As Denver enters 2025, Denverites are reminded that the new year means a new hope – hope that the Denver Broncos will upset the Buffalo Bills and create a Cinderella story for themselves as they have qualified for the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2015!

2025 is already off to a fantastic start, thanks in part to Bo Nix, Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and the rest of the Denver Broncos securing a playoff spot, offering Broncos fans a glimpse into a bright future for a team and fanbase that has endured so much strife, turmoil, and hearing Russell Wilson say, “Broncos Country, let’s ride,” five million times.

Along with the Broncos’ playoff berth, January is highlighted by the return of the National Western Stock Show, a live musical rendition of Back to the Future, and the one and only Justin Timberlake performing his long list of hits at a sold-out Ball Arena.

It's 2025, and there are plenty of Rad Things (to) Do to kick off another great year in the Mile High City.

Festivals, parades and special events

Jan. 9: National Western Stock Show Parade

It’s not January without the National Western Stock Show, and there is no National Western Stock Show without the kick-off parade! On Jan. 9, watch along as 17th Street goes to the cows. The famous parade replaces floats with horse-drawn wagons and flocks of cattle. Don your finest pair of Wrangler jeans, brush off that cowboy hat and head downtown for one of the most unique parades this side of the Mississippi.

Attendees can catch any Union Station-bound bus or train or any Civic Center Station-bound bus to access the parade. Bus detours will be in place for the duration of the parade, so plan accordingly and arrive early to avoid delays.

Jan. 11-26: National Western Stock Show

Howdy, partner, and welcome to the Wild West, where the National Western Stock Show celebrates its 119th year as the premier livestock, rodeo, and horse show in the United States. Each year, hundreds of thousands of ranchers, industry professionals, farmers, and visitors gather to honor all things agriculture. The show offers numerous rodeos, educational opportunities, auctions, and much more for families and professionals alike.

To get there, take the N Line to 48th & Brighton·National Western Center Station. Get a taste of the Wild Westby visiting https://nationalwestern.com for a full list of events, rodeos and programming.

Remember since the stock show is a family event, customers 19 and under ride all services at no cost

Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Marade

On Jan. 20, Denver will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a march and parade, better known as a Marade. The Marade promotes equality, human rights, and freedom for all, regardless of race, gender or orientation. The route begins at City Park and heads west along Colfax Avenue, ending at Civic Center Park with a closing ceremony featuring live performances, community vendor resources, food trucks and much more.

Many bus routes service stops near the parade route, so visit https://www.drmartinlkingjrchc.org/index.php/marade-information to see the route map and visit RTD’s Trip Planner to identify stops closest to your desired viewing location.

Sports

“The peaks at night are glowing white, deep in the heart of Colorado.” That’s how the song goes, right? Whatever, it doesn’t matter because THE DENVER BRONCOS HAVE MADE IT TO THE NFL PLAYOFFS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2015. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. After nearly a decade of pain, suffering, “Broncos Country, let’s ride,” and questionable coaching hires, the boys in orange and blue have secured the final ticket to the playoffs, where they will take on the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo on Sunday. If they can pull off the upset, Broncos faithful could be treated with a Mile High playoff duel at Empower Field later this month. 

In addition to the Broncos returning to the postseason promised land, the Avalanche, Nuggets and Mammoth are all in action at Ball Arena this month. Notably, the Avs will be going through a gauntlet with their homestand Jan. 18-22, as the top three teams in the Central Division (Winnipeg, Minnesota and Dallas) pay a visit to the Mile High City as the season approaches its halfway point. With the Nuggets, they currently sit in fourth place in the Western Conference at time of writing and look to win as much as possible before the upcoming NBA All-Star break in February.

On the collegiate circuit, it’s full speed ahead for the Colorado Buffaloesmen’s and women’s basketball teams as Big 12 conference play is underway. For the University of Denver Pioneers, they are in action as they aim for another Frozen Four appearance.

Speaking of hockey, the ladies take over the ice at Ball Arena when the Professional Women’s Hockey League Takeover Tour. The Denver stop features a matchup between the Minnesota Frost and Montréal Victoire, and it all goes down Jan. 12.

Of course, with the National Western Stock Show coming to town, rodeo fans will be spoiled for choice with professional rodeos almost daily at the Denver Coliseum, highlighted by the best bull riders coming to town for the Denver stop of the Professional Bull Riders Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour.

Check out this month’s schedule below and let RTD get you to the games.

Empower Field at Mile High Stadium (accessible via the E and W lines at Empower Field at Mile High Station)

• Denver Broncos (NFL):
  • Playoff-dependent (check https://www.nfl.com for latest updates on playoff schedules and locations)

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)

• Special events:
  • Jan. 12: Professional Women’s Hockey League Takeover Tour
• Denver Nuggets (NBA):
  • Jan. 7: vs. Boston Celtics
  • Jan. 8: vs. Los Angeles Clippers
  • Jan. 10: vs. Brooklyn Nets
  • Jan. 15: vs. Houston Rockets
  • Jan. 21: vs. Philadelphia 76ers
  • Jan. 23: vs. Sacramento Kings
• Colorado Avalanche (NHL):
  • Jan. 14: vs. New York Rangers
  • Jan. 16: vs. Edmonton Oilers
  • Jan. 18: vs. Dallas Stars
  • Jan. 20: vs. Minnesota Wild
  • Jan. 22: vs. Winnipeg Jets
  • Jan. 31: vs. St. Louis Blues
• Colorado Mammoth (MLL):
  • Jan. 11: vs. Albany Firewolves

CU Events Center (accessible via routes 204 and 225/225D/225T at Broadway and Baseline Road)

• University of Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball (college basketball):
  • Jan. 12: vs. West Virginia University
  • Jan. 15: vs. University of Cincinnati
  • Jan. 21: vs. Brigham Young University
  • Jan. 28: vs. Arizona State University

• University of Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball (college basketball):
  • Jan. 8: vs. University of Central Florida
  • Jan. 11: vs. University of Kansas
  • Jan. 25: vs. Kansas State University

Joy Burns Arena (accessible via the E, H and W lines at University of Denver Station)

• University of Denver Pioneers men’s hockey (college hockey):
  • Jan. 10-11: vs. Miami University (Ohio)
  • Jan. 31: vs. University of Nebraska Omaha

Denver Coliseum (accessible via Route 48 at 43rd Street and Brighton Boulevard)

• Special events:
  • Jan. 11: Colorado vs. The World Rodeo
  • Jan. 12: Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza
  • Jan. 13-15: Professional Bull Riders Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour
  • Jan. 16: Pink Pro Rodeo
  • Jan. 17-20, 23-26: Pro Rodeo
  • Jan. 19: Hunger Action Pro Rodeo
  • Jan. 20: MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo
  • Jan. 21: Military Appreciation Pro Rodeo
  • Jan. 22: First Responders Pro Rodeo

Theatre, musicals and plays

Great Scott, what a month it’s going to be for fans of musicals in Denver! January sees the continuation of “Gutenberg! The Musical!” at the Garner Galleria Theatre, while Marty McFly and Doc take it back to 1955 and back again for the world-famous live musical rendition of “Back to the Future” at the Buell Theatre Jan. 22.

For fans of more traditional theatre, “The Reservoir” begins its residency Jan. 17 at the Singleton Theatre. Check out the dates of the aforementioned productions below and catch the D and H lines to Theatre District·Convention Center Station to enjoy a night at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Buell Theatre

• Jan. 22-Feb. 9: “Back to the Future: The Musical”

Garner Galleria Theatre

• Ongoing through May 4: “Gutenberg! The Musical!”

Singleton Theatre

• Jan. 17-Mar. 9: “The Reservoir”

Concerts

It may be a quieter month for Denver concertgoers, but there is still plenty of live music to enjoy, especially for folk and bluegrass fans, where the likes of Treaty Oak Revival, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Fretliners and American Aquarium’s BJ Barnham, headlined by three nights of Billy Strings at Ball Arena. On top of that, one of pop music’s biggest stars makes a stop in Denver with Justin Timberlake bringing his “The Forget Tomorrow World Tour” to Ball Arena in what is sure to be an unforgettable night.

Check out this month’s calendar of concerts, and don’t forget to use RTD’s new event finder feature in Trip Planner to find the most optimal routes and lines to get to your favorite shows. Save the official Rad Things (to) Do Spotify playlist for January and get up to speed on featured artists and bands coming to Denver this month. Don’t have Spotify? Scroll down to the bottom to see music videos from select artists performing this month.

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. Remember to visit Denver's project website to learn more about the improvements happening along the corridor and to sign up for notifications.

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)

• Jan. 13: Rod Wave – “Last Lap Tour”
  • Supporting acts: Moneybagg Yo, Toosii and Lil Poppa
• Jan. 19: Sebastian Maniscalco – “It Ain’t Right Tour”
• Jan. 24-26: Billy Strings
• Jan. 28: Justin Timberlake – “The Forget Tomorrow World Tour”

Bellco Theatre (accessible via the D and H lines at Theatre District·Convention Center Station)

• Jan. 9: John Brennan

Mission Ballroom (accessible via the A Line at 38th·Blake Station)

• Jan. 10: Thee Sacred Souls – “Live For You Tour”
• Jan. 11: The Infamous Stringdusters – “Ski Dust Tour”
  • Supporting acts: Sierra Hull and The Last Revel
• Jan. 17: Houndmouth – “The Western Skies Tour”
  • Supporting act: Rayland Baxter
• Jan. 24: Treaty Oak Revival
  • Supporting acts: Huser Brother Band
• Jan. 25: Loud Luxury
  • Supporting act: Lavern
• Jan. 31: Sultan and Shepard – “Circle In Time: The Trilogy Tour 2025”
  • Supporting acts: Christian Löffler and Catching Flies

Paramount Theatre (accessible via the Free MallRide at 17th Street and Glenarm Place)

• Jan. 8: Douglas Murray – “Save the West Tour”
• Jan. 9: The Temptations and The Four Tops
• Jan. 12: Nurse John – “The Short Staffed Tour”
• Jan. 18: Hairball
• Jan. 22: Frank Black – “Teenager of the Year Tour”
• Jan. 24-25: Jim Jefferies – “Son of a Carpenter”
• Jan. 31: Brian Regan

Ogden Theatre (accessible via Route 15 at Colfax Avenue and Emerson Street or Colfax Avenue and Clarkson Street)

• Jan. 10: DJ Seinfeld – “Hopecore”
  • Supporting act: Villager
• Jan. 17: Tinzo and Jojo – “Dial Up Tour”
• Jan. 18: Tophouse
  • Supporting act: The Wildwoods
• Jan. 24: Ship Wrek
  • Supporting acts: No Thanks, Kandy Shop, Murra and Phatjazz
• Jan. 25: Snakehips
  • Supporting acts: Covex, Dreambay, Clrblnd and Levi Double U
• Jan. 27: L'Impératrice
  • Supporting act: Erick The Architect
• Jan. 28: Death From Above 1979 – “’You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine’ 20th Anniversary Celebration Tour”
  • Supporting act: Teen Mortgage
• Jan. 31: Futurebirds
  • Supporting acts: Marfa and Abby Hamilton

Oriental Theater (accessible via Route 44 at West 44th Avenue and Tennyson Street)

• Jan. 12: Fan Halen
• Jan. 14: Venom Inc.
  • Supporting acts: Salem’s Childe, Nightwraith and Torn From Existence
• Jan. 16: Monét X Change – “Life Be Lifin’”
• Jan. 18: Willie Barcena
• Jan. 19: Kyle Moon & The Misled
• Jan. 24: Petty Nicks
• Jan. 25: Ted Leo and The Pharmacists – “Shake The Sheets 20th Anniversary”
  • Supporting act: Spells
• Jan. 30: Bruce McCulloch – “Tales of Bravery and Stupidity”

Boulder Theater (accessible via any Downtown Boulder Station route)

• Jan. 14: Mania – “The Abba Tribute”
• Jan. 16: Emmet Cohen Trio
  • Supporting acts: Philip Norris and Kyle Poole
• Jan. 18: Marc Maron – “All In”
• Jan. 26: Face Vocal Band – “’Save the Face’ of the Boulder Theater”
• Jan. 29: Steep Canyon Rangers and Peter Rowan

Fox Theatre (accessible via routes 204, 225/225D/225T, AB1, DASH, GS and SKIP at Broadway and Pleasant Street)

• Jan. 10: Bear Hat, Northwoods and Steepland String Band
• Jan. 11: The Broomfield House Band – “Rush Archives with School of Rock”
• Jan. 17: Young & Dead, River Spell and Huck n’ Pray
• Jan. 18: The Fretliners
• Jan. 23: Howlin’ Goatz, Wendy Woo and The Ghost-Towners
• Jan. 25: Moody Good
  • Supporting acts: Rsenik and Balek
• Jan. 30: Daft Floyd
  • Supporting acts: Van Zeppelin, AFB and The Second Hand
• Jan. 31: Nether Hour
  • Supporting act: Augustus

Bluebird Theater (accessible via Route 15 at Colfax Avenue and Cook Street)

• Jan. 11: Adam Stark
  • Supporting acts: Discognition, Hausman, Paradime and Goldstar
• Jan. 12: K-Pop Scream
  • Supporting acts: Imlay, 2spade, J.E.B. and Yunji
• Jan. 17: Tank and The Bangas – “The Heart, The Mind, The Soul USA Tour”
  • Supporting acts: Austin Brown and Blvk Cvstle
• Jan. 18: Gabriel and Dresden
• Jan. 21: Natalie Jane – “Sick To My Stomach Tour”
  • Supporting acts: Chandler Leighton
• Jan. 22: Glaive
• Jan. 25: Alan Sparhawk – “The White Roses Tour”
• Jan. 30: Antibalas

HQ (accessible via Route 0 at South Broadway and West Bayaud Avenue)

• Jan. 8: Ra – “The Last Hu-Ra Tour”
  • Supporting acts: Kallakoi and Octopus Tree
• Jan. 9: Among The Bodies and The Clockwork Ritual
  • Supporting acts: Spacecorpse and Ghost In Stereo
• Jan. 10: Volatile and Zingaro
  • Supporting acts: Down Bad and Fetal Embalment
• Jan. 19: Vampires Everywhere and Priest – “Colder Than Hell Tour”
  • Supporting act: Julien-K
• Jan. 23: Riff Dealer
  • Supporting acts: Malkasian, Planet Lazarus and Video Daze
• Jan. 27: Marty Friedman – “Live Drama 2025”
  • Supporting acts: Nikki Stringfield and Patrick Kennison
• Jan. 30: ReCline, Meghan Clarisse and Todd Clayton
  • Supporting acts: Maria Elaina and Kelsey Jo Duo
• Jan. 31: Leveler and Hated
  • Supporting acts: It’s Always Sunny In Tijuana and Surrender The Ectype

Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom (accessible via the L Line at 25th·Welton and 27th·Welton stations)

• Jan. 9: Shift – “Phonk Around & Find Out 3rd Anniversary”
  • Supporting acts: Ryan Celsius, Backwhen, Kalibvr and Enokalypse
• Jan. 10: Motif and Phyphr
  • Supporting acts: TF Marz, McWavy and Frankly Dope
• Jan. 11: The Supersillyus Lifeband
  • Supporting acts: The Flying Mars, Erothyme, Digitalvagabond and Craftal
• Jan. 16: Tauk
  • Supporting acts: Benny Bloom, Nate Miller, Lyle Divinsky, Will Trask and Giant Walking Robots
• Jan. 17-18: Denver Comes Alive
  • Lineups:
    • Jan. 17: George Porter Jr., Eric Krasno, Ivan Neville, Adam Deitch, Stanton Moore, Nels Cline and Bill Nershi
    • Jan. 18: George Porter Jr., Eric Krasno, Ivan Neville,Adam Eitch, Stanton Moore, Joey Porter and Skerik
• Jan. 19: Johns The Locals – “LG Nite”
• Jan. 23-24: Sages & Spirits
  • Lineup: Melvin Seals, Rob Eaton, John Kadlecik, Rob Barraco, Jay Lane, Skip Vangelas and Jake Wolf
• Jan. 25: Vctre
  • Supporting acts: Two Swords, Lord Genmu and Vyhara
• Jan. 29: Mike Sherm
• Jan. 30: Shift and Dreamers Delight
  • Supporting acts: Skysia, Blookah and Spenny
• Jan. 31: Dogs in a Pile
  • Support: Break Signals

Larimer Lounge (accessible via the Route 44 at Larimer and 28th streets)

• Jan. 9: Vavn
  • Supporting acts: Thug City, Wave Vision and Evol
• Jan. 10: Rat Napkins
  • Support: Splintered Autumn and Taxi Paint
• Jan. 11: BJ Barham
• Jan. 11: Antadope, Evco and Logan Camin
• Jan. 12: Fuzz Face
  • Supporting acts: Elysium, Trivial Psychic and Backyard Revelry
• Jan. 16: Man Cub
  • Supporting acts: Medz and Nikita Page
• Jan. 17: Flaming Olive, Laurain, More Fun and Bella-B
• Jan. 18: Duncan Coker
  • Supporting acts: Emily Barnes and The Warrior Poet
• Jan. 18: Tokiyoh, Meeks, Tafttyy and Smoji
• Jan. 19: C.A.R.P.
  • Supporting acts: Charles and The Oddity, and After The Waterfall
• Jan. 19: Zenith, Gerdï, Aft3rs and Pulse Ctrl
• Jan. 22: Christian Lee Hutson
  • Supporting act: Allegra Krieger
• Jan. 23: Green Matter – “The Nature of Sound”
  • Supporting acts: Slwmo, Dougie T and Ablative
• Jan. 24: Clay K
  • Supporting acts: Modrn and Critter
• Jan. 24: Blas, Devlyn, Flaming Olive, Mr. Kyle, Tuuna and Woods
• Jan. 25: Darcy Nelson
  • Supporting acts: Haley Harkin and Maya Ogea
• Jan. 25: Win and Woo
• Jan. 26: Kush
  • Supporting acts: Moss Brain, Painted Goya, and Honey and The Hive Mind
• Jan. 29: The Wild Feathers
  • Supporting act: Nathan Graham
• Jan. 31: Djuric
  • Supporting acts: Cizzle, Hysteric, Botomaki, Steve Medina, Cream Hoodie, Chbby Bunny and Her Man’s

Gothic Theatre (accessible via Route 0 at South Broadway and Eastman Avenue, or South Broadway and West Floyd Avenue)

• Jan. 9: The Panhandlers
• Jan. 31: Cursive – “Happiness Is In The Devouring Tour”
  • Supporting act: Cursive

Summit Music Hall (accessible via Routes 0, 9, 15 and 20 at 18th and Blake streets, or via Route 52 at 20th and Blake streets)

• Jan. 19: Ben Barnes – “Where The Light Gets In Tour”
• Jan. 25: Jerro – The Chromatic Tour”
• Jan. 26: Shannon Fiedler
• Jan 28: The Vaccines
  • Supporting acts: Thus Love and Elektric Animals
• Jan. 30: Rio Da Yung Og
• Jan. 31: Dion Timmer
  • Supporting acts: SweetTooth and Decimate

Marquis Theatre (accessible via Routes 52 and RX at 20th and Larimer streets, or via Route 38 at Larimer and 21st streets)

• Jan. 10: YDG
  • Supporting acts: Vicky B, Luc and Helux
• Jan. 22: Elsa y Elmar – “Palacio USA Tour”
  • Supporting act: Vale
• Jan. 25: The Browning
  • Supporting acts: Dropout Kings, Filth, The Defect and Fateseeker
• Jan. 27: Lo Moon