8 Things to Do in Denver This Weekend
Want some ideas on unique things to do in Denver this weekend? As in any city, there are many remarkable things to do in Denver, Colorado. Whether you are only spending a short time in Denver or you are just looking for something to do for a few hours during your visit, these unique things to do in Denver are sure to add some fun to your time there!
1. Revisit Childhood Classics at the 1up Arcade Bar
PHOTO CREDIT: The 1up Arcade Bar
One of the unique things to do in Denver is visit the 1up Arcade Bar. Here you can play some good old-fashioned skeeball for 25¢ and other classic arcade games. If arcade games aren’t your thing you can also play giant Jenga while enjoying one of the beers that the 1up Arcade Bar has on tap.
Location: 717 E. Colfax Avenue // MAP
2. Get A Wacky Treat at Voodoo Donut
Looking for unique things to do in Denver that are related to food? Voodoo Donut is an eclectic 24-hour donut shop that has a variety of flavors and toppings that are sure to send you into a sugar rush. Where else can you get a donut the size of a hubcap or an edible Voodoo Doll?
Location: 1520 East Colfax // MAP
3. Enjoy A Concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is best known as a concert venue that has insane sound quality and amazing concerts due to the acoustics from the rocks. But did you know that another one of the unique things to do in Denver includes practicing yoga or even hiking at Red Rocks Amphitheatre?
Show up early and you’ll be sure to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises in Denver. If you’re looking for other places to go hiking be sure not to miss these best day hikes near Denver, Colorado!
Location: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison // MAP
4. Relax and unwind with a new read at Tattered Cover Bookstore
The Tattered Cover Bookstore is a well-known bookstore that has a large selection of new and old titles perfect for every audience. Grab a book and unwind with a new read on one of the cozy couches that are all around the bookstore as you wait for a restaurant reservation or escape from the summer heat.
Location: 2526 E Colfax Ave // MAP
If you’re really into books, you can also check out any of these awesome Denver bookstores as well.
5. Enjoy the Charming Lights & Shopping at Larimer Square
Larimer Square adds to the unique things to do in Denver by creating a fabulous outdoor shopping and dining area near the famous 16th Street Mall. While walking around to each store you can also enjoy the view of the twinkling lights that line the street or enjoy sitting outside at one of the many restaurants or cafes with patio seating.
Location: Starts on the corner of 14th & Larimer
6. Party Like Prohibition’s Still On at Williams & Graham Speakeasy
Stopping by Williams & Graham Speakeasy in Denver will make you feel like you’re back in the peak prohibition era. Upon entering the bar you will notice that you are surrounded by bookshelves that resemble a library but don’t turn back just yet!
Behind one of these bookshelves is your entry ticket to the speakeasy. The line to get into Williams & Graham Speakeasy starts right before 5pm and with limited seating, it’s best to get in line early to enjoy this unique thing to do in Denver.
Location: 3160 Tejon St. // MAP
7. Enjoy A Delicious Brunch at Snooze
At Snooze you can have a pancake flight and eggs benedict any way you’d like. One of our favorite things about Snooze is that you can pick multiple items off the menu and customize your order. We loved having the ability to diversify our brunch choices at this popular brunch spot to enjoy while visiting Denver. Be sure to get there early as the wait gets long after everyone hits snooze on their alarm clocks!
Location: 2262 Larimer St. // MAP
8. Explore Blocks of Epic Street Art
There are tons of unique street art in Denver options to view and take pictures of. Most of the pieces are located off East Colfax where you can cruise through the alleyways and see the variety in each artist’s work.
Location: East Colfax
READ MORE: Hiking Hanging Lake Trail in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Comments & Reviews
Breifne Earley says
Love Denver, spent a very enjoyable week there last year. Made me want to go back. 🙂
loganpage says
That’s great Breifne! Sounds like it was a great visit like we had too. 🙂
Sarah says
Nice post, lots of places to eat and drink no doubt! I especially like the look of that outdoor concert. I have family living nearby so I can’t wait to visit at some point.
loganpage says
Sarah, what a great opportunity! Hopefully you can at least crash on the couch and then go enjoy many of the budget-friendly or free things to do in the area! There are tons of amazing local restaurants here that we haven’t even had to chance to write about yet. 🙂
Suma Jain says
Voodoo donut and pop tart ice cream sandwich sounds interesting and looks delicious, that will defnitely top my list when I visit Denver :). Loved the Amphitheatre setup, with view like that yoga practice will be a session to remember. Lovely write up and all the things you mentioned sounds unique and so much fun.
loganpage says
Denver is truly a spectacular city! Hope you are able to enjoy a visit there sometime. 🙂
Brianna says
There is so much on this list that I would love to do! I didn’t know they had a Voodoo Donuts in Denver. Also, that Poptart ice cream sandwich looks like a good time. I looked up the Purple Door Cafe too, and it sounds like an incredible environment. Their website says “we truly believe that every person, no matter their station in life, has unsurpassable worth and value and deserves to be treated like royalty” and I think that would be an amazing business to visit and support! Thanks for telling us about it!
loganpage says
Brianna, I’m glad you were just as intrigued by Purple Door Coffee as we were! It’s a really cool place. Head there for a nice cup of joe and then grab some sweets at Voodoo and Ice Cream Riot, it’s quite the sugar rush but very much worth it! Hope you are able to visit and enjoy. 🙂
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie says
Sign me up for early morning yoga at the red rock amphitheater, that pancake flight, and a visit to the 1up Arcade for some old time games. Now that sounds like a fun day in Denver.
loganpage says
Booking you on the next flight out. 😉 All can definitely be done in a day and is a blast!
colemanconcierge says
I grew up in Denver. Voodoo donuts is after my time but I totally remember Tattered Cover Bookstore and I have been to many concerts at Red Rocks.
loganpage says
That’s awesome! I take it Denver has changed a bit since you’ve lived there? I recently went back to my hometown and even though I’m there visiting family a few times a year it never ceases to amaze me how much things can change, even in a short period of time! Wish we had gone to a concert at Red Rocks during this trip, next time perhaps. 🙂
Karla says
Denver is so pretty! I would love to visit someday
loganpage says
Thanks Karla! Hope you do. 🙂
Brianna Simmons says
Bookmarking this for my trip to Denver next year! Those poptart ice cream sandwiches look amazing!
loganpage says
Awesome Brianna! I know you’ll love it. Be prepared for a sugar coma, but it’s so worth it. 😉
RaW (@rambleandwander) says
Voodoo Doll donuts? I’m sold! Haha! 😉 The view at Red Rock amphitheater looks amazing, by the way! I can only imagine how it looks like at sunrise and sunset!
loganpage says
We always have to find a donut place wherever we go! 😉 Red Rocks is a really amazing place to visit, obviously we highly recommend it!
Bryanna Royal says
Looks and sounds amazing! We would love to check out the donut place and the street art. I love how more and more cities are adding street art it adds such a cool vibe ! OK really we would enjoy everywhere you mentioned! Definitely bookmarking this page for when we get to Denver!
mappingmegan says
Great list! We loved Denver while there last year – my favorite was visiting Red Rocks Amphitheatre – very unique!
loganpage says
Thank you! Did you attend a concert there? Wish we had during this visit!
Mar Pages says
Looks like a full day of fun filled with lots of sugar, that donut looks absolutely delicious! Hope to get to visit this city someday!
loganpage says
We may have eaten a little too much sugar and may still be recovering! But hey, when in Rome… er… Denver right? Hope you’re able to visit too.
Prerna_Malhan says
The lights at Larimer Square look extremely mesmerizing. And that Pop-tart Ice Cream Sandwich is so tempting. Makes me want to come to Denver.
loganpage says
Thanks Prerna! It was truly a unique city to visit.
clrudder says
You had me at arcade and pop tart ice cream sandwich…whaaaa great tips, can’t wait to visit.
erikastravels says
I didn’t know the Portland-based Voodoo Donuts had also made it to Denver! Red Rocks looks gorgeous too, and I’ve been wanting to go there for a while. I’ll probably be heading to Denver next year to visit my friends, so I’ll keep your suggestions in mind if I do!
loganpage says
Thanks Erika! We were just as surprised to you to see a Voodoo Donuts in Denver as we had only ever heard about it in Portland. I’m sure your friends that live locally will also have some amazing suggestions but let us know if you check any of these out! 🙂
ryazan.everythingzany@gmail.com says
Great list you have here!! Donuts, Ice cream and pancakes, I’m sold here! I will include Denver on my upcoming visit to the US.
loganpage says
Hope you are able to! Colorado itself is definitely a must visit state in the U.S. 🙂
Elaine J Masters says
Love your local suggestions! Love street art too.
loganpage says
Thanks Elaine! Street art is always fun to look at.
Amy says
I live in Denver and your list is perfect!! 🙂
loganpage says
That’s great to hear Amy! We didn’t get to spend nearly enough time there. You’re lucky to live in such a beautiful place. We will be back again for sure. 🙂
Alex Datsev says
What a cool list of things to do in Denver, especially the giant donuts and the book stores! Thanks for sharing!
kallsypage says
Thank you Alex! I’m glad you enjoyed. We had a lot o fun there!
Victoria says
We want to visit Denver this year so this is super relevant!
kallsypage says
Hope you enjoy it! Let us know what you try!
Alexis says
We’ve never been to Denver but when we do someday I definitely want to hit up that donut shop! Hahaha I think you must like donuts as much as I do! ? Looks like lots of fun food options there!
kallsypage says
Is it bad that I just finished eating a donut when I read your comment! HAHA! I have a serious addiction. 😉
Ana Ojha says
I’ll be visiting Denver by the end of this year and thanks for these ultimate recommendations. I’ve a sweet tooth and can’t wait to check it out all these amazing shops out there!
Henry says
Don’t forget about Casa Bonita! Worst food in town, but the best atmosphere for people watching.
Melanie says
Love this!! Planning to read through all your Co posts when I have more time. My husband and I are contemplating a move to the Denver area, so these will all be perfect!! Thanks!
Kallsy Page says
Hi Melanie! You are going to love Colorado. So far it’s our favorite U.S. state! Feel free to let us know if you need any other tips when planning some adventures around Denver. 🙂
Valen Dawson says
I could live in Denver if it weren’t for the snow in the winter. Love that city!
Kallsy Page says
Hi Valen! We can definitely relate to that… so much snow in the winter! Thank you for reading.
Tracey Barber says
I love this list! As a local i’ve never been to a few of these places! Great reminder to be a tourist in your own city!
Caroline says
I love Denver – such a fun city! I loved Williams & Graham, Larimer Square, and Snooze – gonna have to check out some of the other things on this list next time I’m there too!
Coloradomom says
Boo, I can get a donut or pop tart in any city. When I have out-of-state relatives visit I try to think of places uniquely Colorado. We did visit the Red Rocks Ampitheatre as that is so cool and original, so I’m glad you listed that. Not too far from there we visited the Buffalo Bill Museum and went to The Fort restaurant which has a great Colorado-style atmosphere and menu. Also very close to those places is the Coors Brewery Tour.