CELEBRATE EARTH DAY, 4/20, AND A BIGFOOT FEST IN DENVER THIS WEEKEND

Denver may be known best for its outdoorsiness, but the Mile High City is so much more than just a gateway to the Rockies. Beyond our stunning hikes, bike trails, and lakes, there are loads of cool restaurants, bars, and breweries, not to mention museums, thrift stores, and farmers markets. Here are the best ways to spend your hard-earned weekend days in and around Denver.

Festivals in and near Denver

Earth Day Festivities

April 19–21

Around Denver, Free entry

The earth has kind of given us a lot; the least we can do is give it a day. From a neighborhood clean-up at Meow Wolf to a special beer release at Breckenridge Brewery, there are all kinds of happenings around town where you can do some good for the planet and promote sustainability efforts.

Mile High 4/20 Festival

April 20, 12–8 pm

Civic Center Park, Free entry

Of course Denver is one of the top cities in which to celebrate 4/20. While you can partake pretty much anywhere you like, the Mile High 4/20 Fest at Civic Center Park is probably the best place to be. Who all will be there? Gucci Mane, Zuri Marley, Ohgeesy, and tens of thousands of your friends and neighbors.

Bluebird Music Festival

April 20–21

Macky Auditorium, $49 and up

Head to Boulder for the 6th annual Bluebird Music Festival, where you can see artists and bands like Jeff Tweedy, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Joy Oladokun perform, while supporting the Future Arts Foundation. Even better: All concerts are held at the very cool Macky Auditorium.

Food & Drink Events in Denver

Try This New Vietnamese Restaurant

April 19–21, 11 am–8 pm

East Colfax, Free entry

Good cooking is in the Nguyen family; An Nguyen’s parents ran New Saigon, sister Thoa makes delicious treats at Banh & Butter Bakery & Café, and An just opened Dân Dã after closing Savory Vietnam last year. Order the make-your-own spring rolls and clay pot spicy lemongrass pork to fuel your weekend.

Cultural Events in Denver

The Eras Tour Watch Party

April 19, 6–9 pm

Mile High Spirits, Free entry

To celebrate the release of a certain pop superstar’s newest album, Mile High Spirits will be throwing an all things Taylor party. Sip Tay-Tay cocktails, dance to the mega hits, make friendship bracelets, and watch the Eras tour on the big screen.

MJ the Musical

April 19–21

The Buell Theater, Tickets: From $49

The baddest musical has arrived in Denver. MJ brings the incredible music and dancing (and, of course, the glove) of Michael Jackson to the Buell Theater through April 28. You’ll definitely wanna be starting something.

RiNo Flea Market

April 21, 12–7 pm

The Bird Lot, Free entry

Need a little extra motivation to ditch Amazon and shop locally? How about local creatives setting up shop in RiNo so you can browse vintage clothes, handmade pottery, records, plants, and more all in one spot? And food trucks will create a way tastier version of a mall food court for when you’re feeling peckish.

Outdoor Events near Denver

Bigfoot Days & National Park Week

April 19–20

Rocky Mountain National Park, Free entry

Kick off National Park Week with free entry to Colorado’s grandest park of all, Rocky Mountain National Park. And after you get your fill of forest bathing and wildlife spotting, head over to downtown Estes Park for Bigfoot Days, because yes, there’s a festival devoted to everyone’s favorite fictitious (or is it??) Sasquatch.Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Allyson Reedy is a Thrillist contributor.

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