Summary
- Attend a Concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- Shop at a Farmers Market
- Enjoy Free Jazz in City Park
- Enjoy Summer Festivals
- Surf’s Up in the City
- Go Hiking on Trails Near Denver
- Visit the Denver Zoo
- Take a Walking Tour of Capitol Hill
- Hit the Greens at Denver Public Golf Courses
- Admire the Botanic Gardens
There’s no shortage of sun in Colorado, with an impressive 300 days of sunshine. Although Labor Day may signify the end of summer for some, balmy weather in Denver can extend well into October. This article highlights how to fill your late summer itinerary with enjoyable outdoor activities.
Attend a Concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Located 15 miles west of Denver, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre offers exceptional natural acoustics for unforgettable outdoor concerts. While the amphitheater is situated in Morrison, the park is under Denver’s jurisdiction, providing numerous hiking trails after enjoying a performance.
Shop at a Farmers Market
Explore vibrant farmers markets across the Denver area, from Cherry Creek to Belmar. During the summer, local growers showcase seasonal fruits and vegetables, including delectable Colorado peaches and tomatoes. The Lafayette Peach Festival highlights this beloved fruit, and you can also find gourmet treats like homemade salsas.
Enjoy Free Jazz in City Park
Summer evenings featuring smooth jazz create a perfect blend in Denver’s City Park. Free jazz concerts are held every Sunday from June through August. Bring along a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon surrounded by music and nature.
Enjoy Summer Festivals
Denver’s summer festivals offer a variety of experiences. Beginning with the Chalk Art Festival that transforms sidewalks into captivating artworks, the lineup includes events like the Colorado Renaissance Festival and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Highlighting Asian culture every July is the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan’s Lake, while the Taste of Colorado Festival ends summer with local restaurants’ food tastings and free concerts during Labor Day Weekend.
Surf’s Up in the City
Make a splash this summer at one of Denver’s outdoor pools, which are open from June through August. Alternatively, head to Water World in Federal Heights for over 55 attractions, including surf simulators and the latest addition, Cowabunga Beach, which features a boogie boarding pool.
Go Hiking on Trails Near Denver
If you seek to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, venture out for scenic hikes near Denver. The trails cater to all fitness levels, featuring a mix of paved paths and rugged climbs that provide exceptional views. You might also experience exciting extras, such as camping in unique yurts or birdwatching for rare species.
Visit the Denver Zoo
At the Denver Zoo, home to over 4,000 animals, you can explore the wonders of wildlife. Open daily during the summer, the zoo features expansive grounds that allow for an immersive experience. The popular Giraffe Encounter exhibit lets visitors feed giraffes for an additional small fee.
Take a Walking Tour of Capitol Hill
Experience Denver’s rich history with a walking tour through the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Marvel at the charming architecture of the Byers-Evans House and discover the modern additions at the Denver Art Museum. Make sure to visit the stylish ART Hotel, where you can enjoy beverages by a fire pit.
Hit the Greens at Denver Public Golf Courses
With picturesque weather, summer is ideal for golfing in Denver. The city boasts seven public golf courses catering to all skill levels, offering various challenges from City Park’s 18 holes to Harvard Gulch’s 9 holes. For family fun, Aqua Golf features 36 mini-golf holes complete with water features and its unique driving hole.
Admire the Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens inspire around 32,000 types of plants, despite Colorado’s dry climate. The beautiful xeriscape gardens demonstrate how to create thriving landscapes with minimal water, making them a worthwhile visit for gardening enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
