Denver is gearing up for an action-packed Memorial Day weekend, offering residents and visitors a spectacular array of events and activities to kick off the summer season. From outdoor festivals and world-class sporting events to cultural exhibitions and family-friendly attractions, the Mile High City is buzzing with excitement for the holiday weekend. Whether you’re looking to enjoy live music, explore the outdoors, or immerse yourself in arts and culture, Denver has something for everyone this Memorial Day weekend.
Kick Off Summer: Memorial Day Weekend in Denver
The three-day weekend provides the perfect opportunity to experience the best of what Denver has to offer as warmer weather arrives and the city embraces the unofficial start of summer. With numerous events happening simultaneously across the city, this holiday weekend promises to be one of the most lively and diverse in recent memory. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your Memorial Day weekend in Denver.
Festivals in Full Swing: Downtown Celebrations
The Memorial Day weekend in Denver will be bustling with exciting festivals and outdoor celebrations. The Summer Kickoff Festival, running May 31-June 1 along the newly revitalized 16th Street Mall, offers a free two-day extravaganza featuring live music, outdoor recreation pop-ups, and the Skyline Beer Garden.
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, visitors can enjoy sidewalk sales and delicious food and drinks from local producers, all while celebrating downtown Denver’s vibrant outdoor culture. The festival coincides with other major events in the area, creating an atmosphere of citywide celebration.
High-Energy Highlights: Climbing, Fishing & More
Outdoor enthusiasts won’t want to miss the second annual Outside Festival at Civic Center Park, running concurrently with the Summer Kickoff Festival. This unique celebration brings together every aspect of outdoor recreation with music performances by headliners like Khruangbin, Lord Huron, and Sylvan Esso.
Meanwhile, sports fans can witness world-class athleticism at the Speed Climbing World Cup at 16th & Welton, where top climbers will race up vertical walls in this adrenaline-fueled competition. For fishing enthusiasts, Troutfest Colorado at Coors Field on May 31 offers a one-of-a-kind festival celebrating conservation and providing education on fly tying, casting, and the opportunity to engage with the angling community.
Art & Design: Exhibitions Across the City
Art lovers will find plenty to explore during the holiday weekend, with several exhibitions running through Memorial Day. The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art is showcasing “Vanity & Vice: American Art Deco,” highlighting the designs that emerged during the rebellious years of 1920-1933.
This exhibition explores how American designers responded to societal changes with fashionable perfume atomizers, vanity sets, and drinking and smoking accessories reflecting the progressive era. Visitors are invited into two distinct spaces—a modern woman’s boudoir and a speakeasy—allowing them to experience the Art Deco objects that defined this time of freedom and change.
Red Rocks Magic: Concerts Under the Stars
Music enthusiasts have plenty to celebrate this Memorial Day weekend with concerts at the iconic Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Soul singer Leon Bridges brings his vintage style, reminiscent of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, to Red Rocks on Friday, May 23, following the release of his eponymous new album. His warm, soul-bearing performance promises to create a magical atmosphere in the natural amphitheater setting.
Then on Sunday, May 25, electronic music duo Justice takes the stage at Red Rocks, bringing their first new album since 2016’s “Woman” to Colorado fans. The show is expected to sell out quickly, reviving the electric atmosphere of the early 2000s music scene.
Finale Fun: Monday Events to Extend the Celebration
For those looking to extend their weekend celebration into Monday, the Fisher Outdoor Block Party at 16th & Welton on May 26 features the energetic DJ known for his wild sense of humor and dynamic style. Science enthusiasts can explore the cosmos at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science with several fascinating planetarium shows running through May 29, including “Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity,” “Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure,” “Destination Solar System,” and “Dynamic Earth.”
Sports fans won’t want to miss the exciting three-game series between the Colorado Rockies and the New York Yankees at Coors Field from May 23-25, offering a perfect way to enjoy America’s pastime during the holiday weekend.
Splash Into Summer: Theme Parks & Fireworks
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound for families looking to make the most of the long weekend. Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, the only downtown theme and water park in the country, offers thrilling roller coasters, refreshing water slides, and family entertainment, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 25.
Water World also opens just in time for Memorial Day weekend, providing 64 beautifully landscaped acres of water attractions perfect for beating the heat and enjoying family fun. Both parks offer full-day entertainment options that have become Memorial Day traditions for many Denver families.
Nature & Wildlife: Outdoor Escapes for Everyone
Nature lovers can explore the Denver Zoo, home to over 3,500 animals on 84 gorgeous acres, or wander through the Denver Botanic Gardens, one of the top five botanical gardens in the nation. Red Rocks Park offers hiking trails that weave through its iconic formations, providing stunning views and photo opportunities. The city’s extensive network of parks and urban trails also provides perfect settings for holiday picnics and outdoor gatherings.
For those seeking less crowded alternatives, Denver’s lesser-known parks and the South Platte River bike trails offer peaceful escapes. Waterton Canyon, the starting point of the famous Colorado Trail, provides accessible mountain scenery without having to venture far from the city, making it an ideal destination for a Memorial Day outdoor adventure.
