19 Best Things to Do in Denver at Night
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If you’re looking to explore the nightlife of Denver, you’ve come to the right place! There are so many things to do in Denver at night, from lively bars to rooftop restaurants with views of the city skyline and everything in between.
After living in Denver for three years, I found that one of my favorite times to enjoy the city was in the evenings. The city has a whole new vibe at night, especially in the beautiful, historic LoDo!
Whether you prefer a casual evening or a wild night on the town, this city has something for everyone. So, let’s explore all the exciting things that await after sunset in Denver.
Keep reading to learn all about the best things to do in Denver at night!
Things to do in Denver at Night
Explore LoDo (Lower Downtown)
Exploring the LoDo district in Denver is one of the best things to do at night. This historic area of downtown Denver is bustling with activity, from restaurants and shops to lively night spots.
With its easy access to light rail and plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets, it’s no wonder why many locals and visitors alike love taking a stroll through LoDo. The popular 16th Street is also located here.
Whether you’re looking for an after-dinner drink or just want to take in some of Denver’s amazing culture, there’s something for everyone here!
Plus, you can make a whole night of it – lots of restaurants stay open late, and bars often have great live music.
Dine at D’Corazon
D’Corazon is one of the best places to eat at night in Denver, and it’s definitely our favorite Mexican restaurant in the city.
Don’t even get us started on their queso; it’s absolutely amazing! Not only can you sip on tasty margaritas while eating their delicious dishes, but you can also indulge your sweet tooth with some fried ice cream and flan for dessert.
The atmosphere is perfect for a date night or gathering with friends and family. Plus, the prices are great, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy some good Mexican food.
They’re located centrally right on Blake Street off 16th Street. Note that they are a locally-owned business and are occasionally closed. Check online or call ahead to make sure they’re open.
Visit Larimer Square
Larimer Square is one of the most iconic spots in Denver. Located in the heart of downtown. The whole block is a pedestrian area full of fancy restaurants and cafes where you can eat outdoors.
The atmosphere at Larimer Square is great no matter what time of day you visit. During the day, you can enjoy all the shops, cafes, and restaurants without worrying about traffic.
And at night, when all the lights turn on, and music fills up the street, it’s like stepping into another world filled with magic and surprises.
Overall, we have found that some of the restaurants here are a little more high-end, but it can make for a great date night. You may have to make reservations at some of the restaurants, too.
Catch a Show at Red Rocks Amphitheater
Red Rocks Amphitheater is a stunning outdoor venue and is considered one of the best concert venues in the world. It offers an unforgettable experience for music lovers.
The views are breathtaking, the sound is impeccable, and the atmosphere is absolutely electric. Concertgoers will enjoy clear, starry nights as they take in their favorite artists’ performances.
Plus, the sunset from here is pretty iconic.
Attend a Sports Game
Heading out to Coors Field for a Colorado Rockies game is easily one of the best things you can do in Denver at night. Not only does the stadium have a fun atmosphere that’s perfect for cheering on our favorite team, but the sunsets are truly something special.
Whether you like singing along to Take Me Out to the Ballgame or just rooting for your favorite players, Coors Field is definitely one of those places that everyone should experience at least once.
If baseball isn’t your thing, you can also consider going to a game for one of Denver’s many other teams: the Nuggets, Avalanche, or Broncos.
Enjoy Live Music at a Brewery
One of the best things to do in the city is enjoy some live music at one of the many breweries around town. Whether it’s with friends or family, sipping on an ice-cold local brew makes for an unforgettable evening.
The Mile High City has plenty of great breweries to choose from, but for those looking for the complete experience, there’s no better choice than Wynkoop Brewing Co. on 18th Street.
We’ve met up with friends here before who were just passing through the city, and the atmosphere is so lively. Plus, there are a few floors, so you can find one that fits the vibe you’re looking for.
Take a Night Brewery Tour
Going on a night brewery tour in Denver is the perfect way to spend an evening. These tours bring people on a journey through some of the best breweries in town, often ending with a few surprises like live music and food tastings.
The atmosphere is always festive, and it’s a great way to get to know some of the unique craft beers that the city has to offer.
Plus, being able to sample all these different brews without having to commit to buying a full beer means you can explore with friends from one brewery to the next without blowing your budget.
Taking a night brewery tour is also an excellent way for visitors and locals alike to learn more about Denver’s beer history and culture.
And even if you don’t have much knowledge about craft beers yet, many of these tours are very casual and welcoming towards beer newbies!
One of the best is the Denver Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl. This tour includes stops at multiple bars and haunted spots throughout the night. Spooky!
🍻 Click here to check rates for a night brewery tour!
Stroll Along 16th Street Mall
16th Street is full of life and energy, with lots of shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. The lively street is pedestrian-only except for the 16th Street Mall Ride, which runs all day and late into the night.
When strolling down 16th Street, you can admire all the stunning architecture – the buildings are tall and historical. Whether it’s a romantic evening stroll or a night out with friends, 16th Street will be sure to deliver a unique experience.
Be sure to check out the new Market Station area. Every time we walk by, there are always bands playing!
Keep in mind that as of summer 2023, this area of the city is heavily under construction but is still walkable.
Experience RiNo
RiNo is not like the rest of downtown; it’s alive with activity and energy. One of the best parts about exploring this area is that there are lots of great breweries, restaurants, food halls, and street art.
There’s always something new popping up here – so you never know what surprises you might find! The food and drink choices are also endless – everything from Mexican street tacos to craft beer bars to upscale dining options.
Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a casual bite with friends or want an upscale dining experience, RiNo has it all! Be sure to stop by Denver Central Market, which is one of the best food halls in the Mile High city.
It’s also worth noting that the street murals and graffiti art in the area have put this part of town on the map.
Exploring these works can make for an interesting evening stroll, where you can learn more about Denver culture while appreciating some amazing pieces of art!
Dine at a Rooftop Restaurant
Dining at a rooftop restaurant is one of the best things to do in Denver at night. You can see the sunset over the city and have dinner and drinks with an unparalleled view.
It’s the perfect way to wrap up a long day—enjoying some delicious food while taking in the beauty of Denver from above.
Some great rooftop restaurants in Denver include 54Thirty, Avanti F&B, and Linger.
Have a Laugh at a Comedy Club
Denver is home to some of the best comedy clubs in the country, and Comedy Works is certainly at the top of the list. Whether you’re looking for an evening of side-splitting laughter or a date night to remember, Comedy Works has got you covered.
This company first started back in 1981, so let’s just say they’ve mastered the art of making you laugh. They’re centrally located right on 15th Street.
Dance the Night Away
Dancing is one of the best ways to enjoy the nightlife in Denver.
There are plenty of venues to choose from – Temple Nightclub Denver on Broadway is one option. It offers up a lively atmosphere and great music for an evening out with friends.
Here, you can dance the night away and make unforgettable memories that you will cherish for life, and they even have touring DJs.
Enjoy Late Night Eats
Visiting Denver at night can be a wonderful and exciting experience, especially with all the great late-night eats you can find! Whether you’re looking for a classic dinner or want to try something more adventurous, there’s something delicious for everyone.
When it comes to late-night eats in Denver, one thing is certain: you won’t go hungry. From delicious apps like mac and cheese bites to classic pizza slices, there are plenty of places to satisfy your late-night cravings.
Here are some great options:
- Hey Kiddo for a variety of dishes from duck breast to wagyu beef
- Barcelona Wine Bar in RiNo for all types of dishes and tasty drinks like sangria
- Tom’s Starlight, which features quesadillas to flatbreads and everything in between
Visit a Speakeasy
Visiting a speakeasy is one of the best ways to experience Denver’s vibrant nightlife. You’ll find unique bars tucked away in some of the city’s most unexpected locations.
They’re usually unmarked, so it adds to the surprise and intrigue as you seek out your drinking destination.
Once inside, you can enjoy craft cocktails crafted by experienced mixologists who know exactly how to make your evening special. If jazz music is your thing, some speakeasies even feature live musicians for an added atmosphere of sophistication and fun.
Watch a Movie
With plenty of theaters located around the city, there are countless options for movie-goers to choose from. From the newest blockbuster hits to cult classics, there’s something for everyone on the silver screen.
Before showtime though, be explore any of the local restaurants surrounding your theater of choice and grab dinner or drinks.
(The local restaurants will usually have food that’s much better than what you’ll get at the cinema… though we may be biased.) Then settle into your seat and enjoy the show!
Go Late-Night Bowling
Not only can you find a bowling alley no matter what part of the city you’re in, but you can also find lots of different ones to choose from.
Some are modern and upscale, with fancy food and drinks, while others are more low-key and just about having fun all late into the night.
Keep in mind that if you want to bowl downtown, like at The Lucky Strike, it’s best to call ahead for a reservation. We’ve been in a pickle before where we’ve had to wait a few hours before even getting a lane. Don’t be like us!
Take Night Photos
If you have a camera, why not take some night photos of the city? The city comes alive at night with a vibrant energy that’s hard to capture during the day.
Whether you’re taking photos of the skyline or downtown buildings lit up in bright colors, it’s one of the best things to do when exploring Denver for the night.
Plus, taking photos at night can provide an opportunity to explore parts of Denver that are off-the-beaten-path. Many times, local attractions and hidden gems might be overlooked if only visiting during the daytime hours.
One of our fave spots to photograph at night is the Dairy Block right off 16th. There are fun lights here that add to the ambiance.
See a Show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Seeing a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts is a must-do for any arts fans. Whether it’s a musical, play, ballet, or opera – there really is something for everyone.
We were lucky enough to see Hamilton here a few years ago and loved it. The facility itself is awesome. Keep in mind though that when there’s a show, downtown’s traffic gets a lot worse.
Try to get to the show at least an hour and a half early and just get dinner in the area beforehand.
(We actually got stuck in such bad traffic, despite leaving early, and missed a few songs at the beginning of our show.)
Stargaze
Despite being a city, we’ve found that it actually is possible to stargaze in Denver if you get out of LoDo. Try heading out near the airport, and you’ll see some stars!
If you want even clearer skies and no light pollution, then consider taking a drive out to Boulder, Golden, or even Estes Park. From there, you can truly appreciate just how beautiful and vast our universe is.
Final Thoughts: Denver Night Activities
The Mile High City of Denver is a great place to be after dark. Whether you’re looking for some nightlife, checking out the food scene, exploring outdoor activities, or getting lost in the music, Denver has it all.
From night shows to live music, good drinks to great eats, there is something for everyone when it comes to things to do at night in the city.
So, next time you find yourself in Denver at night, keep these options in mind, and don’t forget to check out all the wonderful sights and sounds that this incredible city has to offer!
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