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Mile High Wednesday: Urban Events and Retreats
Kiki Ash
May 21, 2025
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
⛅ Partly cloudy • High: 68°F • Low: 40°F
Inside this issue:
Quick Note from Kiki:
Hi Everyone!
Thank you so much for joining this newsletter. This has been a passion project for years, so I am really glad I finally got to write about the city of Denver and Colorado, a state I love so much. Since I was a teenager, I tried moving to Colorado, but college and work opportunities always took me away. Most of my family lives here, and now that I've been settled for a while, I am happy to start on this project finally! I hope this newsletter gives you a unique perspective on navigating the city, local businesses, hiking and running spots, and other hidden gems that make Denver special.
As a thank you for spreading the word, I'm starting a referral program - for every 3 new subscribers you bring in, you'll get a special shoutout in the newsletter and participate in raffles for gift cards (more on that soon)!
Always feel free to email me at [email protected] with comments, ideas, or any topics you would like to see more or less of. Your feedback shapes what this becomes! I want to send out this newsletter at least once a week for now, but I aim to send it out more often as the weeks go by.
Looking forward to exploring the Mile High City together,
Kiki ❤️
What's Happening
Levitt Pavilion opened in Ruby Hill Park eight years ago. Courtesy of Joel Rekiel, @joelrekiel
Denver's beloved Levitt Pavilion has over 40 free concerts planned for summer 2025, marking the eighth year of this popular series.
The lineup features an exciting mix of local and national talent, including DeVotchKa, Flobots, and Rebirth Brass Band, with performances running from May through September.
I got to see the Gypsy Kings here last year and it was amazing! The outdoor setting creates a magical atmosphere for live music. I also got some hilarious GIFs of my mom dancing to Volare, one of her favorite songs.
These concerts are also accessible: admission is FREE, parking is free, and there is the ability to bring your own food which creates an inclusive community space for up to 6,500 attendees.
Pro tip: Bring your own lounge chairs for maximum comfort! While RSVPs are encouraged, walk-ups are welcome until the venue fills to capacity, making this the perfect opportunity to enjoy live music under the Colorado sky.
On May 26, 2025, the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver will be the place to be as FISHER headlines an electrifying open-air concert to celebrate the mall’s $175 million revitalization project.
This event is set to transform the historic corridor into a lively music venue, emphasizing Denver's rich cultural tapestry and its status as a bass music hub.
The FISHER Block Party promises to be a highlight of the city's event calendar, offering music enthusiasts a unique opportunity to enjoy world-class beats in an iconic setting.
This event is NOT free, but you can grab your tickets for the block party here.
Get ready for a night of laughter at Station 26 Brewing Co. on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
The Rotating Tap Comedy show, featuring comedians from Netflix, HBO, and Comedy Central, brings an evening of adult humor under a cozy, heated tent.
Located at 7045 38th Avenue, Denver, CO, the event kicks off at 7:30 PM MDT, with guests advised to arrive by 7:15 PM to settle in.
Remember to bring your coats and blankets for extra comfort, and prepare to meet the suggested two-drink minimum.
It's an ideal way to enjoy top-tier comedy in a vibrant local setting, so cheers to that!
Trail of the Week
I decided to include this event, which mixes hiking and a Spanish Conversation group in Littleton, because it seemed interesting. I hope you think so too and give it a chance.
The hike will happen in Reynolds Ranch County Park in Littleton on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 9 AM to 12 PM.
This event, open to all ages, hiking abilities, and Spanish proficiency levels, combines a delightful wildflower hike with a Spanish Conversation Group.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant blooms of the season while engaging in Spanish conversations, all in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Lace up your boots and join this adventure! Register for the free event here.
Green Mountain Hike
I fully admit that I have never been to this trail but the Instagram influencer in the video (link in the title) makes it look so nice!
So, looking for a wildflower hike without venturing far from Denver?
The Green Mountain and Hayden Loop Trail at William Frederick Hayden Park is your go-to spot.
The trail has lots of wildflowers along the path, offering a natural escape within a short drive from the city.
Perfect for those who prefer an easy to moderate hiking experience, this trail provides both stunning natural beauty and convenience.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply seeking a serene afternoon outdoors, this trail is a great option for enjoying springtime blooms.
As of May 12, 2025, Rocky Mountain National Park offers a mix of accessibility for outdoor enthusiasts.
While Trail Ridge Road is closed to vehicles at Rainbow Curve on the east and the Colorado River Trailhead on the west, it remains open for walking and cycling adventures.
Meanwhile, Fern Lake Road and Upper Beaver Meadows Road welcome vehicles, and Wild Basin Road is fully open to the trailhead.
This is an ideal time to explore, as wildflowers are starting to bloom, adding vibrant splashes of color to your spring hikes.
Local News
Teahee. Courtesy of Gil Asakawa, Westword
Denver's food and nightlife scene is going through some major changes this month!
We just got the new Teahee Far East Center, which looks amazing if you're into exploring new tea time spots.
Sad news though - Blush & Blu (Denver's oldest lesbian bar) is closing soon. Also saying goodbye to Steve's Snappin' Dogs on Colfax in October after almost 20 years serving up hot dogs.
On the bright side, Roberta's (that famous Brooklyn pizza place) just opened at Urban Cowboy Public House, and Sweet NOLA Snoballs is bringing New Orleans treats to town.
Denver neighborhoods are always changing - some good, some bittersweet, but always something new to try!
Denver is launching a $9.8 million affordable housing project in Globeville-Elyria Swansea neighborhood this month!
The project will create 170 units along Washington Street with options from one to four bedrooms - perfect for different family sizes.
This isn't just apartments though - they're adding a cafe and a new Denver Public Library branch too, which I think is super cool for the neighborhood.
It's part of Denver's bigger plan to address homelessness. They've already helped over 6,700 people move into shelters and found permanent housing for about 5,300 people in the last couple years.
I love seeing our city invest in both housing AND community spaces - makes Denver more livable for everyone.
Arts & Culture
Denver Film and Denver Arts & Venues are gearing up for the 26th annual Film on the Rocks series at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, running from June 9 to August 18, 2025.
This summer cinematic delight will feature beloved films such as '2001: A Space Odyssey,' 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,' 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,' 'Legally Blonde,' and 'Shrek 2.' Each screening is enhanced with live performances and comedy, adding a unique twist to the outdoor movie experience.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with entertainment starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets are priced at $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP seating, which includes premium front-row seats and a special branded giveaway.
This event continues to be a cherished tradition, offering movie lovers a memorable night under the stars. Grab your tickets here.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is gearing up to showcase 'Prospect.6 Travels to Denver,' a vibrant exhibition set to run from May 23 to August 24, 2025.
This special summer event brings New Orleans-inspired art to Colorado, exploring themes of climate change, belonging, and our collective future.
Featuring works from groundbreaking artists including MacArthur "Genius" Fellow Ebony G. Patterson, it marks Prospect's first exhibition outside of New Orleans.
Mark your calendars for a summer filled with creativity and important conversations at this engaging art exhibition!
The Denver Art Museum proudly hosts "Kent Monkman: History is Painted by the Victors," marking the acclaimed artist's first major U.S. exhibition.
This ongoing event invites visitors to explore Monkman's vivid and thought-provoking works that delve into themes of history, identity, and power.
Open daily, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on historical narratives, challenging viewers to reflect on who gets to tell history and how it shapes cultural identity.
Events
Secret Coffee Party
Sunday, May 25 • 10 AM
Clever Girl (formerly Zeppelin Station) - 3501 Wazee Street #100 Denver, CO 80216
Price: $15.15
What: The event features a full food hall takeover, arcade zone, coffee shop collaborations, and a DJ experience.
Colorado Rockies vs. New York Yankees
Friday, May 23 • 6:40 PM
Coors Field - Denver, CO
Price: See Tickets
What: Regular season MLB game with add-ons available.
Denver Arts Festival May 24-25, Denver (see festival site). Where: 8304 East 49th Place, Denver, Colorado 80238. What: Fine art showcase featuring local and national artists.
Outside Festival May 31-June 1 Civic Center Park What: Outdoor adventure and music festival in the heart of the city.
Rembrandt & Kent Monkman Exhibitions All weekend Denver Art Museum Price: Museum admission What: Special art exhibitions featuring classic and contemporary works.
Martin Amini (Comedy) May 22-24 Comedy Works Downtown Price: $30-40 What: Stand-up comedy performances by Martin Amini.
L.A. Guns (Concert) Saturday, May 24 • 8 PM Oriental Theater Price: Check venue What: Rock band performance at Denver's historic theater.
Family Fun Free Days May 23-26 Four Mile Historic Park Price: FREE What: Games, culture, and family fun activities all weekend.
Lord of the Rings in Concert May 23-25 Boettcher Concert Hall Price: $15-$115 What: Film screening accompanied by a live orchestra.
Elitch Gardens Fireworks Sunday, May 25 • 9 PM Elitch Gardens Price: Park admission What: Special fireworks show at Denver's amusement park.
Urban Market at Union Station Saturdays (select dates) • Noon to 6 PM Denver Union Station Plaza Price: FREE entry What: Local market featuring fresh produce, artisan foods, handcrafted arts, and live entertainment in the historic station's plaza.