The Best Things to Do This Week in Denver (Oct 16 – 20)

The Best Things to Do This Week in Denver (Oct 16 – 20)

If you live in Denver, you already know—October is when the air is crisp, the leaves are showing off, and the city comes alive with fall festivals, concerts, and spooky-season energy. This week (October 16 – 20), there’s no excuse to stay in—whether you’re chasing live music under the stars at Red Rocks, sipping cider at a pumpkin patch, or getting your adrenaline fix on a ghost tour through Capitol Hill’s haunted mansions.

From tech expos to taco festivals, EDM nights to family-friendly harvest celebrations, Denver’s got something happening every single day—and we’ve rounded up the can’t-miss picks so you can make the most of your week. Grab a jacket, call your crew, and let’s make October in the Mile High City one to remember.

Thursday, Oct 16

• PARCELS at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
  Experience an unforgettable concert in one of the world’s most stunning outdoor venues. PARCELS plays Red Rocks on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Red Rocks Amphitheatre
  Pro tip: Arrive early to hike the trails around the amphitheater and catch sunset — it’s magical.

• Matt Maeson at Mission Ballroom
  If you’d rather stay in the city, catch Matt Maeson at Mission Ballroom at 7:00 PM. AXS
   A more intimate concert option with a different vibe from Red Rocks.

• Max Amini (Comedy) at Gates Concert Hall
  For laughs, check out Max Amini’s show in the evening. Max Amini

• TECHSPO Denver 2025 (Day 1)
  If you’re into tech, marketing, or innovation, swing by TECHSPO’s first day at the Gaylord Rockies. TECHSPO Denver Technology Expo |+1
  
  

Friday, Oct 17

• PARCELS – repeat night at Red Rocks
  They’re doing a two-night run — same iconic backdrop, fresh energy. Red Rocks Amphitheatre

• Vini Vici (EDM Nightlife)
  Head to 1160 Lincoln St for Vini Vici’s late-night set. Doors open around 10 PM (21+). Church Nightclub Co.

• Evening stroll + ghost tour
  October is a perfect time to take a haunted history or ghost tour through Denver’s old streets (e.g. Brown Palace, Cheesman Park) — these run frequently in fall. Wanderlog+2Delicious Denver Food Tours+2
  

Saturday, Oct 18

• Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Four Mile Historic Park
  This annual fall festival takes place October 18–19. Expect live music, local vendors, a pumpkin patch, cider donuts, and the fun of building your own scarecrow. Delicious Denver Food Tours

• Explore the Denver Museum District or Botanic Gardens
  Use the daylight hours to wander the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, or the Denver Art Museum.

• Evening theater / concert
  Keep an eye on Denver Theater’s October calendar — shows like Blackstar Symphony (The Music of David Bowie) and others are scheduled. Denver Theater
  

Sunday, Oct 19

• Brunch + Farmers’ Markets / Street Fairs
  While Highlands Farmers Market wraps up mid-October, check local listings — you may catch a Sunday market or street fest. Uncover Colorado

• Chill in city parks / light hike
  Head to City Park, Wash Park, or along Confluence Park for the fall colors. A short drive can take you to foothill trails with amazing leaf-peeping.

• Catch a local concert or open mic
  Check the Summit Music Hall or smaller venues for Sunday evening shows. Summit Music Hall

• Haunted or spooky evening event
  Seasonal haunted houses (like 13th Floor) often run through mid-October in Denver. Uncover Colorado
  
  

Monday, Oct 20

• Wrap-up with museums & cafés
  Use the final day to slow down — hit up the Clyfford Still Museum, the Denver Art Museum, or explore neighborhoods like RiNo (for murals and street art).

• Final concert or show
  Peaks in the performing arts schedule may include touring musicals or symphony performances. (Denver Theater listings are a good spot to check.) Denver Theater

• Relax with a scenic drive
  If you have a car, drive up to Red Rocks or into the foothills for one last mountain view — golden light in the afternoon is a killer backdrop.