Long before the legalization of marijuana, Denver was considered one of the best US cities to live and to visit. This should not be a surprise to anyone as the Mile High City has access to some of the nation’s best scenery and skiing. Interest in Denver has only grown in recent years. Its economy is presently booming with a strong job market and income growth. The city is bustling and there is always something fun to do or something right around the corner.
Here are some of the most popular annual events near Denver:
The Denver Auto Show is the city’s main annual showcase for the latest US-made and imported vehicles. Attendees will get to see vehicles in all categories including cars, light trucks, and sports utility vehicles. Factories and dealerships will have representatives on hand to answer questions. Having all of the cars available in one place makes it easy to compare prices and features.
Denver Public Schools Shakespeare Festival
The Denver Public Schools Shakespeare festival takes place for one day every year and involves more than 5,000 students from 75 schools. It is thought to be the country’s largest and oldest student Shakespeare festival. It features a parade along with performances of Shakespeare’s works on multiple stages throughout the city. The performances are all free.
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican Holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the city of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Cinco de Mayo Festival in Denver is a celebration of freedom and Mexican culture.
The Colorado Renaissance Festival
For more than 40 years, the Colorado Renaissance Festival has provided its attendees with an opportunity to experience Medieval history in person. Along with artisans practicing ancient crafts and seven stages worth of entertainment, festival goers can view authentic costumes and enjoy a range of Medieval-era themed foods.
The Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Visitors will get to enjoy one of the signature annual events near Denver when they attend the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. This nationally-recognized and award-winning festival celebrates visual art, food, and musical performances. The festival takes place over three days and usually sees up to 350,000 visitors.
Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival
The first year of the Elephant Rock Cycling Festival saw 1,200 cyclists and cycling fans participate. The popularity of the festival and the number of riders has grown considerably over the years since. In 2017, the race had over 5,000 riders. The festival features courses that are challenging in addition to being well-organized.
This celebration of German culture (beer, in particular) is intended to be similar to the Oktoberfest held every year in Munich, Germany. Denver’s Oktoberfest is celebrated in September over two weekends. Festival-goers will get to enjoy a variety of live musical performances along with a broad selection of German sausages.
The National Western Stock Show
The National Western Stock Show has been around since 1906 and is still considered the nation’s most important livestock, rodeo and horse show. It takes place over 16 days and is one of the largest horse shows in the US in addition to offering one of the richest professional rodeos. There are more than 650,000 attendees to the National Western Stock Show every year making it one of the biggest events near Denver.
48th Annual Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale
Visitors can go to Cherry Creek North each year for four days of bargains and cheap food. The sale has been held every year for 48 years. It takes place over a 4-day period wherein stores in Cherry Creek North take to the street to sell their wares.
Denver is home to hundreds of great restaurants and during the city’s Restaurant Week, visitors and residents get to try many of them at discounted prices. More than 150 restaurants from all over Colorado take part in Restaurant Week, giving diners the opportunity to sample a wide range of cuisines.