Things to do at night in Denver to experience the city like a local
Mile High City may be known for its access to the Rocky Mountains, but there are more than a few things to do for a fun night out. Denver is an OG craft beer destination, and its bar scene has evolved to cater to the influx of tech jobs. You'll find snazzy cocktail lounges along with wine bars serving ever-trendy natural wine. Even recreational cannabis has its place in Denver nightlife, which might explain the prevalence of late-night foodie culture.
At the same time, the traditionally active and outdoorsy crowd that's been a cornerstone of Denver culture is well served by climbing gyms and other fun activities. The Denver Center also has an underrated art scene, with Rino Art District and Capitol Hill being top neighborhoods for street art and galleries.
Denver is equal parts geeky and hip, and the nighttime vibe is comfortable and approachable, as you won't find the crowd taking itself as seriously as they do in New York or LA. You'll be able to get around easily, as it’s navigable by Uber and some public transportation.
If you're getting into town and want to hit the ground running, Bounce has plenty of luggage storage locations in downtown Denver, including ones near Union Station and the central business district. So you'll be able to drop the bags off on your way out to a brewery or a cocktail bar.
What to do in Denver at night if you’re looking for…
A buzzy night out with friends
Whether you're hitting a brewery or a cocktail bar, Denver has the goods when it comes to a tipple. And while bars aren't open as late as they are in cities like New York, you'll be able to spend a few hours out with friends at the taproom. And if things go later than you expect, you'll be able to soak up the booze at Denver Biscuit Company the next morning.
Check out LoDo
Lower Downtown (its casual name certainly rolls off the tongue better) is a nightlife hotspot for breweries and bars. For German bites and beer, Rhein Haus does a great job emulating the Munich experience. Mono Mono Korean Fried Chicken serves up some of the spiciest dishes in the city. Reynard Social is the perfect place for a stylish date night. Corridor 44 is a champagne bar where trendy twenty-somethings gather to celebrate. Hell or High Water is Denver’s top tiki bar and creates one of the more unique nightlife vibes in the city. Its proximity to downtown makes LoDo an easy place to head for after-work drinks, and you'll be able to stop by a nearby Bounce location to drop any bags off.
Head to the RiNo Art District
The undeniable epicenter for alternative culture in a city that already celebrates alternative culture, RiNo is the go-to destination for a trendy night out. This former industrial area has been turned into a stronghold for art galleries and workspace for creatives. The alleys are adorned with street art, making it a colorful place to explore during the day. At night, brewery taprooms and food trucks are swarmed by local hipsters. The Odell RiNo Brewhouse & Taproom, Left Hand RiNo (from local stalwarts Left Hand Brewing Co.), and the aptly-named River North Brewery are just a few of the top spots for enjoying hoppy IPAs and malty stouts. Putting together a brewery crawl? Drop the bags off at Bounce’s location near RiNo to free yourself up.
Satisfy your munchies at Little Man Ice Cream
Denver’s hottest place for cold treats is in LoDo. This late-night confectionary is a trendy place for a post-bar snack and offers inventive flavors in a fun landmark setting. Lines can get long, but the scenery and vibe are fun enough to keep your buzz while you wait for your cone.
An eventful evening
Despite the outdoorsy culture, Denver is a phenomenal sports and entertainment city. One of the best music venues in the country is situated just outside of downtown, and Denver is home to franchises for every major sports league. Here are a few of your best options for seeing a show or event:
See a trippy light show
If you didn’t know, cannabis is legal for recreational use in Colorado, and Mile High City offers some of the most unique experiences. The International Church of Cannabis (we promise you this is real) hosts its famed BEYOND Light Show every night and treats stoners and abstainers to mind-bending laser shows.
Hit a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
One of the world’s most famous music venues, Red Rocks is tucked away in the foothills of the Rockies outside the city. It's technically in Lyons, but Red Rocks Amphitheatre is without a doubt the premier live music venue serving Denver. There are certainly larger event spaces out there, but none of them enjoy the reverence that Red Rocks has earned with its otherworldly setting surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
Pro tip: There’s a strict bag policy, and not much surrounding its remote location, so leaving the bags with Bounce back in Denver is your best bet if you have to figure out what to do with your luggage the night of the show.
Have a laugh
Denver's comedy scene is underrated, and you’ll have your pick of a few clubs to catch an open-mic night or ticketed comedy show. Comedy Works and the Comedy Lounge are situated near downtown and make for the perfect escape if you want to catch a case of the giggles.
An active night out
Whether you want to visit a Denver museum or head to Colorado Blvd for views of historic buildings like Denver Central Market or the Capitol Building on the city skyline, this city is perfect for active travelers. Between the Denver Zoo, escape rooms, or the Denver Botanic Gardens, you'll be on the go more often than not during a trip here. At night, you'll be able to keep the action going.
Rock climbing doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down
With dozens of rock climbing gyms across the city, it's not surprising that a few are open well into the evening. These gyms provide the perfect outlet for wellness-minded travelers wary of the bar scene.
Stargaze at Chamberlin Observatory
Situated on the Denver University Park, this 19th-century observatory is perfect for science geeks who want a more enlightening evening than they’ll find in a brewery. There's a rotating program of showcases and exhibits that draw students, enthusiasts, and families to this beautiful facility.
Lace up the skates at Skyline Park
This city park turns into a popular destination during winter. There are cubbies to hold your shoes, but you'll need to find an alternative storage method for larger bags. That’s where Bounce’s secure Denver luggage storage facilities (backed up by bag protection) come in handy.
Pro tip: Skyline’s open-air downtown Denver rink is open during the day, but it's especially beautiful when the decorations light up the sky under the sky at night, so make sure to save this one for the evening. Grab a hot chocolate to complete the night perfectly.
Whether you want to indulge in a local craft beer or challenge yourself to some late-night rock climbing, there are so many things to do at night in Denver. Just don't let your luggage get in the way of your first or last night out in this city by the Rocky Mountains. Download the Bounce app to find convenient luggage storage for your trip to this fantastic city.