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City Cast Denver

Peyton Garcia

Hoping to make this an especially spectacular summer? We’ve got you covered. We sat down with entertainment expert John Moore, who’s been reporting on the local arts and culture scene for decades, to get his personal recommendations for the shows we should see this summer! 

. Here’s a sneak peek of John’s 2023 Summer of Shows bucket list! 👇

🎧 Hear More of John’s Recs

Movie-goers enjoy an evening of Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks in Morrison. (Mark Makela / Getty Images)

Morris Munene

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Bree Davies

Shane Franklin

If your ideal fall Saturday includes food trucks, live music, shopping, and dogs in costumes, 

 understood the assignment. The festival takes over Tennyson Street just between 41st and 43rd avenues on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with local artisans, food, yoga and barre, live music, and a pet parade. It’s free and kid-friendly! But let’s be honest, the pet parade will certainly be the main event!

Grab whatever project has been collecting dust at home and head to the 

 at Moodswing on Oct. 11, from noon to 4 p.m.. Bring whatever you’re working on – crochet, knitting, embroidery, or another craft, and settle in for an afternoon of creating and meeting other crafty Denverites. The meetup is currently sold out, but you can still join the waitlist in case a spot opens up!

☕ Get those old school coffee shop feels

Enjoy a slice of fall in a cup with a pumpkin pie chai from 

. This sweet and mildly spiced seasonal beverage sips nicely within this coffee shop’s throwback vibes – earth tones, dim lights, and soft music make it the perfect place to cozy up with a book or a lowkey chat with a friend.

 in the Highlands with Japanese-inspired dishes like ramen, dumplings, and hand rolls, then take a short walk to 

, a fall collaboration with Legacy Pie Co. Why choose between pie and ice cream when October says you can have both!

Can’t decide between chai and apple cider? 

 in Lakewood said, “Why choose?!” Try the 

, a fall mashup of the two seasonal drinks, and grab a spot on the patio if weather permits. Creative producer Olivia also gives high regards to the friendly staff and perhaps most importantly, the fancy lotion in the bathroom!

🛣️ Learn About Denver’s Beat Poet Past

Prose writer and counterculture purveyor Neal Cassady called Denver home – and his writings and life inspired the likes of Jack Kerouac and Alan Ginsberg to go west. 

Celebrate 100 years of the Mile High’s impact on the Beat Generation

 with an expert panel conversation digging into Cassady’s wild exploits, featuring voices like Westword editor emeritus Patty Calhoun, music impresario Mark Bliesner, and more on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. at History Colorado.

Your Guide to Denver in October 2026

What Denverites have been wondering. We break down why things in Denver are the way they are and how they work.

Denver, Explained

Michelle Polizzi

 was a social movement that took place during the 1940s and 1950s and began among writers in New York City, most notably Jack Kerouac, emphasizing individuality, adventure, and a rejection of corporate industry. Denver is often thought of as the epicenter of the Beats because it’s the hometown of 

, who inspired Kerouac's “On the Road.”

Lean into the unique counterculture that Denver inspired and make sense of your deepest thoughts with these local businesses.

👓 Queen City Optical Provisions (Berkeley)

. Find something stylish, yet timeless and one-of-a-kind at Queen City Optical Provisions. This independently owned eyewear shop curates bespoke brands like 

 for your browsing pleasure. Because seriously, how could you not feel 

Don’t wear glasses? Help someone you love 

 with a Queen City Optical Provisions gift certificate.

When Neal Cassady wasn’t wandering the U.S. in search of inspiration, he had his nose deep in philosophy books at the Denver library, which was then housed in today’s McNichols Building. 

 through Civic Center Park and dive into some philosophy works at nearby 

, a longstanding used bookshop known for its eclectic selection, affordable prices, and excellent service.

 and give you store credit in exchange, so consider bringing a stack of your well-read faves.

Neal Cassady wrote Jack Kerouac a very long letter that later inspired “On The Road” with its 

 to find all the stationery you need to write a letter to a friend of your own. Think artsy greeting cards 

 that meet your snail mail dreams (just add stamps!).

,” but don’t be intimidated — the folks working here are anything but snobby.

Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady were both born during Prohibition. Toast to that while keeping things classy at 

, a speakeasy known for having a long list of classic cocktails and some of the best bartenders in the biz. What should you get? Maybe you’ll order one of Kerouac’s favorite drinks: A shot of whiskey with a beer chaser, known as a boilermaker. I’ll have the mac and cheese, please 🧀

Reservations are recommended at this popular spot, which also expects visitors to wrap up within two hours.

Hip specs, used philosophy books, snail mail supplies, and Kerouac's favorite drink: Find your inner Beat poet at these four local Denver spots.

Where to Buy Beat Poet Accessories in Denver

Where to Buy Beat Poet Essentials

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Denver

Keep It Local

There’s no better way to romanticize your life than with a train ride. That’s why we recommend 

 and taking the six-hour scenic route to Glenwood Springs.

Ponder the meaning of life as you pass stunning red rock formations, follow the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon, and get a new perspective on the wilderness that’s just a stone’s throw from the Mile High City. You might end up with so much inspiration that you’ll need to write it down in your 

 for a much-needed dip in nature’s healing waters. Look out at the mountains that Beat poet Allen Ginsberg surely visited during his long tenure 

. If you have more time to spare in Glenwood Springs, consider an overnight stay at 

. Opened in 1893, it has served guests for more than a century.

Looking for a scenic getaway? Check out this guide on romanticizing your life, riding Amtrak's California Zephyr from Denver to Glenwood Springs, and experiencing the historic Hotel Colorado.

How to Spend a Weekend in Colorado like a Beat Poet

A Beat-Inspired Weekend Itinerary

So many reasons for the season – it’s fall, Halloween is just around the corner, and Dia de los Muertos is on the calendar, too. So how do you get into the spirit? City Cast Denver girlies Bree Davies, Olivia Jewell Love, and Grace Zahn share their fave ways to get the autumnal vibes just right.

Leaf-Peeping and People-Watching at Wash Park

Grace, the gal behind our social media musings, suggests grabbing an almond croissant at 

 on South Gaylord, then wandering over to Washington Park for a fall stroll. Enjoy watching changing leaves and fellow walkers, bikers, rollerbladers, and wanderers.

 Avoid the crowds and check online to see if any marathon runs or walks are scheduled at the park for the weekend, as things can get pretty packed on the paths.

Producer Olivia is on the hunt for the best pumpkin spice latte in the city, and she’s taking the task seriously. From pumpkin level to overall presentation, 

follow along with Liv’s many sips on Instagram

 – and be sure to share your recs in the comments. She might just venture to 

 fave spot to try out the beloved seasonal drink and see how it matches up against the rest!

Build Community and Prepare For Dia De Los Muertos

The Westwood community has built a wonderful tradition of not only programming incredible events around the celebration of Dia de los Muertos, but educating the community on the history and practices of the sacred holiday. All month long at the Westwood Community Center and Cultura Chocolate, 

 on making everything from flower crowns to your own 

 in preparation for the November celebrations.

Denver's Best Fall Vibes

How to Get Those Autumnal Vibes 

Find the best of everything that Denver has to offer.

Denver’s Best

Denver's Best

What if the best seat at a music festival wasn’t in front of a massive stage, but on somebody’s front lawn?

 is bringing 193 acts to Baker on Oct. 3, turning porches, backyards, parking lots into stages from noon to 7 p.m. Dailey Park and Cookie Factory art space will serve as the festival’s two main hubs, with food, drinks and vendors.

The idea is to make live music easier to experience outside of bars and traditional venues. And apparently, “porch” is more of a suggestion.

The festival is free for patrons, but the musicians aren’t playing for free. Sponsors, fundraising and donations help cover festival expenses and compensate the performers. A suggested $20 donation includes a festival sticker and access to the interactive fest app, while a portion of the proceeds also supports East 7th and its work expanding access to art and music therapy for children with autism.

With 193 acts spread throughout Baker, there’s still one question: 

I talked with founder Bradley Schwartz and co-founder Adon Biggs, who also plays bass in local jazz group “

,” to find out. And as a musician myself, I had a few thoughts, too

Step 1: Make a Plan … Just Not Too Much of One

 and pick a few artists you really want to see. Organizers intentionally spread genres like jazz, punk, indie, rock, and hip-hop, throughout the festival. Most of the lineup is from Colorado.

 are a few acts I’d recommend, depending on what you’re looking for.

Now for the question that can make or break any Denver outing: Where are you going to park?

Consider biking, rideshare or public transportation. Once you’re in Baker, plan on doing plenty of walking between sets. Performances are spread throughout the neighborhood rather than concentrated around one big stage. The idea is to move through Baker and catch something amazing along the way.

It’s less “find your stage and stay there” and more “let’s see what’s happening down this block!”

We’re all guilty of this at festivals. The song ends. Applause. Cool. What’s next? Not so fast.

Schwartz kept returning to one word when we talked: connection.

“You might go backstage after playing and, by the time you come back out, everybody has moved on to a different stage,” Schwartz said.

PorchFest shrinks the distance. The musician you just watched might still be standing right in front of you.

If a set catches you, stick around. Ask about the song. Find the artist online. See where they’re playing next. Buy some merch.

Biggs sees that connection as an opportunity for musicians as well.

“Events like PorchFest provide another avenue for musicians coming up in Denver’s scene to be seen,” Biggs said.

Swartz understands the appeal of a smaller setting too. His own band, 

, played a PorchFest in Atlanta, which inspired him to bring the idea to Denver.

“I’d rather see a show with 100 or 200 people than from across an arena,” Schwartz said. “Smaller crowds give you something different: intimacy.”

For an artist, it could mean playing for someone who has never heard of them before walking down that block. This PorchFest could be a musician’s first show or 500th. Either way, you’re getting a chance to meet the people making the music.

Free. Suggested $20 donation gets you access to the interactive festival app and additional perks.

How to Navigate Denver's First PorchFest

Life Hacks

Tips and tricks for living your best Denver life, by locals, for locals.

Denver Life Hacks

You could always go to Starbucks and order a PSL, but here’s an even better idea: Hit these local shops to create the perfect (and delicious) pumpkin aesthetic at home.

 — and then some — are available at Cake Crafts Denver. Get a 

 for your spooky cake pops, and all the icing 

 onto cakes and cupcakes. Simply send in a digital image via email or through their site, and your customized treat is usually ready for pickup the next day.

 is a locally owned shop that has been providing Denver with unique home decor and designer housewares since 1971. The autumn accessories game is strong here, with vintage-inspired 

The Lark is a good place to find Halloween-y decor that’s tasteful and on-trend, but 

🍁 Little Bird (Park Hill and Cory-Merrill)

Few things are cuter and more on-brand for fall than a little one in a jack-o’-lantern shirt. Little Bird is a kids’ clothing store stocked with 

 and matching tutus. This boutique also sells toys (including the 

 at both locations, so kiddos can get groomed while you shop for their fall getup.

It's pumpkin season! Here are the best places in Denver to grab your next pumpkin-flavored and pumpkin-designed fall goods.

Where to Find Pumpkin Decor and Baking Items in Denver

Where to Find All the Pumpkin Home Goods

The only thing better than buying all the pumpkin-themed things? Buying 

, you can find a family-owned pumpkin patch without leaving the city. Here’s a quick guide on what to get there to complete your falliest home vibe:

Spruce up your space with a new plant, but 

Few things say “it’s fall!” better than a front porch decorated in corn stalks, now on sale at the farm.

Warty goblin pumpkins are uniquely bred to have a bright orange color with 

. Get these spooky fun pumpkins, classic pumpkins, and more grumpy-looking gourds here.

The only thing better than buying all the pumpkin-themed things? Buying actual pumpkins. Here's a quick and easy guide to shopping for your next gourd.

Where to Buy Pumpkins in Denver

Where to Buy Actual Pumpkins

We sat down with entertainment expert John Moore, who’s been reporting on the local arts and culture scene for decades, to get his personal recommendations for the shows we should see this summer!

Summer Guide

Can't-Miss Colorado Shows This Summer

Peyton Garcia

🎭 For the theater buffs:

🎷 For the jazz fans:

🎞️ For the cinephiles:

🔎 Something off the wall:

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