Events in 2020 don't look quite the same as they did pre-pandemic, but that doesn't mean you have to completely miss out this year. Event hosts and venues are getting crafty about how to continue their events despite the pandemic and in accordance with all social distancing guidelines. Denver has several in-person events as well as virtual events and everything in between, from concerts and festivals to movies and markets for you to participate in at your own comfort level.
IN-PERSON EVENTS AROUND DENVER
RedRocks Concerts
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Now through the end of September
$55 and up
Red Rocks concerts are back for September! The Colorado Symphony brought us five nights of œAcoustic on the Rocks earlier this summer and the logistics appeared favorable to continue an abbreviated concert series this fall including performances from Brandi Carlile, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Gasoline Lollipops.
Drive-in Movies
Various locations linked below
$9 per person - $60 per car
The drive-in movie comeback may be the silver lining to 2020! Pack up the car including Fido and watch three full length movies for just $9 per person at the 88 Drive-in Theater, Denver's last standing original drive-in. Or head to northwest Denver to see a film at the Berkeley Chapel Pop-Up Drive-In Theater, a new venue perfect for 2020. Film on the Rocks is also featuring drive-in flicks four nights a week at Red Rocks through the end of September, including the original Star Wars Trilogy amongst other cult classics.
Farmers Markets
Various locations throughout the Denver Metro Area
Farmer's Markets were one of the first events to come back after quarantine, reacting quickly to update their guidelines so that farmers could continue to provide an array of locally grown produce and hand-made goods to Denver residents. A few of our favorites are The Farmers Market at Highlands Square, Union Station Farmers Market, South Pearl Street Farmers Market, and the Arvada Farmers Market, but there are many more in the Denver Metro Area and they would all be grateful for your support!
Horseshoe Market
Berkeley Chapel, 4345 W 46th Ave
Sep 12th & Oct 3rd, 10-4
The Horseshoe Market is a northwest Denver favorite and is back at its original location this fall for a series of mini markets to accommodate guests while maintaining social distancing. Check out all the unique handcrafted gifts and rare finds from local artisans, enjoy music by DJ Cyn, and grab a snack from the food trucks before you go! If a market scene makes you nervous or you're not able to make it on the select dates, you can visit their boutique in the Edgewater Public Market for the same quality goods you'll find at the live event.
Crush Walls
River North Art District
Sep 14-20
Crush Walls is an inspiring, free, socially distanced outdoor event that celebrates creativity, culture, and expression with over 60 enchanting street art installations all throughout the River North Art District. Check out over 100artists in action by taking a stroll through RiNO.
VIRTUAL EVENTS
Denver Film Festival
Oct 22 - Nov 8
$45-$225
While it's rumored that this year's film festival could have in-person options, potentially at Red Rocks, Denver Film has been planning a mostly virtual event via their website and the Denver Film app. Ticket packages are on sale now with tickets to individual screenings on sale to the public beginning October 5th to over 100 titles, from local to international films.
Sunnyside Music Festival
September 12
Free & Donation based
The Sunnyside Music Festival is a joyful event that many Denver residents look forward to at the end of the summer each year. This year, the festival is going virtual with several options to participate from home and stay connected to the local music scene while raising money for Swallow Hill's music programs. Tune in to Colorado Public Radio at 3pm on September 12th for two hours of music that will have you tapping your feet on your front porch or swaying along in your backyard. There will also be roaming pedicabs filled with musicians pumping live tunes after 5pm throughout Sunnyside if you happen to be out and about. If you support Swallow Hill with a $40 donation, you'll also receive a œFest in Your Next Box of goodies from local sponsors!
Virtual Races
$30 and up
Many running and distance events have gone virtual this year with an honor system for logging miles to earn your medal and race shirt. A few upcoming races this month include the Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue 5K on September 19th, The Fall Equinox Marathon on September 20th, or the Happy Camper Fun Run on September 24th-27th. Click here for a full list of fall races near Denver.
Digital Puzzles of Denver Landmarks
Anytime
Free
If any kind of public event seems daunting, you are self-quarantining right now, or your kids keep complaining that they're bored, try these online puzzles with iconic Denver scenes to pass the time and see Denver landmarks come together piece by piece.
Despite the pandemic, there are plenty of activities for everyone! For more socially distanced activities around Denver that you can do anytime, click here.
Socials