Hit a New Cocktail Spot, a Rodeo Night, and More Fun Things to Do in Denver This Weekend
These are the must-hit festivals, openings, concerts, events, and general happenings to check out in Denver this weekend.
Denver may be known best for its outdoorsiness, but the Mile High City is so much more than just a gateway to the Rockies. Beyond our stunning hikes, bike trails, and lakes, there are loads of cool restaurants, bars, and breweries, not to mention museums, thrift stores, and farmers markets. Here are the best ways to spend your hard-earned weekend days in and around Denver.
Festivals in Denver
January 19–21
National Western Complex, Tickets: From $22
January in Colorado means mutton busting, bull riding, alpaca gazing, baby goat petting, and rodeo watching. This is the final weekend for the National Western Stock Show, the sixteen winter days when everyone’s a cowboy or girl and we honor our western past. This weekend, get your fill of nonstop livestock action with the Pro Rodeo, dancing horses, and adorable llama and alpaca show.
Food & Drink Events in Denver
January 19, 3–7 pm
Downtown, Free entry
If you’ve eaten at one of Troy Guard’s restaurants (Guard & Grace, Los Chingones, formerly TAG), you know that the drinks definitely aren’t afterthoughts to the food. Guard is creating his first libations-focused concept, Done Deal cocktail bar, inside downtown’s Republic Plaza. Check it out weekdays for great wines and creative cocktails.
January 20, 4 pm–12 am
LoDo, Tickets: From $20
A onesie is actually a pretty smart choice if you’re headed out in this winter weather. Stay warm and cozy while you drink at the Onesie Bar Crawl, which gets going at One Shot Back and then stops in at several more bars for drinks and shots. Pace yourself; no one wants to throw up in a onesie.
Arts & Entertainment Events in Denver
January 19, 7 pm
Tracks, Tickets: $10
It’s a throwback-themed roller skating night at Tracks, where they’ll be spinning the ‘80s tunes while you spin around the rink/dance floor. Dig out your best retro gear, lace up, and attempt to do the Running Man on skates.
January 19–20, 8 pm
RiNo & Five Points, Tickets: From $25
Take a break from everything going on in the world with a secret comedy show. Except it’s not really that secret because we’re telling you about it. But the location and comedians are a secret, so we guess it still counts as a secret comedy show. You’ll find out where to go on the day of.
January 20, 11 am–2 pm
The Source, Free entry
Need a little extra motivation to ditch Amazon and shop locally? How about local creatives setting up shop inside a food hall, so you can browse with a cocktail and stop into a restaurant when you’re feeling peckish? The Source is hosting their monthly makers market, featuring an all-Colorado line-up of vendors selling their cool wares.
January 20, 4–8 pm
The Golden Mill, Free entry
Have you always wanted to try your hand at riding a mechanical bull? Or maybe you’re already a pro! Either way, ride your way over to the Golden Mill’s Rodeo Night for live country music, mechanical bull riding, and prizes for the best dressed cowboy and cowgal.
Outdoor Events near Denver
January 19–21, 12–10 pm
Cripple Creek, Tickets: $27
After two years off, the Ice Castles are back in Colorado! Ice sculptors have spent the past couple months carving caverns, crawl tunnels, slides, and sculptures in Cripple Creek, and the majestic frozen playground is worth the drive.
Allyson Reedy is a Thrillist contributor.