10 Things to Do in Denver at Night
Denver offers many attractions during the day, but it also shows one of its best sides when the sun goes down. Here's what nighttime activities you can do.
Denver is the capital of Colorado, one of the most visited cities in the American West and also a very popular destination during the day because it offers a lot of natural attractions in its surroundings. However, when the sun goes down it also shows one of its best faces, with many options for entertainment and enjoyment for all ages.
Some of the best things to do in Denver at night include participating in pub experiences in the historic district, discovering the region's natural beauty from another angle, checking out the local art scene, enjoying baseball and basketball games of the city's franchises, and finding fun for the whole family.
1. Take a haunted pub crawl through Denver
If you're looking for an alternative overnight experience in Denver, one of the best things to do is join a tour to discover the city's haunted pubs where history meets the paranormal. The tour begins at The Cruise Room, which is located in the historic Oxford Hotel.
This pub, which dates back to Prohibition times, is famous for its art deco décor and is suspected of harboring some curious ghosts. While you enjoy your drink, you can listen to the stories surrounding this place. You can also visit the Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens, a restored Victorian mansion that currently serves as a hotel, but also houses a bar with traditional beers and unexplained events.
Finally, at My Brother's Bar you can live an esoteric experience in a former saloon frequented by Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady. In addition, this place has witnessed paranormal phenomena that have perplexed visitors and have spread like wildfire. During these experiences you will be assisted by an expert local guide, which will make the tour even spookier.
2. Enjoy a nighttime show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of Denver's natural wonders during the day, but when night falls it becomes an open-air stage, offering incomparable acoustics and being the epicenter of musical concerts. There you can enjoy performances by local and international artists as well as the typical Denver summer festivals.
The programming usually covers genres ranging from rock and pop to electronic music and hip-hop. On the other hand, in addition to the musical experience, the panoramic view of the city skyline and twinkling lights create an unmissable backdrop in one of the most striking settings in the world that is also a star on the list of the best tours from Denver.
During your visit you can enjoy not only the main show, but also explore the surrounding natural environment. Before the concert, many visitors opt to take a walk along the trails that wind through Red Rocks Park, immersing themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds and characterizes the amphitheater.
On the other hand, if you want to see other natural sites around Denver, you can visit Rocky Mountain National Park, which is one of the most famous areas in the region and will give you sweeping views of Colorado.
3. Join a beer and graffiti tour in Denver
If you want to discover Denver's cultural scene in a complete excursion, you can participate in a tour that combines the city's beer tradition with the artistic expression of graffiti. In these experiences you can visit some of the most significant breweries in the city, such as Great Divide Brewing Company, where you can learn about the brewing process.
You can also visit the RiNo area, known for its graffiti murals and eclectic art scene. In this district you will have the opportunity to visit The Denver Central Market, a culinary market with diverse food options and colorful murals that illustrate local creativity and are often included in the best Denver tours.
In addition, many RiNo breweries also feature murals and artwork by local artists, so you'll not only see the most popular graffiti but also get a taste of the emerging art that Denver is known for.
4. Visit Denver's Hard Rock Cafe
Delving into Denver's music scene takes on a unique dimension when you visit the Hard Rock Cafe, which is not only one of the oldest in the United States, but also one of the most popular. Located in the heart of the historic district, this restaurant fuses the legacy of rock with the cultural essence of the city.
In addition, this historic venue houses an extensive collection of music memorabilia, including autographed instruments, iconic costumes and memorabilia from famous artists. On the other hand, the Hard Rock Cafe is known for its commitment to the local music scene, offering live performances by emerging bands and special events, especially during Denver's summer festival season.
The atmosphere of this place makes it much more than just a themed restaurant, it is a cultural meeting point where music is the protagonist and where you can live one of the most traditional experiences in Denver. In addition, due to its central location, you can combine a visit to the Hard Rock Cafe with other evening entertainment after dinner.
5. Attend a Nuggets NBA Game
Attendingan NBA Nuggets game in Denver is a perfect experience to discover the passion that basketball generates in the United States. This team, which is one of the league's most popular teams, plays its games at the Ball Center Stadium and offers visitors one of the best things to do at night in the city.
The NBA regular season schedule is played between October and May, so if you plan to visit Denver in the summer you will be able to attend the playoffs, which decide the conference and league champions in the annual grand finale. Also, at any of these games you can discover an activity that is a tourist attraction in itself and that mixes the passion for basketball with the warmth of the fans in the stands.
On the other hand, remember that basketball games also include halftime performances and other shows during the timeouts of the games, so if you get tickets to see the Nuggets you can also marvel at the special shows.
Keep in mind that because it is one of the most popular activities in the United States, if you want to attend a Nuggets NBA game it would be best to buy tickets as far in advance as possible, which will allow you to get better prices and more prominent locations.
6. Discover Denver's nighttime postcards
One of the best things to do in Denver at night is to explore the city's postcard nightlife. During these tours you can discover iconic buildings such as the Wells Fargo Center and Republic Plaza illuminated and decorated, as well as stroll along 16th Street, known as the Golden Mile for being the commercial epicenter of this destination.
If you're looking for a quieter, more natural experience, you can also book tickets to the Denver Botanic Gardens in the Cheesman Park district. At night, these gardens come alive with soft, subdued lighting that highlights the beauty of the local flora.
Alternatively, check out Confluence Park, an urban oasis where the South Platte River meets Cherry Creek. The trails along the rivers are lighted, providing a perfect backdrop for a relaxing walk and some of Denver's best photographs.
7. Catch a Rockies MLB game
If you want to take part in another of Denver's typical sports activities , you can attend an MLB Rockies game, a must-see experience for any baseball lover. The Colorado Rockies have established themselves as one of the most popular teams in the Major Leagues, attracting a passionate fan base across the state.
During your visit you can catch a Rockies game at the popular Coors Field Stadium, which is located in the center of the city and therefore provides the ideal setting for a traditional nighttime activity in Denver.
Baseball holds a special place alongside basketball as one of the most popular sports in the city, so attending a Rockies game is not only a sporting experience, but also allows you to discover the warmth of the stands, which vibrate at every game on the Coors Field diamond.
On the other hand, keep in mind that the Rockies are not only a beloved team locally, but they also compete nationally in the Major Leagues, facing some of the best franchises in the country.
8. Play a game in a Denver escape room
Denver is noted for having ample entertainment possibilities, and among the most popular options are escape rooms, where participants can immerse themselves in intriguing worlds and must solve puzzles to free themselves in a limited amount of time. These themed venues offer some of the best nighttime activities in the city, especially when the escape rooms deal with horror stories.
One of the popular options for this experience is Escape Works Denver, where players can choose from a variety of themes ranging from police mysteries to fantasy adventures, challenging their wits and deductive skills. You can also opt for Puzzah! which offers immersive experiences in which participants become the protagonists of randomly chosen stories.
Escape Room 5280 is another option that provides challenges with a variety of themes ranging from space escapes to historical war adventures in a scenario designed to unravel secrets in a battle against time. Therefore, participating in an escape room game is more than a leisure activity, it is an opportunity to test your wits and live an exciting experience.
9. Have fun in a comedy club
Denver is a city with a thriving comedy community and one of the best ways to get to know this profile is to attend a comedy club. At these venues you can find shows by regional performers.
One of the most outstanding places to discover the local wit is the Comedy Works, a club located downtown that offers live performances, food and drinks. You can also check out Denver Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant, where you can enjoy stand-up performances and improv shows.
Voodoo Comedy is another comedy hotspot in the city and is noted for its focus on improv and alternative humor. With shows ranging from classic improv to more experimental performances, this club offers an out-of-the-ordinary experience, even for those looking for something different in Denver's nightlife scene.
10. Ice skate at Skyline Park
Ice skating at Skyline Park at night is an enchanting experience that combines the magic of winter with the urban skyline. This park, located in downtown Denver, transforms into a skating rink that sparkles under the city lights. It is also a perfect activity if you plan to visit the city with children and family, as it offers fun for all ages.
If you visit Denver during the winter you will see how the ice rink at Skyline Park becomes one of the epicenters of the city during the evenings, with lively music and a lively atmosphere. Skating under the starry sky and surrounded by the illuminated buildings creates a very special atmosphere that enhances the experience. The rink is ideal for beginners and more experienced skaters alike.
Note that the fun at Skyline Park is not limited to the ice rink, as the park also offers panoramic views of Denver's urban architecture. After skating, you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and explore the surrounding areas of the park.
On the other hand, while ice skating is essentially a winter activity, Skyline Park also offers ice skating throughout the rest of the year, even during the summer, when the rink is smaller but remains operational due to the artificial freezing systems installed in the heart of the plaza.