Denver in Summer: Fun Activities and Events for 2024

Denver in summer offers warm weather and many fun things to do. Whether you live in Denver or you’re planning a vacation, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer.

In this article, we’ll share the best of Denver this summer, including local festivals, outdoor activities, and a beer spa.

What is Denver like in the summer?

During summer, Denver is lively, scenic, and warm. It’s the peak season for travelers visiting, so you can expect an energetic vibe, fun for everyone, and great weather with regular sunshine. There are countless events, summer activities indoors and outdoors, delicious food, and so much more.

Because summer is Denver's busy season, accommodations often cost more and book up. If you’re visiting Denver, we recommend checking out The Crawford Hotel or the Halcyon Hotel for special offers and packages. There are also many Airbnbs in Denver.

What to do in Denver in Summer? 2024 Events & Activities

Below, we’ll share the best things to do in Denver this summer.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

July 5th, 6th, & 7th, 2024

Support Colorado’s local arts at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival this July, when Denver’s streets become a venue for a creative outdoor show. The festival is organized by CherryArts, a local non-profit that celebrates art and culture.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival has over 250 exhibitors. Activities include crafts for adults and children, an art auction, food and drinks, and so much more.

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

September 22nd, 2024

Immerse yourself in Colorado's Asian and Asian American heritage at the United States' largest dragon boat festival. The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most memorable Denver summer activities.

The boat festival is at Sloan’s Lake Park and features almost 50 teams competing in the dragon boat race. Watch the boats, enjoy food vendors, and see live performances. There’s also a children’s area to keep the little ones entertained.

Farmers’ Markets

One of our favorite things to do in Denver in summer is visit the local Farmers' Markets. There are various markets throughout the city on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. 

Local vendors sell produce, sweet treats, and plants. If you’re visiting Denver and want some gifts to take home, you can find local artwork, handmade jewelry and soaps, and custom home decor.

Cherry Creek Regional Trail System

If you’re looking to enjoy Denver’s warm summer weather, explore the tranquil Cherry Creek Regional Trail System. It’s a 40-mile, primarily paved trail that runs through the city while being tucked away for a bit of peace and quiet. The trail has several access points with all parts offering unique scenery.

Stroll, bike, or walk your dog along the path. There are various attractions along the Cherry Creek Regional Trail System, including shady picnic spots, gardens, and popular neighborhoods just off the trail.

You can access the trail just about anywhere downtown on Speer Boulevard, with the area between Confluence Park and Sunken Gardens Park being a good location.

Oakwell Beer Spa

Escape the outdoors and treat yourself to a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa, one of Denver’s most unique experiences. Oakwell Beer Spa is a day spa combined with a taproom, where you can enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments and local craft beer or other refreshing beverages.

Oakwell Beer Spa’s services include Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, an Infrared Sauna, and a Zero Gravity Massage. The signature spa package is an experience for one or two people. You can also book a spa day for a group.

Denver Botanic Gardens

One of the best ways to appreciate Denver’s summer weather and blooms is to visit the Denver Botanic Gardens. These 23 acres of gardens are especially beautiful during summer, with diverse and unique plant species. Throughout the summer, various programs and exhibitions are held for adults and children.

The Denver Botanic Gardens also hosts a summer concert series, with performances a few nights per week between June and August. 

Confluence Park

Confluence Park is the ideal escape from the city's hustle while still staying nearby. The park sits along the South Platte River, perfect for kayaking and tubing during summer. You can also explore walking and biking trails and relax in grassy areas around the park.

To rent bikes or river equipment like tubes and kayaks, check out Confluence Kayak & Ski, located right by the park.

Outdoor Concerts

Denver in summer is the perfect time to enjoy an outdoor concert, and there are many venues that offer this experience:

• Red Rocks Park Amphitheater: regular music shows during summer at a historic venue and park surrounded by magical red rock formations
• Levitt Pavilion: free, family-friendly summer concert series
• Civic Center Park: concerts, plus fairs and other special events at one of Denver’s largest outdoor spaces
• City Park: free Sunday night jazz concerts from June 2nd through August 4th at a popular, scenic park

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Take a day trip this summer in Denver and drive along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery at an altitude of up to 14,000 feet.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a 49-mile National Forest Byway about 60 miles from the city. The road winds past beautiful lakes, wildflower fields, and rugged mountains. There are also viewpoints along the way, making for the perfect photo ops.

Coors Field

One of the most iconic summer activities in Denver is watching baseball at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. The stadium is conveniently locations in Downtown Denver close to other popular attractions, too.

Coors Field is also a live concert venue. This summer, you can see these artists at Coors Field:

• Billy Joel - Friday, June 12th
• Kane Brown - Friday, September 6th
• Green Day - Saturday, September 7th
• Def Leppard & Journey - Sunday, September 8th

Dine and Drink

Denver's food and drink scene is impressive, especially during summer on some of the city’s best patios. We recommend checking out these spots, which offer indoor and outdoor seating.

• Briar Common Brewery & Eatery: a rooftop patio and pet-friendly beer garden deck with regular events
• Acova: an eclectic restaurant with trendy indoor and outdoor spaces
• Liks Ice Cream: a locally owned ice cream shop in the heart of Capitol Hill
• 54thirty Rooftop: an upscale rooftop bar with unmatched city views

Denver Microbrew Tour

Enjoy Denver’s diverse beer scene while cooling off with a cold beer or a few. The Denver Microbrew Tour takes you through Denver's most unique areas, where you can learn more about the history of beer and local facts while enjoying delicious brews.

There are different options available, whether you’re interested in exploring street art in River North Arts District or checking out the iconic Lower Downtown (LoDo). 

Group and private tours are available with Denver Microbrew Tour.

Rocky Mountain National Park

If you're up for a day trip, head to Rocky Mountain National Park, about an hour and a half from Denver. 

Summer is the best time to visit the park because there's so much to see and do, and the views are breathtaking. Enjoy hiking, strolling around the lakes, exploring gorgeous viewpoints, and chasing waterfalls.

Enjoy Denver in Summer

We hope you’re excited about experiencing Denver this summer. It’s one of the most beautiful, energetic, and fun cities during summer, with something for everyone to enjoy. 

If you’re ready to start planning your Denver summer activities, book a relaxing spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa.