The Biggest Festivals In Denver: A Guide to the Mile High City’s Most Celebrated Events

Denver is known for its outdoor lifestyle, stunning mountain views, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts a myriad of festivals throughout the year, each showcasing the unique flavor of Denver. Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or culture aficionado, there’s something for everyone in the Mile High City. Here’s a guide to the biggest festivals in Denver that you won’t want to miss.

🎉 The Great American Beer Festival

The Great American Beer Festival is the premier beer festival and competition in the United States. With over 4,000 different types of beer and 800 breweries, it’s the ultimate destination for beer lovers. The festival takes place every fall at the Colorado Convention Center and attracts beer enthusiasts from around the world.

🍎 The Denver International Wine Festival

The Denver International Wine Festival is one of the largest wine events in the Rocky Mountain region. The festival features over 400 wines from around the world, educational seminars, and gourmet food. It’s a great opportunity to explore new wine varietals and meet winemakers from different regions.

🎨 Cherry Creek Arts Festival

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is a three-day celebration of visual, performing, and culinary arts. The festival features over 250 artists from around the world, live music, and food vendors. It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful summer weather and support local artists.

🍗 The Denver BBQ Festival

The Denver BBQ Festival is a three-day event that brings together the best pitmasters from around the country. The festival features a wide variety of BBQ styles, from Texas brisket to Carolina pulled pork. It’s a great opportunity to taste the best BBQ in the country and learn from the experts.

🎵 The Underground Music Showcase

The Underground Music Showcase is Denver’s premier music festival, featuring over 400 local and national acts. The festival takes place in the eclectic South Broadway neighborhood and showcases a variety of genres, from indie rock to hip hop. It’s a great way to discover new music and support local artists.

🌮 The Denver Taco Festival

The Denver Taco Festival is a two-day celebration of all things taco. The festival features over 40 taco vendors, live music, and lucha libre wrestling. It’s a great way to indulge in your love of tacos and experience the vibrant culture of Denver.

🍁 The Great American Food and Beverage Festival

The Great American Food and Beverage Festival is a two-day event that brings together the best chefs, mixologists, and food artisans from around the country. The festival features cooking demos, tastings, and seminars. It’s a great opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and sample some of the most innovative dishes and drinks.

🐶 The Denver Pet Expo

The Denver Pet Expo is a two-day event that celebrates all things pets. The festival features pet-related vendors, adoptable pets, and educational seminars. It’s a great way to learn about new pet products and services and meet other pet lovers in the Denver community.

🌸 Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series

The Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series is a series of outdoor concerts featuring a wide variety of musical acts. The concerts take place in the stunning natural setting of the botanic gardens and are a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature and experience live music.

🎭 Denver Center for the Performing Arts

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is one of the largest theater organizations in the country. The center features Broadway shows, plays, and musicals, as well as educational programs and events. It’s a great way to experience the best in theater and performing arts.

🎨 First Fridays Art Walk

The First Fridays Art Walk is a monthly event that showcases the artistic and creative talents of Denver’s vibrant art scene. The event takes place in the Santa Fe Art District and features art galleries, studios, and restaurants. It’s a great way to explore the neighborhood and discover new artists.

🍻 Denver Oktoberfest

The Denver Oktoberfest is a two-weekend celebration of all things German. The festival features live music, beer tents, and traditional German food. It’s a great way to experience the festive spirit of Germany without leaving Denver.

🧀 Denver Grilled Cheese Festival

The Denver Grilled Cheese Festival is a one-day event that celebrates the cheesy goodness of grilled cheese sandwiches. The festival features over 20 vendors, live music, and a grilled cheese eating contest. It’s a great way to indulge in your love of grilled cheese and support local vendors.

🌮 The Denver Margarita Festival

The Denver Margarita Festival is a one-day event that celebrates the classic cocktail. The festival features over 30 margarita vendors, live music, and a margarita-making competition. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic drink and experience the vibrant culture of Denver.

🎭 Denver Film Festival

The Denver Film Festival is an annual event that showcases the best in independent and foreign films. The festival features over 250 films from around the world, as well as panel discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers. It’s a great way to explore new films and meet other film enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the Great American Beer Festival?

The Great American Beer Festival typically takes place in late September or early October. Check the festival’s website for specific dates.

2. What types of wine can I expect at the Denver International Wine Festival?

The Denver International Wine Festival features a wide variety of wines from around the world, including reds, whites, and rosés. You can expect to find both established and up-and-coming winemakers at the festival.

3. When is the Cherry Creek Arts Festival?

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival typically takes place over the Fourth of July weekend. Check the festival’s website for specific dates.

4. What types of BBQ can I expect at the Denver BBQ Festival?

The Denver BBQ Festival features a wide variety of BBQ styles, including Texas brisket, Carolina pulled pork, and Memphis-style ribs. You can expect to find both traditional and innovative BBQ dishes at the festival.

5. When is the Underground Music Showcase?

The Underground Music Showcase typically takes place in late July. Check the festival’s website for specific dates.

6. What types of tacos can I expect at the Denver Taco Festival?

The Denver Taco Festival features over 40 taco vendors, so you can expect to find a wide variety of tacos, including traditional Mexican tacos, fusion tacos, and vegetarian options.

7. When is the Great American Food and Beverage Festival?

The Great American Food and Beverage Festival typically takes place in late August. Check the festival’s website for specific dates.

8. What types of pets can I expect to see at the Denver Pet Expo?

The Denver Pet Expo features a wide variety of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. You can also expect to find vendors selling pet-related products and services.

9. When does the Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series take place?

The Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series typically takes place from June to August. Check the Botanic Gardens’ website for specific dates.

10. What types of shows can I expect to see at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts?

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts features a wide variety of shows, including Broadway shows, plays, musicals, and comedy acts.

11. When is the First Fridays Art Walk?

The First Fridays Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of every month in the Santa Fe Art District.

12. When is the Denver Oktoberfest?

The Denver Oktoberfest typically takes place over two weekends in late September. Check the festival’s website for specific dates.

13. What types of grilled cheese sandwiches can I expect at the Denver Grilled Cheese Festival?

The Denver Grilled Cheese Festival features a wide variety of grilled cheese sandwiches, including traditional options and more innovative creations. You can expect to find both sweet and savory grilled cheese sandwiches at the festival.

Conclusion

Denver is a city that loves to celebrate, and its festivals are a reflection of its vibrant culture and community. Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, a music enthusiast, or a pet lover, there’s a festival in Denver that’s perfect for you. So mark your calendars, grab your friends and family, and get ready to experience the biggest festivals in Denver.

If you have any questions or comments about this guide, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to hear from our readers and help in any way we can.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is accurate at the