to Ball Arena this weekend for the WWE Friday Night SmackDown! All of the excitement of the weekly WWE show is coming to the Mile High City. Beginning at 5:30 PM with doors open at 4:00 PM, fans can expect to see some of the biggest superstars in action. The current advertised lineup includes CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, Gunther and Trick Williams. Whether you’ve been a longtime wrestling fan or you’re looking to experience a high-octane night of live entertainment in the ring, you’ll want to snag your tickets ASAP to experience WWE in person.
PRO Tip: Make sure to brush up on Ball Arena’s bag policy before heading to Friday’s event!
Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? October 3rd
Watch as the Avalanche take the ice against the Blues this Saturday at Ball Arena. Hockey fans won’t want to miss this matchup, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM. If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the new season of NHL action, then you’ll want to grab your tickets so you can cheer on the home team. Ball Arena parking lots will open 3 hours prior to the start of the game, so grab your parking passes while purchasing your tickets or grab them separately online in advance to secure the best rate!
PRO Tip: Shop tickets here, with options ranging from seats near the glass to seats with a bird’s eye view of the on-ice action.
Denver International Festival
Where? 2736 Welton Street
When? October 3rd
Celebrate International cultures at the Denver International Festival this Saturday in the heart of the Historic Five Points Neighborhood. Enjoy a free, all-day festival from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The all-day affair brings together an assortment of global cuisine, music and art to one downtown celebration. This year’s festival will feature 25+ international food trucks, over 25 cultural performances, live art and a kids village. The fest is perfect for all ages, so bring the family out or spend the day with good friends. If you consider yourself a foodie, then you’re in for a treat! Spend your day indulging in an incredible variety of flavors from across the globe.
PRO Tip: General admission is free but guests can purchase tickets for a beer and wine tasting experience featuring 2 hours of samples!
Colorado Free Jam ft. Grahame Lesh & Friends
Where? 1380 West Florida Avenue
When? October 3rd
What beats live music? Free live music! Enjoy an evening of live music under the stars at the Colorado Free Jam featuring Grahame Lesh & Friends at Denver’s Levitt Pavilion. Doors open at 6:00 PM this Saturday and the show is completely free with general admission lawn RSVP. If you want to upgrade, there is a premium option with a reserved viewing section, a priority bar line, early entry and a complimentary drink of choice. This weekend’s lineup features Grahame Lesh, Justin Mazer, Damian Calcagne, Ross James, Nathan Graham, Scott Padden and Elliott Peck. The concert will take place rain or shine, so plan accordingly per the weather forecast!
PRO Tip: Attendees can bring a blanket or lawn chair to settle in for an evening on the lawn.
Denver PorchFest
Where? 1 South Cherokee Street
When? October 3rd
Spend your Saturday afternoon and evening exploring the Baker neighborhood during PorchFest! This is a free neighborhood music festival taking place from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The event is volunteer-run, with 192 local acts scheduled across 85 porches this year! Catch local bands playing in yards, driveways, and of course, on porches. Festival hubs will be located at Dailey Park and the Cookie Factory, with vendors, food and drinks available to browse and shop. Admission to the fest is free, with optional donations going towards supporting the artists and music therapy programs. Street parking will be limited, so organizers encourage rideshares when possible.
PRO Tip: Denver PorchFest is an all-ages event, with friendly, leashed pets also welcome.
Wieners on Wynkoop
Where? 1701 Wynkoop Street
When? October 3rd
Dog lovers will want to make plans to be at Denver’s Union Station this Saturday for Wieners on Wynkoop hosted by the German Culture Foundation and Mile High Dachshunds Rescue! Taking place from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the Terminal Bar Patio, this is a free and all-ages celebration that combines dachshund races, costume contests, live music and German-inspired food and drinks. The races are scheduled to take place from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, followed by a costume contest from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Pups can also try their luck at bobbing for wieners, all while their humans enjoy live tunes from Steve Rock Tanzkapelle, beer, Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst and apple strudel. Bring your pup, dress them up, and spend an afternoon celebrating all things dachshund cuteness in the heart of LoDo!
PRO Tip: For those planning on participating in the races, you can register online here or onsite.
Spooky Sprint
Where? 9700 South Wadsworth Boulevard
When? October 3rd
Lace up for the spookiest run of the season! Spooky Sprint will be held at Chatfield State Park in nearby Littleton, so get into the Halloween spirit this Saturday. Bring the family out because the race has a distance for everyone. There will be a Kids Dash, a 1-mile race, a 5K, a 10K and a half marathon. The main races are scheduled to begin at 8:00 AM, with packet pickup from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM on the day of. Feel free to race in costume. In fact, it’s encouraged! Every pace and fitness level is welcome, so whether you’re chasing a PR or you just want to join in on the festive fun — Spooky Sprint welcomes all!
PRO Tip: Register now and make sure to pick up your race swag at the event, including a custom medal, chip timing, free race photos and finish line snacks!
Vintage and Vinyl Expo
Where? 1901 Wazee Street
When? October 3rd
Take a step back into the realm of all things nostalgic at the Vintage and Vinyl Expo at McGregor Square this Saturday. From 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, this free outdoor market is bringing together local vendors selling vintage streetwear, vinyl records, antiques, retro collectibles and other unique finds. The expo will also feature a live DJ spinning tunes, as well as throwbacks on the screen of your favorite 1990s and 2000s shows. There will be a hair-tinsel station, so be sure to swing by and get your glam on. Admission to the expo is free and the event is open to all ages, as well as friendly pets! Whether you’re in search of the perfect vintage jacket for the fall season or you love digging through records to find a treasure, this Vintage and Vinyl Expo is a can’t-miss for anyone who loves hunting for gold.
PRO Tip: Check out the full list of this weekend’s vendor lineup here!
SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run
Where? 701 South Franklin Street
When? October 4th
Combine your love of chocolate and running at the SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run this Sunday in Denver’s Washington Park. Participants can choose between 5K, 10K and 15K distances, making the run accessible to participants with different goals and experience levels. The race will culminate in an unforgettable chocolate-themed post-race celebration. The post-race festivities will include music, vendors, hot chocolate and a finisher’s mug filled with fondue! Whether you’re training for a longer distance or you just love good fun, this race is a can’t-miss during the fall season in Denver. After all, what beats breaking a sweat, hot chocolate and fondue?
PRO Tip: You can pick up your packet on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the National Western Complex.
Outdoor Community Gear Swap
Where? 1850 Wazee Street
When? October 4th
Get ready for the upcoming ski season at the Outdoor Community Gear Swap at The Maven Hotel in Denver’s Dairy Block. The event is hosted in partnership with Friends of Berthoud Pass, giving outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to clear out gently used gear. If you love shopping for new-to-you gear, then the swap runs from 11:00 PM to 3:00 PM. While you shop, enjoy live music, drinks and a chance to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts this fall season. The swap will boast a range of types of equipment, so arrive with an open mind and see if you find something that speaks to you and your hobbies! From summer adventure gear to winter gear, this is a great chance to give pre-loved items a second chance at life while also keeping you warm, dry and safe for your next Colorado adventure.
PRO Tip: The swap is free to attend, though organizers encourage guests to RSVP here.
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Treat the family to an evening at Four Mile Park, where you can experience larger than life lanterns or head to the Denver Hero Fest and meet with local first responders! Of course, a trip to the library is never a bad idea so swing by the Central Library for Family Storytime.
Denver Hero Fest
Where? 1700 East Louisiana Avenue
When? October 3rd
Families looking to celebrate first responders can do so at the Denver Hero Fest this Saturday. This free community event runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, giving children and adults alike the chance to meet local first responders, explore emergency vehicles and learn more about the folks who dedicate their lives to keeping their communities safe. Activities at the fest include music and plenty of kid-friendly fun, as well as food trucks. Attractions such as a mobile petting zoo, inflatables, and a VR gaming trailer will also be available.
PRO Tip: Admission is free, with funds raised at the event helping to support Colorado first responders.
Family Storytime
Where? 10 West 14th Avenue
When? October 4th
Make some time for reading this weekend at the Denver Public Library’s Central Library location. Family Storytime programming features stories, songs, rhymes and fun for kiddos ages 0 to 5 with their grownups. Head over to the library with the little ones in tow from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM for what’s sure to be a fun afternoon of reading and engaging with peers. Make sure to stick around afterwards and check out some new reads for the upcoming week! This is a free program, so no reservation or fee is required. Check out the full event lineup across the Denver Public Library’s calendar here.
PRO Tip: Families interested in requesting ASL, CART or other disability related accommodations can do so via the Programs Department at the library, with a minimum of five business days notice.
Bright Nights at Four Mile
Where? 715 South Forest Street
When? Through November 8th
If you haven’t yet experienced Bright Nights at Four Mile, then make this weekend your opportunity! Four Mile Historic Park is transformed into a colorful nighttime wonderland, complete with larger-than-life lanterns that have been inspired by nature and the world around us. This year’s exhibition will take families on a journey through space and time, with illuminated scenes featuring oversized flowers and insects, animals, marine life and more. The experience runs Wednesday through Sunday. Food trucks will be available.
PRO Tip: Visitors who appreciate a lower-sensory experience can grab a complimentary sensory bag with items such as noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
However you decide to spend the weekend, make it a Denver experience that you won’t soon forget. Check out free local activities or splurge a little bit and enjoy a date night with someone special. Pay us a visit next week to see what else October has in store!