Your Guide to a Perfect St. Patrick's Day Weekend in Denver

These are the must-hit festivals, food and drink events, cultural events, and outdoor events in and near Denver this weekend.

Denver may be known best for its outdoorsiness, but the Mile High City is so much more than just a gateway to the Rockies. Beyond our stunning hikes, bike trails, and lakes, there are loads of cool restaurants, bars, and breweries, not to mention museums, thrift stores, and farmers markets. Here are the best ways to spend your hard-earned weekend days in and around Denver.

Festivals in and near Denver

March 15–17
Estes Oark, $49
Coffin races, frozen turkey bowling, costumed polar plunge, and tons of concerts are just some of the quirky events you’ll find at Frozen Dead Guy Days, an annual festival to celebrate Grandpa Bredo, who’s cryogenically frozen in a Tuff Shed somewhere in the Stanley Hotel in Estes park. (No, we’re not making any of this up.)

Food & Drink Events in Denver

March 15–17
Ballpark, Free entry
Inspired by “The Great Gatsby” meets “The Secret Garden,” Wonderyard Garden + Table will have you snapping photos at every turn. Sip cotton candy-topped cocktails in a giant pink teacup or gilded birdcage, and, of course, most definitely stop by the selfie wall. The dough-centric food menu might not be as photogenic, but it’s just as satisfying.

Cultural Events in Denver

March 15, 5–7 pm
Denver Art Museum, $25 and up
Denver’s Native Fashion in the City is one of the top Native American runway shows in the country. Indigenous designers, models, photographers, and creators from all over will be in the Mile High City for this super stylish event at the Denver Art Museum.

March 15, 7 pm
Tracks, $10
OK, so this theme for skate night at Tracks isn’t quite as inspired or quirky as others (Golden Girls and Dolly Parton themes were can’t-miss), but you can get creative with this Friday’s Lucky Charm Roll. Think of the costume possibilities: Sexy Leprechaun, Jolly Green Giant, the Incredible Hulk. Just roll with it.

March 15, 8 pm
Paramount Theatre, $25 and up
If you like ripped men with Aussie accents, then grab your crew and head to the Paramount Theatre Friday. Thunder From Down Under is making a stop in Denver, and no, this is not a drill. There will be dancing, there will be hunks, and there will be no shortage of pecs.

March 16, 11 am–2 pm
The Source, Free entry
Need a little extra motivation to ditch Amazon and shop locally? How about local creatives setting up shop inside a food hall, so you can browse with a cocktail and stop into a restaurant when you’re feeling peckish? The Source is hosting their monthly makers market, featuring an all-Colorado line-up of vendors selling their cool wares.

March 16, 12–4 pm
Golden, Free
How can you improve upon St. Patrick’s Day? Add puppies! Golden’s The Eddy Taproom and Hotel is hosting a pup-centric event, partnering with DMK Re-homing. There will be live music, canine vendors, dog and human food and drink specials, and the opportunity to take home a new best friend.

Outdoor Events in Denver

March 16, 9:30 am
Downtown, Free
There’s a lot going on this weekend for St. Patrick’s Day, but before you hit the green beer, head downtown for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. The floats, bands, and royal court are a pretty cool way to kick off the Irish festivities.

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Allyson Reedy is a Thrillist contributor.