6 Fun Things to Do in Denver, Colorado this Spring
Denver makes a great starting place for travelers venturing into the Rocky Mountains; so make sure to devote some time to all that the Mile High City has to offer. Denver is home to numerous museums, galleries and restaurants, and it is filled with a variety of sights and attractions for everyone, from families to couples. Learn more about the best events in the city this spring with our list 6 things to do in Denver in April-May, 2021.
Spring Plant Sale at the Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the top five botanic gardens in the nation; it is an oasis in the city, offering year-round events, Mordecai Children’s Garden, lifelong learning opportunities and research to preserve Colorado’s precious natural resources. Denver Botanic Gardens features North America’s largest collection of plants from cold temperate climates around the world, as well as 7 diverse gardens that mostly include plants from Colorado and neighboring states.
Spring Plant Sale goes online (April 26-29) again for 2021 to offer a broad selection of plants for gardeners of every skill level. Plants for sale include Annuals, Aquatics, Container Garden in a Bag, Fruits & Berries, Grown at the Gardens, Herbs, Houseplants, Perennial Classics, Plant Select®, Rock Alpine, Roses, Specialty Succulents, Summer Bulbs, Vegetables and Water-Smart.
Expanded this year – Garden in a Bag! Modeled after the hugely popular Container Garden in a Bag division and curated by our expert horticulturists, these collections take the guesswork out of garden planning. Each bag includes detailed care instructions and an assortment of plants selected to create a unique garden design, culinary mix or container display.
Do Denver Botanic Gardens members receive a discount?
Members can enter a promo code to receive a 10 percent discount on their online orders. Members must present their member card to receive the 10 percent discount at the “last chance” in-person sale; please note that discounts cannot be combined.
Denver Botanic Gardens on York Street is a 24-acre oasis just a few minutes from downtown. Any part of the gardens would be a fine destination for a romantic stroll, but Denver Botanic Gardens has three gardens that together are called the Romantic Gardens, making them especially appealing to couples. The Fragrance Garden, El Pomar Waterway and Schlessman Plaza, all within the Ornamental Gardens, provide idyllic settings for a wedding or vow renewal as well as pretty paths for sauntering hand-in-hand and benches where couples can sit, lost in each other and the profusion of color and fragrances around them. Lavender, lilies, narcissus, oregano, roses and clematis are among the plants and blooms that make these gardens so special.
Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Colorado’s most famous music venue will be allowed to host concerts in person in 2021, with the option to sell more tickets if COVID-19 conditions improve.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an open-air amphitheatre built into a rock structure in the western United States, near Morrison, Colorado, ten miles (16 km) west of Denver. There is a large, tilted, disc-shaped rock behind the stage, a huge vertical rock angled outwards from stage right, several large outcrops angled outwards from stage left and a seating area for up to 9,525.
There is no better venue for live music in the country than Colorado’s own Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Owned and operated by the City of Denver, Colorado, the concert venue at Red Rocks Park has been home to some of the most iconic concerts in history, from artists such as The Beatles, U2, and Sting. Located just west of the Mile High City, Red Rocks Park features 738 acres of hiking trails, geological wonders and astounding views.
While the 2020 concert season was decimated due to the pandemic, there is hope that this year’s concert schedule will make up for it. Red Rocks announced March 30 that the state has given it permission to open at a 2,500 capacity beginning the third week of April, with the potential to allow more people at shows should COVID-19 conditions improve.
Visit Cherry Creek Fresh Market
Colorado Fresh Markets (CFM) is the original seasonal fresh food event and local product incubator in Denver featuring an award-winning and colorful mix of beautiful flowers, local produce, artisan products, and delicious cuisine for over 20 years. From the beginning, CFM’s unique model and curated fresh product selection represents the best of the Rocky Mountain region and has been widely adopted across the state.
Come on down and meet the people who produce your food, enjoy tasty food trucks, run into neighbors, get gardening tips, and listen to music in a friendly and charming open-air market setting.
CHERRY CREEK : Saturday
May 1 – October 30
9 AM – 2 PM
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
1st Ave. & University Blvd. Rain, snow or shine
***FREE Parking***
POP-UPS, MAY MAKERS
May 1 – May 29
9 AM – 2 PM
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
1st Ave. & University Blvd. Rain, snow or shine
GREAT BARRIER REEF 3D at Denver Museum of Nature and Science, MARCH 16, 2021 – MAY 27, 2021
Grab your mask and snorkel and dive into an unforgettable adventure! “Great Barrier Reef” captures the natural beauty and exquisite strangeness of the world’s largest living wonder, and introduces us to the visionaries and citizen scientists who are helping us better understand this awesome, bizarre and vibrant living world.
Denver Walking Tours
See and experience Denver’s top landmarks & sights on foot with our most popular Denver tour experiences through the heart of Denver.
Historic Denver’s Walking Tours explore LoDo, Larimer Square with the D&F Clock Tower, Denver’s Historic 16th Street, and Capitol Hill. Guided tours are available both virtually and in-person.
For more information on the upcoming free Denver Walking tour please visit https://www.denverfreewalkingtours.com/. Due to local and state guidelines and requirements, it is very likely that group sizes will still be limited and guests will need to RSVP for the tours due to the maximum number of guests per tour and contact tracing purposes.
All of our Denver walking tour decisions are made to best support the health and wellbeing of our Denver community, our guests and guides.
Will the Changes to Security Checkpoints at the Denver International Airport Impact Spring Activities in Denver?
The changes in airport security procedures at the Denver International Airport are likely to impact spring activities in Denver. Increased wait times and added security measures may disrupt travel plans for residents and visitors alike. It’s important to plan for potential delays and adjust schedules accordingly when navigating the airport this season.
Can I Visit Aspen, CO from Denver as a Spring Activity?
Yes, you can easily visit Aspen, CO from Denver as a spring activity. Enjoy the scenic drive or consider booking aspen limousine services for a luxurious and comfortable journey. Experience the beauty of the mountains and explore the charming town upon arrival.
Chalk Lines and Vines, May 15-16, 2021
Join the first annual outdoor wine and chalk art festival featuring a wine-tasting tour of Colorado’s best wines, chalk muralists, and live entertainment– set against the colorful backdrop of the Front Range and Eastern Plains.
Come show your support for Arapahoe County Open Spaces, and the health and vibrancy of our community. It’s the perfect outing for couples and friends looking for a fun day out!
DATE: Saturday and Sunday, May 15-16, 2021
TIME: 12 p.m.–6 p.m. each day
LOCATION: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Event Center on the Central Green (outdoors)
TICKETS: $35 per ticket
Ticket price includes:
- Souvenir wine glass and tote
- Unlimited wine tastings, featuring 12 Colorado wineries
- Access to artist row, with live chalk artists
- Live music on stage
