Denver buzzes with as much energy after hours as it does during the day. Common evening activities, like dancing or sipping at one of the city’s incredible bars, join the ranks of less obvious activities. late-night coffee (sleep is for the weak anyway), rock climbing, mini golf, and places to immerse yourself (literally) in a game are also on tap. Plus, crowd favorites like pizza and ice cream stay up late too. With no shortage of lively and entertaining things to do, the Mile High teems with possibility even when the sun goes down. Get out there and have a good time.
Late-Night Fun and Games in Denver
Hale
You’ve heard of arcade bars. You’ve heard of escape rooms. You’ve even heard of immersive art exhibits. But immersive gaming? We’re not talking about virtual reality; Immersive Gamebox is where your love of gaming, puzzle-solving, teamwork, and interactivity blend into one seriously cool experience that uses technologies like motion tracking, surround sound, and touch screens so that you can skip the headset. Grab your friends or family and set out for a fun night of moving, tapping, and collaborating to become gaming leaderboard champions.
Multiple locations
Play mini golf into the wee hours of the morning at Puttshack. If your competitive nature is begging for release but you’d rather avoid the crowds of kids and families, wait until 8 pm: That’s when Puttshack becomes 21+ so that you can play late into the night among other adults. You can easily find a rousing game complete with neon lights, lively music, cold drinks and tasty snacks like flatbreads and poutine at the ready.
Baker, RiNo, Centennial, Englewood
Think rock climbing is reserved for daylight hours? Think again. Movement has a few locations across the metro, and it keeps its doors open until 11 pm Monday through Friday. That means that if you’re restless and eager to beat your PR even after dinner and dessert, the opportunity is waiting virtually any time.
University Park
Who said you have to head into the mountains for good stargazing? You need only trek down to the DU campus to check out a fully functional observatory. From its groundbreaking in 1888 to today, the spot occupied by the Chamberlin Observatory has served as a place of curiosity, science, and exploration. Be dazzled during one of its public nights, become a member for regular stargazing, or keep in touch for special astronomical events.
Late-Night Food and Drink in Denver
Baker
Among the many things to do in Baker after dark, this massive new restaurant, lounge, and music venue Burndown sizzles a little hotter than the others. With three stories, and lots of outdoor space, it’s similar in concept to something you might find in Nashville. It’s also got everything you’re looking for: a food menu that ticks all the boxes, tasty and refreshing drinks, and music to keep you moving all night long.
Fat Sully’s
Baker, Berkeley, City Park, Centennial
Order a 26-inch pie for the whole crew, or grab a single slice at one of Fat Sully’s outposts, complete with an array of cold beer on tap. Better yet, sample its Lights Out burger, smashed with tons of melted cheese and chopped onions, or choose from an extended menu only available after 4 pm.
Baker, Wheat Ridge
Not every city has a coffee shop open past 4 pm, but you’ll find several in Denver. Since Bardo Coffee House opened its doors nearly 15 years ago, owner Chris Graves has expanded his late night caffeine mecca to three locations across Denver. All stay open well after dark (either 10 pm or midnight depending on the location) for those nights when you’re really craving a cup of joe. There’s plenty of seating to go around and free wifi for homework, remote work, or just hanging out with your latte.
Sweet Action
Baker, Wash Park, Uptown, Jefferson Park
Believe it or not, quite a few ice cream shops in the Mile High stay open long after the sun sets. One of the city’s most loved late night ice cream peddlers, Sweet Action has several locations around Denver, making after-dark sugar cravings very, very convenient.
Retrograde
Uptown
Unless you’re a Denver insider, you’d never guess that getting a scoop from Sweet Action Uptown could lead you into a back room with a secret entrance in the form of a walk-in freezer that leads you to none other than 1950s, sci-fi-inspired speakeasy Retrograde. With seating for only about 35 people, there’s a good chance you’ll have to wait before getting into the petite spot—but sitting beneath its starry sky while sipping special co*cktails (and perhaps snacking on a grilled cheese) is totally worth it.
54thirty Rooftop
Central Business District
Come on and cozy up; this semi-hidden rooftop bar downtown is a great spot for mountain vistas and specialty co*cktails any time of year, but braving the winter chill means being rewarded with soft, complimentary blankets and hot, boozy beverages like spiked hot chocolate or mulled cider as you watch the sunset fade behind the Rockies.
Comedy, Music and Dancing in Denver
LoDo, DTC
If you can’t get enough belly laughs, you’ve got some good options in Denver—especially at any of the Comedy Works locations. Enjoy stand-up from big names or local talent while grabbing dinner and drinks; the calendar is lined up with plenty of acts for the remainder of 2023 and into next year.
RiNo
It’s hard to highlight just one Denver music venue since they all dazzle in one way or another. However, Mission Ballroom’s grandeur and magic—and comfortably wide seating—stands out from the crowd. On top of that, it regularly hosts some of the top names in music and entertainment, and the space has several locations for grabbing a beverage between songs. Plus, Left Hand Brewing is conveniently located next door.
Capitol Hill
It’s time to put on your (fancy) dancing shoes. The most wonderful thing about La Rumba is that—even if you’ve never salsa danced in your life—you can take a lesson prior to the doors opening to the public and then show off your skills. Thursdays through Sundays are club nights, with cover varying whether you need the lesson or not (okay, flex). Just pay attention to the dress code so you’re not left out in the cold.
Erica Buehleris a Denver-based freelance writer and editor. Follow her @e_buehler on Instagram and @e_buehler_ on Twitter for more updates on Denver food and other Mile High shenanigans.
