Denver Upcoming Weekend Events

Spring is so, so close, but there’s no need to keep hibernating. Not with a weekend that’s jam-packed with three beer fests (one that’s also got bacon and coffee), two Mardi Gras parties, and 303 Day celebrations. Do you really need a $3.03 breakfast burrito? Obviously. So go forth and eat and drink like it’s already 65 degrees and sunny, you’ve earned it.

Explore the Botanic Gardens after dark at Off the Clock: Secret Garden

Friday, March 1
Denver Botanic Gardens
Did you ever walk through the Botanic Gardens and think, this would be a great place for a party? Well, your wish has been granted. At this after hours event, you can enjoy live entertainment including music from Spinphony, an electric string quartet, make your own herbal tea blend, see live art being created, walk through the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory after dark, and more.
Cost: Advance tickets are $21; $27 at the door. Food and beverages will be available for purchase

Watch the Burton US Open finals live and in person

Friday, March 1-Sunday, March 3
Vail
Head west to catch the world’s best snowboarders competing for halfpipe and slopestyle titles. Along with the action on the mountain, each night features a lineup of free concerts featuring bands like Tune-Yards, Turkuaz, and Khruangbin. And if you can’t make it up to the hill, you can still watch all the Burton US Open action on RedBull.com.
Cost: Free to attend

Sample a ton of beers at the Mile High Beer Fest

Saturday, March 2
Number 38, 3560 Chestnut Place
There will be over 90 on hand from nearly 40 breweries at this festival in the RiNo neighborhood. Along with more beer than you can probably drink in 3 hours, there will also be live music, local vendors to shop, and food trucks.
Cost: General admission tickets start at $45

Take a Cocktails 101 class

Saturday, March 2
Il Posto
Do you drink a lot of whiskey Cokes at home? C’mon... it’s time to up your mixology game. Learn how to make 4 different classic cocktails under the guidance of a pro: Il Posto’s mixologist and bar lead Adam Gamboa. Snacks will be provided along with some take home goodies so you can show off your newfound skills.
Cost: $50/person

Party at the 4th annual Mardi Gras Rumpus

Saturday, March 2
Call to Arms
Just because you can’t make it to New Orleans doesn’t mean you should miss out on letting the good times roll. Head to the Tennyson neighborhood for a taste of Cajun culture complete with a crawfish boil, BBQ from Rolling Smoke, special beer releases, a brass band, and the World's Tiniest Mardi Gras Parade with mini floats made by local businesses and breweries.
Cost: Free to attend

Drink even more brews at the Winter Craft Beer Festival

Saturday, March 2
Balch Fieldhouse at Folsom Field, Boulder
With over 50 breweries from all over the state of Colorado, this fest promises fresh choices and the chance to find your new favorites. So sip away in search of your own hoppy happy place. Food, music, and other surprises are also in store.
Cost: General admission tickets are $45

Get buzzed at the 8th annual Beer, Bacon & Coffee Fest

Saturday, March 2-Sunday, March 3
Denver Beer Co
You’ve got two days to make it to this fest that goes beyond just beer. Embrace the day-drinking -- sessions start at 8:30 am -- while sampling coffee from Coda Coffee Company, bacon from Tender Belly, a michelada bar from Cervecería Colorado, and of course, Denver Beer Co., brews.
Cost: Tickets are $40

Celebrate Mardi Gras at a Masquerade Bacchanal and Petite Parade

Saturday, March 2 - Sunday, March 3
Dairy Block
This event is a two parter, with one evening of decadence followed by a family-friendly day of fun. Saturday’s night is time to go all out with your outfit -- and mask -- while enjoying live music and entertainment, drinks, eats inspired by the cuisine of Louisiana, and more. On Sunday, the festivities kick off with a Petite Parade (you can make your own float using a shoebox as a base), then head to an alley party complete with brass bands, circus performers, kids’ activities, and more.
Cost: Saturday night’s event is $80/person; the Sunday parade and alley party is free to attend

Celebrate Colorado on 303 Day with special deals on food and drinks

Sunday, March 3
Illegal Pete’s; All Colorado locations
It’s time to break out your best Colorado gear, 303 Day is upon us. A celebration of all things Colorado, this day is also your chance to score breakfast burritos and bowls, bloody marys, house margaritas, and New Belgium drafts at Illegal Pete’s. The beloved local burrito chain will also have special events happening at various locations, including record signings with bands featured on 303 Magazine's 303 Music Vol. 2 throughout the day at Pete’s South Broadway and Colfax locations.
Cost: Depends how much you eat and drink

Paint your own shot ski

Sunday, March 3
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
You know what all your parties have been missing? Your very own shot ski. Sip some whiskey while you get creative. Each ticket to this crafty event includes a cocktail and a wood shot ski made from reclaimed wood that you’ll turn into a masterpiece.
Cost: $49; guest tickets are available for $15 if you’d like to paint with a team