August in Denver = Festivals on Festivals 🎉

Whiskey tastings, art strolls, Mediterranean eats, and a derby full of ducks—here’s what’s poppin’ in Denver this August.

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What's Happenin' Denver
August 01, 2025

🎉 Festival Feels, All Month Long

Happy Friday, Denver!

August in Denver isn’t slowing down—it’s revving up. From sidewalk art shows to Mediterranean street food, rubber ducky races to whiskey tastings, the city is basically one big block party this month. Whether you’re in the mood for live music, dog-friendly fun, or shopping local at outdoor markets, there’s something to mark on your calendar nearly every weekend.

🐾 Denver Trivia Time!

Which beloved attraction is located inside Denver’s premier regional park, alongside museums, sports fields, and more?

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🌮 Who’s Got the Best Tacos in Denver?

We’re on a mission to crown Denver’s top taco spot—from OG taquerías to bold fusion joints. Vote for your favorite and help settle the salsa-fueled debate once and for all. 🌶️

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🍣 Denver Craving: Temaki Den

Located in the heart of RiNo, Temaki Den blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with a modern twist. From flame-torched aburi-zushi to perfectly rolled hand rolls, this sushi spot by the minds behind Sushi Den is a must-visit. Come for the quality, stay for the artistry.

🎉 August Festivals in Denver: Your Month-Long Summer Party Starts Now

If Denver had a theme for August, it’d be “fests on fests on fests.” From rubber ducky races and whiskey tastings to art markets and Mediterranean feasts, there’s a celebration for every flavor and vibe this month.

Start with the Colfax Art Crawl on August 1, then ease into the weekend with Freedom Fest, the Littleton Twilight Criterium & Arts Festival, and the wacky Dam Ducky Derby in Evergreen. Art lovers can hit Smash Fine Arts Festival, RiNo Summer Art Market, and Affordable Arts Festival, while foodies sip and snack their way through the Colorado Beef Festival, Wine Fest, and Mediterranean Festival. Bonus: Dog Days of Summer returns August 16—with multiple pup-friendly parties across the city. 🐾

🛍️ ThriftCon is also back (Aug. 9), so start making room in your closet now. And if rodeos, concerts, or demolition derbies are your thing, the Colorado State Fair has you covered August 28–30.

🎈Mark your calendars, Denverites—it’s going to be a busy (and very fun) August.

🌆 Mile High Happenings ☀️

Friday, August 1

🆓 Free Events

🧵 Free DJs @ Hapa Sushi📍 Hapa Sushi LoDo | ⏰ 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Friday & Saturday)

🧵 Happy Hour Gone to the Dogs📍 Spirit Hound Denver | ⏰ 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Friday)

🧵 Poetry Open Mic📍 Mercury Cafe | ⏰ 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Friday)

🎟️ Ticketed Events

🎧 Excision (Night 1)📍 Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre | ⏰ 5:00 PM | 🎟️ $39.95+

🎨 Colfax Art Crawl📍 40 West Arts District | ⏰ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free

Saturday, August 2

🆓 Free Events

🧵 Free DJs @ Hapa Sushi📍 Hapa Sushi LoDo | ⏰ 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Friday & Saturday)

🧵 Small Batch Trivia📍 Tapville Social Denver | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Saturday)

🧵 Guided Meditation📍 Great Dharma Chan Monastery | ⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Saturday)

🎶 Artist on the Rise Concert📍 Dairy Block | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free

🎟️ Ticketed Events

🎷 Andy Frasco & The U.N. with The Cultet and Barbara📍 Levitt Pavilion Denver | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 🆓 Free RSVP / 🎟️ $50 upgrades

🇺🇸 Freedom Fest 2025📍 Salisbury Equestrian Park (Parker) | ⏰ 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM | 🆓 Free / 🎟️ $30 for beer garden & live music

🎤 The Lumineers📍 Empower Field at Mile High | ⏰ 6:30 PM | 🎟️ TBA

Sunday, August 3

🆓 Free Events

🧵 Bingo @ Jagged Mountain📍 Jagged Mountain Brewery | ⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Sunday)

🧵 Jazz Sundays📍 Woods Boss Brewing | ⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Sunday)

🎟️ Ticketed Events

🎹 Regina Spektor📍 Mission Ballroom | ⏰ 7:30 PM | 🎟️ $55

🌊 The Beach Boys with the Colorado Symphony📍 Red Rocks Amphitheatre | ⏰ 6:30 PM | 🎟️ TBA

🐎 Denver Polo Club Sunday Funday📍 Denver Polo Club, Sedalia | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 🎟️ $35+

🎪 See You on the Lawn (or in the Beer Line)

Now’s the time to dust off your picnic blanket, gather your crew, and soak up every last drop of Denver summer magic. Got a favorite festival we missed? Hit reply and let us know, we’ll add it to our radar! 🎪✨

Trivia Answer:: C) Denver Zoo

📍 Nestled within City Park, the Denver Zoo has been delighting visitors since 1896. It’s home to thousands of animals and was the first zoo in the U.S. to use naturalistic enclosures instead of cages. A true wild treasure in the heart of the city!

— The What’s Happenin’ Denver Team 🫶

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