We’ve made it Denver to the fifth month in the year. We survived the winter, were blessed with a quiet spring, and can now relax and soak in those amazing pre-summer vibes. Cultural events, restaurants, and outdoor fun is ramping up this year more than ever, and we’ve got a list of cool events–from concerts to fun restaurants we think you should try, to bars to spend your weekends. Here are 57 magnificent things to do in Denver this May.
1. Be enchanted at one of these magical Candlelight Concerts
If you’re in the mood for a little culture, then get tickets for this wildly popular series, Candlelight. Enjoy a stunning evening at a popular Denver venue made more gorgeous by the flickering of a sea of candles. Listen to classic renditions of beloved pop songs, or concerts dedicated to pop’s favorite artists like Ed Sheeran’s greatest hits.
2. Drink Little Mermaid-themed cocktails and watch live performances at this interactive experience
This Little Mermaid-themed cocktail experience will be taking place on different nights all through May, so you have plenty of chances to experience the fun. Each ticket gives you access to the immersive experience of the venue dedicated to Hans Christian Anderson’s popular fairy tale and 3 specially crafted and on-theme cocktails.
3. Experience art like you’ve never seen before at this Holographic NFT exhibit
It’s 2022 and the newest versions of art galleries are going digital. Don your VR headsets and get ready to join the Metaverse at this truly unique experience. Don’t know what an NFT is? We’ve got you covered. As a warning, the gallery WILL be empty upon arrival, but that all changes as soon as you put the VR headset on, where you’ll be transported to another world.
4. Be swept away by your favorite 9os sitcom, Friends, at this immersive experience
If your life’s a joke, you’re broke, and your love life’s D.O.A then this Friend’s Experience Pop-Up is for you. This one-of-a-kind immersive and interactive experience is coming to the capital, and it’s sure to charm superfans of the 90s sitcom. Bring your ‘lobster’ with you and get ready for hilarious activities, alluring merch, and a dozen nostalgia-packed rooms replicated from the cult series! You can even sit on the iconic orange couch, and don’t forget to leave without capturing a few selfies. Tickets are on sale now for this event that takes place in June.
5. Experience this laser light show set inside a psychedelic church
The International House of Cannabis (LINK) is hosting their amazing meditation and light show event, and you won’t want to miss out. The only laser light show that takes place inside a church, Beyond is a transformative experience that combines lights with rotating artwork by famous artists, including the artwork painted on the church itself by Okuda san Miguel.
6. Check out this secret speakeasy hidden in a chilly place
The rumors are true: there’s a secret speakeasy hidden behind an ice cream shop, Sweet Action. Once you’ve made it there and have had your fill of ice cream, head to the walk-in freezer that’s actually not a freezer at all. It’s a door that’ll lead you to the super sneaky cocktail bar hidden behind–Retrograde. Step back into the 1920s at Retrograde, a swanky cocktail bar decked out with a glowing bar reminiscent of mid-century modern meets the future, where you can sip on space-age-themed drinks in style.
7-15. Eat your way through Denver’s most environmentally friendly restaurants
We wanted to talk about some of Denver’s restaurants that are secretly doing good for the planet with initiatives, partnerships, and more. From wind and solar-powered buildings, to specially humane certified sourcing, Denver’s got a ton of restaurants who are ahead of the curve when it comes to being sustainable and environmentally friendly.
16. Escape to the Polynesian Islands at Adrift Tiki Bar
Polynesian-inspired summer tiki bar, Adrift will be your favorite island getaway this summer, and has been featured as one of our favorite cocktail bars in Denver in the past. Their claim to fame is their Punch Bowls, huge cocktails made for 2 or 4 people depending on the size and served in fanciful glassware that takes you away to far off islands like Hawaii, the Cook Islands, or Easter Island.
17. Or, get a taste of Madrid, Spain at this new churro stand in Aurora
Spanish-style churros are a staple in the Madrileño diet. A rich and savory fried churro (not covered in cinnamon sugar like their Mexican counterparts) and served alongside a rich cup of dark chocolate that’s perfect for dipping. The Stanley Marketplace in Aurora has got a new churro spot called Churrería de Madrid., created by Spain-native Chef Jose Manuel Marquez.
18-33. Get a little crazy at Denver’s best happy hours
5’o clock rolls around and we all know what that means. It’s time for appetizer and drinks specials that’ll have you excited to say bye to the office and hello to the start of your night. From half off oysters and cheap crab cakes to flautas and margaritas, to drink specials that are so cheap you’ll be on the floor before happy hour is done and specials that go ALL DAY LONG.
34-44. While not in Denver, consider making a trip to one of these refreshing swimming holes and lakes
Outside of Denver, there are a multitude of beautiful lakes, reservoirs, and ponds situated in the middle of some of our most beautiful state parks. Since the warmer weather is upon us, we thought you might be in the mood to take a dip at a local watering hole, lake, or swimming pond.
- Grand Lake
- Big Soda Lake
- Paradise Cove
- Adrenaline Falls
45-57. Enjoy stunning views from atop these rooftops bars
Nights out on rooftop bars just hit differently, especially on those warm spring and summer nights. With the longer days and warmer weather just ahead, we figured you might be in the mood for some Mile High views at some of the city’s most amazing rooftops.