austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Denver

For this newsletter version of our August guide to Denver, we asked comedian Joshua Emerson, who has been a fixture on the podcast for years, to give us his personal recommendations.

Little Wolf is a single malt whiskey bar on the Northside. They house Flip & Howl Burger Kitchen. They do cold-smoked wagyu burgers, which are good not great. They’re a little overpriced but you won’t feel unsatisfied after a meal.

The real star for Flip is their 78 minute fries. They are called 78 minute fries because that is how long it takes to prepare a batch, a process that includes multiple rounds of frying and blanching. The end result is the best french fries in Denver. They are crispy on the outside and soft, not soggy on the inside – the best example of British style chips in the 303. I wish they did more with the fries. Currently they offer poutine, but I think ships and sheese, ships and surry, green chile fries, and maybe even a carne asada fries would do well.

This Native American community music show is in its fourth year at Levitt Pavillion, and it has always been good. I remember the first year when Hallicination headlined, I experienced one of my favorite music moments. I was sitting up on the grass hill as the sun was setting. 

 and if you saw me crying that day, no you didn’t.

, a Haisla rap duo that came up through the Vancouver hip hop scene. They have really fun lyricism and flow and have continued to get better throughout their career. Their latest album, 

, being my favorite project they’ve put out, and Canada agrees with me, as the album won the 2025 Juno Award for Best Rap Album.

Plus, it is a community event. Native organizations will be tabling and there will be frybread. Enough said.

John Novosad at Denver Comedy Underground

I grew up in Phoenix and the key to beat the heat is two words: air conditioning.One of the best ways to enjoy some AC is seeing live stand-up comedy — check out 

, one of the jewels of the Denver comedy scene. Based in Boulder, John aka Hippie Man has been doing comedy for 30 years, and he continues to write and develop. His sense of humor is so silly and joyful. John’s last special, “

,” is just jokes about Boulder, and it is fantastic. Denver has changed, comedy has changed, but John’s comedy remains timeless.

Comedian Joshua Emerson’s Personal Guide to August 2026

Comedian Joshua Emerson’s Personal Guide to August

Find the best of everything that Denver has to offer.

Denver’s Best

Denver's Best

Paul Karolyi

I learned about something new as I was listening to the City Cast Denver team record the podcast version of this monthly guide – Summerween! Apparently, the animated series “Gravity Falls” had an episode in 2012 where the characters all celebrated Halloween during the summer, and somehow that tradition has caught on! Anyone out there want to carve a Rocky Ford “jack o’melon” sometime?

Check out our Summerween pick, plus plenty more August recommendations from Bree and two of our favorite contributors – green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval and man about town Adrian Felix.

👻 Celebrate Summerween at Scr3am & Sugar

Summerween destination for Denverites, according to Justine. She says the drinks at this spot are all horror themed and very creative, and the staff there is incredibly nice. ”It's not just a gimmick-themed coffee shop,” she adds. “They are making really great coffee in there!”

Adrian’s favorite thing to do right now is roller skating, and 

 at ReelWorks is the place to be, with killer music and a light show. ”They do serve drinks on the floor while you skate, and they offer them in sippy cups so that you don't have to worry about when you biff [it],” Adrian says. The monthly skate is adults-only, held on the third Friday of the month, and the themes are always fun, like “neon”!

🎸 Check Out The Big New Album From lil piñon

One of the founding members of Denver’s Chicano funk staple Los Mocochetes – the group who created the theme song for City Cast Denver – has split off to release his first solo album. Recording now as “

,” Joshua Randy Abeyta is releasing a new album called “Don’t Even Trip.” Bree says “ he's been working for over two years on this project in particular, so definitely worth checking out.”

🍎 Get Your 2000s Pop Punk On for Food Justice

Bree wants to send some love to Denver Food Rescue, the local food justice nonprofit that rescues over 700,000 pounds of fresh, nutritious foods to benefit more than 200,000 Denverites each year. She recommends the all ages fundraiser 

 on Aug. 30 at the Hi-Dive. They’re calling the event “

” as a play on Jimmy Eat World’s seminal 2001 album, “Bleed American,” because the show is all local bands playing emo and pop punk classics. Plus, your $15 ticket goes to a good cause!

🍷 Save Room for Dessert at Venice Ristorante and Wine Bar

Adrian is celebrating his birthday in August, and he’s got just one wish: someone take him to Venice! I’m sure he wouldn’t turn down a plane ticket to Italy, but his heart is with the pasta and fantastic wine list at 

. ”At any upscale restaurant like this, I'm going to judge you by your desserts,” Adrian adds. “And they have one of the best crème brûlées in the city of Denver, which is my favorite dessert.”

🍕 Pizza, Ice Cream, and a Walk in Wash Park

Bree and her husband had a lovely summer night in Wash Park recently, and she recommends the entire itinerary: First stop at 

 for the family-friendly patio and the “pigs and pears pizza,” which is roasted garlic, mozzarella, goat cheese, butternut squash, pear, candied bacon, arugula, and balsamic drizzle. Then a 10-minute walk to 

, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer. “ It's just that quintessential old-school Denver, old-school ice cream parlor.”

As a longtime fan of local poet Bobby LeFebre, I was flattered when he invited me to participate in the 

 he hosts for the Museum of Contemporary Art. Each Mixed Taste brings together two Denverites to tell stories about totally different topics, then Bobby and his talented friends (and the audience) help draw creative connections through music, poetry, and jokes! I’ll be giving what I will call a Blucifer-adjacent talk about a local conspiracy theory that I’ve been obsessed with, and joining me as the other speaker will be none other than City Cast Denver contributor and Westword co-founder Patty Calhoun. It costs $20, and it’s more than worth it for all the entertainment they pack into these events. Consider this 

But that’s not all! We asked Adrian and Justine for unique ways to beat the heat this August, but you’ll have to tune in to the podcast to hear their recs!

Your Guide to Denver in August 2026

Olivia Jewell Love

For one of the Denver metro’s butteriest hot pretzels, head over to Lariat Lodge Brewing Co. in Littleton (or Evergreen) to try the hot pretzel and beer cheese from their 

! Pair the $8 “Gus’s Perfect Pretzel” with a 32 oz pitcher of beer for the same price, and enjoy the pretty views from their patio! Happy hour is from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

48 Hour Film Project is coming back to Denver

 the last weekend of July. The team you assemble will have 48 hours to write, shoot, and edit a short film based on a mystery genre and details chosen at the Friday night kickoff. The following weekend there’s a premier screening to see your film on the big screen at The Bug! The best film goes on to compete at Filmapalooza in March 2027 and is eligible for a spot at the Cannes Film Festival. Moviestars, assemble!

Craving a big bowl of ramen after normal dinner hours? Look no further than 

, open till 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 a.m. Friday through Sunday. This Colorado Boulevard spot has some seriously tasty ramen options and a good assortment of rice bowls and appetizers if you’re not feeling soup-y. Ramen is an all-season food, people.

If you’re hitting the Highlands Farmers Market on Sundays, make sure to also check out 

, hosted in their parking lot on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The secret market has vintage clothes, handmade art, coffee, food, jewelry, and so much more to enjoy! Located on 32nd Avenue, Goodkid is a perfect stop along an idyllic Sunday stroll through the neighborhood.

For the fans of what chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber are doing over at Riot BBQ, check out their new concept called 

. We recommend the Pollo Loco or Pollo Pibil, with cornbread, black beans, and rice. You can get a full plate for $20!

🌃 Night Market (Calling All K-Pop Fans)

on the last Saturday of the month (July 25) from 6-10 p.m. Enjoy fun for the whole family like food trucks, tchotchkes, enamel pins, K-Pop dancing, and so much more. The market features global flavors like Korean BBQ, Mexican Street Tacos, and African dishes. Check it out at 2710 S. Havana Street in Aurora!

Your Guide to Denver in July 2026

Your Guide to Denver in July

If you’re looking to make an evening in Platt Park, start by getting a cold pint of the 

 over at Platt Park Brewing. Then, make your way over to 

 on Pearl for a savory bite before they close at 8 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sundays). Round out your visit to the neighborhood with a scoop of cookies and cream from 

In the never-ending search for an affordable meal, check out the lunch specials over at 

. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and has lots of lunch combos, like a 10-piece sashimi combo that comes with soup and salad for only $21! Plus, the owner flies in rotating Japanese desserts so you never know what new sweet treat might be in the mix.

Legend has it that Red Rocks Amphitheater will transform into an “Amish Paradise” on June 23 at 6 p.m when doors open for 

 His “Bigger and Weirder” tour features special guest Puddles Pity Party at Red Rocks. Better get in that merch line now!

Ready to enter your fiber-maxxing era? (or plant based protein era, sure!) Check out the 

 put on by Food Justice NW Aurora. Enter your bean-based delicacy for a chance to win some $, or just show up to the event on June 7 from 4-6 p.m. to sample dishes and vote for your faves.

For anyone wanting to sip on a highly Instagrammable matcha past normal coffee shop hours, look no further than the 

 served up at Bigsby’s Folly. This drink features gin, elderflower, matcha, lemon, lavender, and “fee foam.” This green elixir is the drink that everyone at the table is stealing a sip from!

Welcome to Pride Month in Denver! Check out an 

 at the Clyfford Still Museum on June 14th for some family-friendly fun! They are planning drag queen story time with Gila Moonstar, DJ sets from Moon Magnet (you may know them from past baby raves 🔥) and lots of bubbles, hula hoops, and outdoor excitement.

Recommendations of the best things to do in Denver this June.

Your Guide to Denver in June 2026

With the days getting longer and hotter, there’s plenty of ways to beat the heat and dip your toes into some fun around the Mile High. Don’t forget your comically oversized water bottle and a hat commemorating one of the countless Colorado landmarks you’ve visited!

We invited our contributor David Sirota, who you might know as the Editor in Chief of 

, to shed his politics hat and pop on his beachy sun visor to help us come up with some awesome picks for how to spend a June day in Colorado on or near some water.

David’s pick for summer fun in the water is heading up to Lake Dillon with your bike to ride around the reservoir. “It's beautiful,” he says. “It feels like you’re in Switzerland, especially now in the summer.” His one warning? Everything is easy until you get 75% of the way around the reservoir, then you’ll hit a killer incline. So, maybe time to bust out that e-bike or try to turn around without anyone noticing. 😜While you’re at it, check out the 

; June has a beer festival and some great bands to catch!

Olivia’s pick for hitting the water this summer is to 

 with 10 of your closest friends to offset rental costs and enjoy a day on the lake. “You don’t have to have a rich friend who has a boat,” because you can rent one and make everyone Venmo you! And yes, I did just quote myself. There are a few websites where boat owners rent out their vessels to land-lubbers, and you can even pay extra for someone to captain the boat and to trailer it to a nearby lake. Don’t forget the cold drinks and sunscreen!

If you prefer to see the bottom of the water you’re dipping your toes in, check out Bree’s choice: 

 up in Idaho Springs, less than a 40-minute drive from Denver! This indoor hot spring is open year-round and has a glass ceiling so you can enjoy it in any weather. The facility has mineral pools, mud baths, caves, adults-only nights, and lots of other amenities to enjoy. Plus, the gorgeous plants they decorate with are actually for sale! While you’re up in Idaho Springs, be sure to check out the new 

Here's how to spend some time on the water and cool off this summer.

The Best Summer Water Activities Around Denver

Denver's Best Summertime Water Hangs

Have you ever seen a horse fly? Instead of the traditional Kentucky Derby with racehorses, the Butterfly Pavilion is hosting Bugs and Brews 

. Enjoy cocktails, watch cockroaches race, wear your best insect-inspired Derby hat, and partake in all kinds of derby-esque insect activities. 21+ only!

Are you like Einstein if he was actually a total music buff? Welcome to absolutely crushing music bingo! A local company called 

 hosts music bingo at various locations around town, including Denver Beer Co. It’s just like bingo, but instead of numbers, they play songs and you cross out the names on your card!

 has a new menu item: iced matcha with lemon cold foam. For the matcha-curious, this sweet and tangy version of the trending drink can be a fun foray into a world of endless caffeine combinations. “It’s the most delicious matcha I’ve ever had,” according to Keep it Local newsletter writer Michelle Polizzi.

Looking to indulge in TikTok’s latest sweet treat trend? Try out a “soft serve margarita” over at 

 in Lakewood. With rotating fruity flavors on tap and complete with a mini umbrella, this picture-worthy dessert is definitely a perfect start to the warm season in the Mile High.

Whether you’re looking to hop on the “beef tallow bandwagon” or just craving some fried deliciousness, 

 offers all their snacks seed-oil free. This Utah chain’s single Denver location feels like stepping into a tasty-smelling time capsule. Their specialty? Pastrami! But, can’t go wrong with the classic steak fries and onion rings.

🥾 In the Footsteps of the ‘Forrest Gump of Colorado’

After a winter of couch vegging and limited sunshine, it’s time to get out there and hike! Producer Paul Karolyi has been doing some research on the origin of some of Denver’s wildest conspiracy theories, and that took him 

 to the top of Mt. Falcon, where a fascinating historical figure named John Brisben Walker once proposed to build a “Summer White House” that would overlook Morrison and the Front Range. Are you letting the president of summer on your lawn?

Our recommendations for what to do in Denver this May.

Things to Do in Denver in May 2026

Your Guide to Denver in May 2026

Michelle Polizzi

There’s something about eating outside that instantly makes me feel relaxed. Maybe it’s the feeling of warm sunshine while sipping on a cold drink, or breathing in the mood-boosting compounds of trees. However, there’s nothing like the annoying sounds of traffic or an unsightly construction project to take you out of your blissful state.

Since we all deserve a side of chill while drinking or dining al fresco, here are five Denver patios that truly feel like a vacation — all without leaving the metro area.

⛵ Lakehouse Kitchen + Tavern (Littleton)

Waterfront patios aren’t the first thing that come to mind in Denver, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at 

. This family-friendly bar and grill has a deck overlooking Littleton’s Johnson Reservoir, providing pretty views of the water and the mountains from every table. On chilly evenings, gather around their outdoor firepit, indulge in American comfort foods, and enjoy the slower, vacation-inspired pace.

Enjoy a glass of their house whiskey on the rocks, made by Denver’s own Bear Creek Distillery.

. This restaurant in a cozy red brick house has a laid-back atmosphere that feels like a good friend’s home, and there’s a reason its patio is often named one of Denver’s best. There’s about a dozen outdoor tables shaded by lush green vines, patio umbrellas, and even sunflowers in summertime — the perfect escape on a hot, busy day.

Their wood-fired pizza is delish, but they’ve also got salads, pasta, sandwiches, and a kid’s menu.

, tons of picnic tables cover a sprawling patio decked out with twinkle lights, fire pits, and plenty of space for your friends, family, and dogs. As their name suggests, they’ve got dozens of craft beers on tap, which you can enjoy alongside American eats like smashburgers and Nashville hot chicken sandwiches — not to mention their overflowing game selection, which guarantees hours of fun.

Snag a table early because Recess doesn’t take reservations.

🍚 Domo Japanese Country Restaurant (Lincoln Park)

This garden patio filled with cherry trees, shrub-lined walkways, handmade parasol umbrellas, and soft water sounds will transport you to the Japanese countryside. 

 will take your tastebuds there, too, with traditional homestyle foods like Japanese curry, nabeyaki soup, and green tea soba. This hidden oasis in Denver is also home to a Japanese museum, making it truly unlike anywhere else in the city.

Domo is open Tues-Sun and closes at 7 p.m., so plan on going early.

Denver Patios that Feel Like a Vacation

Five Denver Patios that Feel Like a Vacation

Peyton Garcia

The Hallmark holiday of love falls on a Saturday this year, so don’t squander your opportunity to do something extra special, whether you’re with your sweetheart, your gal pals, or flying solo. Here are some ideas to set the mood 💘

Get to know your romantic partner more intimately at the Sexploratorium’s 

. Channel your inner Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in this 

 at Community Clay. Or, tie the knot at the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s annual 

Looking for something more adventurous than your average date night? Study the wild world of animal mating rituals and other evidence of love in nature at the 

, a 21+ evening at Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Sample chocolate-covered edible insects at the Butterfly Pavilion’s 

, a holiday-themed adults-only evening. Or, turn your partner’s likeness into a sculpted masterpiece at a 

Grab your besties for a night of primping and pampering at 

 by Rollers and Rouge. Make a new BFF bracelet at Fever Dream’s 

. Or, get down with your gal pals at this 

Valentine’s Day not your thing? Commiserate over 

 at The Family Jones. Find community through other true tales of heartbreak at 

SO THIS SUCKS: The Annual Anti Valentine's Day Show (21+)

, a love-themed edition of the confessional comedy show. Or, join the Denver Feminist Chorus in “

” an empowering anti-Valentine’s Day concert.

On the lookout for love? Improper City is hosting a good old fashioned 

 over good drinks, laid back conversations, and interactive icebreakers. Beacon dance bar invites those looking for friends, fun, and more to the 

. Or, swing by the Bob Ragland Branch Library for a workshop on 

Whether you’re with your sweetheart, your gal pals, or flying solo. Here are some ideas to set the mood.

Where to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Denver

Your Mile High Valentine’s Day Guide

Bree Davies

Sure, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and reservations at your favorite romantic restaurant are Valentine’s Day staples, but what else is in store for this February in the Mile High? Turns out, a lot! So we’ve rounded up our top picks for things to do, see, eat, and celebrate around Denver this month.

🥮 Eat Something Festive for Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, Feb. 17, this year. You can usher in the Year of the Horse at the 

 beloved annual celebration (Feb. 21-22) or along Aurora’s famously delicious 

 (Feb. 15). Indulge at one (or both!) free events with dumplings, noodles, and mooncakes galore.

👑 See ‘SIX’ Get Glammed Up and Yassified

If you’re a fan (and you definitely should be) of the wildly popular theater production 

 that tells the story of King Henry VIII from the perspective of his six wives if they were a modern-day pop group, this one’s for you! The story is now being retold by six Denver drag queens in a glammed up parody of the Broadway banger. The 

 will be Friday, Feb. 20, at MCA Denver’s Holiday Theater.

🌓 Bask in This Coffee Shop’s 24/7 Diner Vibes

From lavender lattes and breakfast sandwiches to chicken tikka masala pizza and Irish cream cold brew, 

 — with locations in Speer and Rosedale — has it all. The Rosedale spot offers comfy couches for catching up with an old friend, an outdoor fire pit for late-night hangs, and tables aplenty for working or brunching.

🎳 Plan Family-Friendly Fun (on a Budget!)

Looking for an affordable, low-effort hang? 

 in Englewood offers a cozy eight-lane bowling alley with couch-like seating on the cheap! Enjoy a few frames of low-stakes fun with friends for just the $4 shoe rental fee and $5 games (Monday-Friday), plus $3 domestic beers on weekdays from 3-6 p.m.

Yarn, paint, canvases, vintage postcards, beads — you name it — locally-owned, upcycled craft haven 

 has everything you didn’t know you needed. Want to add a little spontaneity to your art practice? Pick up one of the shop’s “blind bags” and score a surprise selection of fabrics, jewelry making supplies, and other crafting goodies.

☕ Find Coffee, Cookies, and Community at Convivio Café

 and settle in for a cortadito and conversation in their sunny and inviting shop. Come for the coffee, and stay for the treats 🤤 We suggest the creamy, custardy Flan de Vainilla or the not-too-sweet, crumbly perfection that is the housemade Blue Corn Cookies.

There’s even more where these came from! Tune into the 

Even more recommendations for your February! 🎧

Our top picks for things to do, see, eat, and celebrate this month. 

Your Guide to Denver in February 2026

There’s a new sauna coming to town. And the service menu at 

 looks like peak luxury with top-of-the-line saunas, cold plunges, and soaking pools, plus tea ceremonies, salt scrubs, a “rain room,” and the performance-based German sauna ritual of “

.” More than just your average spa experience, Coba promises to be a “

concept of extreme, immersive proportions

.” And “immersive” is exactly the term since it’s being created by a team of Meow Wolf veterans. With plans to open sometime next year, they project Coba will bring in about 300,000 guests annually and cost roughly $27 million to build.

But that’s just one ambitious wellness project on the horizon — plans for another new spa facility are underway for 

the rooftop of a seven-story parking garage

 in the 9+CO retail center in Denver’s Hale neighborhood. 

 — which will also offer saunas, cold plunges, and aufguss ceremonies — is targeting an opening date in late spring or early summer this year.

More than just a one-time luxury indulgence, both projects will lean into monthly membership models (though there will be single-session passes, too). But they're not the only ones — saunas appear to be 

In the meantime, if you’re looking for steamy waters to sink into, the Denver metro has other options:

Offering steams, soaks, and massages, this no-frills old school Russian spa has been serving the Mile High City for nearly 100 years. Clothing optional.

. 
Specializing in “contrast therapy,” this spa offers two saunas and individual cold plunges. Clothing required.