Your Denver Weekend Plans, from a 'Wizard of Oz' Pop-up Bar to a Thrifting Convention
These are the must-hit festivals, food and drink events, cultural events, and outdoor events in and near Denver this weekend.
Denver may be known best for its outdoorsiness, but the Mile High City is so much more than just a gateway to the Rockies. Beyond our stunning hikes, bike trails, and lakes, there are loads of cool restaurants, bars, and breweries, not to mention museums, thrift stores, and farmers markets. Here are the best ways to spend your hard-earned weekend days in and around Denver.
Festivals in Denver
April 27, 1–5 pm
Tivoli Turnhalle on the Auraria Campus, $65 and up
If you like food, wine, and women, do we ever have the Saturday afternoon event for you! The Big Stir Festival honors Colorado’s culinary leaders, who just so happen to be female, and they’re doing it with food and beverage tastings and educational seminars.
Food & Drink Events in Denver
April 26–28, 5–10 pm
Death & Co. at The Ramble Hotel, Free
The magic of Japan’s Sakura Festival is popping up at The Ramble Hotel’s Suite 6A, where more than 400 cherry blossoms fill the space. But this weekend is your last chance to experience the stunning pop-up bar, powered by the Death & Co. cocktail wizards mixing up Highballs with House of Suntory whisky.
April 26–28, 5:30 & 7:30 pm
The Broadway, $45
Follow the yellow brick road to this brand-new pop-up bar experience at The Broadway. The Land of Oz marries cocktails with the classic book/movie, which means you could get flying monkeys with your mezcal or Toto with your tequila.
April 28
Around Denver, Free
The second Mile High Asian Food Week will be quenching your cravings for dumplings, noodles, sushi, and much more for the next week. Created to celebrate our thriving AAPI food scene, restaurants, and trucks like Lucky Noodle, MAKfam, Hop Alley, and Nana’s Dim Sum and Dumplings will be offering special menus and deals.
Saturday, April 27, 2–5 pm
Tivoli Center Turnhalle Room on the Auraria Campus, $65 and up
Celebrate the female leadership award winners of Les Dames d’Escoffier Colorado at The Big Stir festival, happening in downtown Denver this Saturday. Alongside interactive food, wine, and spirits tastings from the winning professionals, you can enjoy a drag queen comedy set, wellness offerings, a deep dive into medicinal mushrooms, and more. Money from the event will benefit a scholarship fund to support aspiring female culinary professionals.
Cultural Events in Denver
April 26, 8 pm & April 28, 12:30 pm
Ball Arena, $102 and up
Denver has playoff fever right now, as both the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche are playing for their lives. Head to Ball Arena or your favorite bar to watch the Avs take on the hot Winnipeg Jets at home this weekend for games three and four in the series.
April 27 & 28, 10 am–5 pm
National Western Complex, $14 and up
The world’s largest traveling vintage market is stopping by the Mile High City this weekend and setting up shop at the National Western Complex. Browse clothes and collectibles from 140-plus vendors to score that hidden gem find high.
April 27
Folsom Field & CU Events Center, $48 and up
If you’re counting down the days until Coach Prime and the CU football team take the field, head to Boulder this weekend for the Black & Gold spring exhibition game. And because everything is a little flashier surrounding the Buffs these days, there will be a Lil Wayne concert following the game, because why not?
Outdoor Events in Denver
April 27, 8 am
Coors Field, $35 and up
Head up the Coors Field bleachers on this stair climb fundraiser for the American Lung Association. You’ll be hoofing it up 1,998 stairs, and while yes, your calves will hate you all week, you’ll be doing good for your body and for others.
Allyson Reedy is a Thrillist contributor.