Memorial Day Weekend in Denver (Best Things to Do)

There is so much to do on Memorial Day weekend in Denver, Colorado, including a Civil War Veterans Tour, a family-friendly festival, a fireworks show, and a beer-inspired spa.

Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives while serving in the United States military for our freedom. Whether you’re a local looking for unique things to do or planning a Denver vacation, there’s something for everyone over Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day is on May 27th, 2024. Below, we’ll share the best things to do from Friday, May 24th through Sunday, May 27th. 

Go to the Denver Arts Festival

When: May 25th, 10 AM to 6 PM & May 26th, 10 AM to 5 PM

Where: Central Park, Conservatory Green, Denver

The Denver Arts Festival is a free event celebrating fine arts and crafts. Over 50,000 people attend the Denver Arts Festival yearly. Along with local and national artists, you can enjoy music, wine, beer, and a children’s art area.

Attend the Boulder Creek Festival

When: May 24th-27th

Where: Park Central Building, Boulder, Colorado

The Boulder Creek Festival is a short drive from Denver in Boulder. It takes place over four days throughout Memorial Day weekend. Best of all, the Boulder Creek Festival is a free, family-friendly event.

You can enjoy music all weekend across three stages, over 200 local artisans, more than 30 food options, and activities for kids. On the 25th and 26th, there’s also a beer fest where you can try craft beers from more than 20 breweries.

Watch the Memorial Day Parade

When: May 27th at 9:30 AM

Where: Veterans Memorial Park and down 64th Ave., Commerce City, Colorado

Colorado’s largest Memorial Day Parade takes place in Commerce City, just 20 minutes from Denver. Thousands of people join together to honor those who have served the nation.

There will be a Memorial Day Ceremony before the parade at Veterans Memorial Park to honor the fallen service members and recognize the parade Grand Marshal.

After the Memorial Day Parade, there will be a concert at the park. There will also be food trucks, live music, and booths from veterans’ service organizations.

Explore Nature

When: All Memorial Day weekend

Where: Various spaces throughout Denver

One of our favorite ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend in Denver is by getting outdoors and appreciating our country’s natural beauty. We have a lot to be grateful for, and nature is one of the best ways to bring this out.

There are several beautiful places throughout Denver to explore nature, including:

• Denver Botanic Gardens - One of the largest and most diverse botanic gardens in the United States
• City Park - Denver’s largest park, with lakeside trails, green spaces, and local attractions, including the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
• Cheesman Park - A peaceful park tucked away from the hustle with grassy areas and benches, perfect for relaxing or enjoying a picnic

Visit the Colorado State Capitol

When: See details below for timing

Where: Colorado State Capitol and Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park, Capitol Hill, Denver

The Colorado State Capitol is a stunning, historic building with unique architecture and decor. It also houses the Colorado General Assembly and the offices of the Governor of Colorado, Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, and the Colorado State Treasurer.

Although the building is closed on weekends and Memorial Day, you can take a guided or self-guided tour on May 24th. Guided tours are from 10 AM to 2 PM, and self-guided tours are from 7:30 AM to 5 PM.

You can also visit Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park, just next to the Colorado State Capitol, on any day. The park has a Veteran’s Memorial and a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, and it’s a nice place to walk around.

Join the Riverside Cemetery Civil War Veterans Tour

When: May 26th, 10 to 11:30 AM

Where: Riverside Cemetery, Denver

Take a free walking tour of Riverside Cemetery, Denver’s oldest operating cemetery. It’s located in the northwest industrial corner of Denver along the South Platte River. 

Riverside Cemetery was established in the late 1800s and has a rich Civil War history. The tour guide, Ray, has spent years researching and documenting the cemetery's graves, many of which are veteran graves. Join the Riverside Cemetery walking tour this Memorial Day to learn Ray’s fascinating knowledge. 

Watch Memorial Day Fireworks

When: May 26th, 9 PM

Where: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

One of the most fun Memorial Day weekend activities is hanging out at Elitch Gardens and then watching the fireworks. The fireworks start when the park closes at 9 PM, but you’ll want to arrive earlier to enjoy the park.

Elitch Gardens is Colorado’s only combination theme and water park. It opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend, making it the perfect activity as the weather warms up in Denver. The park has about 40 rides, including kid-friendly and adult thrills. There’s also food, dining, and games.

The park is conveniently located in Downtown Denver, so you can likely see the fireworks if you're hanging out in the area but don’t want to go into the park.

Eat Traditional American Fare

When: Throughout Denver

Where: all Memorial Day weekend

Celebrate Memorial Day with traditional American fare. Denver has many delicious options, with some of the best ones being the following:

• Steuben’s - A retro-style diner with classic favorites, including mac & cheese, fried chicken, burgers, and wings
• My Brother’s Bar - A laid-back, family-owned bar with burgers and beer
• Sam’s No. 3 - A 1920s-style diner with comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Relax at Oakwell Beer Spa

When: 8 AM to 10:30 PM daily

Where: 3004 N Downing St., Five Points, Denver

If you’re looking to relax during Memorial Day weekend in Denver, Oakwell Beer Spa has you covered. Oakwell Beer Spa is an award-winning craft beer taproom and day spa. 

Enjoy local beers from Cerveceria Colorado, Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, and an Infrared Sauna. You can also add a Zero Gravity Massage to your experience. 

Book your spa day for the beginning of the weekend to rest up for Memorial Day fun or afterward to rejuvenate!

Drink Beers at Launch Pad Brewery

When: Open daily, hours vary

Where: 884 S Buckley Rd, Aurora, Colorado

While there are many places to enjoy Denver’s beer scene, Launch Pad Brewery is special for Memorial Day weekend because it’s veteran-owned. Launch Pad Brewery is a funky, vibrant microbrewery just outside of the city in Aurora.

The taproom has a unique rocket theme, ample seating, and many delicious craft beer options. They’ll also have food trucks throughout Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day Weekend in Denver: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and are excited to celebrate Memorial Day in Denver! From enjoying an iconic parade and eating classic American food to drinking beers at a Veteran-owned brewery and unwinding at a day spa, there’s something for everyone.

Ready to start planning your Memorial Day weekend in Denver? Schedule an appointment at Oakwell Beer Spa for a unique spa day experience.