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🎀 Denver: Summer Bike Rides and Summer Joy
Kiki Ash
July 25, 2025
Friday, July 25, 2025
⛅ Light rain • High: 81°F • Low: 56°F
Good morning, Denver. Happy Friday! It's peak summer in the Mile High City, which means afternoon thunderstorms are more reliable than RTD schedules. On the bright side, I keep noticing DOUBLE RAINBOWS!!! I haven’t taken any pictures of them yet, but I’ll do my best to capture one afternoon.
In today’s RB Daily:
Chinese lanterns take over Four Mile Historic Park
RiNo’s art scene gets pricier than cocktails in Cherry Creek
Broncos camp begins with Super Bowl dreams and functioning ACLs
As always feel free to email me at [email protected] with comments.
Kiki ❤️
THE DIGEST
The Bright Nights Lantern Festival is back at Four Mile Historic Park, and they've outdone themselves with 40 new installations.
Running now through October 5, this Chinese lantern festival transforms 12 acres into an enchanting evening experience that's become a Denver summer tradition.
The glowing displays range from mythical dragons to delicate butterflies, creating perfect photo ops around every corner. Smart planning alert: They've designated three adults-only nights (July 30, August 27, and September 17) for those who want to enjoy the magic with a glass of wine in hand. The festival runs Wednesday through Sunday, giving you plenty of chances to experience this unique blend of art, culture, and summer evening perfection.
Note: I have not been to this festival yet, but I love Lantern Festivals. Every holiday season, the Nashville Zoo has a HUGE Chinese lantern festival, Zoolumination, and I have a lot of pics of that, so I will add some images here to motivate you to go to the one here in Denver
Photo credits to me. Nashville Zoo, 2023. Zoolumination.
Photo credits to me. Nashville Zoo, 2023. Zoolumination.
RiNo Artists Navigate Neighborhood's Evolution The River North Art District continues its transformation from industrial wasteland to Denver's premier arts hub, bringing both opportunities and challenges for the creative community.
RULE Gallery is making a celebrated return to RiNo after years away, with co-owner Valerie Santerli noting she always felt pulled back to the neighborhood's creative energy.
While rising costs are a real concern for artists and galleries, RiNo's programs manager Kiah Butcher is working hard to ensure the district maintains its artistic soul.
The organization is providing resources and education to help creative businesses thrive, including assistance with permits, licensing, and even affordable signage solutions. It's a delicate balance between growth and preservation, but RiNo seems determined to keep art at its heart.
Broncos Training Camp: Building on Playoff Success. The Broncos opened training camp on Wednesday, July 23, with the kind of energy that only comes from ending an eight-year playoff drought.
With +2,800 Super Bowl odds, Denver's looking to build on last year's wild-card appearance, and quarterback Bo Nix is taking the reins as the starting quarterback heading into Year 2.
The team made some savvy additions in free agency, including former 49ers Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, who bring championship experience to an already stout defense. Coach Sean Payton has been clear about his expectations; this isn't just about making the playoffs anymore.
With 63 sacks last season (tops in the NFL) and an offense that found its rhythm late, there's genuine optimism in Dove Valley. The real test begins when the pads come on, but for now, Broncos Country has permission to dream big.
LOCAL BUSINESS
Denver Beer Co. Joins Stem Ciders Under Wilding Brands Umbrella Denver Beer Co., the Lower Highland institution that helped launch Denver's craft beer revolution, is now part of Wilding Brands alongside Stem Ciders. This partnership brings together Colorado's fourth-largest independent brewery with one of the state's premier cider makers, creating a beverage powerhouse while keeping operations local. The move includes DBC's original Platte Street location and their popular Cervezeria Colorado, where the Mexican lagers and street tacos remain as excellent as ever. For fans worried about corporate takeover syndrome, both brands are maintaining their identities and local leadership. Sometimes consolidation actually makes sense, especially when it keeps Colorado beer in Colorado hands.
Michelin-Starred Chef Opens Fourth Restaurant Because Three Wasn't Enough Johnny Curiel, the chef who somehow opened three restaurants in one year and still found time to win a Michelin star, is at it again. After Alma Fonda Fina put LoHi on the culinary map (beyond just being "that neighborhood near downtown"), Curiel and his wife Kasie are bringing Alteño to Cherry Creek this spring. If their track record is any indication, expect thoughtfully crafted dishes that honor tradition while pushing boundaries; the kind of food that makes Denver's dining scene truly special. Yes, Cherry Creek prices will apply, but when you're talking Michelin-star quality, it's worth the splurge.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
This Weekend: July 25-27
It's Friday, which means you have exactly one day to be productive tomorrow before admitting you're already mentally at the brewery. Here's what's worth leaving your air conditioning for:
All Weekend Long 🏮 Bright Nights Lantern Festival • Wed-Sun through October 5 • Four Mile Historic Park 📍 715 S. Forest St, Southeast Denver. $21–28 What: Transform your evening with 40 new Chinese lantern installations glowing across 12 acres. Perfect for date night or family outings when the summer heat finally breaks. Adults-only night is on July 30!
🎸 Underground Music Showcase • Friday-Sunday • South Broadway 📍 Multiple venues along Broadway 💰 Festival passes and individual show tickets available What: Denver's longest-running music festival takes over Broadway with 200+ performances across outdoor stages and indoor venues. Three days of discovering your new favorite band while bar-hopping between sets.
Friday July 25 🤠 Jason Aldean at Ball Arena • 7:30 PM • Ball Arena 📍 1000 Chopper Circle, Downtown 💰 Tickets vary What: The Full Throttle Tour rolls into Denver with special guests Nate Smith, Raelynn, and Dee Jay Silver. Country music's bad boy brings the party to Ball Arena.
Saturday July 26 🏔️ Cody Jinks at Red Rocks • 7:00 PM • Red Rocks Amphitheatre 📍 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison 💰 Tickets starting around $45 What: Outlaw country's independent king brings his Hippies & Cowboys Tour to the rocks. Expect whiskey-soaked vocals and songs about real life.
🌙 Mk.gee at Fillmore Auditorium • 8:00 PM • Fillmore Auditorium 📍 1510 N Clarkson St, Capitol Hill 💰 GA tickets available What: The indie sensation brings his dreamy, experimental sound to the historic Fillmore. Perfect for those who like their music with a side of cool.
🎻 of Montreal at Gothic Theatre • 8:00 PM • Gothic Theatre 📍 3263 S Broadway, Englewood 💰 $35-45 What: Athens, Georgia's psychedelic pop wizards return with their theatrical live show. Expect costume changes, confetti, and controlled chaos.
🍻 Sunday Funday at Ratio Beerworks • 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM • Ratio Beerworks 📍 2920 Larimer St, RiNo 💰 No cover, beers $6-8 What: Their massive patio becomes Denver's de facto outdoor living room every Sunday. Punk rock bingo at 3 PM, food trucks all day, and enough IPAs to power your weekend
Cafeton Party
A reggaeton‑themed morning social with coffee and DJs, hosted by Amigas in Tech and Migas Coffee at Green Spaces co‑working.
📍 Green Spaces (1011 13th St) • Sat, Jul 26, 9 AM–11 AM • 💰 $10
Cheesman Park Art Fest
The 12th annual outdoor art market on the south side of Cheesman Park, featuring 150+ juried artists, live music, and food trucks.
📍 Cheesman Park • Sat–Sun, Jul 26–27, 9 AM–3 PM • 💰 Free
Ice Cream & Soda Paint Night
Sip floats while you paint! All supplies and ice‑cream pairings provided at Colfax & Cream.
📍 Colfax & Cream (1226 E Colfax) • Sat, Jul 26, 6 PM–8 PM • 💰 $39
Kirkland & Denver Art Museum Block Party
Family‑friendly street festival with live music, food trucks, pop‑up art galleries, and kids’ crafts on Bannock Street.
📍 Bannock St between 13th & 14th • Sun, Jul 27, 1 PM–5 PM • 💰 Free
RiNo Summer Art Market
Seasonal popup in RiNo ArtPark showcasing 50+ local makers, DJs, and food vendors in an open‑air bazaar.
📍 RiNo ArtPark (3501 Brighton Blvd) • Sat, Jul 26, 12 PM–6 PM • 💰 Free
2025 Denver Summer Tequila Tasting Festival
Sample 20+ craft tequilas and mezcals, learn from brand ambassadors, and groove to a live DJ at Clever Girl.
📍 Clever Girl (3501 Wazee St Ste 100) • Sat, Jul 26, 2:30 PM–6 PM • 💰 Free–$395 (tiers)
Cirque du Soleil ECHO
Under the Big Top at Ball Arena’s parking lot through Aug 17: stunning acrobatics, cutting‑edge visuals, intermission included.
📍 4 Runner West Lot, Ball Arena • Multiple showtimes Fri–Sun • 💰 Tickets from $69+fees
Recurring Weekend Favorites 🔄 The reliable classics:
Union Station Farmers Market: Union Station, Saturdays 9AM-2PM - The only place where $7 peaches seem reasonable
Great Divide Brewery Tours: Ballpark location, Saturdays at 3PM - Free samples included, Uber recommended
First Friday Art Walk: Santa Fe Arts District, First Friday of each month - Free
Plan Ahead 📅 Next weekend (August 2-4) highlights:
The Lumineers at Empower Field - August 2: Denver's own headline with Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and Tom Odell. This is THE Colorado concert event of the summer
First Friday Art Walk - August 2: Monthly gallery crawl returns to Santa Fe Arts District with wine, art, and people-watching
Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge at Red Rocks - August 1-2: The young guitar phenom plays two nights at the rocks
LOCASH at Red Rocks - August 3: Country duo brings the party to Morrison
Free Stuff 🆓 Because I love you (and your wallet):
Denver Museum of Nature & Science Free Day: Next free day: Sunday, August 3 (Denver County ID required)
City Park Jazz: Sunday 6-8 PM, bring a blanket and low expectations for parking
Washington Park Loop: Always free, always full of people pretending to enjoy running
EXTRA SPRINKLES
🚨 Weather Alert: Afternoon thunderstorms expected all weekend. Plan outdoor activities for mornings unless you enjoy running from lightning.
🚂 RTD Update: Light rail is adding extra cars for downtown events this weekend. They'll still be late, but at least there will be more room to be disappointed together.
DENVER BY THE NUMBERS 🌡️ This weekend's forecast: 93°/65° (weather.gov) 🏔️ Snow at Loveland: 0 inches (shocking, we know) 🍺 Weekend events happening: 147 🚲 Days until Great American Beer Festival: 71 🌩️ Afternoon thunderstorm probability: 73% (basically guaranteed)