There’s a wide variety of things to do on 16th Street. Catch concerts and comedy performances at the Black Buzzard inside Oskar Blues, along with free summer movie screenings at Sculpture Park. Start a date night at the Populus hotel’s rooftop bar, then head to Flight Club for fast-paced dart games. Those hungry for downtown’s best bites can’t miss our 16th Street Food Tour.
With hundreds of restaurants and retailers, shopping and dining are obvious draws to this pedestrian promenade. However, there’s more than meets the eye. As a local food tour company, we’ve extensively explored 16th Street and its surrounding city blocks. Use our guide to discover entertainment venues, museums and more things to do in 2026.
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Best Things to Do on 16th Street
Join Our 16th Street Food Tour
Downtown Denver │ Book A Tour │ Price: $$$ │ Our Top Pick
Discover downtown’s best bites on our 16th Street Food Tour, which includes four delicious tastings from award-winning local restaurants. Sample flaky empanadas, bison chili, hoisin duck bao and more. Between stops, your guide will also share fascinating bits about downtown Denver’s rich history.
Priced at $69 per person, this guided walking tour is available every Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 12:30 pm. Click the button below to reserve your spot:
Play Fun, Fast-Paced Dart Games at Flight Club
1959 16th St │ Flight Club Website │ Price: $$ │ Night Out
Flight Club is a great place for groups to celebrate birthday parties, corporate team outings and more. Reserve an oche lane to play fast-paced, multi-player dart games.
Scores are tracked automatically — a good thing, as the drinks are flowing at this lively venue. Order signature cocktails paired with elevated bites like lobster elote dip, buffalo chicken sliders and sharable flatbreads.
Be Amazed at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
1485 Delgany St │ MCA Denver Website │ Price: $ │ Creative Hub
Exhibits frequently rotate at MCA Denver. Seguir Cantando (Keep Singing) is its latest installation featuring the vibrant work of Colorado-based artist Ana María Hernando.
Taking over much of the museum, it’s her largest showcase in more than a decade. Visit through July 5 to see her creative use of tulle and other textiles, and keep an eye out for upcoming exhibit announcements.
See a Concert at The Black Buzzard Inside Oskar Blues
1624 Market St │ Oskar Blues Website │ Price: $$ │ Local Jams
Love craft beer and live music? Check out The Black Buzzard at Oskar Blues, one of the best things to do on 16th Street. Its basement level hosts local and up-and-coming bands of every genre. Comedians also often take the stage at this intimate venue, where the vibes just can’t be beat.
Complete the experience with brisket-topped nachos, crispy catfish bites and more Southern-inspired eats, along with a round of ice-cold Dale’s Pale Ale.
Catch a Show at the Denver Performing Arts Complex
1400 Curtis St │ Arts Complex Website │ Price: $$$ │ Cultural Center
The Denver Performing Arts Complex is located on 14th and Arapahoe, just a couple of blocks from the pedestrian mall. Wander this way to view the expansive campus encased by a distinctive glass roof.
It houses ten venues including the Boettcher Concert Hall (home to the Colorado Symphony), Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Dazzle jazz club and more. For the full experience, book tickets to see a range of performances.
Attend a Summer Event at Sculpture Park
1736 Speer Blvd │ Arts Complex Website │ Price: $ │ Movies & Concerts
Sculpture Park is a large public space that’s part of the Denver Performing Arts Complex. It’s impossible to miss, with the 60-foot-tall Dancers sculptures at its center. Visit for summer events in 2026 like outdoor concerts and movie screenings, or simply to enjoy a picnic on its grassy lawn.
Taste Your Way Through Union Station
1701 Wynkoop St │ Union Station Website │ Price: $$ │ Downtown Dining
This historic landmark appears on the far northwest end of 16th Street. Though a transportation hub for many, it’s also a fabulous place to dine. Try our favorite things to eat and drink around Union Station…
Or better yet, join our top-rated Downtown Denver Food Tour! Hosted daily from 1 to 4 pm, this guided experience includes five tastings from top local restaurants — including Ultreia, an award-winning Spanish eatery within Union Station. Tour pricing starts at $80 per person, with alcoholic drink pairings available for $112.
Explore the Attractions at Civic Center Park
101 W 14th Ave Pkwy │ Civic Center Park Website │ Price: $ │ Urban Oasis
Civic Center Park is the southeast endcap of 16th Street. This large green space is flanked by two notable landmarks: the Denver City & County Building and the Colorado State Capitol. Stand on the latter’s thirteenth step to be exactly one mile above sea level, and take a free tour to enter its iconic golden dome.
This spacious urban park also features scenic gardens and seasonal events. Some of our favorites include Christkindlmarket, PrideFest and the Cinco de Mayo Festival, one of the best things to do in Denver in spring.
Hop On and Off the 16th Street FreeRide Bus
16th St from Union Station to Civic Center Park │ RTD Website │ Price: $ │ Easy Transport
16th Street spans a mile and is very pedestrian-friendly. However, if your feet could use a break and your arms are tired of carrying all those shopping bags, I have good news: The FreeRide bus comes without cost and is easy to navigate with frequent stops between Civic Center Park and Union Station. Hop on and off wherever best suits you.
Restaurants & Bars on 16th Street
Dress Up for Afternoon Tea at the Brown Palace Hotel
321 17th St │ Brown Palace Website │ Price: $$$ │ Timeless Elegance
The historic Brown Palace Hotel is a lovely place for visitors to stay in Denver. But it’s frequented by locals, too — namely, during its afternoon tea service.
Take a seat in its stunning atrium lobby to enjoy glasses of bubbly, freshly brewed pots of tea and a tower of sweet and savory bites. Melodies from its grand piano add to the elegant ambiance. Be sure to dress up a touch for this special experience.
The Brown Palace’s world-class kitchen also prepares fresh seasonal pastries for our 16th Street Food Tour. Join us for a look around this historic hotel and a sweet treat.
Have a Drink at 54thirty, the City’s Highest Rooftop Bar
1475 California St │ 54thirty Website │ Price: $$ │ Top-Tier Views
We have several favorite rooftop bars, but the views at 54thirty are especially tough to beat. This stylish, open-air lounge appears on the twentieth floor of Le Méridien hotel, located on the corner of 15th and California.
Soar up the elevator and be greeted with a panorama of the city and expansive Front Range. It’s especially pretty at sunset, the perfect time for cocktails and a few globally-inspired bites.
Peer Inside the New Populus Hotel
240 14th St │ Populus Website │ Price: $$ │ Sustainable Luxury
Populus debuted on the corner of 14th and Colfax this past fall. Already, it’s become a recognizable city landmark — largely, because there’s no other building in Denver like it.
The hotel takes inspiration from Colorado’s aspen trees and incorporates natural, eco-conscious materials. In fact, it claims to be the first carbon positive hotel in the country. Peer inside or head up to the rooftop to enjoy open-flame cooking and signature drinks from Stellar Jay, one of our new favorite cocktail bars.
Sip and Savor on Our Downtown Dinner Tour
Downtown Denver │ Book A Tour │ Price: $$$ │ Foodie Favorite
Plan a night out with our new Downtown Dinner Tour featuring historic landmarks, popular sites and four award-winning local restaurants.
The guided experience begins with garlicky foccacia, house-cured olives and a Brachetto spritz from Tavernetta, a Michelin-recommended restaurant. Samples continue at Urban Farmer, which serves a butter pecan old fashioned alongside creamed spinach and a mouthwatering cheeseburger slider.
In total, this $120 tour includes seven curated tastings and three drink pairings. Bookings are available every Monday through Thursday from 4:30 – 7 pm. We’d love to host you!
Enjoy Cheap Drinks & Free Pool at Tarantula Billiards
1520 Stout St │ Tarantula Billiards Website │ Price: $ │ Dive Vibes
Tarantula Billiards Bar & Grill offers one of the best happy hours in Denver. Pop in between 3 and 7 pm daily for $4 domestic beers and $5 well drinks — a steal in the downtown area, especially.
Happy hour purchases include free pool, which is also offered on Sundays through Thursdays. Foosball and shuffleboard add to the entertainment at this longtime dive.
Toast Lagers and Play Bocce Ball at Rhein Haus
1415 Market St │ Rhein Haus Website │ Price: $$ │ Prost!
For a quick trip to Bavaria, detour off the mall to 14th and Market. Here, you’ll find Rhein Haus, a German-style beer hall with lagers and dunkels on draft, a smorgasbord of tasty bites and bocce entertainment.
Similar to shuffleboard, the multi-player game involves throwing larger balls at one smaller target ball. Share a friendly toast with your opponents and reserve a court for just $5 per person.
Sample Colorado Specialties at West Saloon & Kitchen
501 16th St Mall │ West Saloon Website │ Price: $$ │ Cowboy Cuisine
West Saloon & Kitchen is one of our top-recommended restaurants on 16th Street — namely, for its Colorado specialties.
These include pork green chile served in bowls and smothered on steak-cut fries, along with Rocky Mountain oysters. For some true cowboy cuisine, pair this notorious dish of deep-fried bull testicles with one of 36 beers on tap. Yeehaw!
Museums & Landmarks on 16th Street
Dine and Shop Along Historic Larimer Square
1430 Larimer St │ Larimer Square Website │ Price: $$ │ A Bustling Block
Famed as the first city block in Denver, Larimer Square is as lively as ever. Dine at some of our favorite LoDo bars and restaurants, many of which feature sunny patios. Pop into local boutiques, catch a show at Comedy Works and snap a photo of the Colorado flags decorating this historic downtown landmark.
Admire the American Museum of Western Art
1727 Tremont Pl │ Western Art Museum Website │ Price: $ │ Regional Works
The American Museum of Western Art is housed within the historic Navarre building, set on the corner of Tremont and Broadway. Made up of the private Anschutz Collection, it displays more than six hundred drawings, sculptures and various styles of paintings.
These works spotlight the places and people that form the American West, both historically and today. Attend a guided tour to fully appreciate the collection, available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Visit the Family-Friendly Denver Firefighters Museum
1326 Tremont Pl │ Firefighters Museum Website │ Price: $ │ Historic Displays
Tucked away on 14th and Tremont, the Denver Firefighters Museum is one of the best things to do in Denver with kids. Interactive exhibits allow children to learn and play, though the extensive collection will also appeal to history enthusiasts.
Tour the old fire station to discover the accomplishments of the Denver Fire Department and how equipment has drastically evolved for safety and efficiency over the years.
See Why Denver Food Tours Are a Top-Rated Local Experience
Join our curated restaurant tours led by friendly local guides! Denver landmarks, neighborhood stories, and a full meal included. Tours run 7 days a week. Over 5300 five-star reviews.
Defy Gravity at the Museum of Illusions
951 16th St Mall │ Museum of Illusions Website │ Price: $$ │ Mind-Bending Fun
The Museum of Illusions is full of mind-bending installations that make for fantastic photo ops. Mirrors and upside-down props challenge gravity, while angled rooms seemingly shrink your size.
Hold on tight as you enter its spinning tunnel, which is sure to leave you dizzy. Puzzle games and other interactive displays make this one of the top things to do on 16th Street.
Strike a Pose at the Denver Selfie Museum
1531 Stout St │ Selfie Museum Website │ Price: $$ │ For the ‘Gram
Similar to the Museum of Illusions, the Denver Selfie Museum is packed with photo ops. Strike a pose with funky props and fill your social media feed with the help of 25 themed backgrounds.
Tripods are available to solo visitors and also help with capturing the perfect group shot. For an even more interactive experience, book its scavenger hunt which involves snapping selfies at iconic city landmarks.
Learn and Be Inspired at the Museum for Black Girls
500 16th St Mall │ Black Girls Museum Website │ Price: $$ │ Inspiring Women
The Museum for Black Girls celebrates the vast contributions of Black women, from historic figures to pop culture icons. More than twenty interactive exhibits frequently rotate and feature artwork, artifacts and multimedia displays, as well as plenty of photo backdrops.
It’s an affirming experience for Black women, especially — but all can be inspired and learn from this Denver Pavilions attraction.
Entertainment on 16th Street
Attend a Performance at the Paramount Theatre
1621 Glenarm Pl │ Paramount Theatre Website │ Price: $$$ │ Art Deco Ambiance
Built in 1930, the Paramount Theatre is rich in Art Deco ambiance — and like the nearby Daniels & Fisher Tower, it appears on the National Register of Historic Places.
Take a seat on the mezzanine level for great views of the stage, which hosts a range of performers. Renowned musicians, stand-up comedians and other entertainment fill its 2026 event calendar, which features some of the best things to do on 16th Street.
Sway to the Rhythm at Dazzle
1080 14th St │ Dazzle Website │ Price: $$ │ Jazz Club
Set inside the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Dazzle is a cornerstone of the city’s live music scene. Expect a steady rhythm of programming, from jazz brunches to late-night sets starring national touring acts, as well as standout local talent.
Whether you buy headliner tickets or simply pop in for a cocktail and ambient tunes, this intimate jazz venue is worth the short detour off 16th Street.
Laugh It Up at Comedy Works
1226 15th St │ Comedy Works Website │ Price: $$ │ Light-hearted Fun
Since its doors opened in 1981, this Larimer Square fixture has hosted some of the biggest names in comedy. Purchase tickets to see upcoming performances, which also include local acts and rising stars.
Note that Comedy Works is set within a basement level and seating is tightly packed. But you won’t mind being shoulder-to-shoulder after shared laughs and, of course, a couple of drinks.
See Why Denver Food Tours Are a Top-Rated Local Experience
Join our curated restaurant tours led by friendly local guides! Denver landmarks, neighborhood stories, and a full meal included. Tours run 7 days a week. Over 5300 five-star reviews.
Be Entertained by The Clocktower Cabaret
1601 Arapahoe St │ Clocktower Cabaret Website │ Price: $$ │ Basement Burlesque
When it debuted in 1910, the Daniels & Fisher Tower was one of the tallest buildings in the West. Today, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an iconic landmark along 16th Street.
The tower is also now home to The Clocktower Cabaret, which hosts burlesque shows, comedy acts and live music. Access its intimate theater by taking the elevator down to the basement level.
Knock Back Beers and Knock Down Pins at Lucky Strike
500 16th St Mall│ Lucky Strike Website │ Price: $$ │ Classic Fun
Lucky Strike is one of several attractions at the Denver Pavilions, an entertainment complex along 16th Street. Head to its third floor and into the modern bowling alley which features a dozen lanes, classic arcade games, pool tables and plenty of screens to catch the game.
This high-energy venue, which becomes 21+ at night, also offers a solid pub grub menu and pitchers of local craft beer.
Score a Hole in One at Holey Moley Golf Club
1201 18th St │ Holey Moley Website │ Price: $$ │ Nostalgia Packed
Play a round of mini golf at Holey Moley Golf Club, an adult-oriented venue with challenging and creative courses. Expect pop culture references from the ‘80s and ‘90s, along with plenty of photo ops.
Karaoke adds to the entertainment and big-batch cocktails (one of which is served in a trophy) keep the party going. Bar bites like buffalo wings and cheeseburger sliders round out the menu.
Catch a Movie on the Big Screen at Regal Theatre
500 16th St │ Regal Theatre Website │ Price: $$ │ Box Office Hits
On the third floor of the Denver Pavilions lies a Regal UA cinema location, one of the best things to do on 16th Street. Stop in to see the latest box office hits — which are even more impressive in its 4DX theatre, complete with motion-enabled chairs and other immersive effects.
This attraction also offers discounted matinee showings, a full bar and, of course, ultra-buttery buckets of popcorn.
Solve Clues and Beat the Clock at EscapeWorks
1529 Champa St │ EscapeWorks Website │ Price: $$ │ Themed Puzzles
EscapeWorks is one of the best activities for co-workers, families and groups of friends. Lean on each other’s abilities to solve puzzles and find clues in one of five engaging escape rooms. Themes include Blackbeard’s brig and an Egyptian tomb, plus the extra-tricky casino heist and vampire hunter challenges.
Join our 16th Street Food Tour to learn even more about this downtown attraction — and of course, to sample some of the best bites in the city!