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With 300 days of sunshine annually, award-winning dining, world-class museums, and natural beauty from the Rocky Mountains backdrop, Denver blends urban sophistication with outdoor adventure. This summer you can make the most of the Mile High City, with special $52.80 hotel, restaurant and attraction deals all across Denver.

The deals are going on all summer long, but look for special packages on holiday weekends through Labor Day. The City Is On Sale.

From chef-owned restaurants to world-renowned museums, from upscale shopping to remarkable theater, Denver’s renaissance has travelers flocking to this iconic western city to experience all the city has to offer.

 

ResThe culinary scene in Denver continues to draw national attention, as some of the nation’s hottest young chefs gravitate here to open their own visionary venues. In chic neighborhoods like the Highlands, LoDo (short for Lower Downtown), Golden Triangle and Cherry Creek, culinary pioneers are serving all varieties of cuisine, from Asian Latin fusion to South American haute cuisine, not to mention authentic Italian and local Colorado ingredients.

taurants, galleries and shops pepper Denver’s 20 diverse neighborhoods. From the stately victorian mansions of Capitol Hill and the rich African-American culture of historic Five Points, to the quaint, tree-lined streets of Old South Gaylord and Old South Pearl, Denver’s laid-back attitude and sophistication are exemplified in the art districts and communities surrounding downtown.

Meanwhile, the heart of downtown Denver is still the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian promenade lined with restaurants, shops and seasonal programming. Free hop-on-hop-off hybrid shuttle buses leave either end of the Mall every 90 seconds, making everything downtown easy to reach.

At the northern end of the Mall is LoDo, a hip historic district with a vibrant nightlife. LoDo is overflowing with more than 200 bars, lounges, brew pubs, jazz cafés, restaurants and music clubs.The stunning Museum of Contemporary Art | Denver attracts some of the nation’s top talent and offers a staggering rooftop view of the Denver skyline.

The Cherry Creek Shopping district is a village within the city, filled with nearly 500 shops, independent boutiques, cafes, restaurants and galleries. It’s where Denver comes to browse, to sip, to see and be seen.

 

 

You may also want to check out Denver’s music scene, with some of the best sounds – from top acts to independent artists – that can be heard across the nation. Open year-round and celebrating its 68th year, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre welcomes a new music season each summer along with outdoor films every Tuesday night.

For the more sports-minded, Denver also offers MLB’s Colorado Rockies who play at the centrally-located Coors Field in LoDo. Denver hosts seven professional sports team in total, including the MLS Colorado Rapids and the MLL Denver Outlaws.

For great hotel rates, a calendar of events and more information on Denver, visit www.visitDenver.com or call 1-800-2DENVER.

 
FAST FACTS

 

1) Denver truly is one mile high. The 15th step on the west side of the State Capitol Building is 5,280 feet above sea level, as is the purple row of seats around Coors Field.

2) Denver was born during the great “Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush” of 1859 when some flakes of glacier gold were found where the South Platte River meets Cherry Creek.

 

ATTRACTIONS

 

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
A spectacular new building designed by David Adjaye, Denver’s newest museum offers five galleries with changing exhibits. 303.298.7554 • www.mcadenver.org

Denver Art Museum
The largest and most comprehensive collection of art between Kansas City & the West Coast with more than 30,000 objects. 720.865.5000 • www.denverartmuseum.org

Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Incredible dinosaur exhibits, an IMAX theater, amazing gems and Egyptian
mummies, Space Odyssey, and the world’s most advanced digital planetarium. Expedition Health Spotlight, opening April 4, is about your human body - how it is constantly changing and adapting in ways you can see, measure, and optimize through the choices you make. For more information about the exhibition visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science website.
303.322.7009 • www.dmns.org

First Friday Art Walk
Galleries all over the city keep their doors open late and treat visitors to special exhibits, food, and music. www.denver365.com


2012 EVENT SCHEDULE

See winter events here: http://coloradowinterinfo.com/denver

Denver Outlaws MLL Lacrosse May-August, 2012
Watch the Denver Outlaws at INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium. Season runs through July 25.
(720) 258-3606 • www.denveroutlaws.com

Colorado Rockies April-September, 2012
Watch the 2007 National League Champions all summer long at Coors Field. Season runs through September.
(303) ROCKIES • See the Colorado Rockies Scehdule

Colorado Garden & Home Show February 11-19, 2012
Discover the Rocky Mountain region's oldest, largest and most prestigious garden and home show - a nine-day spectacular event - where you can find inspiration from the latest ideas and trends in landscaping, gardening and home improvement. Discount Ticket at at all Tickets West outlets in King Soopers $10 Kids 12 and under Free courtesy of American Family Insurance.

Denver Restaurant Week February 25 - March 9, 2012

Denver Restaurant Week is a two-week celebration of the culinary scene in Denver. Participating restaurants will offer a multi-course dinner for the fixed price of $52.80 for two, or $26.40 for one (not including tax or gratuity).

Buffalo Bill Birthday Celebration February 27, 2012

Celebrate the birthday of one of America's greatest legends, William "Buffalo Bill" Cody. In the grand tradition of parties, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave will host the annual Buffalo Bill Birthday Celebration. Sing Happy Birthday, eat cake, play games and maybe even learn a thing or two on this very festive free day.

Rocky Mountain Horse Expo March 9-11, 2012

Rocky Mountain Horse Expo March 9- 11, 2012 National Western Complex, Denver, CO

Denver Home Show March 16-18, 2012

The Denver Home Show is the only place for you to experience what's new in Home, Remodeling, Home Decor, and More! You'll have the opportunity to meet more than 500 experts and experience thousands of products and services. Children 12 & Under: FREE

St. Patrick's Day Parade March 17, 2012

The parade packs the sidewalks of Blake Street with residents of the city. Most of whom are wearing some sort of green, as well as a myriad of other St. Patty's Day apparel to celebrate the Irish.

Denver International Auto Show March 21-25, 2012

Located at the Colorado Convention Center, the Denver Auto Show is the premier showcase of the newest model year import and domestic vehicles -- cars, vans, crossovers, hybrids, light trucks and sport utilities. You'll not only see all the newest 2011 models, you'll also be treated to sneak peeks of selected 2012 intros, concepts, and the latest in tricked out cars!

Denver March Powwow March 23-25, 2012

Since 1984, the heritage of American Indians has been celebrated in Denver every year at the Denver March Powwow, one of the largest events of its kind in the country. The Powwow features more than 1,600 dancers from close to 100 tribes from 38 states and three Canadian provinces. The three-day event in the Denver Coliseum is packed with singing, dancing, storytelling, food, art and more, ensuring a wonderful experience for everyone.

Colorado Rockies Home Opener April 9, 2012

Don't miss the Colorado Rockies Home Opener where the Colorado Rockies square off against the San Francisco Giants.

Colorado Arts & Crafts Spring Festival, Denver Merchandise Mart (Plaza & Pavilion Building), April 20-22, Looking for that special Mother's Day Gift or just looking for something new to freshen up your yard or home this spring? Can't wait for the arts & craft show season to start? Then come visit the Colorado Arts & Crafts Spring Festival. You will find floral displays, glass work, garden art, gourmet and specialty foods, fine art, home decor, pottery, jewelry, clothing and so much more. FREE PARKING!

25th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival and Parade May 5-6, 2012

Spice up your weekend and head to Civic Center Park for the largest two-day Cinco de Mayo celebration in the United States! Mexican culture fills the park with arts and crafts, Mariachi bands, colorfully costumed Aztec and Folklorico dancers, three stages featuring traditional and contemporary Latino entertainment and a variety of Mexican culinary delights! Parade kicks-off May 5th at 10:00am.

6th Annual Denver Fiber Fiesta, May 4-6, Held in conjunction with the Great Western Alpaca Show at the National Western Complex, Denver, Colorado

Tesoro Annual Indian Market and Powwow May 19-20, 2012

The Indian Market & Powwow has over 50 of the nation's top award winning Native American artists in pottery, jewelry, easel arts, etc. An inter-tribal contest Powwow occupies the valley Sat.-Sun. with dancers and drummers in competitions of Traditional, Shawl, Fancy, Grass & Jingle dancing. On Sun., Native Americans in our Armed Services are honored.

Downtown Denver Arts Festival May 25-28, 2012

More than 150 of Colorado's most esteemed artists showcase paintings, sculpture, photography, glasswork, woodwork and more.

Denver Day of Rock May 26, 2012

Denver Day of Rock is a one-of-a-kind music event presented by Concerts For Kids to raise awareness of the children in our community. This free event will feature five stages of live music throughout downtown Denver.

Colorado Run, May 26, Denver Are you ready for the craziest, colorful, 5k of your life?, one of a kind experience that is less about speed and more about enjoying a color crazy day with your friends and family. The 3 miles of the Color Run course will be the most enjoyable real estate you've traveled in VERY long time.

Capitol Hill People's Fair June 2-3, 2012

A celebration of Denver's diverse urban community, the Capitol Hill People's Fair is a great weekend of entertainment with events, activities and attractions suitable for all the entire family. As one of the leading arts and crafts events in the region, visitors have the opportunity to buy all manner of wonderful creations from homemade cakes and jams to individually designed jewelry or one-off paintings. There's also a full entertainment program which includes live music, street theatre, children's acts and other attractions.

Denver Chalk Art Festival June 2-3, 2012

The Denver Chalk Art Festival on Larimer Square is a free two-day street-painting festival. More than 200 artists spend hours that weekend turning the streets of Larimer Square into a museum of chalk art. The event showcases six madonnari (professionals in this medium); all are award-winning street painters including first place finishes in the International Street Painting Competition in Grazie di Curtatone, Italy.

Colorado Urban Winefest, June 7-9, 2012, Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex

Colorado Renaissance Festival June 9-29, 2012

Flash back to the 16th Century and journey through a medieval city. Enjoy full-armor jousting, tasty turkey legs, music and a marketplace featuring more than 200 artisans. $18.95/Adults, $8/Children (Ages 5-12), Free/Children Below 5.

Denver PrideFest 2012 June 16-17, 2012

Recognized as one of the top ten pride events in the country, Denver's PrideFest is a celebration of community, heritage, family and culture. Produced by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado (The Center), more than 250,000 people from Colorado and surrounding areas come out to enjoy the parade, rally, music, entertainment, food and much more.

Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud and Obstacle Series presented by Subaru. June 24, 10K and 5K mud and obstacle courses! Aurora Sports Park (18601 E Sports Park Cir Aurora, CO 80011), Race alongside local military personnel, public safety officers and police academy trainees on 5K and 10K courses filled with military-style obstacles! Cargo climbs, water crossings, marine hurdles and more full-body strength challenges.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 6-8, 2012

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival (CCAF) takes place 4th of July weekend. This annual event is a world-class and award-winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts, and enjoys an attendance of 350,000 visitors over the 3-day event.

Blues n BBQ Festival to benefit Habitat for Humanity,July 15, Duke Street Kings, Emilio Emilio, Young Austin and NO difference,  The Big Motif, Michaela Rae and The Miller Brothers, Tomara Conrad, Reckless Red, Eef and The Blues Express, Jockamo, Olde Town Arvada,

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival July 28-29, 2012

The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (CDBF) is a free family-friendly festival highlighting Colorado's rich Asian Pacific American heritage at Sloan's Lake Park in northwest Denver. A window to the Pan Asian world, this diverse festival is the only one of its kind in the United States. It showcases an array of traditional and contemporary performing arts, cultural customs, cuisine and a marketplace of unique and hard-to-find arts, crafts and vendors, in addition to two days of action packed dragon boat racing.

Festival of Mountain and Plain: A Taste of Colorado August 31 - September 3, 2012

Delight your taste buds with creations from Colorado's favorite food establishments. Enjoy appetizers, entrees, and desserts in full-sized portions with friends or in sample sizes by yourself. Discover ethnic specialties or indulge in your traditional favorites. An elegant Fine Dining Area is showcased, highlighting gourmet cuisine from renowned chefs and offering daily cooking demonstrations.

Oktoberfest Denver - Dead Winter Carpenters, September 21, Larimer Street, Denver

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus September 29 - October 7, 2012

Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show, Denver Merchandise Mart (Plaza & Exposition Building), November 2-4, Over 430 booths of arts, crafts, specialty foods, glass work, jewelry, holiday décor, woodwork, clothing, home décor, pottery, photography and so much more! Bring the little ones down to visit Santa and have their picture taken. Be sure to take in the Colorado Cookin' culinary program to learn the chef's secrets to their delectable creations. FREE PARKING!

The 8th Annual Denver International Wine Festival, Nov 7-10, Rtiz Carlton

 

 

 
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