Rad Things (to) Do - 2024 Preview

Austin Nettleton

Just like that, 2023 comes to a close in a couple of weeks … and what a year it was. The Denver Nuggets won their first NBA championship in dominant fashion. Prime Time arrived in Boulder with the University of Colorado Buffaloes hiring Deion Sanders as the head coach of the university’s football team, bringing a national spotlight the area has seldom seen before. The Denver Broncos finally remembered how to win football games, potentially setting themselves up for a surprise playoff run in early 2024. All of that headlined by possibly the biggest concert Denver has ever seen with the arrival of Taylor Swift, performing her biggest hits for two nights to a sold-out Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, singlehandedly boosting the region’s economy by millions of dollars.

After years of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2023 felt like the first full year things were normal … or as normal as they could possibly be. 2024 is shaping up to be yet another great year of sports, concerts, festivals and events around the Denver metro area, and RTD is here to get you hyped with this special preview edition of Rad Things (to) Do in 2024!

As you begin planning for the year ahead, check out all of the currently announced concerts, events, sports, festivals and more that are within walking distance of a RTD stop or station, and be sure to continue reading Rad Things (to) Do every month for a detailed breakdown of events happening around the RTD service area.

Notable sporting events

Jan. 9-10: Professional Bull Riders Pendleton Whisky Tour Chute Out at the Denver Coliseum

Imagine riding a mountain bike down a very technical double black diamond trail at high speed. Every rock, root and bump on the trail is trying its hardest to send the rider flying off the bike in spectacular fashion. Now imagine that same feeling, but on an enraged 2,000-pound leviathan of a bull hellbent on sending its rider to the moon and back without a shroud of remorse. That’s what the 35 up-and-coming riders at the Professional Bull Riders’ (PBR) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour will be trying to avoid when they throw down at the Chute Out at the National Western Stock Show Jan. 9-10 at the Denver Coliseum.

For eight seconds each, these young athletes will be, quite literally, hanging on for dear life for a chance to compete in the PBR World Finals in May in Arlington, Texas, and make the leap to PBR’s premier tour, Unleash the Beast. Don’t miss the action and drama of the PBR Chute Out. Get tickets today at https://pbr.com/tickets.

The Denver Coliseum is a short walk away from 48th & Brighton·National Western Center Station via the N Line.

Feb. 9-11: Monster Jam at Ball Arena

What would happen if kaiju such as Godzilla, Cloverfield and King Kong were actually giant trucks capable of doing things that really should not be possible for a 10.5-foot tall, 12,000-pound, 1,500-horsepower truck? See the answer when Monster Jam roars into town at Ball Arena Feb. 9-11.

The Denver stop of the Monster Jam tour brings the likes of Grave Digger, Megalodon, El Toro Loco and ThunderROARus, among others, to battle it out in a showcase of vehicular mayhem as the drivers compete for points in the Arena Championship West division as they head into the Monster Jam World Finals XXIII in Inglewood, California, in May. Be amazed as these gargantuan vehicles perform stunts that defy the laws of physics and gravity. Get tickets at https://www.monsterjam.com/en-US/tickets.

Can’t make this one or simply can’t get enough of Monster Jam action? The beasts roar into Empower Field at Mile High Stadium on April 27 for the Stadium Championship East divisional showdown.

April 4: Colorado Rockies Home Opener

Let’s face it, last season was a stinker. It does not get much worse than a 100-loss season. However, there is a lot of hope on the horizon, Colorado Rockies faithful. The Texas Rangers had a 100-loss season just two seasons ago. Now, they are World Series champions. Could the Rockies, too, make it deep into the MLB postseason?

Manifest those good vibes and thoughts of the Rockies making a postseason run on April 4 when the team makes its home debut at Coors Field against the Tampa Bay Rays. Get tickets at https://www.mlb.com/rockies/tickets.

Coors Field is a short walk from Union Station. Catch any Union Station-bound bus or train and enjoy what should be another fantastic home opener.

May 4: Monster Energy AMA Supercross at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium

The penultimate round of the 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season returns to the home of the Denver Broncos on May 4. Last year’s trip to Denver brought the four-way 450SX championship battle to a boiling point between Chase Sexton, Cooper Webb, Ken Roczen and Colorado’s own Eli Tomac. Now with 2023’s 250SX Australian superstar sensation Jett Lawrence making the leap to the 450SX championship, a five-way championship battle may not be out of the question going into the Denver stop in 2024.

Don’t miss out on the drama and action that only Monster Energy AMA Supercross can bring. Get your tickets at https://www.supercrosslive.com. Empower Field at Mile High Stadium can be accessed via the E and W lines at Empower Field at Mile High Station.

May 18-19: Colfax Marathon Weekend

The Colfax Marathon is a marquee event for the Denver area: 20,000 runners descend upon Denver’s historic Colfax Avenue for a 26.2-mile romp through the city’s cultural heart. The route takes athletes through City Park, Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, Sloan’s Lake and even Denver Fire Station #1!

While the marathon is the main event, there are plenty of other races for those who prefer a shorter distance run. On Saturday, May 18, runners can participate in the Colfax 5K around City Park. On Sunday, May 19, participants can choose to participate in several distances beyond the marathon, including the urban 10 miler, marathon relay and the half marathon.

Early bird registration is open through Jan. 2. Up for the challenge? Register today at https://www.runcolfax.org.

Catch Routes 20 and 40 to Colorado Boulevard/23rd Avenue on race day for easy access to City Park. As with past Colfax Marathons, RTD services on or near the route are subject to disruptions as to not interfere with the event. More details on associated disruptions will be made available closer to the event.

May 25: BOLDERBoulder 2024

Boulder’s best Memorial Day tradition returns for another year on May 25! The BOLDERBoulder is an annual 10K run through the heart of Boulder. Over 40,000 participants run the winding course from 30th and Walnut streets to the finish line on the football field at Folsom Field.

Registration is open at https://www.bolderboulder.com. RTD customers can catch any Route 20 or BOLT to 28th Street/Arapahoe Avenue. Note that road closures will happen the day of, impacting RTD bus routes in the area. Details on road closures and route detours will be announced closer to the day of the event. RTD customers should plan to catch the earliest departures possible to reach the event with minimal disruptions.

TBD: Denver Broncos Home Opener

While the Broncos continue to climb themselves out of the hole they dug earlier this season by letting Russell cook with an Easy-Bake Oven, it is never too early to look forward to the 2024 season. Stay tuned to the Denver Broncos social media for schedule announcements. RTD will always be here to deliver Broncos faithful to the games via the E and W lines.

TBD: Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche Home Openers

It has only been a couple of months since the Nuggets took to the hardwood and the Avs took to the ice, but next season will be here in a flash! No official dates have been set for the home openers, but keep an eye out later in 2024 for details.

Notable Concerts

2023 was an absolutely fantastic year for concerts, and 2024 is shaping up to rival it. There will be no shortage of popular acts from all genres performing in Denver, from the likes of Drake and J. Cole to the Foo Fighters to Bad Bunny and Madonna.

For a full list of concerts and events announced to this point, check out each of the following venues’ websites and keep an eye out for Rad Things (to) Do the first week of each month.

Empower Field at Mile High Stadium

  1. June 14-15: Zach Bryan (country) – “Zach Bryan’s ‘The Quittin’ Time’ Tour”
    1. Supporting acts: Sierra Ferrell and Levi Turner (country)
  2. June 20: Rolling Stones (rock) – “Hackney Diamonds Tour”
  3. June 27-28: Morgan Wallen (country) – “One Night at a Time 2024”
    1. Supporting acts: Jon Pardi, Nate Smith and Bryan Martin (country)
  4. July 27: Kenny Chesney and the Zac Brown Band (country) – “Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour”
    1. Supporting acts: Megan Moroney and Uncle Kracker (country)
  5. Aug. 3: Foo Fighters (rock)
    1. Supporting acts: Pretenders and Mammoth WVH (rock)

Ball Arena

  1. Jan. 18-19: Drake and J. Cole (hip-hop/rap)
  2. Feb. 5: Tool (progressive metal)
  3. Feb. 13: Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and Ricky Martin (Latin/pop)
  4. Mar. 19: Madonna (pop)
  5. Mar. 20: Bad Bunny (Latin/pop)
  6. April 4: Tim McGraw (country)
  7. May 18: Gabriel Iglesias (comedy)
  8. May 21: Melanie Martinez (pop/alternative)
  9. June 25: Foreigner and Styx with John Waite (rock)
  10. June 27: Blink-182 (pop punk/punk rock)
  11. June 28: New Kids on the Block with Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff (pop/hip-hop)
  12. July 18 and 20: AJR (alternative)
  13. July 19: Niall Horan (pop)
  14. July 30: Olivia Rodrigo (pop rock)
  15. July 31: Alanis Morissette (pop)
  16. Oct. 19: Iron Maiden (metal)
  17. TBD: Aerosmith (rock)

Coors Field

  1. Sept. 6: Kane Brown (country/pop) – “In The Air Tour”
    1. Supporting acts: Bailey Zimmerman, Locash and RaeLynn (country)
  2. Sept. 7: Green Day (punk rock/pop punk) – “The Saviors Tour”
    1. Supporting acts: Smashing Pumpkins (alternative rock), Rancid (punk) and The Linda Lindas (punk/alternative)
  3. Sept. 8: Def Leppard (glam metal) and Journey (rock)
    1. Supporting act: Cheap Trick (rock)

Mission Ballroom

  1. Feb. 8: Neck Deep (pop punk)
    1. Supporting acts: Drain, Bearings and Higher Power
  2. April 7: Peter Frampton (rock) – “Never Ever Say Never Tour”
  3. May 25: Two Door Cinema Club (alternative)
    1. Supporting act: Day Wave (alternative)
  4. June 11: Tesla (rock/metal) – “Keepin’ It Real Tour 2024”
  5. June 12: Taking Back Sunday (emo) – “North America 2024”
    1. Supporting act: Citizen (pop punk/Midwest emo)

Fillmore Auditorium

  • Feb. 23: Ludacris (hip-hop/rap)
    • Supporting act: DJ Infamous (hip-hop/rap)
  • March 3: Beartooth (metalcore/hard rock) – “North American Tour 2024”
    • Supporting acts: The Plot In You (metalcore), Invent Animate (metalcore) and Sleep Theory (hard rock)
  • March 8: Chelsea Cutler (pop) – “‘The Beauty Is Everywhere’ North American Tour”
    • Supporting act: Yoke Lore (alternative/indie)
  • March 9: Brett Young (country) – “Dance With You”
  • March 20: Alkaline Trio (punk rock/emo) – “Blood, Hair and Eyeballs – The Tour”
  • March 22: Busta Rhymes (hip-hop/rap) – “Blockbusta Tour 2024”
  • April 20: Starset (hard rock) – “Immersion: The Final Chapter”
  • June 2: Madison Beer (pop) – “The Spinnin’ Tour”
    • Supporting act: Charlotte Lawrence (pop)

Notable Festivals, Parades and Events

Jan. 6-21: National Western Stock Show at the National Western Complex

The premier livestock, rodeo and horse show in the United States returns once again to the National Western Complex Jan. 6-21. For 16 days, enjoy a celebration of the agriculture industry with rodeos, educational opportunities, horse and livestock shows, equestrian competitions and the Xtreme Dogs Show.

All the activity kicks off Jan. 4 with the National Western Stock Show Parade, which has traveled through downtown Denver since the 1960s. The parade begins at noon at Union Station and follows 17th Street down to Glenarm Place. Come check out all the livestock and horses that will be trotting down 17th Street!

The National Western Stock Show can be accessed via the N Line at 48th and Brighton·National Western Complex Station, and the parade can be accessed via any Union Station-bound bus or train. Note that there will be route and line detours and suspensions due to the parade, so be sure to keep an eye on the RTD website closer to the parade for details on associated disruptions. And, watch for RTD’s participation in the parade!

Feb. 9: Park Affair Women’s Snowboard Clinic at Eldora Mountain Resort

Park Affair is a touring women’s only snowboard clinic that inspires women to break boundaries through action sports, and on Feb. 9, the clinic comes to Eldora. Participants of all skill levels can learn from some of the best professional women snowboarders on the planet for a day full of progression and empowerment. Learn more at https://www.parkaffair.com and catch the Route NB to Eldora!

March 1-3: Subaru WinterFest

Subaru has partnered with Eldora for another year to bring its WinterFest to the Front Range. March 1-3, take the Route NB up to Eldora to enjoy three days of live music, food, brews and shredding! Visit https://www.eldora.com for details on the event.

March 16: Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Who would have thought that Denver would have one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country? Denverites know how to celebrate St. Patty’s Day, and 2024 will be no exception. Among the slew of bars, pubs and breweries having their own St. Patty’s Day celebrations, the annual Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches through downtown on March 16. Catch any Union Station-bound bus or train or any Civic Center Station-bound bus to enjoy the festivities, and please consider using RTD if partaking in the “festivities.”

March 23: Timbers Classic Rail Jam

It’s time to put the wood to the metal with the annual Timbers Classic Rail Jam at Eldora Mountain Resort. The Timbers Classic Rail Jam is the Front Range’s premier rail jam, bringing the Denver area’s best amateur skiers and snowboarders to Eldora to throw down for a chance to stack footy and win great prizes. Be sure to keep an eye on Eldora’s website and social accounts for details on how to enter. And be sure to catch the Route NB up to the resort on the day of the jam.

June 24-25: Denver PrideFest

One of the biggest celebrations of LGBTQIA+ culture in the United States returns in June! Denver PrideFest is a free, two-day celebration that draws over 500,000 people of all sexual orientations, genders and races alike to Civic Center Park, steps away from Civic Center Station. Attendees come together to participate in fun and inclusive events, including the Pride 5K, live music performances, art, food, drinks and family-friendly activities, all capped off by the famous Denver Pride Parade on June 25. For more information, visit https://www.denverpride.org.

Oct. 10-12: Great American Beer Festival

North America’s biggest beer festival returns to the Colorado Convention Center in October. For two days, sample brews from 500 of the United States’ finest breweries, including many from Colorado. Don’t forget that this is a competition, so be sure to vote before leaving!

Heading to the festival? Please leave the car keys at home and have a designated driver, or use RTD services. The D, H and L lines serve the convention center directly at Theatre District·Convention Center Station, and connections can be made to both Civic Center and Union stations via the Free MallRide. Mobile tickets can be purchased directly in the RTD Mobile Tickets, Uber and Transit apps for seamless commuting.

Dec. 31: Decadance 2024

While Decadance 2023 is still just over a week out, it is never too early to think about 2024’s year-end EDM celebration at the Colorado Convention Center! Be on the lookout for details later in 2024 on dates, artist lineups and more.

TBD: Denver Oktoberfest

Denver isn’t a German city, but for two weekends in September, it might as well be. Larimer Street between 20th Street and Park Avenue turns into a micro-Germany, featuring German eats, live music, stein hoisting and, of course, plenty of that frothy lager goodness.

Dates for the 2024 event have yet to be announced, so keep an eye on https://thedenveroktoberfest.com for details later in the year. To get to the event, Routes 8, 38, 52 and RX serve the closest stops. Additionally, the event is a 10-minute walk from Union Station. It is strongly advised to leave the keys at home and consider using RTD services to attend this event.

TBD: Global Dance Festival at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium

The biggest celebration of electronic dance music (EDM) returns to Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in 2024. While details are still being kept under wraps for the 2024 offering, 2023’s festival brought in some of EDM’s most famous acts, such as Alan Walker, Bear Grillz, Borgore, Deorro, Kaskade, Deadmau5 and Zedd.

Stay tuned for details on the 2024 festival by visiting https://www.globaldancefestival.com. Don’t stress over parking and catch the E and W lines to Empower Field at Mile High Station!

TBD: Juneteenth Music Festival

Every Juneteenth weekend, Welton Street turns into a multi-day celebration of Black culture and activism with the Juneteenth Music Festival. Tens of thousands of people head to Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood for education, activism, art and great music. Details of the 2024 event have yet to be announced, so keep an eye out on https://www.juneteenthmusicfestival.com for dates, lineups and more. The festival will be easily accessible via the Route 43 at 30th·Downing Station.

TBD: 9News Parade of Lights

The jolliest of Mile High traditions is slated to return in 2024. Celebrate the official kickoff of the holidays with the most famous holiday parade in the Mountain West! Keep an eye out for details later in 2024. When the time comes, RTD is happy to get customers to and from the parade via any Civic Center Station-bound bus or Union Station-bound bus or train.

Written by Austin Nettleton