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 all 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 amphitheatre, attending music festivals, thrilling to the city's sporting activities, visiting water amusement parks and hiking Colorado's hiking trails.

Red Rocks Park is one of the city's most popular venues and enjoying a live show at this amphitheatre during the summer in Denver is a unique experience that combines the magic of music with the natural beauty of the surroundings and the balmy weather. Nestled among limestone boulders and with exceptional acoustics, this stage provides an ideal venue for concerts ranging from up-and-coming artists to established legends.

During the shows, you can take in the panoramic views of the region, including the rock formations flanking the amphitheatre. At sunset, the combination of music, stage lights and the colours of the setting sun create a unique atmosphere that often captivates audiences.

In addition to the musical and visual experience, Red Rocks Park also 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, which 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 things to do. 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 epicentre 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 through 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 colour 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 growing in 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 flora on display.

Interactive and themed activities are also available and are ideal if you plan to visit Denver with children, as they are experiences that will appeal to the youngest visitors.

For 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's streets each 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 neighbourhood, the epicentre of the festival, are transformed into an open-air gallery where paintings, sculptures, photographs and artworks from a variety of disciplines contribute to an effervescent atmosphere that celebrates creativity and artistic expression.

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

Denver is one of Colorado's most creative cities. And one way to get a taste of the local artistic spirit is to explore the street art murals at night. This is a fascinating experience that reveals the rich and diverse landscape of the RiNo and Lincoln Park neighbourhoods, where murals light up the streets with vibrant colour.

RiNo, known as the epicentre 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.

In addition, the pleasant temperature and night-time 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 neighbourhood, 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 evolving cultural identity and creativity of this destination that was one of the capitals of the Gold Rush during the 19th century.

TheGarden of the Gods is one of the most popular 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 winding through the rock formations to challenging routes that offer unparalleled panoramic views. You'll 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, as 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're looking to get a taste of local brewing culture, summer offers an unbeatable opportunity to take part in the Denver Beer Festival, an annual celebration held in June at High Mile Station. Colorado, known for its mountainous landscapes, 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 epicentre of the experience, with local and national breweries congregating to offer a wide variety of craft beers that reflect the diversity and innovation of the local scene. You'll 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. With its combination of high peaks, deep valleys and dense forests, it's a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

In summer, the Rocky Mountains offer hiking and trekking that allows 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 of elk, deer and eagles add 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 tranquillity of nature. Also, the sunrises and sunsets over the peaks create a unique visual spectacle that allows 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 biggest is the Underground Music Showcase, an event that transforms the city's streets into an epicentre 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 several 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 thrill 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 to suit the tastes of all visitors. From dizzying rollercoasters to refreshing water slides, the park offers a complete experience for those looking for 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 favourite for the whole family. It is also one of the best things to do with children in Denver due to its variety of rides and games.

During the summer, temperatures in Denver usually range from the mid-20s to mid-30s, providing pleasant days and cool nights. The city's high altitude, located more than 1,600 metres above sea level, contributes to the daily temperature range, allowing mornings and evenings to be cooler while the middle 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 day trips.

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

On the other hand, Denver is also a great place to use as a base for touring the nearby sites, which are very popular during the summer. From here 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 amphitheatres.

Summertime prices in Denver tend to vary, influenced by the tourist season and outdoor activities. In terms of accommodation, it is common to see an increase in hotel and vacation rental rates due to tourist demand during the festival season, which tends to be concentrated in June and July.

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

Summer is the hottest time of the year in Denver, so pack the following:

• Cool T-shirts
• Lightweight trousers
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen
• Swimming costume
• Sunglasses
• Hat, cap or hat
• Light coat