Hello!

As we look ahead to the final months of 2025, you’ll notice a slight shift in the way we present this newsletter. Moving forward, we’re highlighting events that are likely to have the greatest community impact — those involving both significant street closures and large attendance — so that neighbors can plan ahead and stay informed. Our goal is to make it easier for you to prepare for changes in your area and continue enjoying all that Denver’s vibrant event season has to offer.

At the same time, the Office of Special Events (OSE) continues to work closely with Denver Arts & Venues (DAV) to transition operations and integrate into their dynamic culture. We’re excited to join forces with such a creative team dedicated to bringing vibrancy to events and experiences across Denver.

Check out the events below, and visit the Office of Special Events calendar for more details!

If you find this newsletter helpful, share it with your friends and neighbors — and subscribe to stay connected!

Dia de Muertos First Friday Art Walk and Community Procession

Fri, Nov 7 | 6 PM- 7 PM

Santa Fe Drive from 7th Avenue to 10th Avenue

The November First Friday Event will be a vibrant celebration and include a Dia de los Muertos Procession. There will be food trucks, artisan vendors, live music, cultural activities and the procession which will begin at 5:45 PM at the Su Teatro parking lot. The walking route will move north along Santa Fe Drive to 10th Ave from where it will return to Museo de las Americas for a closing celebration. All are welcome to join the procession.

Impacts: During the event, rolling road closures will affect Santa Fe Ave between 7th and 10th Ave, and the alley between 10th and 9th Ave, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. To reduce traffic and parking issues, it's recommended for attendees to use public transportation or rideshare services. A traffic officer will be stationed at the intersections of 7th Ave, 10th Ave, and Santa Fe Drive to assist with traffic flow and ensure safety.

More details are available at: https://denversartdistrict.org/dia-de-muertos

Muertos en Westwood

Nov 7, 6 PM - 9 PM | Nov 8, Noon - 8 PM | Nov 9, 11 AM - 5 PM

3900 - 4100 Morrison Road

Muertos en Westwood is a family-friendly community event in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood that honors Day of the Dead traditions. From November 7th to 9th, the event will feature art exhibitions, a street festival with local artisans and traditional food, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. The event highlights the cultural heritage of the community while honoring departed loved ones.

Impacts: Morrison Rd will be closed from S Patton Court to S Quitman Street starting at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 7th, and will remain closed until 10:00 PM on Sunday, November 9th. Please plan accordingly for this street closure during the event.

More details are available at: https://www.hechoenwestwood.com/muertosenwestwood.html

Denver Veterans Day Run, Parade, and Festival

Sat, Nov 8 | 9 AM - 1 PM | City Park

Celebrate Veterans Day on November 8 with the Denver Veterans Day Run, Parade, and Festival — a day full of events to honor our Veterans! 

• Run for a Cause: The 5K and 10K runs start at 9:00 AM, with all proceeds going to support Colorado Veterans.
• Free Festival: Starting at 9:30 AM, enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and military displays.
• Veterans Day Parade: Kicking off at 10:30 AM near City Park (E 21st Ave & York St), the parade offers a chance for spectators to honor and celebrate our Veterans.

Impacts: The parade will step off at E 21st Ave and York St, turning west on E 17th Ave, and entering City Park at E. 17th Ave and Steele St. Streets will have rolling closures starting at 10:30 AM and will reopen once the parade passes. Please expect some traffic delays during the event.

More details are available at: https://www.denverveteransday.com/ 

The annual Light the Lights Celebration will occur on November 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the City and County Building! Mayor Mike Johnston will officially kick off Denver’s holiday season by flipping the switch to illuminate the building for the first time this year!

Watch live on Denver 8 TV or the City’s Facebook page!

This year’s light and music show, produced by Colorado Holiday Experiences (formerly Blazen Illuminations), offers a fresh twist on holiday classics.

Please Note: This year’s opening ceremony will be about 15 minutes long featuring remarks from Mayor Mike Johnston and the first lighting of the season. While there will be no amenities or programming beyond the ceremony, the event will be streamed live on Denver 8 TV and the City’s Facebook page so everyone can join the celebration from wherever they are. Visitors who wish to see the lights in person can come down any evening during the season to enjoy the nightly light and music show.

Show Schedule (November 21 - January 26, 2026):

• Show Times
• Tuesday–Sunday: 5:45 PM and 6:45 PM, with static lights until 10:45 PM
• Mondays: Static lights only (due to City Council meetings)
• Exceptions
• No Show on December 6: 9NEWS Parade of Lights
• No Show on December 21: We Will Remember: Homeless Persons' Memorial Vigil

Impacts: No impacts to the streets or bike lanes are anticipated. Some metered parking spaces on 14th Ave. between Bannock and Cherokee will not be available from event set-up through tear-down; these will not include any of the accessible spots on the south side of the CCB. All entrances to the City and County Building will remain accessible.

More details are available at: Celebrate the Holidays in Denver

In honor of Denver legend Daddy Bruce Randolph, The Epworth Foundation will once again bring the community together for its annual Denver Feed-A-Family Thanksgiving distribution. What began in 1963 with Daddy Bruce feeding neighbors has grown into a longstanding community tradition of generosity. This year, the Foundation will distribute 2,500 baskets filled with all the traditional fixings and a turkey—enough to feed a family of eight and continue his legacy of giving.

Impacts: To support the Denver Feed-A-Family Thanksgiving Distribution, the following road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect:

• Bruce Randolph Avenue — Closed between York Street and Gilpin Street
• Local access only/parking restrictions:
• Gaylord St. from MLK Blvd. to E. 35th Ave.
• Vine St. from MLK Blvd. to E. 35th Ave.
• Race St. from MLK Blvd. to E. 35th Ave.
• High St. from MLK Blvd. to E. 35th Ave.
• Williams St. from MLK Blvd. to E. 35th Ave.
• MLK Blvd. — Bike lane and parking lane restrictions from York St. to High St.

More details are available at: https://epworthfoundation.org

Stay connected with Denver's vibrant communities and check out the Office of Special Events calendar to find the latest information on community events, markets, races, and many other fun events happening throughout Denver’s neighborhoods.

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.

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have positive feedback, questions, or concerns about events near you, your voice matters. Your input helps us create better experiences for everyone. Reach out and let us know what you think by sending us a note via our Contact Form!