15+ Things to Do in RiNo in Denver: The Best Experiences

River North Art District (RiNo) is one of Denver’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its industrial roots, colorful street art, and buzzing creative energy. RiNo also overlaps with the historic Five Points area. Some of the best things to do in RiNo include enjoying good food and drinks, checking out local art, and relaxing at Oakwell Beer Spa.

Whether you're visiting Denver or a local looking for new things to do in RiNo, this guide shares something fun for everyone. We’ve divided up the activities into three sections — eat & drink, art & music, and relaxation — so you can easily plan your ideal experience.

Eat & Drink in RiNo, Denver

RiNo is a top spot for foodies and craft beverage lovers. Whether you're grabbing brunch, planning a fun date, or looking for the best food in RiNo, Denver, here are some of the top places to eat and drink.

Stowaway Kitchen

Stowaway Kitchen is one of the best brunch spots in Denver and the perfect place to start your day in RiNo. It’s a bright, cozy cafe serving delicious, globally-inspired dishes. The rotating menu features seasonal ingredients, and the coffee is roasted in-house. 

The Denver Central Market

The Denver Central Market is a popular food hall with 11 local vendors. You can find delicious ready-made meals, artisan groceries, and coffee all in one space. The open area offers ample seating, or you can grab your food or drink to go and explore the neighborhood.

Mister Oso

Mister Oso is one of RiNo’s most unique restaurants with a vibrant atmosphere and a Latin-inspired menu with tacos, ceviche, and craft cocktails. There’s indoor and patio seating — both colorfully decorated.

This is the perfect spot for brunch, happy hour, or dinner. Reservations are recommended.

Cart-Driver

Cart-Driver is a small, cozy restaurant in a repurposed shipping container with indoor and outdoor seating. They’re known for their wood-fired pizza, fresh oysters, and house cocktails. It’s an ideal spot for a casual yet delicious lunch or dinner in RiNo. 

Seating is first-come, first-served. While there may be a wait, the food and atmosphere make it well worth your time.

Colorado Sake Co

We love Colorado Sake Co! It’s the best place in Denver for craft sake and delicious Japanese food, including fresh sushi, izakaya-style small plates. 

Colorado Sake Co also has craft cocktails, indoor and outdoor seating, and a weekend dim-sum brunch. Reservations are recommended. 

Breweries

Denver’s beer scene is unmatched, and RiNo shares the best of it with some of the best breweries within walking distance of each other. Many of them offer food trucks, patios, and dog-friendly spaces.

Some of our favorite breweries in RiNo include Ratio Beerworks and Odell Brewing Five Points Brewhouse. Ratio Beerworks is a local favorite with a fun, laid-back vibe, rotating food trucks, and a dog-friendly courtyard with games. Odell Brewing is an independent, employee-owned brewery, and its RiNo location has a rooftop patio, a dog-friendly porch, firepits, and regular live music.

Barcelona Wine Bar

Barcelona Wine Bar serves Spanish-style tapas and has an extensive wine list. The rustic interior, candlelit ambiance, and cozy atmosphere make it a great place to unwind over small plates and drinks. 

You can also enjoy brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are recommended.

Millers & Rossi

Millers & Rossi is a hidden cocktail bar tucked behind an art gallery where you can enjoy delicious cocktails, small plates, and live music. Its creative decor, local art, and unique furniture make it one of Denver’s most unique bars. 

This is the perfect spot for a ladies night in Denver, solo drinks, or a date night. Reservations are recommended.

Art & Music in RiNo, Denver

RiNo’s creative energy is everywhere, from painted alleys to live performances. Whether you want to enjoy live music or local art, RiNo is one of the best places to go in Denver.

Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club

Nocturne offers a modern jazz club experience with an upscale dinner and live music experience. The ambiance is intimate yet elegant, making it ideal for date night or a special evening out. Sip craft cocktails while enjoying local and national jazz artists in a beautiful space.

Larimer Lounge

Larimer Lounge is a small but iconic bar and live music venue. It has a strong local following and hosts up-and-coming bands and occasional big-name acts. The cozy, no-frills setting is perfect for a laid-back but fun night out in RiNo.

The Mission Ballroom

The Mission Ballroom is a state-of-the-art concert venue that attracts top touring artists from all genres. With top-notch acoustics and space for large crowds, it's the perfect spot to enjoy live music in Denver.

Denver Graffiti Tour

The Denver Graffiti Tour offers a guided walk through RiNo’s iconic street art, sharing the stories behind the murals and artists who created them. It’s a fun way to explore the neighborhood on foot while learning about its cultural history. This is the perfect activity to enjoy with family, friends, or solo to meet other people.

Art Galleries

In addition to public art, RiNo is home to some of the most unique art galleries in Denver. From contemporary pieces to Western landscapes, you can appreciate a range of creative works.

Some of the best RiNo art galleries include:

• Alto Gallery - A contemporary art space featuring emerging and mid-career artists
• Dateline Gallery - A curated, experimental gallery known for pushing boundaries and highlighting underrepresented voices
• William Matthews Studio - A gallery sharing watercolor pieces created by William Matthews, best known for his depictions of the American West
• RedLine - A nonprofit art space dedicated to community engagement and social justice through art exhibitions and events

Relax in RiNo, Denver

While RiNo is full of activities, there are also peaceful spaces to slow down and relax.

Oakwell Beer Spa

Oakwell Beer Spa offers a unique wellness experience with relaxing spa treatments and a cozy self-serve taproom with beer, wine, cider, tea, and kombucha.

A spa day gives you access to a private spa suite for up to two people, or you can book multiple rooms for a larger group. Each suite has a beer bath hydrotherapy tub, infrared sauna, and rain shower. You can also treat yourself to a Zero Gravity Massage as an add-on or a standalone treatment. 

Oakwell Beer Spa is open daily from 8 AM to 10:30 PM, so you can easily fit this relaxing stop into your day. There's also a vanity room with everything you need to freshen up before your next activity.

Spicy Librarian

Take a moment to unwind while browsing books at Spicy Librarian. This bookstore in RiNo specializes in romance reads and offers a vibrant yet cozy setting. It’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and relax for a bit.

Yoga

What better way to relax in RiNo than with a yoga class? There are two great studios: Yoga Box and RiNo Yoga Social.

Yoga Box is a hidden gem in a unique, inspiring space for all levels. There are several classes throughout the day every day.

RiNo Yoga Social is a shared creative space for yoga, movement, and wellness-based classes. There are all types of experiences hosted by various businesses, including puppy yoga, slow flows, and women’s circles.

How to Spend the Perfect Day in RiNo

Here’s our favorite way to spend one day in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood:

• Enjoy brunch at Stowaway Kitchen - Start the day with a fresh, seasonal dish and in-house roasted coffee.
• Stroll around RiNo - Pop into the Spicy Librarian or other shops around the neighborhood and explore street art on your own or with Denver Graffiti Tour.
• Brewery hop - Enjoy craft beers and grab a bite from a food truck or local restaurant. 
• Relax at Oakwell Beer Spa - Enjoy a relaxing spa experience and locally-made beverages.
• Have dinner and drinks - Dine at Cart-Driver, Mister Oso, or Colorado Sake Co, then grab cocktails at Millers & Rossi.
• Listen to live music - End the day with a show at Larimer Lounge or The Mission Ballroom.

Is RiNo, Denver walkable?

RiNo is one of Denver’s most walkable neighborhoods with wide sidewalks, art-lined alleys, and a mix of residential and commercial spaces. Most bars, restaurants, galleries, and venues are within a few blocks, and you can easily explore on foot, by bike, or by scooter. 

If you’re driving to RiNo to walk around, there are street parking spaces and paid parking lots. You can also easily use rideshare services and public transportation to get around Denver.

Things to Do in RiNo in Denver: Conclusion

RiNo is one of Denver’s best neighborhoods, offering something fun for everyone. Whether you're sipping local beer, exploring street art, or unwinding at the spa, the best things to do in RiNo in Denver blend good food, the arts, and relaxation.

Ready to start planning your time in RiNo? Book a spa experience at Oakwell Beer Spa.

Featured image photo credit: ChrisGoldNY | CC-BY-NC-2.0