Nightlife in Colorado’s capital city is vibrant and varied. Providing its patrons with plenty to do, Denver is a great city to explore during a date night, especially since it has more to offer than just dinner and a movie.
Whether you’re having a romantic night out with your significant other, or just testing the waters on a first date, these fun Denver date ideas will keep things interesting and interactive. Invite that special someone and plan a wild night out on the town! There’s a lot for two people to see and do, so after stopping by one of these top local restaurants, check at any one of these options.
Here are among the top date night ideas in Denver, CO, in no particular order:
1. Escape Rooms
Have you tried an escape room yet? It’s an hour or so long problem-solving experience with your partner, and probably a few strangers depending on the room you book. A great activity to do after dinner, especially if you’re looking to move around, Denver is home to a large concentration of escape rooms.
With a range of themes and varying difficulties, most of the locations stay open rather late like EscapeWorks on Champa Street. A great way to see how you can work through problems together, heading to an escape room is an excellent way to test your compatibility.
2. Mile High Sports
If sports are more of you’re thing, Denver is home to a range of professional teams you can watch including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, hockey, and across. Seasons vary throughout the year for each team and don’t account for playoff runs, so make sure you check online in advance before planning a date to see your favorites in action.
- Colorado Avalanche – NHL Hockey | Ball Arena (September – June)
- Colorado Mammoth – NLL Lacrosse | Ball Arena (December – April)
- Colorado Rapids – MLS Soccer | Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (March – October)
- Colorado Rockies – MLB Baseball | Coors Field (April – September)
- Denver Broncos – NFL Football | Empower Field at Mile High (September – January)
- Denver Nuggets – NBA Basketball | Ball Arena (October – June)
Choose an evening game and prepare to be entertained. Venues like the Ball Arena, Coors Field, Empower Field at Mile High, and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park always put on a good show, and you’d be surprised at how exciting lacrosse can be with a few beers.
More lively than seeing a movie, there will be plenty of chances to talk and explore the stadium together. We recommend splurging on seats to have the best experience.
3. Speakeasy Night
Bars are bars, so sometimes it’s fun to do something different and sip on a few fancy cocktails. The Mile High City has a range of speakeasy bars, some hidden, some less so. Boasting sultry locations like The Cruise Room and Retrograde, hitting a few speakeasies is a great way to not only sample unique drinks but also enjoy an upscale night.
Williams & Graham is probably the most notorious Denver speakeasy, located behind a mock bookstore, meanwhile, Uptown has a speakeasy hidden behind an ice cream shop’s freezer! And make sure to keep it a surprise from your date, seeing their eyes light up as they walk in will be priceless.
4. Ice Cream
Ever driven by Little Man in Highland? It’s tough to miss as there’s quite frequently a line around the block, especially on weekends. Don’t let that deter you from going though, as it will leave you plenty of time to chat while waiting. You can also take a stroll between stores and visit other local favorites like Milk Box Ice Creamery and Bonnie Brae Ice Cream.
5. Brewery, Winery, Cidery, Distillery & Meadery
While some people have the confidence to simply engage in conversation, others need a little liquid courage. Taking your date to a brewery or distillery is a great way to start the night. After finding out your date’s drink of choice, choose between any number of urban wineries, like The Infinite Monkey Theorem, or breweries like Bull & Bush.
Some places also offer tours, which can provide you with an intimate behind-the-scenes experience while enjoying some of their products. If your partner doesn’t drink but you do, perhaps you can find a place with Kombucha on tap. Breweries often have a slew of board games as well if some old-school nostalgia is what you’re after.
6. Art Walk
First Fridays in the Santa Fe Art District is the perfect place to start an evening. A free event, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and food trucks present to stop by while you stroll from gallery to gallery. Live music can be found around the neighborhood, on back patios, and in galleries. You can find the bulk of the action between the 7th and 13th Avenues on Santa Fe in Denver.
Parking is free in the neighborhood but try to get there early to find a halfway decent space. Festivities began to pick up between 6 and 7 pm, then slowly begins thinning out after 9 pm.
Exhibits range from classic painted artworks to strange, contemporary sculptures. Some studios offer interactive displays. Outside of the First Friday of each month year-round, you can still visit a myriad of galleries on Santa Fe Avenue each weekend. Or head over to the RINO Art District or even the Denver Art Museum for the latest revolving exhibit.
7. Bowling
Bowling is a classic date idea that’s just plain fun. Great for all skill levels, there is no shame in putting the bumper rails up and having a blast. With neon lighting and disco vibes, enjoy a drink or two while waiting for your turn. It’s also ideal to call ahead and reserve a lane, that way you and you’re date can simply walk in, particularly at popular locations like Lucky Strike downtown.
In addition to bowling, pool tables, arcade games, and a bar are usually present. Locations like Punch Bowl Social are also a good choice as there is a myriad of games and activities to participate in.
8. Mini-Golf
Just like bowling, mini-golf is an oldie, but a goodie. You can find a range of mini-golf courses around the Front Range. Themes are across the board, from traditional greens to a pirate world at Pirate’s Cove. For a unique experience, head south to Centennial for glow-in-the-dark fun rain or shine at Monster Mini Golf.
If you got the gusto, Centennial’s Topgolf is sure to deliver some no-pressure laughs. It’s a 3-tiered modern driving range with all the amenities. It’s definitely more of a production than the average driving range, with a fun social vibe. You can rent golf clubs or bring a set and share.
9. Go Karts
Adult go-karts go fast, a lot more so than their smaller models for kids. Get your adrenaline going with a few races around the track. Both indoor and outdoor tracks can be found across Denver with gas-powered carts reaching speeds of 50 miles per hour. While races don’t last that long and are often done with groups of strangers, the adrenaline rush will be worth it.
Before hitting the track, riders will receive a bit of training and a full-face helmet. On-site, most tracks offer food, drinks, and a handful of other games.
10. Live Music
Whether you’re attending a huge show at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre or stumbling into an underground venue with local talent, Denver’s full of great music. There are dozens upon dozens of live music venues in the city limits, each with its own flavor and genre. Flip through a Westword to find a cool band to see, or search for a local Jazz bar, pianos, or whatever else you’re into.
Every weekend, there are dozens and dozens of concerts at those music venues, so it’s easy to find the flavor you’re looking for. The Ogden, Bluebird, Paramount, and Gothic theatres are all hugely popular venues for talented bands.
11. Arcade
Break out your quarters and make a night at the arcade. It’s only 25¢ a game at The 1Up, which has a location in LoDo, Colfax, and Greenwood Village. Every type of game from new to old, racing to shoot ’em up can be found at area arcades, including a pinball lineup.
Off I-25 and Colorado Blvd, there’s a Dave & Buster’s, another good choice for dinner and gaming. This place has a few more carny-type games than 1Up and a slightly less inebriated crowd. Eat and Play package deals are common, and there’s even a Power Hour from 4:30-7 pm: get 60 minutes of video gameplay for a reasonable price.
12. Theatre
Colorado has a surprising theatre scene, especially considering it’s tucked away from the lights of Broadway. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is the go-to place in the city, with multiple venues and shows year-round. There are numerous other venues in town ranging from large to small including Newman Center for the Performing Arts.
Performing arts range from classic plays to opera and dance. To see what upcoming productions are playing, head online and book your ticket in advance. Typically offering refreshments, seeing a show can allow you to have a fancier night on the town. Just make sure you follow theater etiquette when in the audience.
13. Comedy Club
Laughter is the best medicine and also an easy way to put a smile on your date’s face. It may be not the most interactive of events, however, there’s certainly time for quiet chatting in between sets and laughs. While there are a few comedy venues in the city, additional stand-up shows can be found in certain bars on specific days of the week.
Comedy Works has two locations: one downtown and one in Greenwood Village. Both offer intimate venues and host a rotating list of hilarious stand-up comedians. RISE Comedy and Improv Comedy Club are two other Mile High options.
14. Dancing
Whether you’re interested in doing a two-step, dancing to salsa music, or simply want to hear some Top 40 soundtracks, the city has a place for you. Denver’s Grizzly Rose, Aurora’s Stampede, and Downtown’s Cowboy Lounge are all places for those looking to 2-step and line dance. Most places offered reduced or free entry early on, and a ladies’ night Wednesday or Thursday.
Latin dance lovers will find bachata and salsa at La Rumba on 9th Ave. Open four nights a week for dancing and lessons, some evenings you can pop in and learn for free. Other popular venues for top 40ss and hip-hop include Temple Nightclub, Club Vinyl, and The Church Nightclub.
15. Speedways and Monster Trucks
If you’re dates into racing, then there is no better plan than hitting the track. Bandimere Speedway in Morrison hosts a myriad of races from late April to mid-October. You can watch stock car, funny car, and other hot rod races on a quarter-mile drag strip. If you’re willing to venture out from Denver, there are plenty of other speedways and raceways around Colorado.
Venues, such as the Ball Arena, often host Monster Truck Shows for those looking for something different. Sit back, grab a beer, and enjoy plenty of conversation to the sound of burning rubber.
16. Indoor Rock Climbing
Whether you’re an avid rock climber or a complete newb, indoor rock climbing can be for anyone. It’s an exhilarating evening out sweating and testing your limits. There are a number of gyms around the metro area, each with showers and some refreshments for after. The perfect plan for an active date, climbing allows you to slow down and push your limits.
Movement is a huge climbing facility, complete with bouldering, which requires no harness or ropes, and indoor climbing walls for all levels. They have three locations: Baker, RINO, Englewood, and Boulder. You could schedule a lesson, rent equipment, or just go bouldering with no experience.
17. Marijuana Tours
Colorado is the weed capital of the USA, which is apparent as hoards of visitors continue to flock to the state. Even if you’re a local, these behind-the-scenes tours of dispensaries and grow houses are entertaining and educational. If your date is 420-friendly, taking a pot tour in Denver is a fun way to unwind and learn about the process.
18. Drive-in Movie
Drive-in movie theatres offer the privacy and comfort of your own automobile, along with a unique viewing experience and a chance for asking plot questions without getting hushed. A romantic and intimate date idea, taking your special someone on an old school date can be the perfect way to get to know one another.
Commerce City holds the 88 Drive-In Theatre, which plays movies all summer long and has snacks for sale. Northern Coloradoans flock to Holiday Twin Drive-In in Fort Collins, which is open seasonally and offers double features on certain days.
19. Casino Night
If you’re feeling lucky and don’t mind driving 45 minutes to Black Hawk or Central City, spending a weekend at a casino can provide the perfect weekend. While there are casinos near Denver, taking a trip can add to the overall experience. Head up the hill via Central City Parkway, a gorgeous, and maybe lucky, route from I-70 exit 243 toward Central City.
Start the date out at Dostal Alley Casino, the local microbrewery, for a tasty pint and loose slots. After making your way slowly down to Black Hawk, stopping at whatever casino tickles your fancy. Plan something unexpected with a spa date at Ameristar, get in some craps, and if you’re feeling lucky, book a room for the night.
20. Denver Cruisers
A wacky Wednesday night should be reserved for a neighborhood bike cruise. Every summer, the Denver Cruiser Ride pedals out on Wednesday evenings, visiting a handful of area bars, before ending at an iconic point, oftentimes a circle of death. Hundreds of people join in the May through September shenanigans.
No invite is necessary, just show up, and make sure you know that week’s theme. Costumes and flare are commonplace, which can make the date incredibly memorable.
21. Wine Painting
Let your inner Picasso out at a wine and painting event! A trendy way to spend a night in the suburbs, when you’re done you can proudly display your work at home. Wine painting is available around town at places like Sipping n’ Painting and Pinot’s Palette. Enjoy your favorite vino as you’re guided through that day’s piece, or go off on your own to create something original and new.
Sessions typically last a couple of hours and are offered as both instructed or self-guided classes. There are also special events occasionally hosted with specific themes. Pinot’s Palette has a bottomless sangria on Saturdays, a sure-fire way to get these loose before sunset.
22. Axe Throwing
For competitive couples looking to out do each other, heading to an axe throwing location could be the perfect date idea. With places like Bad Axe Throwing that offer 1 hour walk-in time slots as well as reservable lanes, cheering each other on while you aim for the bullseye is a great way to make memories.
The Downtown Art Gallery & Axe Room in the Ballpark neighborhood is also an option and has both an art gallery and ax-throwing room. For groups of 2 or more, you can make 2 and 3-hour reservations. 1-hour walk-ins are also possible when available. Located next to Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery, you can grab a pint while you wait.
In addition to the above, be sure to keep an ear to the ground for special events happening around town. Festivals often celebrate into the evening hours, making them a perfect place to take a stroll, listen to some music, and indulge in some craft food and drink.
If you’re looking for outdoor recreation beyond the Mile High City, browse for things to do in Colorado, which lists everything from camping and hiking to exploring hidden hot springs.
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