Join Our New 16th Street Mall Food Tour

Our 16th Street Mall Food Tour will debut on March 1 and we’d love to have you join us! As you walk along this newly-renovated pedestrian promenade, your foodie guide will take you to four award-winning local restaurants. 

Savor housemade ricotta at a Larimer Square mainstay, then make your way down 16th Street Mall while learning history about its landmarks. Additional dishes include baked empanadas, bison chili and hoisin duck bao — so come hungry! 

Priced at $65 per person, this small group tour is available every Saturday from 10:30 am to 1 pm. Click the button below to reserve your spot: 

Admire Fresh Blooms at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Photo: Denver Botanic Gardens / Scott Dressel-Martin

Spring is a lovely time to visit the Denver Botanic Gardens. Outdoor collections bloom with native and alpine flora, as well as species from far-off regions. Admire the colorful variety and add to your own garden during its annual spring plant sale. Set to occur on May 9 and 10, this special event will feature a curated selection of flowers, fruits and vegetables that thrive in Colorado’s environment. 

Also, mark your calendar for April 22. In honor of Earth Day, both the downtown (York Street) and Chatfield Farms location in Littleton will offer free admission. 

Discover Colorful Creatures at the Butterfly Pavilion

Photo: Butterfly Pavilion Facebook

Families will love exploring the Butterfly Pavilion, an attraction set in the northern suburb of Westminster. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, this world-class conservatory is home to more than 1,600 free-flying butterflies, as well as many other invertebrates. Touch starfish in the coral reel exhibit, hold Rosie the tarantula, and learn about the hundreds of species hiding in local backyards.

Cheer on the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field

Photo: Colorado Rockies Facebook

On April 4, the Colorado Rockies will play its home opener against the Athletics — and without question, the stadium will be packed. Join the crowd of fans or snag tickets to another matchup. There are more than two dozen home games scheduled in spring alone!

When visiting, be sure to check out other fun things to do near Coors Field, like the National Ballpark Museum and lively bars with game day specials. 

Attend Outside Festival, the City’s New Favorite Event

Photo: GetOutside Facebook

After its premiere last spring, Outside Festival and Summit will return to Civic Center Park from May 31 to June 1. Visit the vendor booths to gear up for summer activities, join film screenings and athlete interviews, engage in interactive pop-ups and catch epic concerts. This year’s lineup includes Lord Huron, Khruangbin, Trampled by Turtles, Sylvan Esso and more incredible performers.   

Photo: Civic Center EATS website

Looking for the best lunch spots in downtown Denver? Add Civic Center EATS to your list. Starting May 14, this program will pull together more than a dozen of the city’s best food trucks every Wednesday and Thursday. 

Though this year’s line-up has yet to be announced, previous participants have served a range of cuisines — from Korean street food and Greek gyros to tacos, burgers, vegan bites and more. Plus, the grassy lawn at Civic Center Park is the perfect place for a mid-day picnic. 

Kick Off Patio Season at Local Bars and Restaurants

Photo: Los Chingones Facebook

As soon as the weather becomes consistently warm, rooftop bars and restaurants come back to life. Outdoor furniture gets pulled from storage, menus spotlight springtime ingredients and city locals finally break from hibernation. Patios become packed, too — and really, there’s too many fantastic spots to name here.

But a couple of our favorites include Italian mainstay Tavernetta, a stop on our Cocktail Tasting Tour; as well as Mexican eatery Los Chingones, which we visit on our RiNo Arts District Food Tour.

Get to Know Other Green Thumbs at a Community Garden

Photo: Denver Urban Gardens Instagram

If the pots on your patio are looking a bit crowded, access even more space through a community garden. It’s a great way to meet your neighbors, too! Plots are available through various organizations, such as Denver Urban Gardens. 

Its network includes two hundred gardens across the metro area, with many located at schools, public parks, community centers and more. The nonprofit also offers volunteer opportunities, educational workshops and food access programs — one of which provides thousands of free seed packets to the public each year. 

Experience The Tangled Self at the Denver Art Museum

Photo: Denver Art Museum / Sadie Young

On May 11, the Denver Art Museum will debut The Tangled Self, a temporary exhibition by Spectra Art Space founder Sadie Young. The interactive installation will allow visitors to step inside giant creatures and discover surprises within their crochet stitches. 

Through this colorful and playful exhibit, the Colorado-based artist aims to make one’s “inner monsters” — feelings like rage, fear and shame — more approachable. The small, interwoven treasures represent positive emotions and together, they invite viewers to accept themselves in their entirety.

See Runway Shows During Denver Fashion Week

Photo: Denver Fashion Week website

Beginning May 10, Denver Fashion Week will spotlight up-and-coming designers, diverse models, hair and makeup artists, local boutiques and national brands. 

Most details regarding this year’s event have yet to be announced, but one activation is on the books: the Emerging Designer Challenge. See seven creatives compete at The Jacquard hotel in Cherry Creek on March 22 and stay tuned for additional updates.

Take a Test Drive at the Denver Auto Show

Photo: Denver Auto Show Facebook

Gearheads won’t want to miss the Denver Auto Show, one of the best things to do in Denver in spring. It’s set to take place at the Colorado Convention Center from April 17 to 20. Pop the hood on the latest imported and domestic vehicles, along with sparkling concept cars and souped-up rides. 

Hands-on exhibits and test drive opportunities add to the showroom floor, which draws a variety of visitors. Show up to shop or simply to see what’s new in the automotive industry.

Cruise the Mountains in a Supercar

Photo: Oxotic website

With the return of warm weather, there’s no better time to hit the open road. Pull the cover off your stored-away convertible or, if you don’t own such a luxury, book a tour with Oxotic. 

This Golden-based company has a fleet of supercars, including models from Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren and more. Ride or drive on mountainous routes spanning from 15 to 105 miles. Tours are available to individuals, as well as small groups and corporate events.

Peruse the Seasonal Selection at Local Farmers’ Markets

Photo: South Pearl Street Facebook

Spring signals the return of farmers’ markets in Denver! Starting May 3, spend Saturdays in City Park or Sunday mornings on South Pearl Street. Over a dozen other options sprout up across the metro area, each selling gourmet bites and local, seasonal produce like asparagus, leafy greens, mushroom varieties and more.

Celebrate Mexican Culture at the Cinco de Mayo Festival

Photo: Visit Denver website

From May 3 to 4, the vibrant Cinco de Mayo Festival will take over Civic Center Park. Attend the parade, cheer on the chihuahua races, join the taco-eating contest and check out the lowrider car show. This free event also features live music and dance performances on three stages, plus vendor booths and plenty of Mexican eats. 

Explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Photo: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre Facebook

Hands down, seeing a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre should be on your Denver bucket list. This Morrison music venue hosts concerts as early as March, with acts like Wiz Khalifa, Empire of the Sun, Sting and The Black Keys appearing on this spring’s line-up. 

But even when there isn’t an event, Red Rocks is worth visiting — and at no cost! Admire views of the city skyline and walk down to the stage where legends have performed. For even more exercise, embark on a nearby hike. Dramatic rock formations appear on several trails, which are some of my favorites in the foothills. 

Marvel at Ancient Tracks and Fossils at Dinosaur Ridge

Photo: Visit Denver website

Dinosaur Ridge is one of my top-recommended things to do in Denver with kids — but really, anyone can enjoy this unique Morrison attraction. While guided shuttle tours are available at a cost, walking to the fossil sites is entirely free. 

From the Dinosaur Ridge trailhead located near the visitor center, follow the paved road 0.3 miles to the main track site (pictured above). These varied imprints lie within rocks estimated to be 100 million years old! Further up the path lie other ancient finds, including dinosaur bones and bulges left by traveling Brontosaurus. 

Take a Free Fly Fishing Class at Orvis

Photo: Orvis website

Thinking about a new hobby this spring? Head to an Orvis location in Cherry Creek or Lone Tree, or one of several authorized dealers, to attend a free fly fishing clinic. These workshops teach you the basics of fly fishing gear, casting, knot tying and fly selection. Orvis and its partnered retailers also offer a free fly-tying 101 class. You’ll be crafting your own woolly buggers in no time! 

Bike Past Blooms on the Cherry Creek Regional Trail

Photo: Visit Denver website

The Cherry Creek Regional Trail spans from downtown’s Union Station all the way to Castlewood Canyon State Park. There’s a lot to see along this 45-mile stretch, but I especially recommend the region around Cherry Creek. Pedal southeast past pink cherry blossoms, pause for a picnic at Cook Park, then circle back to form a mellow 6-mile loop.

If you need to borrow a bike, Wheel Fun Rentals in Washington Park is your closest option. It’s located just over a mile from a trail entry point and will open for the season on March 22.

Catch Free Concerts at the Levitt Pavilion

Photo: Levitt Pavilion Denver website

Come May, Levitt Pavilion in Ruby Hill Park will kick off its free outdoor concert series. Jam out to a range of genres, from rock and country to jazz and R&B. Though attendance comes at no cost, online registration is recommended as the venue has a limited capacity. Popular shows can sell out but with more than fifty performances hosted each season, there are plenty of tickets to go around.

Admire a Range of Mediums at the Denver Arts Festival

Photo: Denver Arts Festival Facebook

On May 24 and 25, the Denver Arts Festival will gather more than one hundred artists at Conservatory Green in Central Park. Every medium will be represented, from fine paintings and photography to works made from glass, wood, metal and more. In addition to the expansive showcase, the event will feature a kids’ art zone, live music and a beverage garden serving local craft beer, wine and spirits.

Plan a Spring Getaway to a Nearby Ski Resort

Photo: Abigail Bliss

Skiing is often considered one of the best winter activities around Denver. But personally, spring is my favorite time of year to hit the slopes. Every run is open, bluebird days are often the norm and several resorts are just a quick day trip away.

Catch the train from Union Station to Winter Park or ride the T-bar at Breckenridge Ski Resort. And don’t miss the iconic “beach” parties at Arapahoe Basin, where skiers in Hawaiian shirts are often seen pond skimming in the late season.

Experience Taste of Vail, the Ultimate Après Ski Event

Photo: Taste of Vail Facebook

Taste of Vail will hold its 34th annual event from April 2 to 5, with samples stationed in Vail Village to the top of the mountain! Savor bites from local restaurants and national vineyards, attend special dinners and gain culinary insights during hosted seminars. There’s no better time for après ski in this world-famous mountain town. 

Pick Peonies at Garden Sweet

Photo: Garden Sweet Facebook

Take a day trip to Fort Collins, where Garden Sweet welcomes green thumbs and all. Its plant nursery is well stocked in the springtime with more than 200 varieties of annual and perennial flowers, plus plenty of vegetable and herb starters. Come May, you’ll also find a range of organic produce at its farm stand. 

But this time of year, the big draw is its u-pick peony fields. Later in the season, Garden Sweet also allows guests to harvest their own strawberries and raspberries, followed by one of my favorite autumn activities: apple picking.

Hike Among Wildflowers at Roxborough State Park

Photo: Abigail Bliss

In the mountains, wildflowers are more prolific in the peak of summer. But along the Front Range, you’ll see lupines, larkspurs, bluebells and more as early as April.

Roxborough State Park in Littleton is a great place to see the colors, especially along the South Rim, Willow Creek and Fountain Valley Loop. This moderate 5.2-mile trail can also be broken into shorter and easier segments, making it ideal for all abilities.

Spot Bighorn Sheep Within Waterton Canyon

Photo: Unsplash / Mathew Benoit

Next door to Roxborough State Park lies Waterton Canyon. This segment of the Colorado Trail is one of my go-to spots when other hikes are too muddy in the springtime. It’s relatively flat and easy to navigate. Yet, you’ll get gorgeous views of the canyon and South Platte River running through. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the resident herd of bighorn sheep! 

Explore the Eastern Plains During the Mountain Plover Festival

Photo: Lincoln County Colorado website

The Mountain Plover Festival is Karval, Colorado’s claim to fame. This small community set east of Colorado Springs is part of the birds’ migratory route. Starting in early April, they nest in the area’s grassy prairie and fallow fields. Festival-goers can expect group bird watching, wildlife viewing tours and Western entertainment from April 25 to 27.