Sip, Soak, and Sway: Crosscurrents Fest Hits the South Platte This Saturday

Free riverside music, craft drinks, and chill disco vibes—Crosscurrents returns to Confluence Park for one perfect summer day.

Author

What's Happenin' Denver
July 11, 2025

🌊 River Beats, City Heat

Happy Friday, Denver!

Ready to turn your Saturday into a sun-soaked, music-filled celebration by the water? Crosscurrents Festival is taking over Confluence Park this Saturday, July 12, and it’s bringing everything we love about summer in Denver: live music, cool drinks, great company, and a cause that hits close to home.

⛰️ Mile High Trivia

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🥾 Hike of the Day: Deer Creek Canyon Loop

A mellow 2.7-mile loop tucked in the foothills near Littleton, Deer Creek Canyon is perfect for post-work walks and pup-friendly strolls. Link up the Meadowlark and Plymouth trails for a short escape with peaceful views—just far enough from the city to reset, but still close to home.

🍕 Craving: Alteño

Looking for a spot that nails atmosphere and flavor? Alteño in Cherry Creek is the move. With a glowing staff, thoughtful service, and food that hits unforgettable status (the scallops get fan-level devotion), this is your go-to for special nights—or just treating yourself right. Pro tip: go for happy hour, stay for the vibes.

🎶 Crosscurrents Is Back — Float Into Summer Vibes This Saturday

Sunshine? ✅

Live music? ✅

Craft cocktails and riverside hangs? Double ✅.

Crosscurrents Festival is splashing back into Confluence Park this Saturday, July 12, and it’s bringing a full day of good vibes to the banks of the South Platte. From 2–10 PM, you’ll catch live music across two stages, sip local brews and cocktails, and bask in that laid-back Denver magic—all for free.

🎧 Headliner Poolside will send you into golden hour with their signature “Daytime Disco” grooves (think: chill beats, sun-kissed melodies, and serious dance potential). Plus, jam to sets from Thomas Jack, Indigo Waves, The High Lines, Goldilox, and Crl Crrll.

And it’s all for a good cause: 🌊 Proceeds support The Greenway Foundation, the nonprofit keeping our river clean, safe, and open for adventure since 1974.

Bring a blanket, grab a cold one, and let the current carry you through Denver’s best summer Saturday.

🌆 Mile High Happenings ☀️

Friday, July 11

🆓 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)

🎶 First Friday Jazz in the Park📍 2401 Welton St | ⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | 🎟️ Free

🎟️ Ticketed Events

🎶 B-Side: iies. & Lady Los📍 MCA Denver | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🎟️ $22.28

🎶 Ben Kweller📍 The Bluebird Theater | ⏰ 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $30+

🎶 The Mestas-Abbott Quartet📍 Dazzle | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | 🎟️ $15 – $25

Saturday, July 12

🆓 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)

🎉 Crosscurrents📍 Confluence Park | ⏰ 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 🎟️ Free

🎟️ Ticketed Events

🎶 Car Seat Headrest📍 Mission Ballroom | ⏰ 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $39.50+

🎭 Cirque du Soleil ECHO📍 Ball Arena | ⏰ Multiple Shows | 🎟️ Varies

Sunday, July 13

🆓 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

🎶 7Horse📍 The Bluebird Theater | ⏰ 8:00 PM | 🎟️ TBA

🎶 Jorge Medina & Josi Cuen📍 Ball Arena | ⏰ 8:00 PM | 🎟️ TBA

🎶 Lyle Lovett and His Large Band📍 Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🎟️ $50+

Think you know your Front Range peaks and scenic spots? Explore Denver’s breathtaking backdrops with this fun word search! From iconic summits to nearby escapes, see how many hidden gems you can find. Words may run in all directions—just like your next mountain adventure. ⛰️

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💬 Before You Float Off…

This is the kind of event that reminds us why we love Denver in the summer: music that makes you move, nature at your feet, and a community that shows up. If you’re heading to Crosscurrents, snap a pic and tag us—we wanna see your best riverside vibes.

🧃🧠 Trivia Answer:  B) Ball Arena

Ball Arena, located in downtown Denver, is the home of the NBA's Denver Nuggets and the NHL's Colorado Avalanche.

See you by the water,

— The What’s Happenin’ Denver Team 🫶

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