10 Things to Do in Denver at Night
Denver offers many attractions during the day, but it's also at its best when the sun goes down. Here's what night-time activities you can do.
Denver is the capital of Colorado, one of the most visited cities in the American West and also a popular daytime destination due to its many natural attractions in the surrounding area. However, when the sun goes down it also shows one of its best sides, with plenty of entertainment and enjoyment options for all ages.
Some of the best things to do in Denver at night include taking part in pub crawls in the historic district, discovering the region's natural beauty from a different angle, checking out the local arts scene, enjoying the city's baseball and basketball franchises and finding fun for the whole family.
1. Take a Denver Haunted Pub Tour
If you're looking for an alternative nighttime experience in Denver, one of the best things to do is join a tour to discover the city's haunted pubs where history meets the paranormal. The tour starts at The Cruise Room, which is located in the historic Oxford Hotel.
Dating back to Prohibition times, this pub is famous for its art deco décor and is suspected of harbouring some curious ghosts. While you enjoy your drink, you can listen to the stories surrounding the place. You can also visit the Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens, a restored Victorian mansion that is now a hotel, but also houses a bar with traditional ales and unexplained events.
Finally, My Brother's Bar offers an esoteric experience in a former saloon frequented by Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady. In addition, this place has witnessed paranormal phenomena that have perplexed visitors and spread like wildfire. During these experiences you'll be assisted by an expert local guide, making the tour even spookier.
2. Enjoy a night show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of Denver's natural wonders during the day, but when night falls it becomes an open-air stage, offering unparalleled acoustics and being the epicentre for musical concerts. Here you can enjoy performances by local and international artists as well as Denver's summer festivals.
The programming usually ranges from rock and pop to electronic music and hip-hop. In addition to the musical experience, the panoramic view of the city's skyline and twinkling lights create an unmissable backdrop to one of the world's most eye-catching venues, which also makes the list of the best tours from Denver.
During your visit you can enjoy not only the main show, but also explore the surrounding natural environment. Before the concert, many visitors opt to hike the trails that wind through Red Rocks Park, immersing themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds and characterises the amphitheatre.
Alternatively, if you want to see other natural sites around Denver, you can visit Rocky Mountain National Park, which is one of the most famous areas in the region and will give you sweeping views of Colorado.
3. Join a beer and graffiti tour in Denver
If you want to discover Denver's cultural scene on a comprehensive tour, you can join a tour that combines the city's brewing tradition with the artistic expression of graffiti. On these experiences you can visit some of the city's most significant breweries, such as Great Divide Brewing Company, where you can learn about the brewing process.
You can also visit the RiNo area, known for its graffiti murals and eclectic art scene. In this district you'll have the opportunity to visit The Denver Central Market, a culinary market with diverse food options and colourful murals that illustrate local creativity and are often included in the best Denver tours.
Many of RiNo's breweries also feature murals and artwork by local artists, so you'll not only see the most popular graffiti but also get a taste of Denver's emerging art scene.
4. Visit Denver's Hard Rock Cafe
Delving into Denver's music scene takes on a unique dimension when you visit the Hard Rock Cafe, which is not only one of the oldest in the United States, but also one of the most popular. Located in the heart of the historic district, this restaurant fuses the legacy of rock with the cultural essence of the city.
The historic venue also houses an extensive collection of music memorabilia, including autographed instruments, iconic costumes and memorabilia from famous artists. The Hard Rock Cafe is also known for its commitment to the local music scene, offering live performances by up-and-coming bands and special events, especially during Denver's summer festival season.
The atmosphere of this place makes it much more than just a themed restaurant, it's a cultural hotspot where music takes centre stage and where you can experience one of Denver's most traditional experiences. And because of its central location, you can combine a visit to the Hard Rock Cafe with other after-dinner evening entertainment.
5. Attend an NBA Nuggets game
Attendingan NBA Nuggets game in Denver is the perfect way to experience the passion that basketball generates in the United States. The Nuggets, one of the league's top teams, play their games at the Ball Center Stadium and offer visitors one of the best things to do at night in the city.
The NBA regular season schedule runs from October to May, so if you plan to visit Denver in the summer you can catch the play-offs, which decide the conference and league champions in the annual grand finale. Also, at any of these games you can discover an activity that is a tourist attraction in itself, mixing the passion for basketball with the warmth of the fans in the stands.
Also, remember that basketball games also include half-time performances and other entertainment during time-outs, so if you get tickets to see the Nuggets you can also marvel at the special shows.
Keep in mind that because it is one of the most popular activities in the United States, if you want to attend a Nuggets NBA game it is best to buy tickets as far in advance as possible, which will allow you to get better prices and prime locations.
6. Discover Denver's nightlife postcards
One of the best things to do in Denver at night is to explore the city's postcard-perfect nightlife. During these tours you can discover iconic buildings such as the Wells Fargo Center and Republic Plaza lit up and decorated, as well as stroll along 16th Street, known as the Golden Mile for being the commercial epicentre of this destination.
If you're looking for a quieter, more natural experience, you can also book tickets to the Denver Botanic Gardens in the Cheesman Park district. At night, these gardens come alive with soft, subdued lighting that highlights the beauty of the local flora.
Alternatively, check out Confluence Park, an urban oasis where the South Platte River meets Cherry Creek. The trails along the rivers are illuminated, providing a perfect backdrop for a relaxing walk and some of Denver's best photographs.
7. Catch a Rockies MLB game
If you want to take part in another Denver sports activity you can attend an MLB Rockies game, a must-see experience for any baseball fan. The Colorado Rockies have established themselves as one of the most popular teams in the Major Leagues, attracting a passionate fan base across the state.
During your visit you can catch a Rockies game at the popular Coors Field Stadium, which is located in the centre of the city and therefore provides the ideal setting to take part in a traditional Denver evening activity.
Baseball holds a special place alongside basketball as one of the most popular sports in the city, so attending a Rockies game is not only a sporting experience, but also allows you to discover the warmth of the stands, which vibrate with every game on the Coors Field diamond.
On the other hand, keep in mind that the Rockies are not only a locally beloved team, but they also compete nationally in the Major Leagues, taking on some of the best franchises in the country.
8. Play a game in a Denver escape room
Denver is known for its ample entertainment possibilities and among the most popular options are escape rooms, where participants can immerse themselves in intriguing worlds and must solve puzzles to free themselves in a limited amount of time. These themed venues offer some of the best nightlife in the city, especially when the escape rooms deal with horror stories.
One of the popular choices for this experience is Escape Works Denver, where players can choose from a variety of themes ranging from crime mysteries to fantasy adventures, challenging their wits and deductive skills. You can also opt for Puzzah!, which offers immersive experiences where participants become the protagonists of randomly chosen stories.
Escape Room 5280 is another option that provides challenges with a variety of themes ranging from space escapes to historical war adventures in a scenario designed to unravel secrets in a battle against time. Therefore, participating in an escape room game is more than just a leisure activity, it is an opportunity to test your wits and have a thrilling experience.
9. Have fun in a comedy club
Denver is a city with a thriving comedy community and one of the best ways to get to know this profile is to attend a comedy club. At these venues you can find shows by regional performers.
One of the best places to discover local wit is the Comedy Works, a downtown club that offers live performances, food and drinks. Also check out Denver Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant, where you can enjoy stand-up and improv shows.
Voodoo Comedy is another comedy hotspot in the city and is noted for its focus on improv and alternative humour. With shows ranging from classic improv to more experimental performances, this club offers an out-of-the-ordinary experience, even for those looking for something different in Denver's nightlife scene.
10. Ice skate at Skyline Park
Ice skating at Skyline Park at night is an enchanting experience that combines the magic of winter with the urban skyline. This park, located in downtown Denver, transforms into a skating rink that sparkles under the city lights. It's also a perfect activity if you plan to visit the city with kids and family, as it offers fun for all ages.
If you visit Denver during the winter you'll see how the ice rink at Skyline Park becomes one of the city's epicentres during the evenings, with lively music and a lively atmosphere. Skating under the starry sky and surrounded by the illuminated buildings creates a unique atmosphere that enhances the experience. The rink is ideal for beginners and more experienced skaters alike.
Note that the fun at Skyline Park is not limited to the ice rink, as the park also offers panoramic views of Denver's urban architecture. After skating, you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and explore the surrounding areas of the park.
On the other hand, while ice skating is essentially a winter activity, Skyline Park also offers ice skating throughout the rest of the year, even during the summer, when the rink is smaller but remains operational due to the artificial freezing systems installed in the heart of the plaza.