Festivals, food & drink, music concerts, films, on-stage performances, markets, carnival rides and so much more. Check out our list of 29 things to do in Denver this May 2017!
29 THINGS TO DO IN DENVER THIS MAY 2017
#1 THE SECRET GARDEN
Photo Credit: ©AdamsVisCom. Photo courtesy of ©DCPA Press
When: May 2nd through May 28th, 2017
Where: Stage Theatre at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 1101 Speer Blvd, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 1:30pm or 7:30pm *Date Dependent
Purchase Tickets Online
The beloved classic, The Secret Garden, blossoms anew in this enchanting musical full of beautiful melodies at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
When young Mary is sent to live with her uncle after the death of her parents, she finds herself surrounded by distant relatives who are overcome by grief and fear. But when she uncovers the key to her late aunt’s long-lost garden, she becomes determined to revive the beauty that once flourished. Surrounded by spirits of the past, she uses the magic of hope to help the world around her grow once again.
#2 CIVIC CENTER EATS
Photograph courtesy of ©Civic Center Conservancy
When: Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday throughout May 2017
Where: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 11am – 2pm
Civic Center EATS, presented by Bank of America & Westword, is Metro Denver’s largest gathering of gourmet food trucks and carts, accompanied by gorgeous views and live music, and all in support of a great cause, the nonprofit Civic Center Conservancy.
#3 TRAVELERS OF THE LOST DIMENSION
Photograph courtesy of ©Travelers of the Lost Dimension
When: May 4th – 7th; May 11th – 14th & May 18th – 21st, 2017
Where: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80010
Cost: $30 – $40 Adults; $20 Children (6-12) with the code: CHILD
Psst… Each ticket includes a free drink
Purchase Tickets Online
Travelers of the Lost Dimension, presented by Denver Center for the Performing Arts & Stanley Marketplace, is an adventure comedy of your imagination in the 360-degree experience at Stanley Marketplace.
There’s a dimension that exists a breath away from our own, undetected by those who live parallel to it. The mysteries of this strangely similar world have been lost for eons…until now. With wit, wonderment and some dubious technology, a ragtag group of explorers will brave an inter-dimensional journey to discover the fantastical realm in the beyond. Open your eyes a little wider, step out a little further and leap into an adventure comedy of your imagination.
#4 TAKE NOTE THE CONCERT
Photograph courtesy of ©Altitude Tickets
When: May 4th, 2017
Where: 1STBANK Center, 11450 Broomfield Ln, Broomfield, CO 80021
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: $25 – $50
Purchase Tickets Online
Take Note the Concert, Raising the Roof for Music Education, will feature music live on stage by the likes of Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, One Republic, Isaac Slade of The Fray, Tod Park Mohr, Bill Nershi of The String Cheese Incident, Tracksuit Wedding and emceed by Comedian Josh Blue.
Proceeds from Take Note The Concert will support the Governor’s initiative, Take Note Colorado, for expansion of music education programs and access to musical instruments in Colorado’s schools. The goal for this event is to raise the initial funding necessary to partner with several Colorado school districts for the 2017 school year. Take Note Colorado is a program of the newly-forming nonprofit organization, the Colorado Music Coalition, whose purpose is to raise and distribute funds in support of music education and cultural activities for the benefit of Colorado students and residents.
#5 DENVER HAHO MARKET + GREAT WESTERN ALPACA SHOW
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver HAHO
When: May 5th & May 6th, 2017
Where: National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80216
Cost: Free
Denver Handmade Homemade, the grassroots craft and food market which hosts artisan businesses that are just starting out or trying something different, is hosting their 2nd craft and food market along side the fine folks at the Great Western Alpaca Show. Expect 100 vendors selling handmade goods from jewelry, leather work, home goods, accessories, clothing, art and more, with live music and plenty of entertainment. Plus, a full schedule of events downstairs for the Alpaca Show including competitions, blue ribbon shows and 1200 alpacas to meet.
#6 SPREAD THE WORD MUSIC FEST
Photograph courtesy of ©Spread the Word Fest Music Fest
When: May 5th through May 8th, 2017
Where: Multiple Locations in Downtown Denver
View Tours + Schedule Online
Cost: $12 – $60
Purchase Tickets Online
Spread the Word Fest Music Fest will feature live music by over 60 music bands across 10 stages in Downtown Denver. The festival highlights local Colorado talent and includes a party shuttle that provides free transportation between venues.
#7 FURRY SCURRY
When: May 6th, 2017
Where: Washington Park, 701 S Franklin St, Denver, CO 80209
Time: 9am – 12pm; Registration from 7am
Cost: $50 Adults; $25 Children 14 and under
Register Online
Furry Scurry 2017, presented and in support of Dumb Friends League, is two-mile walk and fun run in Washington Park with your furry friends. This event helps raise money to care for more than 20,000 homeless pets each year.
#8 30TH ANNIVERSARY: CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL
Photograph courtesy of ©Cinco De Mayo Festival
When: May 6th & May 7th, 2017
Where: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204
Time: May 6th 10am – 8pm; May 7th 11am – 8pm
Cost: Free
A weekend filled with food, fun and culture, Denver’s Cinco de Mayo ‘Celebrate Culture’ Festival puts the spotlight on the Mile High City’s vibrant Latino population. With more than 400,000 attendees expected, it’s one of Denver’s most fun and family-friendly events. The Cinco De Mayo Festival includes a parade, a taco eating competition, chihuahua races, live music concerts, a kids zone and food and drink vendors.
#9 THE 1975
Photograph courtesy of ©Live Nation
When: May 6th & 7th, 2017
Where: Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St, Denver, CO 80218
Time: 6:30pm
Cost: $39.50 GA; $64.50 Reserved
Purchase Tickets Online
The 1975 will perform live at the Fillmore Auditorium for two nights in a row with special guests Pale Waves & Colouring.
#10 CHRIS BROWN
Photograph courtesy of ©Chris Brown
When: May 8th, 2017
Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: $29.95 – $149.95
Purchase Tickets Online
Chris Brown will be performing live at the Pepsi Center with his Summer Tour, The Party Tour, with special guests O.T Genasis, Fabolous, Kap G & DC Young Fly.
#11 KIEFER SUTHERLAND
Photograph courtesy of ©Kiefer Sutherland
When: May 10th, 2017
Where: The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302
Time: 8:30pm
Cost: $20 – $25
Purchase Tickets Online
Kiefer Sutherland, a professional actor for over thirty years, is also a talented musician, and will be performing live at The Fox Theatre this May. Sutherland will play songs from his upcoming debut album: ‘Down In A Hole’, that were written by him and pulled from his own personal experiences.
#12 COLORADO CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
Photograph by ©Chocolate Festival
When: May 12th & May 13th, 2017
Where: Denver Mart, 451 E 58th Ave, Denver, CO 80216
Time: May 12th 4pm – 9pm; May 13th 10am – 6pm
Cost: Admission – $5; Free for Children under 5. Tastings – 12 Tickets $10; 24 Tickets $20; VIP $50
Purchase Tickets Online
Sample and buy the finest chocolates in Colorado at the Colorado Chocolate Festival. This festival features 30,000 sq ft of chocolate heaven, with over 90 vendors from across the US. Enjoy chocolate candy, cakes, cookies, truffles, fudge, brownies, toffees, coffees and more. Plus a Mother’s Day Gift Market with jewelry, clothes, imports, crafts, and more.
#13 NORTHGLENN FOOD TRUCK CARNIVAL
Photograph courtesy of ©Northglenn Food Truck Carnival
When: May 12th through May 14th, 2017
Where: Northglenn City Hall, 11701 Community Center Dr, Denver 80233
Time: May 12th 3pm – 10pm; May 13th 11am – 10pm; May 14th 11am – 4pm
Cost: Free. Psst… Carnival Rides Fee-Based.
The Northglenn Food Truck Carnival will include some of Denver’s best gourmet food trucks set against a traditional carnival with amusement rides, midway games, fair concessions and roving entertainers. Also enjoy the Big Top stage with eight bands representing Colorado’s best Americana and Bluegrass Music.
#14 MAYHEM PRESENTED BY THE COLORADO SYMPHONY AND WONDERBOUND
Photograph courtesy of ©Colorado Symphony
When: May 12th, 2017
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall at Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1000 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: $15 – $67
Purchase Tickets Online
Denver contemporary ballet company Wonderbound returns for a third time to perform with your Colorado Symphony and special guests for an evening that will captivate and inspire. This eclectic program will feature orchestral works performed with the Colorado Symphony alongside Chimney Choir, Ian Cooke Band, Jesse Manley and His Band, and Tom Hagerman; each with a unique style, sound, and symphonic approach.
As part of the evening, Wonderbound Dance Artists will perform excerpts from Artistic Director Garrett Ammon’s productions, Boomtown, Gone West, Snow and Rock Ballets throughout the evening.
#15 DENVER’S LARGEST PRINCESS PAR-TEA
Photograph courtesy of ©Wands & Wishes Occasions
When: May 13th, 2017
Where: The Falls Event Center, 8199 Southpark Ct, Littleton, CO 80120
Time: 10am – 12pm & 1pm – 3pm
Cost: $35 GA; $135 VIP
General Admission includes meet & greet with all Princesses & Sweet Treats in Tea Room; VIP includes meet & greet with all Princesses, a special private meet & greet with Cinderella, Pink Princess Dress in your child’s size (ages 3-10) and an appointment at Beauty Boutique.
Purchase Tickets Online
You’re cordially invited to a magical and whimsical experience, Presented by 99.5 The Mountain, at Denver’s Largest Princess ParTEA event. Bring your little Princes and Princesses dressed in their favorite regal attire to enjoy a Royal Tea Party with some of their favorite Princesses, Sponsored by Wands & Wishes Occasions.
Experience a magical tea party with Alice and the Mad Hatter, tons of on-site activities and sing-alongs, visit The Beauty Boutique for hair and fashion, and the Book Nook, Sponsored by Douglas County Libraries, where every child will leave with a book, arts and crafts with Gallery on the Go, Face Painting, Sponsored by Stinkin’ Good Green Chile, as well as dresses, wands, crowns and more will be available on-site for purchase.
Psst… The Denver Ear is the Media Sponsor for this event!
#16 BACON & BEER CLASSIC
Photograph courtesy of ©Bacon and Beer Classic
When: May 13th, 2017
Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 1pm – 4pm GA; Early Access 30 minutes early; Power Hour & VIP 1 hour early
Cost: $69 – $129
Purchase Tickets Online
Bacon and Beer Classic is one of the fastest growing food and beverage festivals hosted across the country. This highly-acclaimed event features bacon dishes from local restaurants, craft beers from local and regional breweries, games, music, and more.
#17 FLOGGING MOLLY
Photograph courtesy of ©Flogging Molly
When: May 13th, 2017
Where: Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St, Denver, CO 80218
Time: 7pm
Cost: $32.50 GA; $52.50 Reserved
Purchase Tickets Online
Flogging Molly will perform live at the Fillmore Auditorium with special guests The White Buffalo & Dylan Walshe.
#18 MOM’S NIGHT OUT: THE PUMP & DUMP SHOW
Photograph courtesy of ©The Pump and Dump Show
When: May 13th, 2017
Where: Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 8pm
Cost: $32.50
Purchase Tickets Online
The Pump and Dump Show is a special moms’ night out, an irreverent, one-of-a-kind, interactive, live production designed as the ultimate respite for parents everywhere. Back by popular demand, Shayna Ferm and Tracey Tee will perform a special Mother’s Day version of their hilarious evening for moms in their hometown for the 5th year in a row. This year’s event will feature complimentary gifting suites, an after-show DJ’d dance party, and very special mom guests.
#19 FILM ON THE ROCKS: SUPERBAD, ROGUE ONE & LONG STRANGE TRIP
Photograph courtesy of ©Film on the Rocks
When: May 15th – Superbad, May 22nd – Rogue One & May 25th – Long Strange Trip
Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Time: 7pm
Cost: $15
Purchase Tickets Online
Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is back for another great season. This month enjoy the films: Superbad, Rogue One & The Long Strange Trip, at the best venue in the world!
#20 THE ILLUSIONISTS – LIVE FROM BROADWAY
Photograph courtesy of ©The Illusionists Tour
When: May 19th through May 21st, 2017
Where: The Ellie at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 1385 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204
Time: May 19th & 21st 7:30pm; May 20th 2pm & 7:30pm
Cost: Starting from $30
Purchase Tickets Online
The Illusionists Tour, is a mind blowing spectacular that showcases the jaw dropping talents of seven of the most incredible Illusionists on earth. The Illusionists – Live From Broadway has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.
#21 FIVE POINTS JAZZ FESTIVAL
Photograph courtesy of ©Five Points Jazz Festival
When: May 20th, 2017
Where: Five Points, Denver
Time: 11am – 5:30pm
Cost: Free
The Five Points Jazz Festival takes place the third Saturday of May and celebrates the history of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. Once known as the Harlem of the West, Five Points was home to several jazz clubs which played host to many of jazz music’s legends such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and many more. Come out to Five Points to enjoy this free festival of music, food, culture and fun.
#22 WHISKEY THROWDOWN & DOUGHNUT SHOWDOWN
Photograph courtesy of ©Whiskey + Doughnuts
When: May 20th, 2017
Where: McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 3:30pm – 9:30pm
Cost: $35 – $55 GA; $115 VIP
Purchase Tickets Online
Come celebrate all things Whiskey + Doughnuts related while supporting the Denver local charity, Minds Matter of Denver! You’ll enjoy the area’s finest doughnuts and locally-distilled spirits with unlimited sampling. Five registered ticket holders will win Doughnuts for life, and limited-edition sugary creations by local vendors will be available as well.
Minds Matter of Denver equips underprivileged local high school students with the tools to gain acceptance to top-tier academic summer programs and four-year universities,
#23 HILLTOP ANNUAL GARAGE SALE
Photograph courtesy of ©Mor Zucker
When: May 21st, 2017
Where: Hilltop Neighborhood, Denver 80220
View Map of Participating Homes Online on May 18th
Time: 10am – 2pm
Cost: Free
The 4th Annual Hilltop Garage Sale, presented by Mor Zucker, Broker Associate with Kentwood Real Estate Cherry Creek & Founder of The Denver Ear, returns this May in partnership with WeeCycle, a Denver-based nonprofit that improves the lives of local families in need.
This free community wide event will feature multiple homes that will set their no longer wanted items up for sale. An interactive and printable map of the participating homes will be published on May 18th, 2017.
#24 SOUNDGARDEN
Photo Credit: ©Ross Halfin Photography. Photograph courtesy of ©Soundgarden
When: May 22nd, 2017
Where: Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St, Denver, CO 80218
Time: 7pm
Cost: $66.75 GA; $106.75 Reserved
Purchase Tickets Online
Soundgarden will perform live at the Fillmore Auditorium with special guests Dillinger Escape Plan.
#25 CHRIS STAPLETON
Photograph courtesy of ©Chris Stapleton
When: May 23rd & May 24th, 2017
When: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Time: 7pm
Cost: Sold Out; Check StubHub for Re-Sell Pricing
Chris Stapleton will be performing two nights in a row, live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
#26 DENVER DAY OF ROCK
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver Day of Rock
When: May 27th, 2017
Where: 16th Street Mall, Denver, CO 80202
Cost: Free; VIP $250
Purchase VIP Passes Online
Denver Day of Rock is a one-of-a-kind music event presented by Amp the Cause, a non-profit organization for kids. This free event features five stages of live music throughout Denver on Memorial Day weekend. Denver Day of Rock unites the community through music and family friendly entertainment while also raising funds to help Amp the Cause continue to support non-profits in our community.
#27 DENVER ARTS FESTIVAL
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver Arts Festival
When: May 27th & May 28th, 2017
Where: Conservatory Green at Stapleton, Denver 80238
Time: May 27th 10am – 6pm; May 28th 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
The Denver Arts Festival is a fine arts and fine crafts festival that continues to be dedicated to supporting Colorado artists while also showcasing a select group of national artists . The Denver Arts Festival holds its annual premier event at Stapleton’s Conservatory Green Plaza in Northfield. The fine art and fine craft exhibition features some of Colorado’s and the nation’s best artists with over 50,000 people expected to attend.
#28 SOUTH GAYLORD STREET’S MEMORIAL WEEKEND FESTIVAL
Photo Credit: ©J.Mimna Photography. Photograph courtesy of ©Old South Gaylord Street
When: May 27th through May 29th, 2017
Where: Old South Gaylord Street, 1059 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80209
Time: May 27th 4pm – 9:30pm; May 28th 2pm – 6pm; May 29th 12pm – 4pm
Cost: Free
Old South Gaylord Street is hosting a Memorial Day Weekend Festival to kick off the summer season. The festival will feature three days of great family-friendly entertainment, delicious food, live music, and local vendors. The Festival Series has a long history of bringing together the local community and purveyors of fine products to celebrate this wonderful historic neighborhood in Washington Park.
Musical line-up includes Tiffany Christopher, Coral Creek, The Congress, McKay Brothers, Johnny and the Mongrels, Kenny Lee Young & Johnny O Band.
#29 TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS
Photograph courtesy of ©Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
When: May 29th & May 30th, 2017
Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Sold Out; Check StubHub or VIVIDSEATS for Re-Sell Pricing
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers will be playing two nights in a row at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.