This November is packed with great events in Denver. Particularly the 2nd-10th, as it’s the 12th Annual Denver Arts Week. Also beginning the holiday season, this month gives you plenty of opportunities to get in merry spirits. Here are a few highlighted events to check out:
41st Denver Film Festival
Where: Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
When: October 31 – November 11, 2018
The Denver Film Festival coincides with much of Denver Arts Week. Movie buffs won’t want to miss this event. It’s the largest premier film celebration in the Rocky Mountain Region. For 12 days, they’ll showcase films from all over the world, including documentaries, blockbusters, independent films, and shorts. The event is hosted by the Denver Film Society whose aim is to celebrate the world of cinema and film as both an art form and an important forum for social conversations. Check out their website for tickets to individual films, ticket packages, and the program of films being showcased at venues across the city.
Día de los Muertos Celebration / First Friday Art Walk
Where: Art District on Santa Fe, Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO
When: Friday, November 2, 2018 | 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
The First Friday Art Walk in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe has a cultural twist this month. On the evening of November 2nd, they’ll host the Día de los Muertos Celebration and Parade. Presented by Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, Museo de las Americas, and the Consulate General of Mexico, this Art Walk and parade is meant to celebrate the century-old tradition of remembrance and commemoration of loved ones lost but not forgotten. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their best colorful Catrina attire for a costume contest and the parade at 7:00PM.
Free Night at the Museums
Where: Many of Denver’s best museums! Check for full list online.
When: Saturday, November 3, 2018 | 5:00-10:00PM
On the second day of Denver Arts Week, many of the city’s best museums will host a night of free admission. There will also be shuttles to bring you to each museum, so it’s easy to visit a few museums in one evening. Some highlighted participating museums include favorites like the Denver Art Museum and Denver Botanic Gardens as well as ones you might not have visited yet, like the Denver Firefighter’s Museum or Museo Des Las Americas.
Winter Gift Market
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, Denver, CO
When: November 15 – 17, 2018
If you’d like to support small local businesses, you can start your holiday shopping at the Winter Gift Market hosted by the Denver Botanic Gardens. A bonus — it’s free to get into the market and the gardens during the event. Expect plenty of unique handcrafted holiday gifts as well as specialty foods, pottery, antiques, and more. You can visit Thursday from 4 – 8PM, Friday from 9AM – 6PM, and Saturday from 9AM – 6PM.
Grand Illumination
Where: Downtown Denver, Denver Union Station to City and County Building at Civic Center Park
When: November 23, 2018 | 6:00PM
To get into the holiday spirit, make sure to attend the Grand Illumination this November. This family-friendly event takes place at 6:00PM on Friday, November 23, when many downtown landmarks will light up. There will be entertainment and lighting ceremonies at Denver Union Station and the City and County Building, including meeting Santa, dancing, and beverages. This event is part of the Winter in the City program, and the hundreds of thousands of lights will remain lit through the end of December.
With the holidays approaching, Denver feels quite vibrant. It’s clear in the many arts and cultural events taking place all over the city. I’ve only listed a few of the many Denver Arts Week happenings, so make sure you check their website for all the discounted events at art galleries, theaters, and concert halls during that week as well.