Weekend things to do around Denver and beyond: St. Patrick’s Day parade downtown and more
Each Thursday, explore Denver’s essential weekend events curated by The Denver Gazette. Dive into cultural experiences and entertainment delights across the city. Whether you enjoy art galleries, pottery, or outdoor sports, there’s something for everyone in Denver’s vibrant cultural scene. To submit an event for consideration, email listings@gazette.com.
SATURDAY
Follow the shamrocks and beads. The Metro area has been properly observing the wearing of the green since 1962 with a Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the 2025 version kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at 19th and Wynkoop. It dates back to gala social events in 1899 to 1921. Then, in 1962, a group of well known fellows about town met for drinks at a downtown bar and, sure enough, resurrected the parade as a new community volunteer event. And so the story goes. denverstpatricksdayparade.com
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
It’s a movie-world treat this weekend at the Boulder International Film Festival. From a red carpet opening, parties, movie industry folks and multiple screenings, to Entertainer of the Year honors for Jane Lynch (“Glee,” “Only Murders in the Building”). Events are in Boulder and Longmont. For a schedule and tickets: biff1.com. A BIFF at Home Virtual Festival follows on March 17–31.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
One of the wackiest of Colorado weekends is here: the Frozen Dead Guy Days Festival in Estes Park. Yes indeed, there was a frozen dead guy known as “Grandpa Bredo.” And he was a cold dude. Now his wake is party time, with a coffin race, costume ball, concerts and lots of drinks and food. tinyurl.com/y455dc52
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
Asian and Asian-American films are on the screen at the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival this weekend at Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. Its mission is to “highlight and promote the culture, contributions, and accomplishments of Asian and Asian Pacific American communities through film.” The $85 tickets include screenings, opening and closing receptions, and cultural conversations. denverfilm.org.
SATURDAY
Join everyone else and go Irish for the day at Olde Town Arvada’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. A bagpipe march leads participants to all the free activities areas. More than 70 vendors, live music, food trucks, kids zone and drinks for the adults. 57th & Olde Wadsworth Blvd.
THURSDAY-MAY 4
In the dark of night, the Denver Zoo is Glowing Wild with more than 145 large lanterns on different nights starting Thursday. The 60 lighted floral displays cover the grounds of the zoo for visitors to stroll through starting at 6 or 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Tickets $26+ at denverzoo.org/events/glowing-wild. Hints from the zoo folks are to go late when the colors are even more stunning.
SATURDAY
The green beer will flow during the traditional Bar Crawl but Five Points has an added celebration, too, with a St. Patty’s Day Pet Parade down Welton Street, led by the Denver Brass Band, Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. curtispark.org
SATURDAY
Denver magicians step back into the 1980s to create a St. Patrick’s Magic Spectacular for the grownups, Saturday at 40 Arts West HUB Stage in Lakewood, 6501 W. Colfax Ave. From 7 to 9 p.m. join the fun by Dan Rodriguez, James Lopez, Jason Fye, John Walker, Mickey Zee, Nate Reeves, Stuart Hayner and Eddie Myers with host Charly Wonder. Admission $17.50–$22.50. magicisavanishingart.com/event/charlys-holiday-magic-spectacular
SUNDAY
Meet the artists and see works by established and emerging Indigenous creatives at Sunday’s Niwot Native Art Market, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in Niwot Hall, 195 2nd Ave. Presented by Niwot Community Arts Association and the nonprofit Native arts organization Create áYA. The market, with paintings, jewelry, beadwork, comics-inspired art, wood carving and masks, is free but donations are accepted. eventbrite.com/e/niwot-native-art-market-tickets-1227083613119?aff=oddtdtcreator