Hello!

May is packed with vibrant events across Denver’s parks and neighborhoods. From cultural festivals to community gatherings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore what’s coming up and make the most of May! Check out the highlights below and visit the Office of Special Events calendar for more details!

Banner image with blurred motion of a downtown Denver street at night, featuring a red and blue RTD shuttle. Overlay text reads: “Coming Soon: 16th Street’s New Look!” in bold orange and white lettering.

Celebrate the Grand Opening of the reimagined 16th Street, taking place May 31 and June 1—a vibrant event that kicks off summer in downtown Denver. The new 16th Street offers a more welcoming, accessible, and energized public space at the heart of the city.

This two-day celebration features live music, food trucks, art, games, giveaways, and family-friendly activities as part of the 16th Street Summer Kickoff. It’s one of many exciting events activating downtown during this milestone weekend.

Visit summerindenver.com for full event details, and look out for our special edition newsletter coming soon with everything you need to know.

Saturday, May 31 - Sunday, June 1

Illustrated event site map of Civic Center Park in Denver. The map shows two entry points: "VIP Entry" at Bannock Street and "Main Entry" at Lincoln Street. Key areas labeled include "VIP Area" on the west side near Bannock, "Music" in the central lawn, "IDEAS" near the Denver Art Museum, and "FILM & SUMMIT" near the Denver Public Library. Dashed orange lines indicate event boundaries and pathways throughout the park. Trees and surrounding streets are also depicted.

Outside Festival, a ticketed event, will return to Civic Center Park (101 14^th Ave) on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 from 1 PM to 10 PM. This event is a celebration of everything outdoors, featuring live music, adventure films, thought-provoking speakers, immersive experiences, the latest outdoor gear, and more.

*Please note this event requires tickets for entry. Buy tickets on the event's website.

Impacts: Road closures and Parking Restrictions will be implemented in phases. Plan ahead and expect traffic delays in these areas during the closures. Thank you for your patience!

Phase 1

Saturday, May 24 at 8:00 PM – Wednesday, June 4 at 6:00 PM

Bannock St closed between Colfax Ave and 13th Ave
W 14th Ave closed from Cherokee St to Broadway

Phase 2

Friday, May 30 at 7:00 PM – Monday, June 2 at 4:00 AM

Broadway closed from E. Colfax to 13th Ave

Find event details, tickets, and updates at Outside Festival.

Make a Day of It Downtown!

There’s more to explore! While celebrating the Grand Opening, check out nearby activities like the Outside Festival at Civic Center Park and the IFSC Speed Climbing World Cup on 16th Street. From adventure films and outdoor gear to elite athletes scaling a 50-foot wall in under five seconds—downtown will be buzzing all weekend.

Everything’s walkable and open to the public—walk, roll, or ride between events and soak up the energy of downtown Denver.

Plan your visit at summerindenver.com.

Colorful piñatas hang across the top of the image, with confetti accents. Bright pink text below reads: "Spice Up Your Cinco de Mayo with Flavor and Fun!" on a dark background.

Map showing the parade route in downtown Denver. The staging area is marked in blue along 12th and 13th Streets between Speer Blvd and Welton St. The parade starts at 13th Street and Welton St., follows a red arrowed route northeast, then turns south along Lincoln St. The route ends at Lincoln St. and 13th Ave. An exit route is marked in black directing traffic west on 13th Ave. toward Speer Blvd.

Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” Festival & Parade

Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4

Experience a weekend of food, fun, and culture at Denver's Cinco de Mayo "Celebrate Culture" Festival, back at Civic Center Park on May 3rd and 4th from 10 AM to 8 PM. This event highlights Denver's lively Latino community and is expected to draw thousands of attendees, making it one of the city's most enjoyable and family-friendly gatherings.

The parade begins at 11 AM, starting from 13th Street at Welton Street and proceeding through Downtown Denver. It will showcase cultural performance groups, non-profit organizations, school groups, and custom lowriders.

Impacts: Road closures and parking restrictions. See the Parade Route Map for more information.

Find event details and updates at www.CincoDeMayoDenver.com.

Flyer for the 5th Annual Cinco de Mayo celebration in Westwood, Denver. The center features an illustration of a dancer in front of a stylized Aztec design with the Mexican flag. Event details: May 3rd from 12 PM–8 PM and May 4th from 11 AM–5 PM. Location: 3929 Morrison Rd, Denver, CO 80219. The words "Cinco de Mayo en Westwood 80219" are prominently displayed, with a QR code on the right side.

Cinco de Mayo en Westwood

Saturday, May 3 &

Sunday, May 4

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 3rd, from 12 PM to 8 PM, and Sunday, May 4th from 11 AM to 5 PM for the annual Cinco de Mayo en Westwood! This lively event pays tribute to the Batalla de Puebla while celebrating Westwood's rich cultural heritage. Everyone in Denver and surrounding communities are welcome to join in the festivities. Enjoy lowriders, live music, cultural dances, vendors, delicious food, vibrant art installations, and much more!

Impacts: Morrison Rd (S Patton Ct to S Quitman St) and Perry St near Morrison Rd will be closed from 8 AM on May 3 to 10 PM on May 4 for the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Please use alternate routes.

Find event details and updates at www.hechoenwestwood.com.

Aerial view of Los Chingones Restaurant and busy outdoor street market and rooftop gathering. The event features vendor tents, food stalls, and a large crowd of people along a blocked-off street next to a modern two-story building with colorful shade sails. The rooftop patio is also crowded with attendees. Trees line the sidewalk, and signage and barricades mark the event perimeter.

Cinco de RiNo

Sunday, May 4

Los Chingones RiNo will host their electrifying Cinco de RiNo Block Party on Sunday, May 4th from 11 AM to 10 PM. Don't miss out on the legendary atmosphere! Save the date!

Impacts: 25^th Street between Larimer and Broadway Ave will be closed and meter parking unavailable Sunday, May 4th from 5 AM to 11:30 PM.

Find event details and updates at www.loschingonesmexican.com.

Illustration of four colorful food trucks on a purple background. From left to right: a pink truck with ice cream cones on top, an orange truck with a slice of pizza, a teal truck with three colorful drinks, and a red truck with a large red chili pepper.

Civic Center EATS Returns

May 14 - October 16

Wednesdays & Thursdays

Civic Center EATS returns May 14th and will occur every Wednesday and Thursday from 11 AM to 2 PM through October 16th with up to 16 food truck cuisines each week to feed your winter-starved soul all summer long.

Note – EATS will not operate on the following dates: 5/28, 5/29, 7/2, 7/3, 8/6, 8/7, 8/20, and 8/21

Impacts: None

Find event details and updates at Civic Center EATS.

Illustration of a diverse group of seven people running outdoors. They are wearing athletic clothing and race bibs, suggesting participation in a fun run or race event. The background features abstract trees and hills in muted yellow tones.

Runs & Walks in Denver Streets & Parks

Get ready to run and roam Denver's streets! From the Colfax Marathon to smaller runs and walks, May is packed with adventure. Lace up and dive in! Please note: Unless otherwise specified, most parks will have only minimal trail and road impacts.

Furry Scurry

Sat, 5/3

9 AM - NOON

Wash Park

Walk MS Denver

Sat, 5/3

9:30 AM - 1 PM

City Park

Celebrate Israel Walk and Festival

Sun, 5/4

8 AM – 1 PM

Great Lawn Park

IMPACT: Rolling Closures

2025 Trauma Survivors Fun Run

Sun, 5/10

9 AM – 11:30 AM

Berkeley Lake Park

Colorado Rockies

Home Run 5k

Sat, 5/31

8 AM - 10 AM

2001 Blake Street

IMPACT: Street Closures

Denver Vitality Walk

Sun, 6/1

9 AM – 1 PM

Wash Park

The Denver Colfax Marathon Weekend!

Saturday, May 17 & Sunday, May 18

Photo of a massive crowd of runners gathered at the starting line of a race. The participants are dressed in colorful athletic wear, and the scene is densely packed, stretching far into the background. Trees line both sides of the street.

The annual Denver Colfax Marathon is on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, featuring 7 races! Saturday kicks off with a 5K in City Park, followed by the main race day on Sunday, offering a Marathon, Half Marathon, Urban 10-Miler, and Marathon Relay.

The Marathon route, which starts and finishes in City Park, traverses through iconic landmarks like Empower Field at Mile High and scenic spots like Sloan’s Lake Park and into the City of Lakewood and back to Denver!

Impacts: Expect significant road closures and watch for runners throughout metro Denver; check the course map for details.

Find event details and updates at Denver Colfax Marathon.

Illustration of a lively outdoor community event with various people engaging in activities such as playing music, browsing vendor booths, chatting, and shopping. The scene includes tables, plants, clothes racks, a food truck, and trees, with the bold text “Community Events” above.

Events for Every Interest!

May is for events and they are a-plenty! See the most up-to-date information on events and other happenings on public property around the Denver area by checking out the Office of Special Events calendar.

CALENDAR TIPS

Use the "Search" option to search by event name, event location (e.g., City Park) or event type (e.g., parade). Select "List" to view in an easy-to-read list format.

Click to see the Office of Special Events Calendar

Markets Are Returning to Denver!

Denver’s markets are starting to reopen, bringing fresh produce, local goods, and community fun back to the city! Check out the ones below, and stay tuned as more return throughout the season.

Firefly Market

Sat & Sun

5/3 - 5/4

10 AM - 4 PM

S Gaylord & Mississippi

IMPACT: Street Closures

City Park Farmers Market

Saturdays

5/3 - 10/25

8 AM - 1 PM

City Park Esplanade

IMPACT: Street Closures

South Pearl Street Farmers Market

Sundays

5/4 - 11/9

9 AM - 1 PM

Florida and S. Pearl Street

IMPACT: Street Closures

Sloan's Lake Spring BAZAAR

Sat & Sun

5/10 - 5/11

11 AM - 5 PM

Sloan's Lake

IMPACT: Street Closures

Civic Center NIGHT MARKET X AAPI Culture Fest

Friday, 5/16

5 PM - 10 PM

Civic Center Park

IMPACT: None

Sun Valley Night Market

Sat, 5/17

4 PM - 10 PM

1701 N Bryant St

IMPACT: Street Closures

Highlands Farmers Market

Sundays

5/18 - 10/12

9 AM - 1 PM

32nd Ave and Lowell

IMPACT: Street Closures

LoHi Spring BAZAAR

Sat, 5/24

11 AM - 5 PM

32nd & Vallejo

IMPACT: Street Closures

Mo' Betta Green Farmers Market

Sun, 5/4

10 AM - 2 PM

2401 Welton St

IMPACT: Street Closures

People & Produce at Belleview Station

Sundays

6/1 - 10/12

9 AM - 1 PM

Belleview & S Newport St

IMPACT: Street Closures

llustration of an "Art & Craft Markets" booth with colorful bunting flags above. The booth has a pink and yellow awning and displays various pottery and handcrafted items like plates, vases, and cups in pastel colors.

Share Your Thoughts: We’re Listening!

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