As the winter months tick away, the weather warms and the days get longer, the city of Denver comes back to life. A fun place to live and visit year-round, Denver has a lot going on in the springtime. Here are some of the top things to do in the Mile High City:
Hear Music at a Festival
With live music finally back after the pandemic, the Denver festival scene is heating up once again, and the spring is a great time to catch some music. Better yet--many of these festivals are free.
To help you get oriented, here are some of the shows coming to Denver this spring:
- Denver Day of Rock (May 28, 2022) — Featuring three stages and varied local, regional and national musicians, this is a free music festival in downtown Denver you won’t want to miss. Learn more here.
- Cinco de Mayo Festival — Billed as a “culture fest,” the Cinco de Mayo Festival, held this year on May 7-8, also features three stages of live music. Head down for some great tunes, a taco-eating contest and exhibits from local artists. Admission is free.
- 5 Points Jazz Festival — After a two-year hiatus from live events, the 5 Points Jazz Festival is coming back in-person on June 4. If you’re looking for some cool grooves, make sure to check this one out. Admission is free.
Enjoy the Colors at the Botanic Gardens
April showers bring May flowers, and there’s no better place to see them than the Denver Botanic Gardens. While you can go here anytime throughout the year, the spring is extra special because it’s when the flowers come back to life, producing a colorful walk that is almost sure to bring a smile to your face.
There are several different locations around the city, with admission prices ranging from $10-$15. Learn more here.
Elitch Gardens
What could be better than a theme and water park right inside the city? Not much, we say. Elitch Gardens opens on April 30, and the spring is a great time of year to check it out, before the summer crowds.
But Elitch Gardens has more to offer than just thrill rides. As the home of some of Denver’s first landmarks, such as its symphony hall, it’s also a place to learn a bit about the city’s history. Check out admission prices and hours here.
Visit a Museum for Free
Museums are always a great way to explore and enjoy a city. They give you the chance to connect with the local history and/or art and also often offer fun events you can attend.
While the main museums in Denver are open year-round, there are several days throughout the spring when they are free.
For example, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is free on May 1 and May 23, 2022. The Denver Art Museum has its free days in 2022 on April 12, April 24 and May 10.
Ski in the Sunshine
While most people think of skiing as a winter sport, the spring is still a great time to hit the slopes. The crowds tend to be thinner, the conditions might even be better: warmer air temperatures often make for a more comfortable skiing experience.
Plus, a lot of resorts offer discounts toward the end of the season that can help you save a few bucks on your lift ticket.
But you’ll have to act early on in the spring. Most resorts close around the middle of April, though all of this depends on the weather.
Opening Day at Coors Field
Nothing says springtime quite like baseball. And with the recent labor disputes finally resolved, Opening Day is set for April 8, 2022.
Of course, the baseball season is long, so you can catch a game pretty much anytime between April and October. But there’s nothing quite like the energy of the opening series. This year the Rockies get the Los Angeles Dodgers to start the season. The Dodgers are one of the league’s best teams, so this is sure to be a test for the Rocks, but also a lot of fun.
Denver PrideFest
What initially started as a demonstration for equal rights has turned into a global celebration. While still intended to point out the inequalities and hardships facing the LGBTQ+ community, PrideFest is about so much more. Now there’s a parade, a 5K race, and a number of other events all designed to raise awareness and bring people together. The parade in Denver is on Sunday, June 26, but there are events taking place all month.
Denver Arts Festival
Want to support other people’s art this spring? Then check out the Denver Arts Festival, which takes place over Memorial Day weekend (this year it falls on May 28 and 29). The festival features over 20,000 artists from both near and far, so there is much to see and buy. There will also be lots of craft food items to sample and take home, so there is a little something for everyone here.
Year-Round Denver Activities That are Great in the Spring
There are a lot of activities that come around in the spring that make this an exciting time to be in Denver. But the city is a blast year-round. Here are some activities you can technically do all year but that are extra special in the spring:
Visit Some Local Breweries
Denver is a great beer town. With more than 100 breweries all making their own unique libations, there’s lots to try—almost too much. The spring is a great time to check these places out, as outdoor seating returns and many places bring in live music to add to the atmosphere. Unsure of which breweries to try? Consider doing the Denver Beer Walking Tour or creating a custom walking tour of your favorite places if you happen to live in a nearby Denver apartment.
Hike in the Rockies
They don’t call Denver the Mile High City for no reason. Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, you are never more than an hour from some truly incredible hikes. While the weather never gets very warm in the higher elevations, spring is a great time as wildlife comes back and flowers start to bloom (at least while you’re below the tree line). Here’s a great resource to help you figure out which hikes to do.
Red Rocks Amphitheater
Located just 20 minutes outside Denver, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is definitely worth visiting at some point during the spring, summer, or early fall. A unique concert venue that attracts all sorts of different acts from around the country, Red Rocks is also great for hiking and stargazing. Check out some of their events in 2022 as well as some of the other things you can do while in the park.
Enjoy Denver This Spring
From hiking and skiing to live music and beer, there’s a lot happening in Denver this spring. While you might not be able to do everything (though you can try!), you now know how to make the most of this amazing city.
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