ThriftCon returned to Denver earlier this month, a vibrant celebration of vintage fashion bringing together collectors, vendors and style enthusiasts. It’s more than a shopping event: it’s a community committed to sustainability, giving new life to donated clothing and accessories. From hats, belts and jewelry to unique furniture pieces, every item has its own personal story.
Plus, the thrift convention that is now nationally known and beloved started right here in the Mile High City. Each summer (and on some special occasions like this past December’s Thriftmas), ThriftCon returns to its roots — a ritual that Media and Vendor Manager Brian Frederick always looks forward to.
“ThriftCon was born in the streets of Denver. It’s a great place to call home and consistently ranks at the very top for vintage/secondhand year over year,” Frederick shared. “When we’re home, the support is unmatched and we can genuinely say that we’ve seen great successes in other parts of the world because of what we’ve learned and experienced here.”
Though even ThriftCon’’s team never knows what will be on the floor at each event (something Frederick attributes to their “vendors’ unique approach to sourcing” and how “wildly different” each vendors’ tastes and inventory is), the convention is reliable for its consistent structure and its consistent ability to provide shoppers with unexpected vintage, antiques and grails everywhere it goes.
Alongside the trademark “crazy wide range” of clothing and collectibles from vendors, this year brought the return of McDonaldland to Denver Thriftcon, as well as a specially curated vinyl record section for attendees to flip through.
And, of course, hundreds of well-dressed thrift enthusiasts showed up to dig.
Attendees express their creativity through DIY outfits, clever layering, and statement looks, turning the convention into a live runway of personal style. Each vendor showcases their own unique aesthetic, creating a diverse marketplace where fashion becomes a form of self-expression and individuality shines.
Here are some of our favorites:
ThriftCon never fails to bring vintage heat to our city — and our residents always turn looks that remind the world why Denver will always be home sweet home.
All photography by Logan Leeper.