Denver in Summer: Fun Activities and Events for 2022
If you’re thinking about visiting Denver in summer or you’re a local looking for fun activities and events, you’re in luck! Denver is filled with exciting experiences during the summer season. In this guide, we’ll share special events and unique things to do this summer in Denver, Colorado.
You might also be interested in reading: The Perfect Day in Denver: A Complete Itinerary
What is Denver like in the summer?
During summer, Denver is lively, scenic, and warm. It’s the peak season for travelers visiting, so you can expect an energetic vibe, fun for everyone, and great weather with regular sunshine. There are countless events, things to enjoy indoors and outdoors, delicious food, and so much more.
Note: Because summer is Denver’s busy season, accommodations might be more pricey if you plan to spend the night. We recommend checking out The Crawford Hotel or the Halcyon Hotel for special offers and packages.
Denver in Summer: Activities and Events
From annual festivals and local markets to a relaxing day spa and outdoor adventures, we’ve got something for everyone this summer in Denver, Co.
RiNo Showcase Music & Arts Festival
June 11th, July 11th, & August 27th, 2022
RiNo Showcase Music & Arts Festival is one of Denver’s most memorable experiences. This event celebrates talented local creatives and features countless artists, vendors, food trucks, interactive art, fire dancing, and so much more.
The festival takes place once each month during the summer and is the perfect family-friendly activity. Pets are also welcome to join. Best of all, all entry fees go directly to supporting local artists and musicians.
Learn all about the RiNo Showcase Music & Arts Festival here.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
July 23rd and 24th, 2022
Immerse yourself in Colorado’s Asian and Asian American heritage at the United States’ largest dragon boat festival! The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most remarkable ways to enjoy Denver in summer.
The event takes place at Sloan’s Lake Park and features almost 50 teams competing in the dragon boat race. Watch the boats, enjoy food vendors, and see live performances. There’s also a children’s area to keep the little ones entertained.
Get all the details on the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival here.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
July 1st – 3rd, 2022
Support Colorado’s local arts by attending the Cherry Creek Arts Festival this July. This festival is organized by CherryArts, a local non-profit. During this unique event, Denver’s streets become a venue for a creative outdoor art show.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival will have over 250 exhibitors. Activities include crafts for adults and children, an art auction, food and drinks, and so much more.
Learn more about the Cherry Creek Arts Festival here.
Farmers’ Markets
One of the most authentic Denver summer activities is visiting a local Farmers’ Markets. There are various markets throughout the city on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays.
Local vendors sell produce, sweet treats, and plants. If you’re visiting Denver and want some gifts to take home, you can find local artwork, handmade jewelry and soaps, and custom home decor.
Find out more about each Farmers’ Market and its vendors here.
Cherry Creek Regional Trail System
If you’re looking to enjoy Denver’s warm summer weather, we highly recommend exploring the Cherry Creek Regional Trail System. This 40-mile, primarily paved trail runs through the city while being tucked away for a peaceful atmosphere. It offers various access points with all parts offering unique scenery.
Stroll, bike, or walk your dog along the path. Various attractions dot the Cherry Creek Regional Trail System like shady picnic spots, gardens, and The Mile High City’s popular districts just off the trail.
You can access the trail just about anywhere downtown on Speer Boulevard, including from Confluence Park and Sunken Gardens Park.
Denver Botanic Gardens
One of the best ways to appreciate Denver in summer is by visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens. The area boasts 23 acres of gardens that are especially stunning during summer, with diverse plants and unique plant species. There are also various programs for adults and children to explore and learn more about the natural world.
The Denver Botanic Gardens also holds a summer concert series, with 8 concert evenings in the garden during June and July. There’s also an Evening al Fresco event on select Mondays and Wednesdays in June and August. Both music events offer dining options, too.
Confluence Park
Escape the city’s hustle while still staying in the city at Confluence Park. The park sits along the South Platte River, which is excellent for kayaking and tubing during summer. You can also explore walking and biking trails and relax in grassy spaces at the park.
To rent bikes or river equipment like tubes and kayaks, check out Confluence Kayak & Ski, located right by the park.
The Beer Spa
When you’re ready to escape the outdoors and unwind, visit The Beer Spa. This unique Denver day spa offers rejuvenating spa treatments and a special experience.
At The Beer Spa, you can relax differently. This day spa is combined with a taproom that offers local craft beverages. Enjoy a chilled drink alongside spa services, including Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, an Infrared Sauna, and a Zero Gravity Massage.
Book an appointment at The Beer Spa here.
Outdoor Concerts
Along with live music at some places mentioned above, you can also enjoy summer concerts at these Denver locations:
- Red Rocks Park Amphitheater: regular shows (and other events) are held at this historic venue and park.
- Levitt Pavilion: free, family-friendly summer concert series.
- Civic Center Park: concerts, plus fairs and other special events.
- City Park: free Sunday night jazz concerts; June 5th to August 7th (except July 17th).
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
This summer in Denver, take a drive on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway to enjoy picturesque views. This breathtaking road isn’t right in the city but is one of the best day trips, only 60 miles away.
This 49-mile National Forest Byway isn’t open all year due to Colorado snow. However, you can appreciate unique views and fun stops during the summer months.
The road winds past vast lakes, fields of wildflowers, and rugged mountains. There are also viewpoints along the way, making for the perfect photo ops!
Coors Field
One of the most iconic Denver summer activities is watching baseball at Coors Field. This baseball stadium is located in Downtown Denver and is the home field for the Colorado Rockies.
Check out the baseball schedule here.
Not only is Coors Field a baseball stadium, but it’s also a live concert venue. This summer, you can enjoy these artists at Coors Field:
- Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Poison, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts: July 21st, 2022
- The Lumineers: July 22nd, 2022
Dine and Drink
Denver’s food and drink scene is impressive, especially during summer on some of the city’s best patios. We recommend checking out these spots, which offer indoor and outdoor seating.
- Briar Common Brewery & Eatery: a rooftop patio and pet-friendly beer garden deck with regular events.
- Acova: an eclectic restaurant with trendy indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Liks Ice Cream: a locally owned ice cream shop in the heart of Capitol Hill.
- 54thirty Rooftop: an upscale rooftop bar with unmatched city views.
Denver Microbrew Tour
Enjoy Denver’s diverse beer scene while cooling off with a cold (or a few). This guided brewery tour takes you through Denver’s most unique areas while you get to learn more about the history of beer and local facts while enjoying delicious brews.
There are different options available, whether you’re interested in exploring RiNo’s beer and graffiti or checking out LoDo. You can also book private tours.
Learn more about Denver Microbrew Tour here.
Enjoy Denver in Summer!
We hope you’re excited about experiencing the best Denver summer activities and events. It’s one of the most beautiful, energetic, and fun cities during summer, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Are you planning a weekend trip to Denver? Check out this exciting, relaxing, and memorable 3-day itinerary.
