As always, there’s no need to fret if your weekend itinerary is looking dry! These are the best events and activities across Denver this weekend. All that’s left to do is find a few that speak to you and start hitting up your friends to see who wants to join!
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
The Mile High City has no shortage of exciting events scheduled for this weekend. Whether you’re looking to get inked or you want to kick back and watch a weekend’s worth of silent films, there’s something for everybody to get into. You’ll also have the chance to sample pickles, tacos, and plenty of beer!
9th Annual Colorado Tattoo Convention & Expo
Where? 4655 Humboldt Street
When? September 27th-29th
Whether you’re covered head to toe in ink or you’re thinking about getting your first tattoo, a visit to the 9th Annual Colorado Tattoo Convention & Expo may help you get inspired. There will be live body art modification demonstrations, as well as competition categories for Best Body Art, Tattoo Art, Tattoo Flash Contest, and more throughout the weekend. For additional entertainment, check out the octagon in the center of the event where there will be locally-sponsored MMA fights. Check out live music performances, the custom car show, and even the barber battle competition! There will be an array of vendors on site, some selling tattoo-supply items and others selling apparel, accessories, and general merchandise.
PRO Tip: Tickets to the convention and expo are on sale for $39.71 to $58.68, depending on whether you’re interested in a general admission day pass or a weekend pass.
Denver Oktoberfest
Where? 21st & Larimer
When? September 27th-29th
Don’t miss weekend two of the Denver Oktoberfest festivities in the Ballpark District. This celebration has been a staple festival in Downtown Denver since 1969. From keg bowling to stein hoisting, there is something for everyone at Oktoberfest. Enjoy live music while you show off your lederhosen. If you want to experience Oktoberfest like a VIP, upgrade your tickets to receive a commemorative stein, unlimited beer and wine, two ice cold Jäegermeister shots, and an array of German food! There will be additional spirits, cocktails, and seltzer options available for purchase in the private cocktail bar.
PRO Tip: This weekend’s entertainment schedule includes performances by the Denver Dolls, Kenny Cornbread, Jake Zimma, the Hand Turkey Band, and Polka Polka. There will also be qualifying stein hoisting events all day on Friday and into Saturday afternoon.
Denver Silent Film Festival
Where? 2510 East Colfax Avenue
When? September 27th-29th
Step back into the bygone era of film magic at Denver’s Silent Film Festival. Watch as the curtain is drawn back to reveal an impressive slate of silent-era masterpieces, as well as newly restored discoveries. The films will be presented as they were meant to be experienced, on the big screen with an accompaniment of live musical performances. Whether you love all things classic films or you appreciate live music, this festival has something for you to enjoy. All-access passes to the festival are priced at $75 and get you one ticket to every screening this weekend.
PRO Tip: Friday kicks things off with Beggars of Life and Saturday follows up with The Seahawk, The Organist at St. Vitus Cathedral, and The Phantom Carriage.
WestFax Brewing Company: Pickling Contest
Where? 6733 West Colfax Avenue
When? September 28th
WestFax Brewing Company is gearing up to celebrate all things pickles. Flex your pickling skills or come on out and taste some samples on Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Pickle tastings are priced at $5, though you can add beer for a total of $10. Pickle beer will be available! There will be two competitions, as well as two prizes to hand out. The first winner will be judged by local culinary professionals and will receive a $100 cash prize plus a BA bottle and the crowd favorite winner will receive a 2024/2025 WestFax Loyalty Club Membership.
PRO Tip: Make sure to also enjoy specialty pickles by Pickles & Potions using Colorado-grown produce as well as cocktail bitters and beverage infusion kits.
Sunnyside Health & Wellness Festival
Where? West 44th Avenue & Tejon Street
When? September 28th
The 2nd Annual Sunnyside Health & Wellness Festival is back and better than ever. There will be yoga by Better Buzz, as well as kids’ activities and a bike rodeo this Saturday! There will be a variety of wellness vendors onsite so attendees can discover the latest beauty and style trends. The event is scheduled for 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Chaffee Park. Bring out your friends and family this weekend to discover products, samples, and demonstrations that are designed to boost your well-being. Engaging activities include a climbing wall (don’t forget closed-toe shoes), a bike skills course, and a bag toss organized by the Denver Park Trust. Enjoy delicious breakfast and coffee from Cherry Bean and tasty empanadas from Pochitos Tortilla Factory.
PRO Tip: Don’t forget your reusable water bottle for the Denver Water rehydration station! Other recommended items include sunscreen, sunglasses, and yoga mats if you plan on partaking in one of the complimentary classes!
Jigsaw Puzzle Swap
Where? 810 South University Boulevard
When? September 28th
This weekend, head over to Denver’s Eugene Field Branch Library for this awesome puzzle-centric event. In the community room from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, attendees will have the opportunity to swap 250+ piece puzzles. Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle! If you need a fresh jigsaw challenge, this event is perfect to swap out the ones you’ve already enjoyed and pick up new-to-you puzzles shared by your fellow community members.
PRO Tip: Organizers request that you do your best to only share puzzles that have all of their pieces in the box. After all, there’s nothing more frustrating than finding that you have one piece missing from the center of the image!
The Denver American Indian Festival
Where? 1390 Brentwood Street
When? September 28th & 29th
On Saturday and Sunday, the Denver American Indian Festival will celebrate all things American Indian arts, culture, and history across Denver Metro communities. Over the years, the festival has welcomed 20,000 residents and over 81 tribal representatives. This year, the free family-friendly event will be held at the Lakewood United Methodist Church in Lakewood. The festival is 100% volunteer-run, so if you want to participate — apply to be a volunteer!
PRO Tip: Festival highlights include traditional performances, a kid’s zone, demonstrations, and various opportunities to learn about the heritage and culture of your fellow American Indian neighbors.
28th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? September 29th
This Sunday from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM, join your community members in City Park for the 28th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk. The walk is hosted by the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association and the goal is to raise $415,000! The Step Up for Down Syndrome (SUDS) walk is designed to be the largest celebration of friends with Down Syndrome in Colorado. It’s also the largest fundraiser for the association per year, making it a key event that helps sustain the mission year after year.
PRO Tip: Get your registration in before the weekend to participate in the walk! The event will be held in the green space between the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Ferril Lake.
Avalanche Preseason Drone Show
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? September 29th
The Colorado Avalanche is excited to kick off their preseason games, with this Sunday’s matchup against the Utah Hockey Club being followed by an awesome drone show! Watch the sky come alive with burgundy and blue after the game. Attendees can watch the drones from the Toyota South Camry parking lots or wherever you parked for the game! Don’t miss out on the final home preseason game, which is a match against the Golden Knights on Tuesday, October 1st.
PRO Tip: Sunday’s game against Utah is scheduled for 5:00 PM. The earlier start is great for families with little ones who don’t want to be out past bedtime!
Taco Week Denver
Where? Various Locations
When? Through September 29th
If you love all things tacos, then Denver Taco Week will be right up your alley. From September 23rd through the 29th, excite your taste buds with a week-long fiesta filled with irresistible flavors. Denver Westword is excited to present Taco Week, which celebrates traditional favorites, creative twists, and even margarita pairings! Each restaurant and chef will showcase their own unique take on this beloved dish. The citywide, week-long fiesta gives taco enthusiasts the opportunity to indulge in $2.50 tacos from some of The Mile High City’s most popular joints. There is a minimum of 3 tacos per order required and each participating restaurant can be located on the Westword Taco Week App.
PRO Tip: Since the tacos are being offered at a steep discount, tipping well is encouraged. This is anticipated to be a busy week for restaurants, so they may run out before the day is over. Simply try another stop on the list if this occurs!
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
If you have bored kiddos at home, check out these local events that are sure to get them fired up. Cheer on the Colorado Rockies for Harry Potter Night or check out the live music and bird demonstrations at the HOOTenanny Owl Festival. Participate in a free family-friendly craft at the library, where little ones can learn more about Hispanic and Latino heritage.
Harry Potter Night at Coors Field
Where? 2001 Blake Street
When? September 28th
This Saturday, don your best wizard robes and wands to watch the Colorado Rockies take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at 6:10 PM. This ever-popular-themed night is a great way to show off your Hogwarts House pride, whether you identify as a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Grab your tickets now for what’s guaranteed to be a magical night at the ballpark. The special ticket package for Harry Potter Night includes a limited-edition Harry Potter-themed Colorado Rockies scarf and a ticket to the game. Scarf distribution information will be emailed out to those who purchased the Harry Potter Ticket Package.
PRO Tip: Ticket availability is limited, so grab yours while they’re available! You can choose ticket options from the upper infield box, the pavilion, to the right-field mezzanine. There are tickets for every budget, so get the kids ready to cast spells on the opposing team this weekend!
13th Annual HOOTenanny Owl & Music Festival
Where? 11280 Waterton Road
When? September 28th
Celebrate a day filled with feathered fun and a range of family-friendly activities at the Denver Audubon’s Kingery Nature Center. This is the largest family event of the year put on by the center and the only festival in the Denver-Metro area, which promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages. From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, catch live owl demonstrations, owl crafts for kids, a hidden owl scavenger hunt, owl pellet dissections, and live folk music performed by the local band, Nearly There. There will also be educational owl booths, owl merchandise for sale, and a coffee truck!
PRO Tip: Early bird admission is priced at $13 for adults and teens and $9 for children between the ages of 3 and 12.
Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month: Worry Doll Craft
Where? 3265 Federal Boulevard
When? September 28th
Dive into the Mayan culture of Guatemala at Denver’s Woodbury Branch Library as children have the chance to craft worry dolls. The Mayan people would tell their worries to these small dolls before falling asleep and the dolls would take their worries away while they slumbered. This is a great way to learn more about Hispanic and Latino heritage while also making a unique craft that you can take home afterward!
PRO Tip: There is no fee for this program, so simply swing by the library between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to complete the craft in the community room.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
We hope you find ways to make the most of this weekend in Denver! There are endless activities, events, shows, and more to enjoy. Make sure to check back next week for an updated list of happenings around town.