By Jenny Ivy
As the heat of the summer washes over us and the pandemic begins to wane, Denver is once again humming with festivities that were sorely missed while we were all staying home. With a community craving amusement and gatherings to share with friends and family, the Mile High City is full of things to do in July. Here are my personal picks for the month.
Fourth of July Celebrations
Fans of the MLB know nothing says Independence Day like a ballgame and fireworks (peanuts and crackerjack sold separately). The Rockies take on the St. Louis Cardinals on July 2 and 3 with fireworks after the final out. If you’re in the right seats, you’ll get to wander down to the field and recline on the perfectly manicured lawn while watching the rockets redglare above.
Denver’s favorite amusement park, Elitch Gardens, also plans to light up the downtown Denver skyline on July 4th. Take on the challenge of saying “ooh” and “ahh” with a mouth full of funnel cake.
Love a good parade? Come out to see the Park Hill Parade in one of Denver’s most historic neighborhoods, which kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on July 4th. It’s the city’s largest Independence Day march and will follow a fun route planned along 23rd Avenue from Dexter Street to Krameria Street.
(Photo by Anna Kolosyuk on Unsplash)
Carve out some time on July 2 to get outside and appreciate art during a First Friday Art Walk through Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe. Thousands descend on Santa Fe Drive from 5:30-9:30 pm to view work from hundreds of artists in a variety of gallery spaces. You can also enjoy fare from local Denver food trucks and even bring your dog for a little four-legged companionship — but check with the gallery first before bringing your furry friend inside.
(Photo by Jens Thekkeveettil on Unsplash)
Jazz music is alive and well in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood! Part of the First Friday event on July 2, you’ll love the vibes when you bring a lawn chair or blanket and relax in Cousins Plaza while enjoying The Stafford Hunter’s Funk & Jazz Exploration.
*Homer Simpson voice* Mmmm, beer. On July 24, sample brews at Mile HIgh Station while listening to live music and savoring delicious food truck bites. The Brew Fest is hosting a daytime and evening session with concerts — catch That Damn Sasquatch under the sun and Robby Peoples under the stars.
If you grab VIP tickets you’ll get into the evening session an hour early to hear Cover Boy — plus partake in a power hour including a special beer and cheese sampling.
(Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash)
The actual All-Star Game will be held on July 13, but the whole event is a nationally-loved baseball extravaganza packaged into five days.
The MLB All-Star 5K begins and ends at Denver’s Civic Center Park on July 10 — runners start moving at 9 a.m.
An All-Star Celebrity Softball Game on July 11 features celebrities like Quavo and Jojo Siwa, along with retired baseball legends including Hunter Pence and CC Sabathia.
For the first time ever, the opening round of the MLB Draft will actually be held during All-Star Weekend — avid fans will want to tune in and foresee their favorite team’s future.
July 12 is dotted with fun events for aficionados and casuals alike, including All-Star Workout Day and the iconic Home Run Derby.
(Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash)
Show off your best dance moves when the Global Dance Festival returns to Empower Field at Mile High on July 23 and 24. The festival will bring in musical artists from around the world including Bass Physics, Dion Timmer, Excision, and a long lineup of new bands for you to discover and groove to. I’ll be there dancing my face off.
What did we miss? Let us know your fave July events so we can share on social!
Even when she isn’t writing, Content Writer Jenny still can’t manage to get away from her computer. In her free time, she develops beautiful websites and loves all things tech. She is a native Coloradan and also has a passion for the mountains, movies, and her cat Lucy.
