10 Things to Do in Denver in Summer

Denver is the capital of Colorado and one of the most popular cities in the American West year-round. However, summertime offers some of the best things to do in the region, as it is the perfect time to discover the natural beauty of this destination and the surrounding mountains.

Some of the best things to do in Denver in the summer include enjoying shows at the local amphitheater, attending music festivals, thrilling to the city's sports activities, visiting water amusement parks and hiking Colorado's hiking tra ils.

Red Rocks Park is one of the most popular venues in the city and enjoying a live show at this amphitheater during the summer in Denver is a unique experience that combines the magic of music with the natural beauty of the surroundings and the pleasant weather. This stage, nestled among limestone rocks and with exceptional acoustics, provides an ideal venue for concerts ranging from emerging artists to established legends.

In addition, during the shows you can take in the panoramic views of the region, including the rock formations that flank the amphitheater. On the other hand, at sunset, the combination of music, stage lights and the colors of the setting sun create a unique atmosphere that usually captivates the audience.

In addition to the musical and visual experience, Red Rocks Park offers the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. Before the show, you can walk along nature trails that wind through the rock formations and immerse yourself in the beauty of this site that is often featured on the best tours from Denver.

One of the best things to do in Denver during the summer is to enjoy sporting events. Among them, attending a Colorado Rockies MLB game is one of the most fun alternatives. The Major League Baseball schedule coincides with the warmest months of the year, so you'll have the opportunity to see some of the best games of the season live.

Coors Field, home of the Rockies, becomes the epicenter of baseball passion during this time of year. Also, the stadium's architecture offers a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains, creating a spectacular backdrop between every inning, pitch and run.

However, the excitement of a Rockies game goes beyond the game itself. The euphoria of the crowd, the chants echoing throughout the stadium and the camaraderie among the fans create a festive atmosphere that makes each game unique and makes attending a home franchise game one of the best things to do at night in Denver.

The Botanic Gardens is one of Denver's most popular year-round attractions, but it's during the summer that this natural oasis explodes with color and fragrance , transforming the site into a visual spectacle not to be missed. The various sections of the garden, from the rose gardens to the alpine paths, come alive with the diversity of flowers and plants that grow under the summer sun.

These gardens, then, become a haven for nature lovers and gardeners. The variety of plants on display, carefully selected to bloom in each season of the year, create a unique sensory experience. You can also explore themed exhibits that highlight the diversity of the flora present at this site.

There are also interactive and themed activities that will be ideal if you plan to visit Denver with children, as they are experiences that will attract the attention of the little ones.

If you want to get a taste of the artistic essence that surrounds Denver, you can't miss the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, an annual celebration that lights up the city streets every year in early July. This cultural event, considered one of the largest art festivals in the country, offers visitors a unique opportunity to view and purchase artwork by local and national artists.

The streets of the Cherry Creek neighborhood, the epicenter of the festival, are transformed into an open-air gallery where paintings, sculptures, photographs and artwork from a variety of disciplines contribute to an effervescent atmosphere that celebrates creativity and artistic expression.

The Cherry Creek Art Festival not only offers an eclectic variety of artwork, but also an immersive experience where visitors can interact directly with the artists to learn firsthand about the creative process, gain insight into the inspirations behind each work and, in many cases, purchase one-of-a-kind pieces directly from the creators.

Denver is one of the most creative cities in Colorado. And one of the alternatives to get to know the local artistic spirit is to explore the street art murals at night. This activity is a fascinating experience that reveals the rich and diverse landscape of the RiNo and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, where murals light up the streets with vibrant colors.

RiNo, known as the epicenter of street art in Denver, is home to a collection of murals that capture the local avant-garde essence. Visitors can wander the streets lined with murals on building facades, discovering innovative pieces that reflect a diversity of styles and perspectives.

Likewise, the pleasant temperature and nighttime lighting highlight the details of the works, creating an atmosphere that transforms the city into an open-air gallery. Many of these sites can be explored on your own or as part of some of Denver's best guided tours.

The city's street art trail also includes the Lincoln Park neighborhood, where historic and contemporary murals intertwine to tell stories of culture and community. During the walk, murals on building facades reveal a visual narrative that highlights the ever-evolving cultural identity and creativity of this destination that was one of the Gold Rush capitals during the 19th century.

Booking admission to the Garden of the Gods is one of the most outstanding attractions around Denver, and during the summer you'll find the weather ideal for exploring the hiking trails. During the summer season, all trails are open, allowing you to explore the geological diversity and natural beauty of the area without the limitations of the colder months of the year.

During the tour you will find everything from easy trails that wind through the rock formations to challenging routes that offer unparalleled panoramic views. You will also have the opportunity to hike among the monumental red rock structures, such as Kissing Camels and Balanced Rock.

Please note that summer is the ideal time to discover this site because if you travel to Denver during the winter some hiking trails in the Garden of the Gods may be closed due to adverse weather conditions, such as snow accumulation.

If you want to get a taste of the local beer culture, summer will provide an unbeatable opportunity as you can take part in the Denver Beer Festival, an annual celebration that takes place in June at High Mile Station. Colorado, known for its mountain scenery, has also earned a reputation as a bastion of craft beer, and this festival is the perfect platform to appreciate the creativity and quality of the region's brews.

During the celebration, High Mile Station becomes the epicenter of the experience, where local and national breweries congregate to offer a wide variety of craft beers that reflect the diversity and innovation of the local scene. You will be able to sample a selection of beers ranging from the traditional to the more experimental.

In addition to tastings, the event also often features live music performances, interactive activities and dining options that complement the beer experience, creating a festive atmosphere ideal for a night out in Denver.

Exploring the Rocky Mountains during the summer is a unique experience that offers some of Colorado's most popular mountain scenery and outdoor activities. This site, with its combination of high peaks, deep valleys and dense forests, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

In summer, the Rocky Mountains offer hikes and tours that allow you to experience the many trails that wind through pine and spruce forests, ascending to peaks that offer panoramic views of the mountain range. In addition, the native wildlife, including elk, deer and eagles, add a special touch to the experience, which you can discover on your own on some of the best hikes from Denver.

Visiting the Rocky Mountain s during the summer is a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and soak up the tranquility of the wilderness. Also, the sunrises and sunsets over the peaks create a unique visual spectacle that will allow you to see some of the best expansive views in Colorado.

Denver during the summer is a popular destination for music festivals and one of the most important is the Underground Music Showcase, an event that transforms the city streets into an epicenter of independent and emerging music. It is also a festival that attracts national talent, offering attendees a unique experience that spans genres and styles.

The Underground Music Showcase is distinguished by its eclectic format, featuring live performances in a variety of venues, ranging from intimate clubs to outdoor stages. With programming spanning multiple days, attendees will have the opportunity to explore different venues and discover new sounds.

In addition to live music, this festival also includes interactive activities, craft markets and dining options that complement the experience and allow you to discover the spirit of the city.

Elitch Gardens is one of Colorado's most traditional amusement parks. Founded in 1890, it has evolved over the years to become an iconic destination that combines the excitement of modern attractions with the history of an old-fashioned entertainment venue.

During the summer, Elitch Gardens comes alive with a mix of water and traditional attractions that cater to the tastes of all visitors. From dizzying roller coasters to refreshing water slides, the park offers a complete experience for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the water, but also a thrilling one.

The fusion of the nostalgia of a traditional amusement park with the innovation that has led to the constant expansion and renovation of this site ensures that booking a visit to Elitch Gardens is a favorite for the whole family. Likewise, for its variety of children's games it is also one of the best activities to do with kids in Denver.

During the summer, temperatures in Denver usually range between 20° and 30°, providing pleasant days and cool nights. The city's high altitude, located more than 1,600 meters above sea level, contributes to the daily thermal amplitude, allowing mornings and evenings to be cooler while the central hours of the day can be warmer.

On the other hand, the absence of significant humidity in the air during the summer months creates a dry and sunny climate in Denver. This environment provides ideal conditions for exploring Denver's many parks, trails and outdoor festivals as well as enjoying Denver's best full-day hikes.

During the summer months, Denver experiences a high tourist influx due to its pleasant weather, the wide variety of events it offers and its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The city, then, becomes a popular destination for travelers looking to enjoy the outdoor activities and cultural festivals that characterize this destination.

On the other hand, Denver is also an ideal place to use as a base for touring the nearby sites, which are very popular during the summer. From there you can easily reach Rocky Mountain National Park or Red Rocks Park, the natural wonder that is home to one of the world's most popular amphitheaters.

Prices during the summer in Denver tend to vary influenced by the tourist season and outdoor activities. In terms of lodging, it is common to see an increase in hotel and vacation rental rates due to tourist demand during the festival season, which is usually concentrated in the months of June and July.

As for recreation and entertainment, some costs may experience temporary increases, especially during weeks when Denver's calendar of activities is heavy. However, the city also offers numerous free or low-cost activities, such as exploring free admission parks and trails.

Summer is the hottest time of the year in Denver, so I advise you to pack the following in your suitcase:

• Cool T-shirts
• Lightweight pants
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen
• Bathing suit
• Sunglasses
• Hat, cap or hat
• Light coat