Denver may be renowned for its proximity to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, but the city itself offers a plethora of unique areas to explore by day and night. Whether you’re hoping to dance away the night at Red Rocks or simply enjoy a nice dinner out, Denver’s vibrant nightlife keeps the city alive at all hours, with plenty of options from budget-friendly to more extravagant locals.

Load up your entire crew in a MileMarker and head out to explore these top 10 spots in Denver. Before your trip, be sure to also read our 10 tips for navigating Denver in a passenger van rental!

1. Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf is Denver’s unique interactive art space and performance venue. The space includes four different “alien worlds,” a gallery with rotating local art, a stage for musical performances, and a lounge with cocktails and snacks.

Set aside a couple of hours to fully immerse yourself in this unique experience. Take the opportunity to wander alone and let your imagination run wild. Dress up in cosplay, participate in a scavenger hunt—whatever sparks your creativity. Your first visit here is an adventure waiting to happen!

2. South Broadway

South Broadway is a neighborhood of Denver, known for its eclectic shops, eccentric vibe, and Denver nightlife scene. From thrift stores to music venues to clubs, there is something to do on South Broadway at all hours. For an authentic taste of Denver culture and perhaps a sighting of a rare local, embark on a bar crawl along South Broadway. Avoid the overly crowded and commercial spots post-pandemic. Instead, drop by The Hi-Dive, Sky Lark Lounge, Sputnik, Mutiny Café, Sobo 151, and the classic Saint Mary Bar.

3. RiNo

Abbreviated for River North (Art District), RiNo is another Denver neighborhood known for its trendy spots that both Denver locals and visitors love. This arts district was developed as a creative community and as a means to connect artists and represents this history in its murals, graffiti, galleries, and shops.

Denver’s RiNo arts district comes with a contentious history of gentrification. RiNo includes historic Five Points, a largely all-black community with a vibrant cultural scene that were largely displaced in the ’50s and ’60s due to gentrification’s increased cost living costs. There have been movements to revert the name, but none have been successful yet.

Despite this history, RiNo is a vibrant neighborhood for Denver’s nightlife. It’s also where you’ll find some of Denver’s commissioned muralists, contributing to the city’s vibrant street art scene. Walk around the area and marvel at the murals on the former industrial buildings, explore the art galleries, and check out Denver’s First Fridays with special art exhibits and events the first Friday of each month.

At night, take a brewery and bar tour down Larimer, the area’s main street. Be sure to stop at Odell’s for unique and rotating beers with a rooftop patio, GoldPoint for a vibrant bar scene, and Infinite Monkey Theorem for wine in a classy yet cozy space. Eat at Mister Oso’s for cocktails and tacos meant for sharing, and end your night at Beacon, a club at the intersection of funky art, hip music, and trendy bar.

4. LoDo

Lower Downtown, or LoDo, is another downtown district known for Union Station, its trendy and slightly more expensive shops and restaurants, and high rise apartments. This neighborhood is a Denver nightlife staple, perfect for kicking off your evening.

Just be cautious as it can get rowdy after hours. We would recommend starting the night here but going elsewhere later. Check out the vendors at the Denver Milk Market or its underground speakeasy, Run for the Roses, enjoy wine and food at Sunday Vinyl, or catch a show at Comedy Works.

5. Tennyson Street

Tennyson Street in Denver’s northwest Berkeley neighborhood offers a vibrant mix of art, culture, and cuisine in a neighborly setting. Explore Call to Arms Brewing for a brewery with several patios, grab dinner at Hops & Pie for the perfect pairing of beer and pizza, stop at the Tatarian for unique cocktail combinations, and finish your night on Tennyson St. with the ultimate desert at Legacy Pie Co. This area hosts plenty of restaurants and breweries in a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for a mellower night out.

6. Union Station

Once a bustling transportation hub, Union Station, while still a train and bus station, is perhaps more well known as a downtown shopping and dining local. The terminal features more upscale spots, including Ultreia (Spanish and Iberian tapas), the Terminal Bar (cocktails, beer, salads, and sandwiches), and Stoic & Genuine (a seafood and oyster bar). Union Station is a great place to enjoy dinner or drinks before continuing your night out.

7. Coors Field

Denver’s Rockies may not be Colorado’s best sports team, but they do make for a fun game day experience at Coors Field. Cheer for Colorado’s home team, enjoy a beer and a hot dog, and soak in the sun. After, continue your night at one of the bars or restaurants around the stadium and celebrate (or just hang out) with fellow Rockies fans. Although food and drink may be expensive during the game, visitors can find $3 beers on the party deck before first pitch.

8. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

For the ultimate Denver nightlife experience, catch a show at Red Rocks, one of the most iconic music venues in the country. The stage is nestled among towering red sandstone rock formations that also host hiking trails and opportunities to explore Colorado’s unique geographic features. Experience the magic of live music under the open sky, surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the Colorado landscape. Read everything you need to know about visiting Red Rocks here.

9. Boulder’s Pearl Street

If you’re looking to explore a little further from Denver, head to Boulder for a fun night in one of Colorado’s most iconic towns. While the sun’s still out, venture to Avanti for a food hall with a rooftop patio and stroll down the pedestrian only Pearl Street. Pearl Street is home to restaurants, shops, live music, and events including art, crafts, and holiday festivals. Catch a show at the Fox Theatre, or check out one of Boulder’s breweries.

10. Colfax Ave.

Explore the energy on the Colfax Ave., the longest street in America. With iconic venues like the Fillmore Auditorium, Bluebird Theater, and the Ogden Theater, Colfax Ave. is a great place to catch a show. With restaurants specializing in a variety of cuisines, dive bars, and nicer venues, Colfax mix of history, culture, and excitement that’s quintessentially Denver nightlife.

With a MileMarker, hitting all, or one, of these Denver nightlife locations during your time in the city has never been easier. Load up your crew, pack your MileMarker van rental, and hit the Denver roads! You’ll have no problem getting where your group wants on your schedule. Book now and get your Denver summer adventures started.

Written by Forrest Lambert and Rosa Canales, Sales & Marketing team members.