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Your Guide to Denver in January 2026

Posted on January 2   |   Updated on January 9
Bree Davies

Bree Davies

Cowboys and Mexican charros perform during the Wild West Show in the CINCH Arena at the 2024 National Western Stock Show.

Cowboys and Mexican charros perform during the Wild West Show in the CINCH Arena at the 2024 National Western Stock Show. (Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

It’s January! The new year can be a time of reflection, rejuvenation, or commitment to bigger, better things for 2026. How do you plan on enjoying this new beginning? We’ve got some ideas! As we do each month, we’ve rounded up the best things to do, see, eat, and explore this time of year in the Mile High City 😌

City Cast

Your Guide to January in Denver (Plus, Our Top 7 Picks for the 2026 Stock Show)

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🎯 Try Your hand at Archery

Looking for a new hobby? Bear Creek Archery invites archers of all skill levels to test out the sport, providing full equipment and expert instruction for a fun afternoon of bows and arrows.

🛒 Go Bargain Hunting at a Bin Store

Indulge your inner shopaholic with a trip to the newly opened Leo’s Discount & Bin Store on Evans Avenue, where you can dig through overstock, customer returns, and clearance items from big name retailers with prices that get slashed throughout the week.

🍹 Sip a Spicy Marg With Your Movie

Tucked away inside the Sie FilmCenter, the bartenders at the Henderson-Withey Lounge create bomb cocktails to go with your fave flicks. We recommend their spicy margarita, made with your choice of top shelf tequilas, mezcals, and authentic agave spirits.

🍽️ Fill Up on Latin American Flavor

Grab a table at Berkeley neighborhood staple Empanada Express Grill for a heaping plate of flavor. From the fried plantains to arepas stuffed with delicious options like slow-cooked pork, seasoned fish, or savory ham, this bright and sunny spot is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on a cold winter day.

🏇 Catch a Champion Charro on Horseback

Don’t miss two week’s worth of rodeos, livestock competitions, and other Wild West revelry during the annual National Western Stock Show Jan. 10-25. Grab a ticket for one of our favorite events every year, the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, where you’ll witness the Mexican sport of Charrería in action, a traditional equestrian competition of horsemanship and cattle-herding skills.

🤠 Get Outfitted in Your Best Buckaroo Garb

If you’re headed to the Stock Show and you want to dress the part, we recommend a visit to Rockmount Ranch Wear, the go-to for an original Western snap shirt.

Psst! There’s way more where these came from — tune into the City Cast Denver podcast for even more recommendations!

Even more recommendations for your January! 🎧

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