Not to alarm anyone, but 2025 marks the halfway point of the 2020s—a decade that began with its fair share of challenges yet has steadily transformed into a vibrant era of recovery, innovation and connection. 2025 promises to build on this momentum, offering a calendar packed with unforgettable experiences, such as the return of beloved festivals, thrilling major sporting events, groundbreaking performances in theater and music, and perhaps even a few unexpected moments that will make this year stand out as one to remember.

Get ready to party all year long by checking out some of the biggest festivals, parades, concerts, plays and events that you can get to simply by hopping on any RTD bus or train in this special preview edition of Rad Things (to) Do!

As a reminder, these events are subject to change, and this is not a comprehensive list.

Festivals, parades and other marquee events

Denver knows how to throw a party, and 2025 is shaping up to be yet another year where unforgettable memories are ready to be made. Kicking things off in 2025 is the world-famous National Western Stock Show at the National Western Complex Jan. 11-26! Featuring educational seminars, cattle auctions, family activities, rodeos and the famous National Western Stock Show Parade, there’s no better way to kick off 2025. Looking ahead, many favorite events return in some capacity, including the Denver Jazz Fest (formerly Five Points Music Festival), Cinco de Mayo, Denver PrideFest and the Great American Beer Festival.

Check out some of this year’s biggest events below!

Jan. 11-26: National Western Stock Show at the National Western Complex (accessible via the N Line at 48th & Brighton·National Western Center Station)

Since 1906, the National Western Stock Show has served as a key agricultural and economic staple in Denver. The 16-day event brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city every year. On top of it being Colorado’s largest western trade show, attendees can enjoy professional rodeos, horse shows, educational events, art displays, animal awareness and activism, ranching and more. Don’t miss the annual National Western Stock Show Parade on Jan. 9 at noon in downtown Denver!

Visit https://www.nationalwestern.com to learn about the event and to see the schedule of activities.

March 7-16: Denver Restaurant Week across downtown Denver (accessible via any downtown-bound bus or train)

Denver foodies, rejoice! Colorado’s biggest celebration of all things culinary returns March 7-16, featuring Denver’s finest and most unique tastes. All across downtown Denver and beyond, visit participating restaurants to enjoy the best dining experiences Denver has to offer.

For a list of all participating restaurants, visit https://www.denverrestaurantweek.com.

April 3-6: Denver Jazz Fest at various locations in Denver and Boulder (check Next Ride for specific trip details)

To quote the world’s most famous bee, Barry B. Benson, from the hit 2007 animated film Bee Movie, “You like jazz?” New to Denver this year is the Denver Jazz Festival, a three-day celebration of Denver’s finest jazz artists across the metro area. During the festival, attendees can catch performances at the Boulder Theater, Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, Dazzle, Fox Theatre, Garner Galleria, Mercury Café, Metropolitan State University’s Kalamath Building, The Muse, Newman Center, Nocturne and Spangalang Brewery.

Visit https://www.denverjazz.org to see a full lineup of performances and locations and be sure to bookmark Next Ride to search up music venues for the best ways to get to them via RTD services.

May 3-4: Cinco de Mayo Festival at Civic Center Park (accessible via any Civic Center Station-bound bus)

Denver knows how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, and 2025’s festival promises to be no different. Head down to Civic Center Park May 3-4 to enjoy a weekend filled with incredible food, education and activism, live music, dance and the famous Cinco de Mayo Community Parade!

Learn more about the weekend’s festivities by visiting https://www.cincodemayodenver.com, and take any Civic Center Station-bound bus to access the event.

May 31-June 1: Outside Festival at Civic Center Park (accessible via any Civic Center Station-bound bus)

If there is one thing Colorado is known for, it’s the outdoors. Home to some of the best hiking, camping, skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking on the continent, Coloradans pride themselves on being outdoorsy and in tune with nature—also, Coloradans like music… like, a lot of music.

That’s why Outside Magazine is bringing both together for the second annual Outside Festival and Summit at Civic Center Park May 31-June 1. The two-day event features a film festival, speakers, educational opportunities, a music festival and, of course, tons of outdoor fun. This year’s music lineup is stacked, with performances by Husbands, Neal Francis, Waxahatchee, Hazlett, Sylvan Esso, Trampled By Turtles and more, all headlined by Khruangbin and Lord Huron.

Get tickets today at https://www.festival.outsideonline.com.

June 28-29: Denver PrideFest at Civic Center Park (accessible via any Civic Center Station-bound bus)

For 50 years, Denver PRIDE has been a shining beacon of hope, showcasing the absolute best of the LGBTQ+ community and humanity. For its 51st installment, Denver PrideFest will continue to be that beacon of light.

Keep an eye out on Denver PrideFest’s website (https://www.denverpride.org) for details in the coming months on activities, musical performances, and, of course, the Denver Pride Parade, one of the best parades of the year.

July 3-6: Fan Expo Denver at the Colorado Convention Center (accessible via the D and H lines at Theatre District·Convention Center Station)

Nerds and geeks unite as the 2025 Fan Expo Denver returns for a four-day pop culture celebration at the Colorado Convention Center. Featuring celebrity Q&A sessions, autograph sessions, photo ops, cosplay contests, comic, anime and gaming showcases, and much more. This is the ultimate event for those who love pop culture.

Be on the lookout for celebrity appearance announcements by visiting https://www.fanexpohq.com as the event approaches.

July 4-6: Cherry Creek Arts Festival in the Cherry Creek North neighborhood (accessible via routes 3, 3L, 83D and 83L at 1st Avenue and Fillmore Plaza)

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival continues to be one of the biggest summer events in Denver. Head down to the Cherry Creek North neighborhood to enjoy works by Denver’s finest artists, learn from the pros on techniques, or just find inspiration for that next art piece. Over 250 juried artists descend onto Cherry Creek to showcase their works for the world to see. The three-day event also features live music, activities for kids, food vendors and more.

To learn more, visit https://www.cherryarts.org/events/cherry-creek-arts-festival/

Sept. 19-21 and 26-28: Denver Oktoberfest in downtown Denver (accessible via routes 52 and RX at 20th and Larimer streets, or a short 10-minute walk from Union Station)

Touch up on your German, break out the lederhosen and head over to the Ballpark neighborhood for Colorado’s largest Oktoberfest celebration. For two weekends, attendees can enjoy live music, stein hoisting, turkey legs, brats, keg bowling and much more. Oh, and there will be plenty of beer to enjoy.

The event is free to attend, but VIP experiences are available for purchase. Check https://www.thedenveroktoberfest.com to learn more.

Oct. 9-11: Great American Beer Festival at the Colorado Convention Center (accessible via the D and H lines at Theatre District·Convention Center Station)

It’s no secret Colorado knows beer. With a bespoke brewery seemingly on every street corner, plus the world’s largest single-site brewery sitting right in the heart of Golden, Colorado, it’s safe to say Coloradans know their brews. That’s why the nation’s largest beer festival lives in Denver. The Great American Beer Festival returns to the Colorado Convention Center Oct. 9-11, featuring brews from all over the world duking it out for the title of grand champion.

Learn more about the event as it approaches by keeping an eyeon https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com.

Sports

Another year, another slate of world-class sporting events making stops in the Mile High City. Right out of the gate, the Professional Women’s Hockey League hits the ice at Ball Arena for a clash between the Minnesota Frost and Montréal Victorie. Over at the Denver Coliseum, the world’s best bull riders compete for glory and crucial championship points when the Professional Bull Riders Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour comes to town as part of the National Western Stock Show. The feats of athleticism continue when Colorado’s best high school wrestlers compete for immortality at the state wrestling championships at Ball Arena.

Motorsports fans are in for a treat. Feb. 7-9 as Monster Jam roars into Ball Arena, bringing with it high-flying stunts and utter destruction, all powered by giant 12,000-pound engineering behemoths that can also backflip. Additionally, the world’s best supercross racers compete at the penultimate stop along the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship circuit in May.

For runners, the Colfax Marathon returns for its 2025 competition, where tens of thousands of runners will take over Colfax Avenue to compete for glory and a shot at competing in the Boston Marathon. The BOLDERBoulder 10K is a longtime Memorial Day tradition that kicks off the running season for locals but also draws national attention.

While many sporting events are happening in 2025 around Denver, none are more significant than the return of the first and second rounds of the NCAA March Madness men’s basketball tournament. The best collegiate teams will compete in a single-elimination tournament for a shot to win the NCAA National Championship.

Limber up and check out the key events around the Denver area in 2025, all accessible via RTD services.

• Jan. 12: Professional Women’s Hockey League – “Takeover Tour Denver: Minnesota Frost vs. Montréal Victorie” at Ball Arena (accessible via the E and W lines at Ball Arena•Elitch Gardens Station or via the routes 1, 15L and 20 at Auraria Parkway and 9th Street)
• Jan. 13-15: Professional Bull Riders Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour at the Denver Coliseum (accessible via the N Line at 48th & Brighton•National Western Center Station or via the Route 48 at Brighton Boulevard and 47th Avenue)
• Feb. 7-9: Monster Jam at Ball Arena (accessible via the E and W lines at Ball Arena•Elitch Gardens Station or via the routes 1, 15L and 20 at Auraria Parkway and 9th Street)
• Feb. 13-15: Colorado High School Activities Association State Wrestling Championships at Ball Arena (accessible via the E and W lines at Ball Arena•Elitch Gardens Station or via the routes 1, 15L and 20 at Auraria Parkway and 9th Street)
• March 20-22: 2025 NCAA March Madness Men’s Basketball Championship – Rounds 1 and 2 at Ball Arena (accessible via the E and W lines at Ball Arena•Elitch Gardens Station or via the routes 1, 15L and 20 at Auraria Parkway and 9th Street)
• April 4: Colorado Rockies home opener at Coors Field (accessible via any Union Station-bound bus or train)
• May 3: Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium (accessible via the E and W lines at Empower Field at Mile High Station)
• May 17-18: Colfax Marathon along Colfax Avenue (accessible via any Civic Center Station-bound bus)May 26: BOLDERBoulder 10K (accessible via Flatiron Flyer)

Concerts and Stand-Up Comedy

Let’s just get this joke out of the way now: It’s gonna be May . . . wait, Justin Timberlake’s visiting in January? Ugh, so much for that intro.

2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years Denver has ever seen in terms of concerts. An unbelievable amount of talent will be performing at Denver’s biggest music venues in 2025, including the likes of Justin Timberlake; Tyler, the Creator; Mary J. Blige; Aziz Ansari; Disturbed; Kylie Minogue; Jack White; Coldplay; Post Malone; Linkin Park; and Tate McRae all headlined by the world’s biggest metal band, Metallica, for a two-night headbangers’ ball at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium.

Check out some of the biggest acts performing in 2025 around Denver and don’t forget to plan your trip to the concerts by using the new “Event Finder” feature in Next Ride! Don’t forget to save the official Rad Things (to) Do 2025 Preview Spotify playlist to hear tracks from some of the featured acts and their supporting acts below. Don't have a Spotify account? Scroll to the bottom to see music videos from the featured artists to get a taste of what's in store.

• Jan. 4: Sarah Silverman – “Postmartem” at the Paramount Theatre
• Jan. 24-26: Billy Strings – “Winter Tour 2025” at Ball Arena
• Jan. 24-25: Jim Jeffries – “Son Of A Carpenter” at the Paramount Theatre
• Jan. 28: Justin Timberlake – “The Forget Tomorrow World Tour” at Ball Arena
• Feb. 6: Silverstein – “25 Years of Noise Tour” at Mission Ballroom
  • Special guests: Thursday, Arm’s Length and Split Chain
• Feb. 11: Tyler, the Creator – “Chromakopia: The World Tour” at Ball Arena
• Feb. 12: Foster the People at the Fillmore Auditorium
  • Special guest: Good Neighbours
• Feb. 25: Mary J. Blige – “The For My Fans Tour” at Ball Arena
  • Special guests: Ne-Yo and Mario
• Feb. 22: Aziz Ansari – “Hypothetical Tour” at the Paramount Theatre
• Feb. 27: Disturbed – “The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour” at Ball Arena
• March 7: The Price Is Right Live at the Paramount Theatre
• March 13: BBNO$ – “It’s Pronounced Baby No Money North America Tour” at the Ogden Theatre
• March 16: Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood – “Asking For Trouble” at the Paramount Theatre
• April 7: Papa Roach & Rise Against – “Rise of the Roach Tour” at Ball Arena
• April 8: Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium – “The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour 2025” at the Fillmore Auditorium
  • Special guests: August Burns Red and Sylosis
• April 26: Chris D’Elia – “Straight Outta The Multiverse” at the Paramount Theatre
• April 29: Kylie Minogue – “Tension Tour” at Ball Arena
• April 29-30, May 2: The Used – “25 Year Anniversary Tour" at the Ogden Theatre
• May 2: Spiritbox – “Tsunami Sea North American Tour” at the Fillmore Auditorium
  • Special guests: Loathe, Dying Wish and Gel
• May 8-9: Jack White at Mission Ballroom
• May 16: The War and Treaty – “Plus One Tour 2025” at the Ogden Theatre
• June 9: Styx and Kevin Cronin – “Brotherhood of Rock World Tour” at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
  • Special guest: Don Felder
• June 10: Coldplay – “Music of the Spheres” at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium
• June 15: Post Malone – “The BIG A** Stadium Tour” at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium
  • Special guest: Jelly Roll
• June 20-21: Nikki Glaser – “Alive And Unwell Tour” at the Paramount Theatre
• June 27 & 29: Metallica – “M72 World Tour” at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium
  • Special guests:
    • June 27: Limp Bizkit and Ice Nine Kills
    • June 29: Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies
• July 17: Keith Urban – “High and Alive World Tour” at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
  • Special guests: Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen and Karley Scott Collins
• Aug. 7: Ghost – “World Tour 2025” at Ball Arena
• Aug. 16: Nelly and St. Lunatics – “KS 107.5’s Summer Jam” at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
  • Special guests: Ja Rule, Eve, Fabolous and Jermaine Dupri
• Sept. 3: Linkin Park – “From Zero World Tour 2025” at Ball Arena
• Sept. 20: Tate McRae – “Miss Possessive Tour” at Ball Arena

Plays, musicals and live theatrical performances

Denver has always been a hotspot for some of the world’s biggest plays, musicals and theatrical performances, and 2025 is shaping up to be another great year for live theatre. In 2025, enjoy musical renditions of hit blockbuster movies such as Back to the Future, Mean Girls and Life of Pi; world-renowned productions Mamma Mia! and Moulin Rouge!, a musical reimagining of one of anime’s biggest shows, Naruto and, of course, the highly-anticipated return of The Book of Mormon, the brainchild of South Park creators (and native Coloradans) Matt Stone and Trey Parker.

The following productions take place at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, all accessible via the D and H lines at Theatre District·Convention Center Station, or a short two-block walk away from the Free MallRide stop at 15th and Stout streets.

• Ongoing through May 4: Gutenberg! The Musical! at the Garner Galleria Theatre
• Jan. 17-Mar. 9: The Reservoir at the Singleton Theatre
• Jan. 22-Feb. 9: Back to the Future: The Musical at the Buell Theatre
• Feb. 7-Mar. 9: The Suffragette’s Murder at the Kilstrom Theatre
• Feb. 25-Mar. 2: Mean Girls at the Buell Theatre
• March 18-30: Life of Pi at the Buell Theatre
• April 1: Naruto: The Symphonic Experience at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House
• April 8-26: The Wiz at the Buell Theatre
• April 11-May 25: Little Shop of Horrors at the Wolf Theatre
• April 25-May 25: The Hot Wing King at the Kilstrom Theatre
• May 2-4: The Addams Family at the Buell Theatre
• May 6-18: The Book of Mormon at the Buell Theatre
• June 4-15: & Juliet at the Buell Theatre
• June 25-29: Mamma Mia! at the Buell Theatre
• July 8-20: Some Like it Hot at the Buell Theatre
• Aug. 5-10: Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Buell Theatre

How to get to the events

With 2025 already stacked with events and even more announcements coming just over the horizon, make getting to-and-from the events a breeze by simply searching the event name into Plan a Trip on the RTD website and get departure, arrival and travel times, as well as fare information, for your desired event.

Additionally, the venues mentioned above can be accessed using the following routes and lines at the following stations:

• Empower Field at Mile High Stadium (accessible via the E and W lines at Empower Field at Mile High Station)
• Ball Arena (accessible via the E and W lines at Ball Arena·Elitch Gardens Station, as well as Routes 1, 15L and 20 at Auraria Parkway and 9th Street)
• Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre (accessible via the E and R lines at Arapahoe at Village Center Station)
• Denver Coliseum (accessible via the N Line at 48th & Brighton·National Western Center Station)
• Bellco Theater (accessible via the D and H lines at Theatre District·Convention Center Station)
• Mission Ballroom (accessible via the A Line at 38th·Blake Station)
• Paramount Theatre (accessible via the Free MallRide at 17th Street and Glenarm Place)
• Fillmore Auditorium (accessible via Route 15 at Colfax Avenue and Emerson Street or Colfax Avenue and Clarkson Street)
• Ogden Theatre (accessible via Route 15 at Colfax Avenue and Emerson Street or Colfax Avenue and Clarkson Street)

This holiday season, support local businesses including the theaters and entertainment venues along East Colfax. Visit Denver's project website to learn more about the improvements happening along the corridor and to sign up for notifications. For events happening at venues along Colfax Avenue, post a photo using the hashtag #WeBackTheFax and you could with a $50 gift card. Learn more at: https://denvergov.org/webackthefax.