Spring in Denver is the perfect time for a weekend getaway. In addition to Denver’s year-round renowned arts and cultural offerings, thriving culinary scene and urban adventure, there are hundreds of exciting events that encourage people to visit The Mile High City and reclaim the weekend.
Whether visitors are making last-minute spring break plans, planning a guys’ getaway or looking for a touch of culture to brighten up the long winter much of the country has seen, Denver has something to offer. Below are several events taking place during March weekends; for more information, including hotel deals, visit DenverWeekends.com.
For the Family Spring Break
Denver is full of urban adventures, perfect for the family that is looking to discover and explore new things together over spring break. Families can take a skiing day trip without ever sitting in a car – traveling the Rocky Mountains by train instead; and they can visit some of the city’s top attractions, including Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science, among many others.
Winter Park Express Ski Train, through Mar. 31
The Winter Park Express Ski Train by Amtrak allows people to hit the slopes during the day and return to Denver to spend their aprés ski exploring The Mile High City’s award-winning, chef-driven cuisine, more than 70 local craft breweries, unique live music venues and 11,000 hotel rooms. New this year, Amtrak has added a bi-level Superliner® Sightseer Lounge Car with windows that start at the floor level and wrap into the ceiling of the railcar; service also includes food and beverages for the first time. Additionally, Amtrak has increased the round-trip service to include the first two Fridays of each month.
Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius, through Aug. 25
Although Leonardo da Vinci died in 1519, his influence has endured. His extraordinary legacy as an inventor, artist, scientist, anatomist, engineer, architect, sculptor and philosopher comes to life at Denver Museum of Nature & Science in Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius, the most comprehensive exhibition about da Vinci ever presented. Dozens of replicas of da Vinci’s machine inventions, built using his detailed codices, reveal how his fundamental scientific and artistic principles continue to impact the world today. In addition, the exhibition will feature the fascinating Secrets of the Mona Lisa exhibit, with super-magnified visual examinations and the only 360-degree replica ever made of the iconic painting.
Denver Zoo, open daily
Set aside several hours for exploration at the Denver Zoo, a perfect way to take advantage of Denver’s 300 annual days of sunshine. The zoo's latest habitat, The Edge, brings guests closer than ever to magnificent Amur tigers. Catwalks and bridges spanning just over visitors’ heads demonstrate the cats’ playfulness and allow the animals to get exercise. The Toyota Elephant Passage, meanwhile, will give visitors an up-close-and-personal experience with massive Asian elephants; and there’s plenty more to explore in Denver Zoo’s 80 acres. Admission for kids under 18 is always free, and Denver Zoo will host a completely free day on March 22.
For a Guys’ Getaway
From craft beer to pro sports to outdoor recreation, Denver is also a top spot for the perfect guys’ getaway. The group can catch an NHL Colorado Avalanche or NBA Denver Nuggets game before heading to one of the city’s top restaurants. After fueling up on food, there will be plenty of time to tour one of the city’s many distilleries or breweries. Below are a few events that would make an excellent guys’ weekend – especially paired with the shopping, outdoor adventure and hip places to stay in The Mile High City.
Collaboration Fest, Mar. 16
Known as America’s most creative beer festival, Collaboration Fest features brews that are a result of collaborations between two or more breweries from around Colorado, the country and the world. These individual collaborations mean that every beer tapped will be exclusive to the festival, and every beer has a unique story. This year, the festival has more than 100 beers by more than 200 collaborators, and it will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.
Denver Nuggets vs. Indiana Pacers, Mar. 16
The hometown Denver Nuggets will face the Indiana Pacers at Pepsi Center.
For a Culture Trip
Denver has long been a cultural epicenter in the Rocky Mountain region; and it has more recently been gaining attention for the world-class exhibitions, national touring performances and rich cultural history it boasts year-round. Below are a few not-to-be-missed events and exhibitions this spring.
Dior: From Paris to the World, extended through Mar. 17
Denver Art Museum is hosting the U.S. debut of the renowned exhibition, Dior: From Paris to the World. Surveying more than 70 years of the House of Dior’s legacy and influence, the exhibit features a selection of 150 haute couture dresses, accessories, photos, original sketches, and archival material. Curated by Denver Art Museum’s Florence Müller, it traces the history of the iconic haute couture fashion house, its founder – Christian Dior – and the subsequent artistic directors who carried Dior's vision into the 21st century. Exclusive VIP hotel packages, which feature skip-the-line tickets, are available at www.DiorInDenver.com
Hello, Dolly! (March 27 – April 7)
Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Betty Buckley stars in Hello, Dolly! – the universally acclaimed smash that NPR calls “the best show of the year!” Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this new production at Buell Theatre pays tribute to the original work of legendary director/choreographer Gower Champion – hailed both then and now as one of the greatest stagings in musical theater history.