Denver Metro Weekend Events

We’re at peak summer heat levels, and the best thing you can do to get through it is to stay busy. Luckily, that’s easy to do with an event lineup like this. This weekend, music takes over South Broadway, dragon boats will take to the water, carnival rides will give you a thrill, and a trio of beer-centric events are here to help you stay refreshed through it all. So sip, dance, and be merry ‘cause it’s go-time in the Mile High. 

Buy your tickets for Hotel Thrillist while they’re still available

Friday, July 26th - August 31
AC by Marriott Denver Downtown
So sure. You technically have a month or so to get your tickets… but this event is guarenteed to sell out. Hotel Thrillist will be hitting Denver September 6th - 8th and is bringing with it live music, a ton of great local food (and drinks, duh), as well as a few surprises we can’t quite share with you just yet. Don’t miss your chance to party on rooftops and get early VIP access to the best afterparties and so much more. 
Cost: VIP tickets are starting at $1,499… but that includes literally everything (including transportation to and from each event). 

Ride the ferris wheel and more at the Arapahoe County Fair

Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
Carnival rides are the traditional draw and they will be here and fully accounted for, but this fair’s got a lot more to offer when it comes to summer fun. Check out the butterfly encounter, rodeo, mutton bustin’, tractor pulls, petting farm, live music and more in between unlimited rides on all your faves. There’s also a beer fest on site for additional cost. 
Cost: General admission is $15 and parking passes are $10

Celebrate the 5th anniversary of Union Station’s grand re-opening

Friday, July 26th
Union Station
It’s been half a decade since this landmark got a makeover that’s made it one of the top destinations in the city. The Strange Americans will be playing a free show outside from 7-9pm. Check out the music, yard games, giveaways, and drink and food specials, or opt to up your celebration at the VIP party where there will be more live tunes and an open bar. 
Cost: The outdoor concert is free; the VIP cocktail party is $175

Talk BBQ with the experts at a Q&A

Friday, July 26
Proud Souls Barbecue & Provisions
If you consider yourself a ‘cue master, or you’re just getting started, come get an expert round of education at this event where Texas Monthly's Barbecue Editor Daniel Vaughn and Denver’s own soul food expert and author Adrian Miller will discuss the finer points of all things smoked meat. 
Cost: General admission is $10

Get dressed up for a Roaring ‘20s theme party

Friday, July 26
Ironworks, 25 Larimer Street
Flappers and circus acts and dancing, oh my. This party will bring the decadence of the 1920s to lifea at The Cottonwood Club. After being greeting by performers literally hanging from a chandelier, you’ll enter an evening of entertainment, speciality cocktails, and high energy fun.
Cost: Tickets start at $35

See hundreds of bands at the Underground Music Showcase

Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28
Broadway
Ok, you probably can’t catch all 200 bands, but you can damn sure try. With concerts happening at more than 20 different venues, this music experience is definitely more a marathon than a sprint. Pace yourself and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable weekend -- scheduled acts include Chicano Batman, Tuxedo, and EarthGang.
Cost: Weekend passes are $50

Drink pink at the Rosé & Beer Festival

Saturday, July 27
Platt Park Brewing
Sample over 50 rosés, 20+ beers, and a selection of food tastings at this neighborhood party slash wine and beer extravaganza. Along with the food and booze, enjoy a concert from an R&B cover band and more eats from local food trucks. Basically it’s a recipe for the perfect summer evening. 
Cost: $45

Sample over 100 beers at the Denver Summer Brew Fest 2019

Saturday, July 27
Mile High Station
This annual tradition returns to celebrate Denver’s still reigning boozy favorite: craft beer. Choose from day and evening tasting sessions, all of which also include live music and eats from a lineup of local food trucks. 
Cost: Tickets start at $35

Try a lineup of beer and ice cream pairings

Saturday, July 27-Sunday, July 28
Denver Beer Co Platt Street & Arvada
If all you want to do right now is cool down, get a double dose of refreshing treats at the 4th annual edition of this tasty pairing event. Tickets include five 4-ounce beers and five mini ice cream scoops of specially crafted flavors from Little Man. 
Cost: $20

Check out the races at the Dragon Boat Festival

Saturday, July 27-Sunday, July 28
Sloan’s Lake
Celebrating its 19th year, this event is an annual Denver favorite. The main draw is the dragon boat races, but you can spend all day exploring the booths in the Asian marketplace, sampling dishes in the now expanded three taste of Asia food courts, and watching live performances.
Cost: Admission is free

Celebrate the release of Colorado's first 6-year-old bonded bourbon whiskey

Sunday, July 28
Laws Whiskey House
This local distiller has been upping Colorado’s whiskey game for years. Be among the first to score a bottle of their latest release. The event also features live music from the Denver Reggae Society, cocktail classes every half hour, and a sampling of whiskey and chocolate pairings along with drink specials that include $10 whiskey flights. 
Cost: Free to attend; bottles of the new release will be available for $80