This year, Denver offers a number of reasons to get out and try something different with new restaurants, hotels, festivals, art exhibits, fashion weeks and more. Take a peek at a few of our favorite things to do in Denver this year.
Denver Fashion Week
When: Spring Show – May 10 – 18, 2025 and Fall Show – Nov. 8 – 16, 2025
Where: The Brighton – A Non Plus Ultra Venue
The Lowdown: You know we wouldn’t miss the chance to mention Denver Fashion Week as one of the top things to do in Denver this year. In partnership with 303 Magazine, Denver’s biggest bi-annual fashion event is back. Denver Fashion Week showcases emerging designers, celebrates the Denver community and is a great opportunity for artists to connect. For the first time ever, the spring show will feature a Mommy and Me show, plus a swimwear showcase. DFW stands out in the fashion industry with its commitment to inclusivity, diversity and creativity.
Visit Denver Fashion Week website to get involved
Alma Fonda Fina
Where: 2556 15th St.
The Lowdown: While Alma Fonda Fina isn’t new to the Denver food scene, it certainly should be on anyone’s list of things to do in Denver as a Michelin Star restaurant in the Mile High City. Sample cocktails, appetizers and authentic Mexican meals from Chef Johnny Curiel. Winner of one Michelin Star, this restaurant honors Mexico’s rich history and gastronomy as well as Curiel’s culinary journey growing up in Guadalajara.
Sacred Society
When: Opening Feb. 13, 2025
Where: 3401 W 38th Ave., Denver
The Lowdown: A new holistic wellness center opens in the Mile High City this February. Located in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood, Sacred Society is a wellness center that offers different classes and modalities to help nurture the mind, body and spirit. Their ethos is centered around intentionality, balance, wellness and self-care. There are guided meditations, sound and light therapies, breath work exercises and more. Sacred Society even has a cafe, offering nutritious meals and beverages to support your health. A path to a healthy lifestyle this year starts at Sacred Society.
Park Hill Open Space
When: Coming summer 2025
Where: 4141 E 35th Ave., Denver
The Lowdown: The City of Denver recently purchased the Park Hill Golf Course via a land exchange agreement. Considered the city’s largest-ever single acquisition of private property to become an urban park, this project will reopen the land to the public for all to enjoy. The green space will include a dog park, walking trails, an abundance of native flora, natural shade for park benches and more. The park is expected to be completed this summer, just in time to get outside and enjoy Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine.
The Crawford Hotel
Where: Union Station – 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
The Lowdown: Come check out the newly renovated Crawford Hotel, in the hub of Union Station. The upscale hotel completed a luxurious design update to all 112 rooms, plus a new dedicated lobby, The Crawford Parlour, and a private elevator for guests. Coinciding with updates made to the Great Hall inside Union Station, you’ll enjoy an even cozier, elevated experience.
Baumé Dessert Bar
When: Opens Feb. 12, 2025
Where: Union Station – 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
The Lowdown: While you’re at Denver Union Station, be sure to check out its latest food spot. Baumé Dessert Bar will open this February, just in time for Valentine’s Day in the Mile High City. Baumé will serve favorite European-inspired patisseries along with a curated Champagne list inside the newly renovated Great Hall. Helmed by Chef Kevin McCormick, a Michelin-starred Executive Pastry Chef with over 20 years of culinary experience, you know every bite will be worth the calories.
UllrGrass Music & Beer Festival
When: Jan. 31 – Feb. 2, 2025
Where: Parfet Park – 725 10th St., Golden
The Lowdown: Celebrate the Norse God of Winter with a refreshing beverage and live music at the longest-running bluegrass and beer festival in Golden. Don your best Viking vesture and dance along to jam-band, funk, bluegrass and newgrass tunes. Better yet, UllrGrass Music & Beer Festival supports Coral Creek Kids Music Project and A Precious Child, two nonprofits with a goal to encourage and inspire kids.
Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak
When: Now through Feb. 17, 2025
Where: Denver Art Museum – 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver
The Lowdown: See it before it’s gone; Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak. Celebrating renowned artist and illustrator, Maurice Sendak, this exhibition showcases Sendak’s illustrious career. From his famous picture book, Where the Wild Things Are, to his creative set designs and films, witness Sendak’s inventiveness and explore his private art collection featuring work by Walt Disney, William Blake, Beatrix Potter and more.
Magna Kainan
When: Now open
Where: 1350 40th St., Denver
The Lowdown: Opening in November 2024, the RiNo neighborhood welcomed one of its newest restaurants; Magna Kainan. Founded by Carlo Lamagna, Food and Wine’s Best New Chef 2021, this authentic Filipino restaurant is a welcomed addition to RiNo’s culinary scene. Enjoy garam masala, pork belly binagoongan, braised oxtail and more at this hotspot.
Denver Jazz Fest
When: Apr. 3 – 6, 2025
Where: Various Locations
The Lowdown: Commemorate Jazz Appreciation Month by attending Denver Jazz Fest, highlighting jazz artists across four days, 11 venues and 30 shows held along the Front Range. Immerse yourself in a cultural experience with music considered by many as America’s only indigenous art form. Denver Jazz Fest is made possible by Denver Jazz, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization aiming to ignite a Colorado jazz renaissance.
The Life and Art of Tokio Ueyama
When: Now through Jun. 1, 2025
Where: Denver Art Museum – 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver
The Lowdown: Featuring over 40 paintings from Tokio Uyeama’s family and the Japanese American National Museum, this exhibit showcases Uyeama’s life and talents across decades. Born in Japan, Uyeama emigrated to the United States in the early 20th century at 18. After the bombings of Pearl Harbor, Uyeama and his wife were interned in the Granada War Relocation Center located in southeastern Colorado. Uyeama taught art classes while held at the camp and much of his work explores this time in his life.
Tyler, The Creator at Ball Arena
When: Feb. 11, 2025
Where: Ball Arena – 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
The Lowdown: Tyler, The Creator is returning to Denver for his CHROMAKOPIA: THE WORLD TOUR. The artist’s uniqueness and fusion of genre and sound consistently leave fans guessing and anticipating what is to come.
Butterfly Pavilion’s New Destination: Conservation
When: Now open
Where: Butterfly Pavilion – 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster
The Lowdown: 30 years of the Butterfly Pavilion means new and innovative ideas. The nonprofit has introduced a virtual reality exhibit that allows visitors to travel across the world and witness the Butterfly Pavilion’s global conservation efforts. Interact with species from Mongolia to Tanzania and learn about substantial steps being taken to protect endangered animals.
Champagne Tiger
When: Now open
Where: 601 E Colfax Ave., Denver
The Lowdown: One of Denver’s newest eateries, Champagne Tiger, has it all—a delicious menu and in-house entertainment. This new French American inspired restaurant offers pasta and piano music on Wednesdays and Drag Brunch on Sundays. Regardless of the day of the week or special event, customers can expect top-tier customer service and comforting meals that will have you coming back for more.
Refound Goods
When: Now open
Where: Online marketplace
The Lowdown: Never know which seller to trust online? Had a bad experience on Facebook Marketplace? Look no further than Refound Goods, an online marketplace sourcing all your vintage furniture needs. Curated by Denver local, Katie Reinhart, this platform is transparent, and easy to use and each beautiful piece will elevate the design of your home.
Gutenberg! The Musical!
When: Now through May 4, 2025
Where: Garner Galleria Theatre – 1400 Curtis St., Denver
The Lowdown: After its exciting debut on Broadway, Gutenberg! The Musical! now makes its voice heard in the Mile High City. Inspired by the inventor of the printing press, Johann Gutenberg, this musical spoof features a lively duo of wannabe playwrights. This performance is sure to leave you crying from laughter.
Bar Amorina
When: Now open
Where: Clayton Hotel & Members Club in Cherry Creek – 233 Clayton St., Denver
The Lowdown: In love with Italy? Looking for a little of that love stateside? Look no further than Bar Amorina or “Little Love,” a new bar inside the Michelin-awarded Clayton Hotel & Members Club in Cherry Creek. Sip classic Italian cocktails with their own unique flare and imagine yourself on a beach in Sicily.
MAKfam
When: Now open
Where: 39 West 1st Ave., Denver
The Lowdown: What began as a New York City pop-up has now evolved into one of Denver’s best new restaurants. With cuisine inspired by the owners’ Chinese ancestry, patrons can expect to savor flavors from the Far East. MAKfam is an intimate space so plan ahead to best enjoy your dining experience.
Outside Festival
When: May 31 – Jun. 1, 2025
Where: Civic Center Park – 101 14th St., Denver
The Lowdown: The second annual Outside Festival is fast approaching. This festival encompasses what Colorado is all about: community, creativity and the outdoors. Enjoy live music, riveting films, outdoor activities and fun vendors. Also check out the Outside Summit, a networking event for members of the outdoor industry.
Leven Supply
When: Now open
Where: 300 E Alameda Ave. Unit D, Denver
The Lowdown: A new venture from Leven Deli Co., Leven Supply is your one-stop shop for groceries, gifts and wine. Shop from a selection of nutritious foods and kitchen staples. Your New Year’s health journey starts here.
James Taylor at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
When: Jun. 13 – 14, 2025
Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre – 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
The Lowdown: James Taylor is returning to Red Rocks this summer. A recent inductee into the Red Rocks Hall of Fame, Taylor will continue his six-decade streak at the Red Rocks Amphitheater—recently named the most-attended amphitheater in the world by Billboard Magazine. Enjoy the summer weather with Taylor’s timeless tunes.
Monopoly Lifesized
When: Extended, now through Mar. 9, 2025
Where: DCPA Off-Center at Broadway Park – 407 S. Broadway, Denver
The Lowdown: Relive a favorite classic with Monopoly Lifesized at the DCPA Off-Center at Broadway Park. This 70-minute experience, produced by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Off-Center, puts you and your team on a life-sized MONOPOLY board. Just like the board game, you’ll solve puzzles, conquer challenges and make your way through the game to buy properties, charge rent and even break out of jail!
Thriftcon
When: August 9 – 10, 2025
Where: National Western Complex – 4655 N Humboldt St., Denver
The Lowdown: What’s old is new again when you shop at Thriftcon. Originally started in Denver, Thriftcon is back in the Mile High City this August with hundreds of vendors ready to sell you their treasured finds. Come shop for your favorite vintage clothing and collectibles.
Staycation at the Populus Hotel
When: Now open
Where: 240 14th St., Denver
The Lowdown: Treat yourself this year with a staycation at the new Populus Hotel. Unveiled in the fall of 2024, the Populus Hotel was the most anticipated hotel opening last year as it garnered much attention from Denverites with its unique exterior. Designed to emulate the iconic aspen tree, the hotel’s unusual shape and design are just some of the reasons this Denver hotel should be on your bucket list.
Elemental Bakery & Coffeehouse
Where: 3875 Steele St., #1143, Denver
The Lowdown: Mentioned in our list of new dining experiences you can’t miss in 2025, Elemental Bakery and Coffeehouse also makes our list of things to do in Denver this year. What began as just a bean and a dream has transformed into one of Denver’s most beloved new coffee shops and bakeries. Founded by coffee aficionado Cindy Wright and baker extraordinaire Sani Obhodas, Elemental Bakery & Coffeehouse takes what you love about coffee and broadens your horizons. Take the Thai Cold Brew, for example, a staple in Thai culture and served with condensed milk for a sweet yet refreshing flavor experience.
