Great First Anniversary Date Ideas in Denver

Your first anniversary is a big deal, so it makes sense to celebrate it in a special way. We’ve put together a list of the best first-anniversary date ideas in Denver to help you create a romantic and memorable experience.

Denver is a great place to celebrate a wedding anniversary. We’ve assembled all the best activities and romantic venues for out-of-town visitors and locals who are looking for that perfect Denver date night or anniversary celebration.

Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens are conveniently located between Cheesman Park and Congress Park. They have a variety of gardens that showcase native plants that thrive in Colorado’s arid climate and plants from around the world. There are also art exhibits that tend to focus on nature, conservation, and using natural materials in artworks.

Spread across 24 acres with multiple distinct gardens and collections, there is always something in bloom. The gardens are also designed to be a birding hotspot, so they’re a perfect place to expand your ornithological knowledge. Their hours of operation change seasonally, but they’re generally open during daylight hours. That means the gardens are an ideal place to start your anniversary date.

Catch a Play

Going to a play, musical, or other theatrical event is a great way to spend a night out. Denver has a number of venues and companies that put on plays. If you’re interested in Broadway, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts hosts a constant stream of Tony-winning and beloved musicals each season. They also put on everything from Shakespeare to children’s play. If you’re interested in new theater and regional or world premieres, the Curious Theatre Company is always staging something contemporary and thought-provoking. Add in dinner before the show, and you’ve got all the makings for a romantic night out.

Stay at the Crawford Hotel

Located on the upper floors of Union Station, the Crawford Hotel is an elegant urban retreat filled with thoughtful amenities and beautiful design details. A major renovation of the hotel was completed in 2024, including adding custom-made furniture and locally sourced art to all 112 guest rooms. Not only is the hotel luxurious, it’s also conveniently located. The historic Beaux Arts Union Station has been painstakingly restored. It has wonderful shops and restaurants including Terminal Bar which has a great selection of cocktails and an extensive array of draft beers from Colorado breweries.

Experience Panoramic Views at 54Thirty Rooftop

What better place to see the skyline and the Rockies than from Denver’s highest open-air rooftop bar, 54Thirty Rooftop. The bar is perched atop Le Méridien Denver Downtown and features a collection of finely crafted cocktails and small plates. Many of their cocktails pay homage to their location in Denver, like Mez-Tai Meets the Sky and Red Rocks. They’re open year round (weather permitting), so you can take in stunning views in all seasons.

Go to a Sporting Event

For the couple that loves sports, going to a game can be a fun way to celebrate your anniversary. Denver is home to teams from all four of the major professional sports leagues in America, and don’t forget about the Colorado Rapids in the MLS. There are also ample opportunities to see Buffaloes games at UC Boulder. No matter what time of year your anniversary is, there’s a sporting event occurring around that time.

Take a Cooking Class

Taking a cooking class as a couple is a fun way to try out a new recipe and enjoy some delicious food. Cooking together can be a great way to explore new culinary frontiers under the guidance of a knowledgeable chef. Denver Cooking Classes offers in-home cooking classes and date night experiences. Group classes are enjoyable, but consider a private class for a truly special anniversary dinner.

Go Indoor Skydiving

An anniversary date is a great time to try a new activity. Going indoor skydiving is great for a couple who thinks a date can be thrilling and romantic. Indoor skydiving is basically flying in a wind tunnel. It’s a truly unique experience, and compared to traditional skydiving it’s much safer and more controlled. Start your date with this fun activity before progressing to something more intimate and relaxing.

Relax at Oakwell Beer Spa

Couples looking for a romantic anniversary experience, should look no further than Oakwell Beer Spa. Conveniently located in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, this award-winning day spa offers unique beer-inspired spa services. They have a variety of spa packages to suit every occasion. Each private spa suite includes an infrared sauna, rain shower, and a hydrotherapy tub. Oakwell’s signature service is Beer Bath Hydrotherapy. Luxuriate in a cedar hydrotherapy tub filled with a unique blend of hops, barley, and herbs curated by their in-house herbalist. They also have a Zero Gravity Massage experience and a taproom that features a rotating selection of local craft beers.

Their special Oakwell Escape package is the pinnacle of luxury and relaxation. It includes a private spa suite decorated with romantic decor, a charcuterie board, gourmet chocolates, and complimentary drinks at check-in. It also comes with a thirty-minute Zero Gravity Massage experience. You can even enhance the experience with a “Happy Anniversary” banner. It’s the perfect way to celebrate your first anniversary. Romance, relaxation, and an experience to remember.

See a Performance at the Clocktower Cabaret

The Clocktower Cabaret is a great place for a fun anniversary date night. It’s located in the basement of the historic Daniels & Fisher Tower, the famous downtown clock tower. The cabaret is an intimate 120-seat theater that is meticulously decorated to evoke the romantic Paris of yesteryear. The cabaret puts on a mix of burlesque, comedy, and drag shows. Guests are routinely thrilled by the quality and hilarity of the performances. Be sure to check out their signature “Clock-Tails.”

Dinner and Music at Nocturne

Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club is an intimate jazz club with a menu featuring in-season, local ingredients. Nocturne is one of the most romantic places in Denver. You’ll want to make a “dinner and a show” reservation for either the early or late set. Diners can get a seasonal three-course meal along with a great selection of wine and cocktails. Make sure to check their calendar to see who is playing. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday.

Go Stargazing

Is there any better way to take in the vastness and beauty of the cosmos than by spending an evening stargazing? Reclining on a blanket, spouse by your side, looking into the vast, starry night sky. It’s truly incredible. For a great stargazing experience, you’ll want to get away from the light in Denver, but you don’t need to travel very far. Red Rocks has surprisingly good stargazing along with views of the Denver skyline in the distance. If you’re serious about stargazing, you might consider heading to Jackson Lake State Park or Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, both of which are designated Dark Sky Places. For a good stargazing experience all you really need are clear skies and relatively little light.

The Best First Anniversary Date Ideas in Denver

Your first anniversary is a big deal, and you want it to be special. That’s why we put together this list of the best first anniversary date ideas in Denver. There’s something for everyone. Are you looking for the group fun of a sporting event, the intimate relaxation of a spa date, or the entertainment of a night at the theater? We’ve got you covered. We hope this makes your first anniversary a date to remember.