Denver’s Must-Do Summer Events

Just 10 miles outside Denver in the neighboring town of Morrison, you’ll find one of the most iconic stages in rock ‘n roll history: Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Epic yet intimate, the 10,000-seat outdoor venue is nestled within breathtaking natural sandstone formations and has played host to some of the most legendary names in music since it first opened in 1941.

A history this impressive calls for a summer lineup to match, and Red Rocks does not disappoint. Upcoming shows include artists like James Taylor, Halsey, Mumford & Sons, Sheryl Crow, Indigo Girls & Melissa Etheridge, ZZ Top, Gracie Abrams, Mt. Joy, and many more. Guests of The Crawford Hotel enjoy 15% off a concert-night stay, and can even take advantage of convenient round-trip shuttle or car service directly from Denver Union Station for the ultimate in door-to-door concert experience.

Inspiration abounds in Denver’s Cherry Creek North, a thriving 16-block shopping district and the home of the award-winning Cherry Creek Arts Festival. An easy 15-minute drive from LoDo’s Denver Union Station, the neighborhood transforms each year during the first weekend of July, when more than 260 juried artists share their work with the public.

Wander along 2nd Avenue from Clayton to Adams Street, and between 2nd and 3rd Avenues from Detroit to Adams Street, as you explore vibrant artwork, enjoy live music, sip and snack on Denver’s tastiest food truck fare, and experience the boundless creativity of our local arts community. The event is free and open to the public, with additional ticketed and VIP events to elevate your artful experience.

Don your rainbow gear and celebrate in style this summer at the largest Pride event in the Rocky Mountain region. The fun starts right downstairs at Denver Union Station with Paws With Pride, a festive doggy drag show held on June 21st, 2025. Admission is free, and all attendees go home with a complimentary gift bag courtesy of Sploot Veterinary Care. 

The following week comes the main event: Denver PrideFest, a two-day celebration held in Civic Center Park including more than 250 exhibitors, two dozen food vendors, electrifying live performances, and the Pride 5K. It all culminates in the Coors Light Denver Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29th, when more than 100,000 people gather along Lincoln Street and Colfax Avenue in support of Denver’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community.

Embrace Colorado’s love of all things outdoorsy at the second annual Outside Festival, on from May 31st to June 1st, 2025. On the heels of a wildly successful inaugural year, this highly anticipated local event brings together live musical performances, adventure film screenings, thrilling skill demos, expert-led wellness programming, and an engaging speaker series designed to inspire a love of the great outdoors.

Held in Civic Center Park, less than a ten-minute drive from The Crawford Hotel, the two-day festival also includes Outside Summit, a networking event for leaders across the outdoor industry, as well as Outside Ignite, a startup pitch competition where competitors vie to take home the coveted $100,000 cash prize. Choose from early bird, general admission, and VIP ticketing options, and find everything you need to fuel your next great Colorado adventure.

Despite our high elevation at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, summers in Denver can get toasty. The city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year, ideal for exploring our sprawling parks, historic streetscapes, and scenic river trails. But for those sizzling summer days when you really need to beat the heat, there’s one iconic Denver destination that (quite literally) towers above the rest: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park.

Just a 20-minute stroll or less than a five-minute drive from The Crawford Hotel, the park boasts a fun-filled collection of thrilling roller coasters, entertaining shows, and water slides, along with a family-friendly splash zone that’s great for younger kids. Should you find yourself in the Mile High City for Memorial Day weekend, be sure to check out their evening fireworks display—a dazzling way to celebrate the unofficial start of the summer season.

Whether you’re into sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, or cosplay, embrace your nerdy side this summer at Fan Expo Denver. Held from July 3rd to 6th, 2025, at the Denver Convention Center (conveniently located within walking distance of The Crawford Hotel), the expo is a four-day celebration of fan culture that spans books, movies, TV, comics, and beyond. Enjoy interactive gaming booths, celebrity meet-and-greets, Q&As, autograph sessions, and a cosplay red carpet—plus unforgettable after-hours events like Anime After Dark.

On your mark, get set, go! The premier road racing event in the Mountain West, the Denver Colfax Marathon returns for the weekend of May 17th, 2025. Test your endurance over 26.2 grueling miles, or channel your inner on-course cheerleader as over 20,000 runners take to the streets to raise more than $100,000 for charitable causes in our local area.

Don’t be intimidated by the formidable distance—Denver’s most celebrated road racing event isn’t only for die-hard athletes. Participants can choose from several distances, including a marathon, half-marathon, 10-mile run, and relay. For out-of-towners, it’s a great opportunity to get to know the city, with race routes taking you through historic neighbourhoods, scenic riverside trails, and even the Denver Zoo!

The final six miles of the marathon route come within two blocks of The Crawford Hotel, perfect for when you need an extra boost of encouragement to make it across the finish line. Once you’ve collected your medal and celebrated your accomplishment, head back to the comfort of your Premium Classic Guest Room, where diverse in-room dining options and a freestanding soaking tub never looked so good.

The Mile High City meets the Land of the Rising Sun at the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival, held June 21st and 22nd at Sakura Square, a convenient ten-minute stroll from The Crawford Hotel. Now in its 51st year, this beloved annual celebration of Japanese heritage and culture includes live performances, traditional dancing, taiko drumming, and more. Browse an incredible selection of authentic Japanese jewelry, pottery, fine art, and apparel, cool off with a refreshing craft beer, or raise your glass of sake and say kanpai!

Whether you’re making a splash at Elitch Gardens or singing your heart out from the stands at Red Rocks, summer in Denver offers endless opportunities for fun and excitement. And when you stay at The Crawford Hotel, you’ll always find yourself in the heart of it all, with an endless slate of enriching events and can’t-miss cultural experiences right downstairs at Denver Union Station. See what’s happening in our lively neighborhood this summer, and start planning a getaway that makes the most of Denver’s most memorable season.